With the launch of Emirates flights to Portugal, Emirates Holidays, the airline?s tour operating arm, has announced holiday offers to this European country that boasts a variety of landscapes ? from mountains to wide plains to sandy beaches and rocky coves.
Lisbon, the country?s capital, is known to be one of the oldest cities in the world, rich in history and culture with a modern twist. Famed as the ?City of Seven Hills (?Cidade das Sete Colinas?), Lisbon was originally built over seven steep hills on the margins of River Tagus.
One of Lisbon?s highlights is the Elevador de Santa Justa. Built in the early 1900’s, this Gothic-style street elevator runs from Baixa way up to Bairro Alto. Other places of interest include the Past?is de Bel?m which opened in 1837 and known for their Portugueseegg tartpastry; Mosteiro dos Jer?nimos, a grand monastery housing the tombs of national heroes including Vasco de Gama; the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, Portugal?s national gallery; and the medieval castle ? Castelo de S?o Jorge surrounded by steep streets and close-packed houses of Alfama. Not to be missed is Lisbon?s trams which have been part of the city?s heart and soul for more than 100 years, and the best way to experience the city in true Portuguese style. From Lisbon, Cascais ? a quaint beach town ? is just a 40-minute drive or train ride.
On the other hand ? Porto, Portugal?s second largest city is the gateway to the north of the country. Porto not only provided the nation with its name (from the city?s Latin title, Portus Cale) but also that of the renowned fortified traditional local beverage. Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its rich architectural heritage
Emirates Holidays has a variety of holiday options to both Lisbon and Porto with choice hotel accommodations and attractive bonus night offers.
Bairro Alto Hotel
Bairro Alto Hotel is a luxurious boutique hotel located in the heart of the historic old town of Lisbon and is within walking distance to major shops, theatres, museums, restaurants and bars. The award-winning hotel offers great views of Rio Tejo and the old Lisbon rooftops. It offers excellent service in a warm and relaxing atmosphere, with a harmonious blend of the old and new. The hotel is located seven kilometres from Lisbon Portela International Airport,
Stay for three nights, pay for two (cumulative) starting from AED 4,986 per person in a Mansard Room, including American breakfast, return Economy Class flights, private car transfers and room tax and service charges. Offer is valid until 31st August 2012.
Hotel Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade
Located in the centre of the prestigious Avenue da Liberdade, Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade is a hotel with a modern environment where supreme style reigns. The rooms are designed with elegance and comfort in mind. The restaurants and bars within the hotel offer a relaxing setting which is perfect for socialising and mingling with fellow globe trotters where you can enjoy fine French cuisine with the latest in fusion dishes from around the world. Lisbon Portela International Airport is seven kilometres away.
Stay for four nights, pay for three (cumulative) starting from AED 4,749 per person in a Superior Room, including American breakfast, return Economy Class flights, private car transfers and room tax and service charges. Offer is valid until 2nd September 2012.
Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa
The Sheraton Porto Hotel is a modern wonder of marble, wood, steel and glass blending fine art, design and comfort in a beautiful manner. In addition to its remarkable architecture, the hotel is situated in the business and cultural district of Porto offering its guests the convenience of being only a short walk away from fabulous shopping, art museums and nightlife. Situated in the heart of Porto, the hotel offers a wide range of restaurants where family and friends can enjoy a ?show cooking? concept with Portuguese and international cuisine. Porto International Airport is 15 kilometres away.
Stay for three nights for the price of two (cumulative) starting from AED 5,632 per person ina Deluxe Room including American breakfast, return Economy flights, private car transfers and room tax and service charges. Valid until 2nd September 2012.
Other terms and conditions apply. For more information on other special offers to Portugal, visit emiratesholidays.com or call 800 5252. Emirates Holidays can also tailor-make holidays to Algarve, the southernmost region of Portugal for those who are into golf and beach holidays.