Family Travel

Portugal rated best family destination in recent survey

Thursday, 16 September 2010 00:00

Portugal has recently been awarded top honors for family vacations in Europe, according to a recent survey conducted by the British Post Office. Beach vacations in Faro were shown to be especially popular, and among the best value destinations for family escapes in Europe, as costs of goods and services were far less than in other, similar destinations. The Post Office survey, which polled British travelers about their biggest gripes on vacation, found there to be little bad-mouthing about the Algarve in Portugal, where trips in Faro shine as a top attraction to the region.

Full Steam in the Douro Valley

Tuesday, 14 September 2010 00:00

Portuguese railways company CP has summer steam train service between Régua and Tua in the Douro Valley. Considered one of the great railway journeys of the world, the weekly trip down memory lane runs throughout the peak season until 9 October and costs €43 return for adults and €21.50 for children aged 5 to 12.Besides magnificent views of the Valley of the Douro,expect a a welcome glass of Port wine (the train steams its way through the heart of Port wine country) and a plate of local cake and live musical entertainment. Pulled by a vintage 0186 steam locomotive, the five-carriage train departs from Régua at 2:45 p.m., stopping at Pinhão briefly before arriving at Tua at 4:04 p.m..The return journey leaves Tua at 5:06 p.m., arriving back at Régua at 6:22 p.m.

Silves Mediaeval Fair

Monday, 12 July 2010 00:00

Visit Silves August 7 through 15, 2010 and see how the Moors and Christians lived in the Middle Ages. In an historical recreation of the Reconquest period, the city will be invaded by jugglers, acrobats, dancers and snake charmers, who will all exhibit their skills. Processions of noblemen, jousting tournaments and artisans and merchants offering their wares will also be part of the entertainment.

Summer Steam Train Service in the Douro Valley

Thursday, 24 June 2010 00:00

Portuguese railways company CP starts its summer steam train service Saturday June 5th, between Régua and Tua in the Douro Valley. Called one of the great railway journeys of the world, the weekly trip runs until October 9, 2010 and costs €43 roundtrip for adults and €21.50 for kids aged 5 to 12. Beyond the magnificent views of the magnificent River Douro, passengers, get a welcome glass of Port wine (the train steams its way through the heart of Port wine country) and a slice of local cake served up to the sound of live musical entertainment. Pulled by a vintage 0186 steam locomotive, the five-carriage train departs from Régua at 2:45 p.m., stopping at Pinhão briefly before arriving at Tua at 4:04 p.m.. The return journey leaves Tua at 5:06 p.m., arriving back at Régua at 6.22 p.m.