One Country, World Heritage
One Country, World Heritage
The Cultural Landscape of Sintra has just been selected by UNESCO as part of the Royal Europe itinerary. Could this be the crown jewel of a country bursting with hidden gems?
Up-to-date travelers might already know that UNESCO has recently launched a platform for World Heritage and travel, an online travel guide with recommendations by local experts, impeccably curated by National Geographic. Portugal’s spellbinding Cultural Landscape of Sintra, with its fairy-tale Romantic palace and lush and intimate gardens, is included, as one of the highlights of the “Royal Europe” tour.
While this is certainly a valuable distinction, if you’re planning a trip to Portugal you should know that this is really just the tip of an enchanting iceberg, as there is so much more to see! In fact, Portugal has a total of 15 World Heritage sites on the prestigious UNESCO list, which is incredibly inspiring!
Start by discovering the beauty of Portugal’s most iconic religious architecture, in the Monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha, Lisbon’s Monastery of Jerónimos and the Covent of Christ in Tomar.
Next, we marvel at the stunning landscape of Douro, home to the world’s oldest demarcated wine region, and the vineyards of Pico, in the Azores, two amazing cultural landscapes. And let’s not forget the Laurisliva forest of Madeira, the historic centers of Porto, Guimarães and Évora, the beautifully baroque Joanine Library, at the Universidade de Coimbra, and the Belém tower, a Lisbon icon, all spotted by UNESCO as World Heritage sites.
Be inspired by our tailor-made tours and embark on a mind-blowing travel experience designed just for you!
On Top: Sitting pretty on a hill and offering jaw-dropping views over the Tagus river, the beautiful Verride Palácio Santa Catarina is one of the most unique hotels in Lisbon. Its up-to-date version of 1750’s charm hasn’t gone unnoticed to Wallpapermagazine who has included the Verride in its shortlist for Best Urban Hotel 2018. The list is super exclusive: only 39 hotels in the world match the criteria. The winners will be announced on the January issue of the magazine which will be out on December 13!
Going Green: Portugal’s northern region of Alto Minho was recently chosen as one of the world’s Top 100 Sustainable Destinations 2018, by Green Destinations. This quality seal is a landmark moment for the region, as it acknowledges its important commitment to promote a kind of tourism that benefits local communities and the environment. The region of Alto Minho scored 8,7 in 10. Among the evaluated criteria were the preservation of natural resources and cultural traditions, air quality and local produce promotion.
Adventure Walkways: And the “Oscar” goes to: Passadiços do Paiva. For the third consecutive year, this innovative project in the Portuguese region of Arouca has won the award for Europe’s Best Tourist Development at the World Travel Awards. The Paiva Walkways, located on the left bank of the Paiva River and offering 8km of hiking in a breathtaking natural and geological environment, were also distinguished in the Adventure Tourism category, beating iconic mountain destinations as the Chamonix valley and Matterhorn, in the Swiss Alps.
Episode Travel, Your Personal Travel Consultant for Portugal
WHO we are: Episode is about traveling with art. With a unique heritage, thrilling landscapes and a world of contemporary creativity waiting to be discovered, Portugal is Europe’s best-kept secret.
WHAT we do: We design and provide tailor-made tours to discover Portugal under a new light. Taste superior food & wine in charming restaurants, spend the nights in handpicked hotels where you will time-travel through History and learn about the extraordinary culture of this country blessed by the sun and open to the sea. A team of experienced travel consultants will arrange personalized tours just for you. Away from the crowd. Designed to fit your interests and needs. Made to amaze you.
WHERE to find us: For more information or to prepare your tailor-made visit to Portugal, please send us an e-mail to enquiry@episode-travel.com or call us on + 351 916 207 990.
Copyright © 2019, Episode – Travel with Art, All rights reserved.
