Monte Horizonte

Madrid – Lisbon on MTB, the challenging mountain route has recently launched a project that aims to connect the capital city of Spain – Madrid to Lisbon the capital of Portugal on mountain bike, through a spectacular route on the Central Iberian Mountain Range all the way to the Roca Cape, the western point of Europe!

Portugal Deluxe is one of Portugal’s Leading Luxury Travel companies, resulting from their passion for Portugal, and a continuous dedication to our suppliers.A deep knowledge of Portugal brought us to create innovative and exclusive Luxury Tours for the most discerning and demanding clientele.”We built our reputation by hand-crafting exceptional and private tours with a unique sense of service and style. We design and manage authentic and deeply personal travel experiences capable to induce a lifetime memory.We have personal experience of all recommended services and we have carefully selected them for quality, location, Hospitality, comfort and exclusivity! Portugal Deluxe will customize for you the ideal itinerary, providing you with the best value for money, while enjoying the finest hotels from a luxurious five star property to a charming historical manor house.”

Trips offer:

• Customized Luxurious Honeymoons – bursting unexpected complimentary treats;
• Exclusive Wine Tours – lectured by the experts and hosted by the owners of familiar and private wine estates;
• Private Culinary Tours – leaded by renown Chefs, at Noble Houses, Charming Venues or awe-inspiring Sea Cliff;
• Golf Tours – blended with local flavors and cultural insight;
• Jewish Heritage Tours – escorted by expertise local guides;
• Private Jet Tours – escorted by corteous tour leaders;
• Memorable Events – Special dinners at Charming Palaces, Luxury Venues or Intimate meals in the middle of aged barrels;
• Successful Incentive Trip arrangements – innovative and thriving teambuilding activities customized to your team profile.

Between now and 2018, Portugal will host 16 major international conferences, which will bring a total of more than 54 thousand participants and more than 200,000 overnight stays.

The main wine event in Portugal “Essência do Vinho – Porto 2012” will take place from the 16^th to the 19^th of February, at the impressive nineteenth century building “Palácio da Bolsa” (Stock Exchange Palace),located in the very heart of Porto’s historical center. Essência do Vinho – Porto 2012” is an event dedicated to the connoisseur, the interested or simply the curious, about the world of wine. The event was first presented in 2004 by the company EV – Essência do Vinho, in partnership with the Porto Commercial Association, bringing together significant Portuguese companies and brands, from different sectors of activity, including 350 Portuguese and worldwide producers, and more than 100 national and international wine experts. The event also includes the selection of “top ten Portuguese wines” and “best of the year” by the Essência do Vinho magazine.

oPORTOnity to taste. For further information: www.essenciadovinho.com and http://www.greatwinecapitals.com/?1&it=event&co=3940&LG=1

The ranking annual Best in Travel 2012 – Readers’ Choice Awards, a British publication, put the Portuguese capital as the second must-visit place for 2012. By surpassing cities such as Barcelona, London and Berlin, Lisbon is near the top of the must see list from readers. “The quality and variety of the city are the issues highlighted by the readers of Lonely Planet, which recognizes Lisbon as a city of contrasts, where you can have a unique experience, the expectation of everyone,” according to Tourism Lisbon

The city of Évora will once again host the Traditional Flavors Tour (Rota dos Sabores 2012) in promotion of the food and tourism industries in the region. Participation by the local businesses is popular this year, with fifty restaurants, four gourmet food stores, and two bakeries. There will be a different theme for each of the four months of the tour, themes including game, pork, lamb, and soups. Desserts and sweets will be available throughout the tour. By promoting the food and tourism industries, the region preserves its cultural identity while sparking economic development. As a part of the tour, restaurants offer special rates on dinner and also feature musical entertainment. Dates: until April 30, 2012.

supXscape is to be the first Stand Up Paddleboard School in mainland Europe to become ASI Accredited. Portugal’s Centro Coast is about one hour north of Lisbon airport, and a paddle boarding Mecca. supXscape offers a vast saltwater lagoon where they offer flat-water courses and get beginners up and paddling. The rivers Tejo and Zezere and some of Europe’s largest and longest manmade lakes are all within easy striking distance.

Berlengas Adventure – One of supXscape’s new adventures for 2012 is paddle boarding at the Berlengas archipelago – a UNESCO reserve. The small group of islands are located approx 5 miles off Peniche and offer an amazing location to paddle, with sea caves, clear blue water and amazing marine life including groups of dolphins.

One special program promoted during the European Capital of Culture, is a cable car used as a space for poetry, music, dance, film, fashion, talks and exhibitions. The “Dynamic Cable Car 2012″, was launched this month. The program is divided into three periods: January to April is the initiative “Poem in Cable Car”. From May to August it is the turn of the artistic manifestations of the “Interactive Cable Car”, and from September to December moments linked to “The space and the object” will take place. This program is not part of the timing of the City of Guimarães Foundation.

We all know that Michelin stars are a hallmark of fine dining quality, and this year’s guide recognizes 12 restaurants throughout Portugal.

The outstanding restaurants offering “very good cuisine” (i.e., one star) are:?- Feitoria/Altis Belém (in Lisbon),?- Tavares (in Lisbon)?- The Yeatman (in Vila Nova de Gaia)?- Henrique Leis Gabriel (in Almancil)?- São Gabriel (in Almancil)?- Largo do Paço/Casa da Calçada (in Amarante)?-Fortaleza do Guincho (in Cascais)?-Arcadas da Cappella/Quinta das Lágrimas (in Coimbra)?-Il Gallo d’Oro (in Funchal), and Willie’s (in Quarteira).

In the #8 pavilion of FITUR is an appeal to the senses for all who visit the space, through the Fado, now Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Fado at FITUR is a space developed by the Fado Museum where visitors can hear some snippets of the songs from Portugal that won the world. But this is just one of seven areas of culture offered here. There is a literature reading room organized by the Instituto Camões, where visitors can sit and browse a book or watch excerpts from the documentary “Joseph and Pilar” on Jose Saramago. And there is a space for the promotion of Guimarães – European Capital of Culture, the architecture of Siza Vieira and Souto Moura. Food and wine will be present and at the booth, Taste Portugal, there will be presentations of culinary creations.

The Bay of Horta, on the Azorean Island of Faial, now belongs to The Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club, after appreciation from an international jury. This proves once again the commitment of the Azores to sustainability and environmental preservation. The Bay of Horta was chosen among 30 other bays worldwide, being acknowledged for its natural beauty, as well as for its natural, historical and cultural quality. Among the criteria required for induction to the Club, the landscape and environmental sustainability of the bay and surrounding areas were decisive, as well as the bay’s natural, commercial and tourist importance for the Harbor of Horta, the preservation of the area and of the island. Also noteworthy is the bay’s central location in the Atlantic Ocean, making it accessible from both the United States and also Europe and Asia. Also known as Blue Island, Faial is the third most populous island of the Azores and its bay is, in fact, one of its main attractions. However, there is a lot more to do in Faial. From whale watching and swimming with dolphins to diving and boat riding, sailing, surfing or hiking, the hardest part is actually to decide what to do. And, of course, it is mandatory to enjoy the Azorean cuisine. All nine islands of the Azores offer the same possibilities, as their valuable cultural, historical and architectural heritage.

Carmo’s Boutique Hotel is the name of a stylish five-star property due to open its doors for the first time early next year in the ancient village of Ponte de Lima, in the pretty Minho region of northern Portugal. Scheduled to be officially inaugurated in February 2012, the family-owned hotel boasts 12 exquisitely-furnished guest-rooms and 3 sumptuous suites, each fully equipped with every modern convenience.”Our restaurant will be up to Michelin-star standards with the focus on traditional cuisine from all parts of Portugal,” she adds. Carmo’s is the centrepiece of a large parcel of fertile land in the Gemieira district of Ponte de Lima, upon which horse-riding (the hotel has a paddock of fine Lusitano horses), wine-tasting and horse-and-cart excursions will be popular activities. Furthermore, the hotel offers free transfers to and from the airports of nearby Porto and Vigo in Northern Spain.

The main results of a survey on the Environmental Impact and Social Responsibility of resorts in Portugal for the year 2010:

Energy

- 62.5% of enterprises have implemented measures to reduce consumption

- 91.1% have more efficient lighting

- 87.9% offer adjustable air conditioning (97.1% of 4 * hotels, Lisbon, Alentejo and the North with higher incidence)

- 73.6% have efficient air conditioning systems (86.3% of the 5 * hotels, Lisbon highlighted)

- 75.1% are thermal and acoustic insulation (as the fastest growing, the contribution made by the inns; focus on hotels of 5 *)

- Adoption of solar hot water rose to more than a quarter of the units (especially in 3 * hotels, especially the Alentejo, Algarve and Centro)

- Sources of energy, natural gas is for registered membership, being present in 40% of the enterprises and more than half of 4 and 5 * hotels

- Representation of businesses that generate their own electricity almost doubled within a year to 4% (especially the hotels 5 *)

Water

- 54% of enterprises have implemented measures to reduce consumption

- 85.9% of the units have adopted a change of towels and sheets at the request of customers (especially 5 * and taverns).

- Increase the use of devices to reduce flow and water consumption, present in more than 65% of the units (especially Lisbon and Madeira)

Waste

- 50% of enterprises have implemented measures to better manage

- All 5 * and hostels are now separated by screening

- 35.1% of the units offer rechargeable and non-disposable products (as the fastest growing)

- 42.1% of hotels do composting of organic waste (especially the 5 *)

Certification

- 25% of enterprises have environmental certification and quality

- 28% of enterprises have environmental certification (especially the Alentejo, Azores and Centro; growth and focus on hostels)

- 24% have quality certification, the inns being the fastest growing and adhere to these processes, especially the Alentejo and the Azores Center

The findings of the survey show the increasing contribution of the dwelling to affirm Portugal as a tourism destination development. Click here to see all results in this survey

A festive Mardi Gras celebration is just four hours away if you aim to mark the holiday on the Mid-Atlantic Islands of the Azores. Azores Express/SATA, is offering travel packages starting at $699 per person (air and hotel plus tax, double occupancy). In the Azores, Mardi Gras is known as “Carnaval” a celebration starting on Saturday, February 17, 2012 and continuing through Tuesday, February 21, 2012. Parades and pageants are at the heart of the Carnaval festivities. There is lively music, colorful costumes, hand-made masks and floats. On the island of São Miguel, known for its mild weather, you can chose from several hotels in historic Ponta Delgada, the Azores’ main city. Carnaval has a sweet taste of São Miguel, with street vendors selling fried sweet dough, called Malassadas. The festival on the Azores largest island starts of with a black tie grand ball, and heats up with dance music at the restored Coliseu Micaelense. There is a children’s parade in the streets of the capital, Ponta Delgada, with children in costume from each school district on the island. Then, a massive Carnaval parade fills the streets into the wee hours with music, costumes and dancing. All packages are per person, and include roundtrip airfare between Boston and the islands, six nights lodging, and all breakfasts.

Azores Express/ SATA offers direct flights on wide body A310 aircraft to São Miguel, the main island in the Azores archipelago. Connecting flights from São Miguel are offered to Lisbon and the island of Madeira. Azores Express has connected New England with the Azores and mainland Portugal for more than 20 years. The carrier is part of the SATA Group, which connects the Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal, with the world.

For more information and reservations, contact Azores Express at 800-762-9995, www.sata.pt.

“It was in the spirit of pride that the house was kept for generations in the same family. It runs along the Fernandine Walls with access to Ribeira, enjoying a privileged surrounding, overlooking the old part of town and the Serra do Pilar.” says Álvaro Aguiar, retired aviator.The place where Francisca, spent part of childhood took over a year to be rehabilitated to open in August, as the Casa dos Guindais. The project architects, Sofia Marques de Aguiar and Ernesto Jimenez, maintained and enhanced the original structure, with the wooden beams and stone walls. The pleasant garden at the rear, was accessible to all guests. The house has five autonomous studios (two of them, ideal for families) with kitchenette and bathroom, decorated with taste and comfort. It is he who takes the role of concierge, gives guests the keys, take any questions about their stay and give some advice on Porto. Located in the historic center, there are plenty of reasons to visit. From € 54. www.guindaisbooking.com

Matosinhos aims to be the “port” of the arts by aligning itself to become one of the major artistic centers in Portugal.  Represented in major museums in the world, the famous Spanish painter and sculptor Gerardo Rueda (1926-1996) had an artistic background, from Cubism to the to neoconstructivism.  The Modern Art Centre is divided into three different core areas:  -Anthology of Gerardo Rueda that is comprised of16 works, presents pieces from various periods of his production, with special emphasis on the final stage.

-Exhibition of Modern art collection Gerardo Rueda-dedicated to a part of his immense collection, in which there are approximately one hundred works.

-Temporary exhibition of Luis Noronha da Costa-consists of about 30 works and entitled “Noronha da Costa: the Transformation of the Image“. The anthology combines several periods of the artist’s work most being represented in the collection of modern art generated by Rueda.

Leite-creme custards and a free stay to cheer up during the low season – The town of Ponte de Lima will offer overnight stays and custard, free to visitors, to promote tourism in the off season. The “Off Season of Ponte de Lima is on the rise” and will run until April 21, 2012. Besides the town and the local business association, there is also a company organizing events for Tourism North of Portugal.

Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel, which opened in July 2010, is the ‘natural’ family friendly escape for those who want the best of a beach resort with the luxury of ‘home comforts’.

Open for dinner every day except Monday, MoMo (as the restaurant is called) located at Casino de Lisboa is operated in conjunction with the Lágrimas group and specializes in dishes from China, Japan, Vietnam, India and Thailand.

From the 19^th to the 22^nd of July 2012, Lisbon will host the Tall Ships fleet and visitors from around the world at a unique maritime event, full of fun and entertainment! Lisbon will play host to 60 Tall Ships and 5,000 crewmembers representing 49 countries around the world. The event “The Tall Ships Races 2012 Lisbon” will have the old part of Lisbon as a backdrop. The North Side of the Tejo River, between Santa Apolónia and Terreiro do Paço, will see one million visitors that are expected to visit the Tall Ships, attend concerts with a unique surrounding and enjoy many other activities that are being planned by the organization. The highest moment of “The Tall Ships Races 2012 Lisbon” happens in July 22^nd, when the 60 Tall Ships will sail down the Tejo River before heading back to the open sea.

The hotel component of the venture Aparthotel do Pestana Tróia Eco Resort will open in 2014, including a 4-star aparthotel in the beach town of Troia, south of Lisbon. The aparthotel will be the third phase of the project that will have 150 apartments and a Beach Hotel & Suites, which has been deemd a five-star hotel. The project was designed by the architect James Mitchell, and will have a restaurant and bar, fitness center, spa, function room and several meeting spaces. The project will only encompass 50% of the total area, the remaining portion of which will be protected and preserved.

Pedro Gadanho has been appointed as new Contemporary Architecture and Museum Design curator at the New York Museum of Modern Art. Born in Covilhã, mainland Portugal, Gadanho holds a degree in Architecture from the University of Porto where he presently teaches. A designer, curator, critic, researcher and author, he also holds a Master’s degree in Art and Architecture from the Kent Institute of Arts and Design (UK). He is the editor-in-chief of  Beyond, Short Stories on the Post-Contemporary a “bookzine” started in 2009 through Sun Architecture and the editor of the blog ShrapnelContemporary.

The Algarve Promotion Bureau has announced the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) will head to the destination in 2012. Organized by Reed Travel Exhibitions, IGTM 2012 exhibition will be the 15th edition of the world’s premier global event for golf tourism suppliers, buyers and media and is to take place from November 12th–15^th, 2012 at the Tivoli Marina Hotel in Vilamoura. The Algarve has attracted golfers for over 30 years and with an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, calm winds and championship standard golf courses, the Algarve provides some of the best golfing conditions in Europe. António Pina, president of the Algarve Tourism Board said: “It is with considerable pride that Portugal, and more specifically the Algarve, will once again host the prestigious International Golf Travel Market. “With exceptional facilities and an enviable year-round climate, IGTM 2012 will provide the Algarve with a significant opportunity to promote the region as a first-class golf destination,” he added. Purpose-built for tourism in the 1970s, the Algarve has developed into a cosmopolitan destination, attracting nearly six million visitors each year who come to play the region’s 35 golf courses designed by some of the game’s great names including Sir Henry Cotton, Arnold Palmer, Nick Faldo and the late Seve Ballesteros. Pina added: “We look forward to welcoming global golf tourism suppliers, buyers, official dignitaries and media to the Algarve. The region is home to a selection of the world’s finest golf resorts and luxury hotels, all supported by a wealth of leisure facilities, high-class restaurants and vibrant bars. Peter Grimster, exhibition manager of IGTM said: “Portugal has been at the heart of the golf travel business for three decades and it has established itself as one of Europe’s finest destinations. For more information please click here and here.

easyJet confirmed that it will open its 23rd base in Lisbon, with destinations for both business and leisure passengers. The initial operations will commence with five new services, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Bordeaux and Venice and a brand new destination – Asturias (Spain), in addition to its 16 existing routes. Travelers will now have a wider range of choices, with 21 routes from Lisbon and over 150 flights per week during the peak season. Initially easyJet expects to carry 225,000 additional passengers in the first year, with an additional two A319 aircraft that will be permanently based in Lisbon. As part of its commitment to establish a base in Lisbon, easyJet will be recruiting around 100 employees for the base, the majority of which will be cabin crew and pilots. These additional flights will create further indirect jobs in various areas, from ground handling at the airport to the tourism industry. The base will officially open in April 2012, and seats for the new routes will go on sale at easyJet.com on November 2011. EasyJet’s existing routes portfolio at Lisbon: ?Barcelona, Basel/ Mulhouse/ Freiburg, Berlin, Bristol, Edinburgh, Geneva, Liverpool, London (Luton and Gatwick) and Lyon. Find more details at http://corporate.easyjet.com/media/ and at www.easyjet.com