UK based, Ambient Tours, has announced the launch of a ‘3 Cities Tour of Portugal’ as a major addition to its portfolio of cultural and heritage tours designed exclusively for the groups market. The seven day tour, that includes visits to the key cities Lisbon, Coimbra and Porto, will start in September 2011.
The cultural and heritage experience begins in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal which sits atop seven hills and faces the majestic Tagus River. It is a city of contrasts combining modern architecture with richly decorated palaces, picturesque renaissance churches, castles, monasteries, convents and impressive 18th century buildings and avenues. . The package includes visits to the main cultural and heritage sites in Lisbon and the surrounding area.
The tour moves north to Coimbra. Built on the banks of the Mondego River, in the Middle Ages it was the nation’s capital. Today the city is better known for its magnificent University. Established in 1290, it is one of the oldest in Europe. Amongst the highlights of the tour are the University Chapel and its Baroque Library. .Romanesque and Manueline Churches and amazing Roman structures, are all to be found within easy walking distance of a thriving commercial centre.
The City of Porto is the final destination. Built on the steep bank of the Douro River, it is much more than the centre of the Port wine industry; it is also the undisputed capital of the North of Portugal and
gateway to the Douro Region. Included will be visits to the main attractions of Porto, the superb scenery of the Douro Valley and the historic towns of the North of Portugal
Commenting on the latest addition to the Tours portfolio, Ambient Managing Director, Robin Dilley said:-
“This tour has been developed as a response to requests we have received from Group Tour Organisers. We have always offered Portugal as a destination, with weekend packages to Lisbon and Porto. The ‘Three Cities Tour’ enables us to showcase Portugal’ telling the story of its long history and cultural diversity. This resulted from the colonisation of the area over the centuries by Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Vikings and Moors before the country, now known as Portugal was founded in 1147. In Lisbon, evidence of the countries rich seafaring heritage will be explored. Coimbra became a centre of learning and its University, founded in 1290, is one of the oldest in Europe. Porto is the centre of the port wine industry but it is also the gateway to the Douro Valley that will be explored by coach and boat. The Tour is fully escorted and will appeal to groups of 20/30 people who have an interest in cultural heritage and are looking to increase their knowledge of the ‘Real Portugal’.
Organisers of Group Tours who would like more information should contact Ann Herdman, Manager, Cultural and Heritage Tours at Ambient Tours, by telephone on 01636 816989 or by email at