Portugal is the result of a complex flow of different civilizations during the past Millennia!

From prehistoric cultures, to its Pre-Roman civilizations (such as the Lusitanians, the Gallaeci, the Celtici, and the Cynetes, amongst others), passing through its contacts with the Phoenician-Carthaginian world, the Roman period, the Germanic invasions and consequent settlement of the Suevi and Buri and the Visigoth, and, finally, the Moorish Umayyad invasion of Hispania and the subsequent Reconquista, all have made an imprint on the country's culture and history.

The name of Portugal itself reveals much of the country's early history, stemming from the Roman name Portus Cale, a Latin name meaning "Port of Cale", later transformed into Portucale, and finally into Portugal, who emerged as a county of the Kingdom of León and became an independent kingdom in 1139. During the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal was a major economic, political, and cultural power, its global empire stretching from Brazil to the Indies.

Portugal, is home to several ancient architectural structures, as well as typical art, furniture and literary collections mirroring and chronicling the events that shaped the country and its peoples. It has a large number of cultural landmarks ranging from museums to ancient church buildings to medieval castles, which testify its rich national cultural heritage.

Give into the strong personality of the land and peoples of Portugal. Plunge into the culture of the genuine Portugal!

Portugal Deluxe – Cultural Escapade, describe our vast cultural heritage that dates back to the time of the Discoveries in the region’s museums, churches, palaces and manor-houses, in its customs and habits, in its folklore and its wide range of artistic events!

Discover the capital of this ancient region. Between the rivers Corgo and Cabril, Vila Real stands proud, with its noble residences looking out over the surrounding countryside. Tour its medieval heart before taking a rest in the leafy Municipal Park. Close by, discover one of the fine jewels of the Portuguese Baroque legacy: the Mateus Palace. Wander the gardens of this romantic estate and within the palace, savor the worked wooden ceilings and the 18th century painting and furniture. Count the 700 steps up the most beautiful Baroque sanctuary in Portugal in Lamego. Restock spent energies with a little of the excellent local smoked ham. And this city was the birthplace of the “vinho fino” that is now known worldwide as port.

Let us invite you to come and discover Lisbon with the assistance of our expert guides. Take Lisbon from a different perspective and wander its seven hills admiring its river-oriented layout. From castles to monasteries, the monuments of the Lisbon region trace the history of Portuguese architecture and art.

Marvel with the golden plains that disappear out of sight combine with the sun and the heat to impose their own slow, steady rhythm. This is the Alentejo!

If you appreciate culture, you’ll appreciate Madeira. The island’s numerous museums, found mainly in the capital, are bursting with artefacts revealing the history of this archipelago. From paintings, sculpture, gold and silverware, to jewellery and furniture, there’s so much to see.