Although Portugal is a relatively small country, it never fails to make a huge impression on tourists. Those going on tours to Portugal from Moscow will find the elegant streets of Lisbon and the lush nature of the island of Madeira, ancient fortresses and secluded beaches, wonderful cuisine and excellent shopping. It is no coincidence that over 12 million tourists from all over the world flock to this country every year.

general information

Portugal is located on the Iberian Peninsula and borders on the east and north with only one state - Spain. In the south and west, its shores are washed by the waters of the Atlantic (the total length of the coastline is 1,793 km). Portugal owns two archipelagos: Madeira and the Azores. The total area of ​​the country exceeds 92 thousand square meters. km, the population is about 10 million people. The capital and largest city is Lisbon, which has about half a million inhabitants.

On the northern and partly central side there is predominantly mountainous terrain. The highest of the mountain ranges, the Serra da Estrela, reaches a height of almost 2 thousand meters. In the south there is already more flat terrain, although there are also hills and low mountains.

Climate

The climate of the continental part of the country can be described as subtropical Mediterranean. If in summer in mountainous regions the air temperature does not exceed +20...+21 °C, then on the plains and the southern coast the thermometer rises to +24...+26 °C. The water in the Atlantic is warm from May to early October - +21...+23 °C.

The subtropical climate of Madeira Island is mild; there are no sharp temperature changes between winter and summer: in January the air warms up to +15...+20 °C, in summer and early autumn - up to +22...+27 °C. The climate of the Azores is close to that of Madeira.

When is the best time to come

Cultural and educational tourism is relevant in Portugal at any time of the year. As for beach holidays, the high season on the islands lasts almost all year round, and in the continental part of the country it covers May-September. The low season is considered to be the period from mid-November to mid-April: at this time, prices for tours to Portugal from Moscow in 2019 are much lower.

What to see

It is impossible to visit Portugal without visiting its capital, Lisbon, which is not only one of the oldest, but also one of the most picturesque cities in the world. Looking at the magnificent Baroque churches, five luxurious palaces, the huge castle of St. George, the Torri di Belem tower and other monuments, it is difficult to imagine that after the terrible earthquake of 1755 the city literally rose from the ashes. Not only are the centuries-old buildings reminiscent of the past, but also the unrivaled collection of painting masterpieces in the National Museum of Ancient Art. It is also worth visiting the maritime and archaeological museum and the museum of art, architecture and technology. A visit to the aquarium, shopping or lunch at one of the national restaurants will help you return to the present after a thorough acquaintance with the historical past of Lisbon.

Almost next to Lisbon is the city of Sintra, famous for its palaces. The oldest of them is the National Palace, the most romantic is the Quinta da Regaleira Palace, the most unusual and colorful is the Pena Palace. And the Montserrat Palace attracts both with its elegant appearance and its beautiful park with an area of ​​33 hectares.

A visit to Obidos Castle will take you back to the early Middle Ages: it has remained virtually unchanged since the 13th century. Once in the village of Óbidos, where the castle is located, it is also worth visiting the 16th century aqueduct, the churches of St. James and St. John the Baptist, and also trying the local liqueur ginjinha. Another castle definitely worth a visit is located in the city of Guimarães, also famous for its Ducal Palace.

Having bought a ticket to Portugal from Moscow, it is worth including an excursion to the city of Évora in your tour program. This is a genuine open-air museum where you can see architectural monuments from different eras, from a Roman temple to Renaissance palaces.

Among the country's natural attractions are the Alto Douro wine valley and the Peneda-Gerês National Park with its waterfalls, mountains and rivers.

Best resorts

The country has many excellent places for a beach holiday, but many tourists prefer tours to Portugal with an air flight from Moscow, including a holiday at one of the resorts of the Lisbon Riviera. This is the name of the part of the coast that stretches north from the capital. The most popular resorts on the Lisbon Riviera are:

1. Estoril. The epithets “fashionable” and “brilliant” in relation to this city do not seem to be an exaggeration at all: today, like a hundred years ago, it is often chosen as a holiday destination by members of the elite. A large number of five-star hotels, chic boutiques, restaurants and snow-white yachts create a unique image of Estoril, ideal for lovers of active recreation and social life: the city, among other things, has 8 water parks, a casino with an area of ​​2500 sq. m. m and autodrome.
2. Cascais. This beautiful town, the former residence of the royal family, will find something for everyone: history buffs - a luxurious palace and sea museum; windsurfing fans - high waves on Guincho beach; nightlife lovers - many clubs and discos.
3. Carcavelos. If you are looking for a resort that offers excellent conditions for both windsurfing and golf, then Carcavelos is the place to be. Another highlight of the town is the local wine made from 9 grape varieties.
4. Costa de Caparica. Silence, endless beaches and plenty of seafood: this is the magic formula of Costa de Caparica, attracting Lisbon residents and foreign tourists to the former fishing village. If travelers are looking for a secluded place for a leisurely holiday in the lap of nature, when purchasing a tour to Portugal from Moscow, it makes sense to consider the option of staying here.

No less popular resort agglomeration than the Lisbon Riviera is the Algarve. Its 14 resorts provide recreational opportunities for every taste, and the swimming season lasts until the end of September. The most fashionable resorts in the Algarve are Vilamoura, Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago. Albufeira is famous for its nightlife, and those looking for contact with nature choose the beaches of Lagos, Alvor or Monte Gordo.

For those interested in tours to Portugal from Moscow in 2019, there are a lot of excellent resorts on the island of Madeira. Funchal, the capital of the island, is perfect for youth holidays, and families with children can choose the calm Santa Cruz. Calheta is famous for its golden sand beaches, while Machico and Caniço are famous for their diving opportunities.

The best diving will be on the islands of Flores and Graciosa; fantastic nature can be admired on the islands of Sao Miguel and Pico. And the island of Faial, or rather its capital Horta, is known as the Mecca of yachtsmen.

GUARANTEED SEATS!

• Group transfer to the airport: transfer schedule: 06:00, 11:00, 17:00.
• For those who wish, an individual transfer is available for an additional fee.

If you are looking for the perfect tour, then you should definitely turn your attention to sunny Portugal. You can relax on the beautiful beaches of the Atlantic coast, admire the amazingly picturesque landscapes or explore historical monuments - this country provides ample opportunities for the most comfortable holiday. Individual or group tours to Portugal, as well as a beach holiday or an excursion - everyone will find a trip to their liking.

Excursion or combined tours to Portugal are becoming increasingly popular from year to year due to the rich history and cultural heritage of this country. Almost every city and even village has at least one architectural monument or other attraction, which is why Portugal is often called an open-air museum. In addition, prices for tours to Portugal are affordable compared to other European resorts. Specialists from the leading tour operator Spasskiye Vorota-Tourism will help you in searching and selecting a tour to Portugal from Moscow.

Main tourist areas and excursions in Portugal

Not a single group excursion or combined tour to Portugal is complete without visiting one or more of the most popular and attractive tourist areas.

Lisbon

Most often, excursion and individual tours to Portugal from Moscow begin in Lisbon. The capital is distinguished by a harmonious combination of architectural heritage of different styles. You should definitely visit the Gothic Carmelite monastery of 1389 - 1423, the Castle of St. George, built in the 9th - 14th centuries, as well as the Palace of São Bento and Ajuda, made in the classical style. Rossio Square deserves special attention, where heretics were executed in the Middle Ages, and later bullfights were held. The symbol of the city is the Belem watchtower, which served as a starting point for travelers setting out for new geographical discoveries. You can find out the cost of a tour to Lisbon on our website.

Sintra

If you are thinking about buying a trip to Portugal from Moscow, then you should pay attention to Sintra, because it is rightfully considered the pearl of Portugal. Due to the large number of attractions on the territory of this ancient Moorish city, it, along with the surrounding area, is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In the very center of Sintra is the royal palace of Paso Real, which amazes with its beauty. It is also worth visiting the Capuchin Monastery and Montserrat Palace. If you wish, you can take a ride on the ancient tram that runs between Sintra and the coast.

Mafra

Be sure to include Mafra in your itinerary. This city is famous for its majestic monastery ensemble, built in the 18th century according to the grandiose design of King Joan V. The entire luxurious complex occupies an area of ​​40,000 m2. The marble basilica alone is comparable in size to the entire cathedral. In total, the complex includes 880 rooms, among which there is a pharmacy, rooms for monks, and a kitchen. But the largest room is the library, which houses 30,000 volumes. No less famous is the Tapada National de Mafra park reserve, created during the reign of João V for royal recreation. Nowadays, in the park with an area of ​​8 km2 you can see birds of prey, foxes, deer and many other animals. Here you can go cycling, take a walk or even try archery.

Evora

Évora is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Portugal. Several kings made Évora a meeting place for the Cortes, which contributed to the appearance of numerous palaces and other architectural monuments. The Roman temple of the 2nd-3rd centuries AD, dedicated to the goddess Diana, is very popular. You can check prices for group excursions in Portugal with our managers.




Portugal has a rich historical heritage, excellent wines and cuisine (both seafood and meat), excellent hotels with first-class service, low crime, a warm temperate climate and a variety of types of recreation offered, this is what determines the attractiveness of tours to Portugal. In the north and northeast of the country there are mountains of incredible beauty, covered with centuries-old trees. Moreover, Portugal has a lot of forests with rich flora. All kinds of flowers and exotic fruits grow here, which are not found anywhere else in the world. Even bananas and pineapples from the Portuguese islands, which are familiar to us all, have unique taste qualities.

Geographical position



A state in southwestern Europe, in the western part of the Iberian Peninsula. It borders on Spain in the north and east, and is washed by the Atlantic Ocean in the west and south.

Climate

Portugal belongs to the subtropical climate zone. The weather pattern is determined by the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, which keeps the temperature in the country lower than at the same latitudes in the Mediterranean. The cold Canary Current also has a cooling effect. To a large extent, weather conditions are determined by topography. The average monthly temperature of the hottest months, July and August, varies from north to south from +19 to +23.4. During these months, daytime temperatures in all areas exceed +24 degrees, reaching +28.8 in the south. At night the thermometer drops to +10 in the north and to +16..18 in the south.

Resorts

Lisbon




Today's Lisbon amazes with its majesty, magnificent architectural monuments, colorful landscapes and countless narrow streets. Thanks to all this, it is rightfully recognized as one of the most beautiful and attractive cities in the world. Lisbon, or as it is often called "the city of seven hills", is the westernmost capital of the European continent. It is located in a picturesque area on the southwestern coast of the Iberian Peninsula (Mar da Paglia Bay). The sights of Lisbon are represented by both ancient and modern architectural buildings, various museums, as well as picturesque squares.

Kitchen




In the south of the country, Mediterranean cuisine predominates, with an abundance of garlic and all kinds of spices. The Portuguese are very fond of fish, especially sardines, tuna, cod, and various seafood and enjoy preparing various pasta dishes.

In Portugal they treat meat quite calmly, but they also know how to cook it very tasty. For example, it is marinated for a long time in excellent Portuguese wine, and then thoroughly rubbed with olive oil. Meat prepared in this way produces a tasty and juicy dish that has its own special unique taste.

Population




The population of Portugal is more than 10 million people. National composition of Portugal: Portuguese (99%); other nations (Spaniards, Brazilians, Africans).

Religion




Almost 95% of the inhabitants of Portugal are Catholic, so their spiritual life is heavily influenced by the influence of the church. But 5% of people consider themselves atheists.

Language




Official language: Portuguese. Spanish and English are used.

Time




Time is 3 hours behind Moscow

Banks are open on weekdays from 8.30 to 15.00, some bank branches in Lisbon and tourist areas close at 18.00, and in large shopping centers in the Algarve they are open daily from 9.00 to 21.00. Shops are open on weekdays - from 9.00 to 13.00 from 15 to 19 hours

Currency




The most convenient way to exchange money is at Lisbon airport (favorable rate, lower commission fee), in banks and hotels the rate is lower, and the fee is higher (in banks the commission is 0.5%). Exchange rates in different banks may differ significantly from each other. Some commercial banks do not charge commissions for transactions under 30 euros. In some private shops and markets you can pay in US dollars.

MasterCard, American Express and Visa credit cards are accepted everywhere. ATMs ("multibancos") are located in all tourist centers.

Visa




Citizens of Russia and CIS countries require a Schengen visa to visit Portugal.

Transport




The main means of transportation around the country are buses; in Lisbon, the metro. Payment, depending on the distance, using coupons or small coins from the driver. There are taxis. Portugal has an extensive network of roads and railways. High-speed trains operate between Lisbon and Porto and Lisbon and the Algarve, and local trains operate on other lines. Long-distance trains consist of 1st and 2nd class carriages, while in suburban and local trains all carriages are of the same class. "Tourist tickets" are valid for 7, 14 and 21 days. Ticket prices are quite affordable for small country trips. Prices for domestic airline tickets are quite high.

Holidays and weekends




• January 1 (Friday) - New Year
• February 5 (Friday) - Carnival
• March 25 (Friday) - Great or Good Friday
• March 27 (Sunday) - Easter
• April 25 (Monday) - Freedom Day
• May 1 (Sunday) - Workers' Solidarity Day
• June 10 (Sunday) - Portugal Day
• August 15 (Monday) - Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
• December 8 (Thursday) - Day of the Immaculate Conception
• December 25 (Sunday) - Christmas

Buy a tour to Portugal from a tour operator online

Tour operator Russian Express offers a wide range of tours to Portugal: from sightseeing tours to beach holidays in Portugal. In addition, we offer, which is located in the Atlantic Ocean

Portugal has always been very popular among Russian tourists. Holiday prices in Portugal are significantly higher than in neighboring countries. The most popular resorts are Estoril, Cascais, Madeira and the Azores, lost in the Atlantic. It’s quite difficult to catch a last-minute tour, unless at the beginning or end of the beach season (May - October)

Most sightseeing tours begin and end in the capital of the country - Lisbon. The best way to understand the city is to take a tram ride. First, you can drive to the central square of Rossio, then go to the famous St. George fortress, then go to the most picturesque quarter of Lisbon - Alfama. There are many cafes, restaurants and bars. You can buy vintage items in local shops. But the real shopping is in the Oriente district, which has become the second center of Lisbon. There is the Vasco da Gama megamall, and for little travelers there is an aquarium and the Museum of Knowledge. The longest bridge in Europe is also located here. The most interesting historical site in Lisbon is the Jeronimos Monastery. From here the ships of the great Portuguese discoverers set off on long voyages. The only monuments of that great era are the monastery complex and the Belem Tower.

Beach holiday

Lisbon is a holiday on the sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, in the romantic resort towns of Cascais and Estoril. There are many magnificent hotels here, and local restaurants offer excellent Portuguese cuisine and friendly staff.

The Algarve is a true tourist paradise. This Portuguese province is located on the southern coast of the country, thanks to which the climate is mild and warm.

Holiday packages to Madeira are popular throughout the year. You can swim here almost all year round. There is neither cold nor suffocating heat on the island. Madeira, like other resorts in Portugal, also attracts fans of real fishing. The most passionate fishermen come here to catch blue marlin. A vacation at the resort can be combined with a luxurious excursion program. One of the most favorite excursions is a visit to the picturesque fishing village of Camara do Lobuschi, where the famous Madeira, a fortified Portuguese wine, is produced. You can also go to the village of Curral das Freias and see the amazingly beautiful 16th century convent. You can get a real adrenaline rush by climbing the highest point in Madeira, Pico Ruivo, 1861 meters above sea level. From here you have magnificent views of the island.

The Azores are a real paradise for exotic lovers. Tour operators in Portugal offer the Azores along with other exotic islands - the Antilles, Seychelles and Maldives. However, the cost of tours to the Azores with departure from Moscow is lower than to the Seychelles, and there are more exotics in the Azores than in both countries combined. There are volcanoes, geysers, lush vegetation and whales that can be seen close to the shore. Sailing regattas take place in the Azores, and the most famous yachtsmen in the world come to Faial.

Tour operator ICS Travel Group offers the best tours to Portugal. A visit to Portugal will give you a delightful beach holiday on well-maintained beaches and an excellent excursion program.

The capital of the country, Lisbon, is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Here the past surprisingly resonates with the present, modern Europe with a distinctive country, an ancient colonial power. Portugal's attractions are located throughout the country. The luxury of palaces and the beauty of parks, the unique architecture of Sintra is recognized by UNESCO as a heritage of humanity. The ancient city of Porto, located on the right bank of the Douro River, captivates at first sight with its ancient houses and wonderful parks.

Holidays in Portugal will appeal to all lovers of comfortable travel. A relaxing beach holiday on the Atlantic coast attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world every year. It is worth remembering that all beaches are municipal, umbrellas and sunbeds are paid for on the spot. Sightseeing tours to Portugal can be combined with a vacation on the coast.

All hotels in Portugal are subject to mandatory certification. The star rating of the hotels corresponds to the stated ones. Most hotels provide half board. The country has many campsites and apartments for road travelers.