Volume 6 Portugal June 2007

Friday, June 22nd:
We arrived to the lovely Four Seasons Hotel Ritz, for a three night stay . Upon our arrival we were checked in with our very own in-room concierge.  We were greeted with a welcome Virtuoso amentity of fresh fruit and cold infused scented towels and a note that our "Jet Lag" spa treatments were awaiting us in the expansive spa high atop the hotel.  This evening we met Isabel Lage of our Valesa Tours, our host during our trip.  We ventured off to her dear friend; Lyisa Seisal (a countess) where we enjoyed an apertif of port wine and appetizers in her lovely sun-filled garden.  Her home was filled with years of collectibles and bric-a-brac.  This was truly a treat to be hosted in such a warm and inviting setting our first evening in Lisbon.

Saturday, June 23rd:
Today we departed for morning orientation drive around the city, with emphasis on the evolution of the city from its beginning to modern times. We continued to the Belem District, the 16th century Manueline Tower of Belem, built to defend the river mouth, and the Jeronimos Monastery, the Church of Santa Maria and its lovely cloister, the Monument to the Discoveries. Finally, visited the Carriage Museum, considered to be the finest in the world. After Lunch at Estufa Real in lovely Ajuda Park, we strolled through the old quarter of Alfama and visited Saint George’s Castle. This evening, we will visted the Clube de Fado for dinner and a enjoyed a performance of Fado Music reflecting the local musical culture.  Upon return to to our hotel we were hosted by the hotel management for a private cocktail reception, dinner and Fado show in the the "Presidential Suite".  The suite was decorated with beautiful flowers for our arrival along with votive candles.  We were told that a special guest would be arriving in a few days.  Yes we were wining in dining in this suite well before the intended famous guest arrived.  Read below to see who checked in to enjoy this lovely suite.

Sunday, June 24th:
Today we visited the lovely town of Sintra in the Serra da Sintra, a haven of peace and scenery. Enroute, we drove along the coast via Estoril and Casçais. Upon our arrival we visited the Royal Palace. Of special note, on the exterior are the conical chimneys and the paired Moorish-style (alimeces) and Manueline windows. Inside we viewed the remarkable azulejos, the Salas dos Brasôes and the Sala das Pegas, both with very interesting ceilings. We enjoyed free time to visit the craft and antique shops. We then enjoyed a seafood lunch on the coast at the Panorama Restaurant, on the Guincho Beach, before our return to Lisbon. Mid-afternoon we arrived back to our hotel only to be surprised by a famous guest who was anticipated to arrive shortly.  Knowing who it was; I immediately went to my room to collect my camera and return to the lobby for my birds eye view of ....guess who?  Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and his entourage.  As they arrived via their Mercedes caravan with a police escort...I could not believe that I was one of only 6 guests that were the recipient of this celebrity arrival.  What a treat to see them up so close and personal.  The Four Seasons was filled with many surprises, but this one was truly a memorable one.

Monday, June 25th:
Today we ventured off to the picturesque village of Arraiolos, home of the famous Arraiolos carpets. I found an incredible hand hooked rug for my home and it was well worth this ancient town well known for their rugs.  The Cooperative was one of a few recommended establishments. We enjoyed lunch at a nearby charming Pousada N. Sra. da Assunçâo near Arraiolos. After lunch, we departeded Evora, a lovely walled town since Roman times, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a lovely 2 night stay at the Convento do Espinheiro Hotel. This evening we enjoyed at private cocktail party in their very own wine cellar on property.  Later this evening we toured the incredible chapel with fresco celings.  (This was a former monastery.)

Tuesday, June 26th:
Today we enjoyed a guided tour of Evora. Where we visited the Roman Temple, the Church of the Convento dos Lóios, the Cathedral, the Church of Sâo Francisco with its macabre Chapel of Bones, and the University. We then departed for the Herdade do Esporâo winery with hectares of vineyards. This was the most amazing winery by far.  The wine tasting lunch commenced with a private tour of the underground wine cellar, tasting of future wines from the oak barrels and followed by a 6 course wine pairing luncheon with the owners son-in-law.  The Herdade has a strong tradition of wine producing that goes back to Roman times. They are known for their excellent wines and olive oil. We then returned to our hotel in Evora, to enjoy a relaxing after noon at the spa and pool amongst their lovely gardens.  This evening we dined at the Jardim do Paço, housed in the ancient kitchens of the palace of the Duchess of Cadaval.

Wednesday, June 27th:
Today we returned to the old world city of Lisbon. In Lisbon, we continued our incredible journey as we checked in to the Lapa Palace Lisbon for two nights. Today we departed for further Lisbon sightseeing. We visited the National Tile Museum which is housed in the Convent Madre de Deus. The magnificent history of azulejos, from the 15C Hispano-Moorish tiles to those manufactured today, is elegantly presented in these monastic buildings. We drove by the Expo site and then visited the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, which is housed in the 17th century Palace of Theounts of Alvor. The displays of paintings, sculptures and decorative arts from the 12C to the 19C all reflect the history of Portugal. This evening was quite special.  We were invited to a private port wine cocktail and reception with a wine sommelier that put on an amazing display of "uncorking"of a line up of port only to finish with a 20 year old bottle of reserve port accompanied by delectable appetizers and then we enjoyed a scrumptious dinner at their gourmet restuarnt with sweeping views of Lisbon.

Thursday, June 28th:
Today was yet another wonderful day of touring as we departed for Queluz to visit the Palace of Queluz, inspired by the Palace of Versailles with it’s Rococo Façade, and surrounded by French style gardens. We returned to Lisbon and visited the outstanding Gulbenkian Foundation. The oil magnate, Calouste Gulbenkian spent 40 years collecting and has left this extraordinary collection to the State. It contains Ancient art, New Eastern art, Far Eastern art and European art including Modern art.  This afternoon the group enjoyed some long awaited free time to lounge poolside in the beautiful palm tree lined gardens as the waterfalls serenaded us in the backdrop.  In the evening, we enjoyed our farewell dinner at the lovely Eleven Restaurant with full length windows high atop a hill overlooking the city of Lisbon.  What a wonderful way to end an incredible journey!

Friday, June 29th:
Today we departed the lovely City of Lisbon to return to our homeland.  Filled with memorble and vivd experiences of Portugal.  This is truly a hidden jewel in Europe and well worth a week visit combined with a Spain or nearby country excursion.  I would be pleased to assist future clients with a "Personalized Itinerary" of this historical destintaion!