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PORTUGAL
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|  The country at the southwestern end of Europe is just 3 flying hours away from Central Europe and nowadays one of the most important European holiday destinations for all seasons - thanks to the mild climate.
Once the country of sailors and discoverers, today it`s variety attracts people from all over the world. At the latest since the European World Cup in 2004 Portugal has shown that we have much more to offer than good soccer and beautiful beaches! | |
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|  It is the variety that distinguishes Portugal from other destinations: families, couples, singles, nature lovers, beach and culture tourists, all will be able to find their ideal holiday. Golf, nordic walking, hiking, kite surfing, cycling, diving, sailing, surfing, horse riding or paragliding are just few examples of the activities that our home country offers you.
The loving, calm and friendly character of the habitants supports your vacation to become a relaxing and wonderful experience. "Saudade" is the expression that describes the nostalgic mind of the Portugese. The melancholic Fado-Music expresses this feeling and belongs to the Portuguese every day life. | |
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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DIFFERENT HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS
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|  ALGARVE
A tourist paradise that is just made for perfect beach vacations: 3200 hours of sun per year, mild winter (almond trees already bloom in January!), mild Atlantic breeze also in summer, long sandy beaches and romantic bays. The impressing yellow and red rock formations are the widely known characteristics of the Algarve. Who does not want to miss this scenery of the typical red and yellow rocks should plan a stay at the western Algarve, called "Barlavento". Don´t worry: Despite the cliffs and rocks, you will find lots of long sandy beached that are very inviting for long walks. | |
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|  Those who prefer the long sandy and often very lonesome beaches, often on Islands in front og the coast, should stay in the "Sotavento" east of Faro. A visit to the southwestern point of "Cabo de Sao Vincente" is a must! If you want to experience the pulsing life of big cities, you can join an excursion to Sevilla or Lisbon.
Highly recommendable are guided excursions in a 4x4 into the rural countryside or rent a car and experience by yourselves!
Golf players will find some of the finest golf courses in Europe! Wind and kite surfers will experience the perfect conditions in the West from Lagos on but also around Faro and Tavira, while surfers and boarders are mostly to be found along the Costa Vicentina, North of Sagres.
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Please see under MORE DETAILS our Algarve Beach Guide! | |
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|  LISBON
One of the most romantic European Metropolis and surely one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world, nolstalgic and modern at the same time. Perfect for shopping, discovering, dreaming, relaxing and enjoying. The centre can be discovered by walking or by taking the quaint Tram Railway. A Paradise for shopping and nightlife and you should definitely plan enough time for excursions to the beautiful Lisbon coast! | |
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|  Lisbon coast includes glamorous beach destinations as Cascais and Estroil, interesting surfing spots at Guincho, Ericeira and Peniche, nice and cosy fishing villages like Sessimbra and Setubal as well as magical palaces and luscious gardens in Sintra, Mafra and Queluz. | |
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|  PORTO
The traditional trading town offers much more than its famous port wine cellars and was officially nominated European Capital of Culture in 2001. Enjoy a walk through the old town "Ribeira" (UNESCO World Heritage Site) next to the beautiful river and admire the breathtaking view over the Douro with its impressive bridges.
In any case take the opportunity to cross the river by boat to the Port WIne Cellars on the other side and particpate in a wine tasting, offered by most of the cellars.
The cathedral above the old town can be reached by stairs. Not far away is the train station St. Bento located with impressive Azulejos - the famous blue tiles with scenes of the portuguese history. The car-free shopping street Rua Sta. Catarina is highly recommendable and leads you directly to the colourful Bolhão market where you can buy everything from fruits and household goods to pets and everything else that you could possibly need in every day life. | |
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|  Students value the interesting shops around the park Jardim de João Chagas and the emblem of Porto "Torro dos Clerigos".
An excursion by train or boat to the world famous and picturesque Douro Valley, to the idyllic region Minho north of Porto with its quiescent river valleys and wine areas as well as its pretty capitol Braga - the religious centre of the country - is worth the time.
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|  MADEIRA
This green island within the Atlantic sea is characterized by its unique subtropical and romantic nature with deep green valleys, slopes, forests, irrigation channels "Levadas" and breathtaking cliff line. Nature lovers, hiker, and nordic walker will find their perfect holidays here. Further possibilities are climbing, paragliding and canoying. The mild year-round climate and the exclusive hotels with unique atmosphere in best location and great wellness programme guarantee relaxing holidays. | |
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|  The island can be best discovered via daily excursions. A special event is the basket-sledging from Monte to Funchal.
For hikers Levada walking tours along the altogether 2150 km long irrigation canals are not to be missed. Also Alpine hiking at different difficulty levels are popular with hikers.
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|  Due to its year-round mild climate Madeira is a great holiday destination for every season. However, there are seasonal events that are especially recommendable:[NL]
- April/May (14 days after Easter): Flower Festival
- June: Atlantic Festival - Fireworks in the marina of Funchal every Saturday as a competition between 3 nations and Portugal
- August: Gourmet Festival - in Machico and Caniço de Baixo with many food stands with various national specialities | |
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|  - September: Wine Festival - in Quinta do Furao in the north of the island. Guests can traditionally stamp grapes with their feet. Contact us, if you want to particpate, we will organize your attendance!
- December: Starting in the middle of December enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful Christmas decorations in Funchal
- New Year`s: one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in the world. Numerous cruiseliners, join the Island as a stopover and wait in anticipation to witness this impressive display. | |
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|  Azores
This 9 islands group lies in the Atlantic Ocean 1.300 km West from the mainland and is a true insider`s tip for Portugal. The breathtakingly beautiful and volcanic landscape with its luscious green vegetation and mystical lakes, the peaceful and relaxed way of life inspires nature lovers, hikers and those searching for quiet and relaxing holidays. | |
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|  Recommended is the combination of a 2 or 3 island visit: for example:
1. The main Island Sao Miguel with the capital and impressive crater lakes;
2. The Island Terceira with the historic town Angra, which was nominated world cultural heritage by UNESCO and,
3. The Island Faial with its endless blue hydrangea hedges, that gave the island the nickname "blue island". From Faial you can take a short boat trip to the Island Pico with its 2350m high vulcano. All three islands have international airports.
Don`t miss the Whale Watching excursion - a boat tour that shows you dolphins and whales in their true natural state, the wild.
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|  Cabo Verde
Our last suggestion is for those that might want to leave the typical tourist path. If you like beach holidays, relaxing vacations and nature we would like to introduce to you: Cabo Verde!
A small paradise close to the African mainland coast with the same latitude of the Ivory Coast. Gorgeous and never ending sandy beaches, dune landscapes and crystal clear turquoise waters, which are ideal for swimming, relaxing and water sports like surfing, bodyboarding, kite surfing and diving- throughout the entire year! | |
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|  The group consist of 15 islands, 9 are inhabited. There are the northern islands (Barlavento Islands) Santo Antão, São Vicente, São Nicolau, Sal and Boa Vista. The southern islands (Sotavento Islands) are Maio, Santiago, Fogo and Brava.
The biggest cities are: Cidade de Praia on Santiago: 113.000 inhabitants, Mindelo on São Vincente: 71.000 inhabitants and Santa Maria do Sal on Sal Island: 17.000 inhabitants. | |
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|  The mild and dry climate is similar to the ones you find at the Canary islands. There are only slight differences in day and night temperatures.
The culture of Cabo Verde is a fascinating mix of African and European. There are several typical music styles of which `Morna` is the best known. Césaria Evora is the most famous singer of Cabo Verde and an international star. Mindelo on São Vicente Island is said to be the cultural capital of Cabo Verde with an important music festival taking place every year. | |
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