095 Oslo
Stroll through Vigeland Park and view sculptures dedicated to the many aspects of love
A romantic cruise through Hardangerfjord
Saunas and bubbling hot tubs in the lantern-lit parkland of Sweden’s very own Sleeping Beauty castle
Snuggle up in the original Ice Hotel, deep in Sweden’s Lapland
Enjoy a cocktail in the ‘white nights’ of the midnight sun
Cuddle down in a snow-covered igloo village
Scenic lakeside tranquility: log cabins, wood-fired saunas and traditional Finnish sahti
PORTUGAL
TIME DIFFERENCE GMT +1
TELEPHONE CODE +351
CURRENCY Euro
LANGUAGE Portuguese
POPULATION 10 million
SIZE OF COUNTRY 88,889 sq km (34,667 sq miles)
CAPITAL Lisbon
WHEN TO GO Mainland Portugal’s winters are exceptionally mild, especially in the Algarve region. Cooler inland temperatures typify inland provinces, with snowfall in the Serra da Estrela mountains. Autumns are pleasantly warm, turning steadily cooler into December. Islands offer year-round temperate conditions – 18ºC (64ºF) in winter and 22ºC (72ºF) in summer.
TOURIST INFORMATION Portuguese National Tourist Office Tel: 0845 355 1212 Fax: 020 7201 6633 Email: [email protected] www.visitportugal.com
On the west of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal’s 830 km (515 mile) Atlantic coastline flanks the nation to the south and west with the Spanish border to the north and east. The River Tejo provides a neat division across the country, stretching out to meet the waters of the Atlantic in Lisbon. Portugal’s 17 islands and atolls include the archipelagos of Azores and Madeira. Many of Portugal’s sleepy fishing villages of brightly painted sardine boats, cobbled streets and whitewashed houses sit alongside pristine beaches. Rugged, windswept coastal enclaves evoke the nostalgia of Old Iberia and are blessed with over 300 days of golden sunshine each year.
001 SINTRA
HOW TO GET THERE The Tivoli Palácio de Seteais is a 40-minute transfer from Lisbon by taxi or hire car
CONTACT Tivoli Palácio de Setais Tel: +351 219 233 200 Email: [email protected] www.tivolihotels.com
Sintra has long revelled in a reputation as an idyllic love-bird retreat, just a 40-minute drive from Lisbon and edged by beautiful, sheltered rocky coves. Stroll charming narrow streets, enjoy an enchanting journey through the town’s historic centre in a horse-drawn carriage or picnic in the sweet-smelling gardens of Monserrate and the stunning park of Palácio da Pena. Described by Lord Byron as “Glorious Eden”, Sintra’s charms have been praised by writers ever since. Portugal’s national poet, Luís Vaz de Camões, proclaimed Sintra’s glory in his epic works Os Lusíadas (The Lusiads), drawing nobility and aristocrats to its historic architecture and lush flowers. Today, visitors keen to treat their loved ones like royalty should consider a romantic weekend in Sintra’s handsome Tivoli Palácio de Seteais (Palace of the Seven Sighs), a distinguished late 18th-century castle built by the then Dutch Consul. If your idea of romance is to be joyously cocooned in cosseted luxury, then the Palacio de Seteais is your Shangri-la. Named in honour of a 12th century love story centred on an Arabian princess, the Tivoli Palácio de Seteais enjoys seductive seclusion in a quintessentially romantic niche amidst Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish and Renaissance art.
Expect opulent grandeur, tasteful dignity and every modern comfort in this perfect place for couples where romantic period elegance reigns. As befits its true neo-classical glamour, the Tivoli Palácio de Seteais is beautifully refined with lots of special touches for the romantic at heart. An impressive triumphal arch commemorates a royal visit while striking interiors are sumptuously appointed with fine antiques, tapestry, chandeliers and art. Marvel at fresco paintings, flowing drapes, polished woods, dazzling crystal, pewter, gilded motifs and towering floral displays. Lush, green gardens tumble down to a beautiful pool in a blissful romantic scene shielded by an exotic array of colourful pink and purple bougainvillea over garden trelliswork, red geraniums, eucalyptus, lemon trees and sweet mimosa. Choose from one of 30 rooms, each individually furnished in Baroque style with Champagne, heart-shaped pastries and hand-tied posies of romantic camellias on request.
The perfectly manicured grounds of the Palácio de Seteais, Sintra.
002 ALGARVE
HOW TO GET THERE The resort is a 20 minute transfer from Faro International Airport by taxi or hire car
CONTACT Royal Spa Tel: +351 289 353 480 Fax: +351 289 353 476 Email: [email protected] www.valedolobo.com
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