Lisbon
A colourful tapestry of urban life awaits in the vibrant hilltop neighbourhoods of Lisbon. Don't miss drinks in rowdy Bairro Alto, live fado in the Alfama or cafe culture in elegant Chiado. The city is home to Europe's largest oceanarium.

Parque das Nações
This museum (www.parquedasnacoes.pt) in Lisbon houses a weird and wondrous collection of public art.

Belém
The striking Torre de Belém is near the fabled spot where Vasco da Gama set sail during the Age of Discoveries. Other Belém attractions include the glorious Jerónimos Monastery (www.mosteirojeronimos.pt).

Sintra
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sintra is an idyllic town surrounded by wooded hillsides. Don't miss the former summer residence of the Portuguese royal family and the beautiful Monserrate gardens.  

Cabo de São Vicente
The cliff top heights of Cabo de São Vicente outside of Sagres are Europe's southwestern-most point. Lying near some spectacularly rugged and windswept beaches, the views are dramatic.

Évora
Évora is a virtual museum of a town that reached its golden age in the 15th century. The walled old centre contains a Roman temple, a looming cathedral and picturesque plazas for taking in the architectural splendour.

Mosteiro de Santa Maria
The Mosteiro de Santa Maria (Monastery of Batalha) is a gothic Manueline masterpiece built to commemorate the 1385 victory over Spain in the Battle of Aljubarrota. Its elaborately carved exterior is one of the icons of Portugal.

Braga
Portugal's spiritual heart, Braga is a lively little city with an exquisite assortment of baroque churches, a sprawling cathedral and Roman ruins. It hosts traditional religious festivals throughout the year, including Portugal's most colourful Holy Week. 

Knights Templar castle
The Knights Templar castle in Tomar contains intriguing medieval relics. The Convent of the Order of Christ at the heart of the castle complex is one of Portugal's premier artistic and historical structures.

Ribeira
This UNESCO World Heritage site in Porto has history lurking round every corner, from its neo classical Stock Exchange Palace to its romanesque-gothic Cathedral, with spectacular views along the vibrant waterfront of Cais da Ribeira (www.portoturismo.pt).

Guimarães
The medieval capital of Guimarães (www.guimaraesturismo.com) was the birthplace of the Portuguese nation. Looming above its narrow, cobbled lanes lie castle ruins and the former palace of the Dukes of Bragança.

Côa Valley Archaeological Park
The Côa Valley Archaeological Park (www.ipa.min-cultura.pt/coa) is home to a magnificent collection of rock carvings from the Upper Palaeolithic period (22,000-10,000BC). The UNESCO World Heritage site only narrowly escaped destruction during a proposed dam-building project.

Coimbra
The charming town of Coimbra is home to Portugal's oldest and most venerated university and full of Portuguese culture. It is set amid a splendid old town of historic churches and medieval alleyways, with the buzz of student life all around. 

Tavira
Tavira is one of the Algarve's oldest and least spoiled towns. Constructed on the banks of the River Gilhão, the picturesque settlement a smattering of gothic and Renaissance churches, a seven-arched Roman bridge, old fortifications and a pristine island beach. 

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.