Portugal

Culinary delights and romantic flare describe the essence of Portugal for many who explore its coastal fishing villages, historic city centres, cork-oak forests and beyond. Monuments and architecture from the riveting Age of Discovery highlight an overall colourful and authentic nation. Here, discoveries from the New World mix with the established Old to create a unique experience. There are also the delights of wine country along the Douro River north to Porto and its architectural splendor. The diversity of inland habitats includes mountains, lush forests and dry desert lands. Impressive congregations of migratory birds fleetingly occupy coastal areas; seabirds, whales and dolphins abound in the waters surrounding the offshore volcanic archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores.