On the Menu…Restaurante A Ceia, Braga (Portugal)

Just a short walk from the Cathedral of Braga, in the old center of town, is Restaurante A Ceia. This rustic style adega (wine tavern) has a casual and inviting atmosphere. On the menu you will find traditional Portuguese dishes, including Cozido à Portuguesa, a classic Portuguese stew, and cod dishes such as Bacalhau à Zé-do-Pipo (made with layers of cod, onions, mashed potatoes, and mayonnaise that are oven baked), and the house specialty Bacalhau à Ceia.

The restaurant also serves specialties of the Minho region, including Alheira de Caça, a light, garlicky sausage made of chicken or game, and Papas de Sarrabulho, which is a dish that is made with pig's blood and is only served in the winter months.

• Rua do Raio, 331
• Braga, Portugal
• Phone (25) 326 39 32

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Checking In…Pousada de Estremoz – Rainha Santa Isabel, Estremoz (Portugal)

Located in the Alentejo region about 170 km east of Lisbon is the town of Estremoz. The region is known for its vast rolling hills, cork production, and marble quarries, and Estremoz is the largest of the marble towns that dot this region.

The centerpiece of town is the 14th C. castle that was built by King Diniz for his beloved Queen, Saint Isabel. This royal palace has been converted into the Pousada Rainha Santa Isabel, which sits on a hilltop overlooking the town. There are a total of 33 rooms, consisting of 29 Standard rooms, 3 larger Superior rooms, and 1 spacious Suite with a living room and separate bedroom. All rooms are uniquely decorated, and many have four-poster beds and handmade local rugs.

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On the Menu…Restaurante O Dezaseis, Santiago de Compostela (Spain)

Restaurante O Dezaseis (which means “16″) is a perfect place to have some tapas or a sit down meal after you’ve been visiting the sites in the casco antiguo(old town). Located just a short walk from the Cathedral, you will find O Dezaseis by descending a stone-lined staircase that leads you down to a rustic and charming 300 year-old dining room that once served as a stable.

In addition to the ambiance, the locals come here for the food. They are well known for their empanadas, which are pastry-covered pies that are often filled with fish or meat. The house specialty at O Dezaseis is the tuna empanada, which is round in shape and filled with tuna and flavored with paprika. The tapas menu has many other local dishes to choose from, including the pulpo a grela (grilled octopus), which gains rave reviews from all who try it.

If you’re looking for slightly larger portions, you can also choose from the selection of raciones offered, which are larger portions that can be shared. Some of the stand-outs on the menu are the lacón (the local cured and cooked ham), the razor clams, and the oxtail stew, just to name a few. Leave room for dessert, and try some of the local cheeses, or the cheese flan.

• Rúa de San Pedro, 16
• Santiago de Compostela, Spain
• Phone: (981) 564 880
• Website: O Dezaseis

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Next Stop…Toledo, Spain

 

 

Perched on a hilltop and surrounded on three sides by the Rio Tajo (Tagus River), Toledo is located in the center of Spain and is the capital of Castilla-La Mancha. In the 6th C. it served as the capital of Spain, but later lost its political prominence in the 16th C. when the capital was moved to Madrid. Over the centuries, the influence of the Arabs, Christians and Jews have been prominent, and as a result, Toledo has been known as the "city of the three cultures."

Toledo is perhaps most famous for inspiring some of the famous works of El Greco, who made Toledo his home in his latter life. A number of the painter's works can be seen at the El Greco House-Museum located in the old Jewish Quarter. Although the house was not the painter's original home, it is a reproduction of a 16th C. house with a courtyard, and the museum contains numerous works by the painter, as well as other 17th C. Spanish artists.  

Other sites to see in Toledo include: the magnificent Cathedral which was completed in the 15th C. and is considered one of the greatest Gothic structures in the world, the Alcázar (fortress) which dominates the city's skyline, the Iglesia de Santo Tomé, a small chapel in the Jewish Quarter that houses El Greco's masterpiece The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, the Museo-Hospital de Santa Cruz, a museum that displays El Greco's The Assumption of the Virgin, along with other works by Goya, Ribera, as well as gold items, Flemish tapestries and antique furnishings, and the synagogues of Santa María La Blanca (12th C.) and El Tránsito. For more information from the tourist office of Toledo click here

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On the Menu…Don Sebastião Restaurante, Lagos (Portugal)

Located in the heart of the historic town of Lagos, on a pedestrian cobblestone street not far from the waterfront, you will find Don Sebastião Restaurante. Since opening in 1979, the restaurant has attracted a loyal following of customers who come for the traditional Portuguese cuisine, fresh seafood, and local ambiance with warm, friendly service. The interior dining rooms feature a rustic décor with traditional brick archways, or you can dine al fresco on the lovely outdoor terrace.

The menu features locally sourced ingredients, such as fish, shrimp, crabs, oysters and other seafood that come in daily on the local fishing boats. If you prefer meat, you can also find a selection of traditional Portuguese dishes, including pork chops with figs, or a hearty lamb stew with red wine.

To accompany your meal you can select from the extensive wine list. The owner's collection of over 240 varieties of Portuguese wines is stored in the restaurant's own underground wine cellar. Special tours of the cellar and wine tastings can be arranged with advance notice.

Rua 25 de Abril, 20-22         Phone: (282) 780 480

Lagos, Portugal                  Web: Don Sebastião

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On the Menu...Restaurante 100 Maneiras, Lisbon (Portugal)

If you venture over to Lisbon's trendy Bairro Alto neighborhood, make sure you visit one of the city's new hip restaurants, 100 Maneiras, which is Portuguese for "100 ways." The Bosnian-born chef Ljubomir Stanisic has won over both customers and critics alike with his modern interpretation of Portuguese cuisine.

He uses only the freshest ingredients, which are sourced daily from the local market. The menu offered is a 10-course prix fixe tasting menu that is sure to delight any foodie. The restaurant's intimate atmosphere, professional wait staff and inventive menu offerings are sure to leave you with a true dining experience. Be sure to make a reservation, since this small restaurant is sought out by many, and you won't want to be turned away.

Rua do Teixeira 35, Bairro Alto               Phone: (21) 099 04 75 Lisbon, Portugal                                  Web: Restaurante 100

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On the Menu...L'Estimat Restaurante, Valencia (Spain)

Paella is one of Spain's best known dishes and is served in restaurants throughout the country. But Valencia is the birthplace of this quintessential Spanish dish, so no visit to this city would be complete without sampling this local favorite.

L'Estimat Restaurant is a family owned restaurant that was established in 1927 and today is run by the 3rd generation of its founders. It is located on the Paseo Neptuno on Las Arenas beach. Here you will find so many different types of paella to choose from, that one visit may not be enough. If you're not sure where to start, the traditional Paella Valenciana, that contains chicken, rabbit, snails and vegetables, is a good choice, or you can opt for the Paella Marinera, that contains a variety of fresh seafood, including mussels, calamari and shrimp. Whatever type of paella you choose (seafood, meat, vegetable, or a combination), you will not leave hungry.

Paseo Neptuno, 16
Valencia, Spain
Phone: (963) 711 018
Web: L'Estimat Restaurante

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Next Stop...Guimarães (Portugal)

The picturesque medieval town of Guimarães is located about 30 miles northeast of Porto, in the heart of the Minho region. It is the birthplace of Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, and was the country's first capital. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and will be the European Capital of Culture in 2012.

On a hilltop just outside of town is a 12th C. Augustinian monastery that was built by Teresa, the mother of Afonso Henriques. There is also a Manueline church that still offers Mass on Sunday, along with extensive grounds and beautifully maintained gardens.

Today the monastery welcomes guests as the Pousada de Guimarães, Santa Marinha. It is one of the most impressive hotels in the Pousadas group, and was awarded the coveted Europa Nostra prize for its renovation and restoration. The Pousada has 49 rooms and 2 suites that are outfitted in traditional Portuguese style and have been equipped with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy the views of the city below from the beautiful outdoor swimming pool and gardens that surround the hotel.

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Time to Save...Barcelona Card (Spain)

For your next visit to Barcelona, don’t forget to purchase a Barcelona Card. This savings card features free travel on public transport, discounts and free offers at museums, cultural venues, leisure facilities, night clubs, shops, and restaurants, as well as other services and unique means of transport.

You can purchase a card for 2, 3, 4, or 5 consecutive days, and prices range from €27 - €45, so pick the one that best fits your itinerary. For more info on the card click here.

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On the Menu...Casa Lucio, Madrid (Spain)

Casa Lucio is located in the heart of Old Madrid, not far from the Plaza Mayor. Since 1974 it has been serving traditional Castilian dishes, such as Callos a la Madrileña (Madrid-style tripe), Cocido (Madrid-style stew). Cochinillo (roast suckling pig), Merluza de la Casa (hake in green sauce), and its signature dish, Huevos Estrellados ("broken eggs" mixed with potatoes). The charming atmosphere of the interior of the restaurant, with its tiled floors and white-washed walls, adds to the warm ambiance created by Lucio and his family, who still run the restaurant to this day.

Cava Baja, 35                                   Phone: (91) 365-8217
Madrid, Spain                                   Web: Casa Lucio

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Checking in...Hospes Palacio del Bailío Hotel, Córboda (Spain)

The city of Córdoba is a former Roman city that is best known for its Mezquita (mosque), as well as the narrow, cobblestone streets of its charming Jewish Quarter. Córdoba has the second largest Old Town in Europe, and visitors enjoy strolling through the picturesque streets, taking in the whitewashed houses with their beautiful patios and balconies.

Located in the heart of the historic center is the 5-star Palacio del Bailío Hotel. This traditional Moorish manor was built between the 16th and 18th centuries, and is designated as a Cultural Heritage monument. As you enter through the archway, you will be transported back in time. The buildings of the manor house are arranged around a series of patios, with one that has been restored to include a glass floor that reveals the Roman ruins that were buried beneath it.

The hotel offers standard Dreamers rooms that are adorned with velvet headboards, frescoes and hand-painted stucco walls, and larger Deluxe rooms that are each unique and include features such as vaulted ceilings or stone arches from the original palace. The Junior Suites include a sitting area, and the larger Suites include frescoes and original 18th C. paintings. The Grand Suite Loft located on the top floor is accessed via a private elevator, and offers panoramic views through its 14 arched windows that face the surroundings of the Dolores Convent.

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On the Menu...Mesón del Asador, Jerez (Spain)

Whether you're in the mood for having a few tapas at the bar, or for a sit-down meal in the restaurant, you are sure to enjoy both the food and rustic atmosphere at the Mesón del Asador. The restaurant is known not just for the fine quality of its grilled meats, but also for the generous portions served and the friendliness of its staff - all offered at reasonable prices. At the tapas bar be sure to try the cola de toro (oxtail), chistorras (Basque-style sausage), morcilla (blood sausage), and carillada (pig's cheek). Mesón del Asador is truly a meat-lover's paradise.

Avda. de la Cruz Roja, 20               Phone: (956) 311-404
Jerez de la Frontera, Spain             Web:   Mesón del Asador

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Next Stop...Salamanca (Spain)

 

 

 

 

 

Salamanca is a true gem of a city, located about a 2 hour drive northwest of Madrid. It is well known for its beauty, culture and the ambiance that is rooted in its world-renowned university.

The University of Salamanca, which was founded in 1218, is the oldest university in Spain and the third oldest university in Europe. The city has a vibrancy and pulse that is quite unique, and stems from the buzz created by the students that come from all parts of Spain, and from around the world, to study at this esteemed institution.

Salamanca has been nicknamed "La Dorada" (the Golden City) due to the golden color of the sandstone used in many of its buildings, which is quarried in the nearby town of Villamayor. In the sunlight, the buildings give off a warm glow that only adds to the beauty and enchantment of the town. It's no wonder that Salamanca has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage City. For more information from the Salamanca Tourist Office click here.

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Checking In...Hotel M'AR De AR Aqueduto, Évora (Portugal)

 

 

 

 

 

The city of Évora is the capital of the Upper Alentejo region. It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visitors can get a glimpse of its rich and varied history in the city's many monuments and churches.

The M'AR De AR Aqueduto is a 5-star hotel located in the heart of the historic city center. The hotel itself is historic, as it was built within the walls of the 16th C. Sepulveda Palace, which still retains the original chapel, dome ceiling, and a set of three Manueline windows from the palace.

Built alongside the traditional palace is a new wing that showcases contemporary-style architecture and design. The décor of the 64 guest rooms is stylish and elegant, with hardwood floors and neutral colors that are warm and relaxing. Rooms in the Superior category include either a patio or balcony, with views of the historic city center. 

The M’AR De AR Aqueduto provides guests with a unique combination of old and new under one roof. It also offers all the modern amenities expected in a 5-star hotel, including a spa. Guests can relax on the hotel's rooftop and enjoy the terrace and the pool while taking in the views of the 16th C. aqueduct nearby.

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On the Menu...Portugal's Other Wine: Vinho Verde

Most people are familiar with Port wine, the fortified wine named after Portugal's second largest city. But there is also another uniquely Portuguese wine produced in the Minho region called vinho verde, which literally means "green wine." The name "green" refers to the freshness of the wine, and not to the color, as the grapes are picked late and it is intended to be drunk within a year of bottling.

Vinhos verdes are light and fresh, have a lower alcohol content, and are a little bit fizzy. There are both red and white varieties; the reds are deep red in color and tannic, and the whites are lemon or straw colored, with fruity and floral aromas.

Vinhos verdes are served chilled, and go well with citrus-inspired foods and seafood. They are a perfect summer wine.

A few Minho region vineyards - click on name for their website:

• Casa de Vila Verde
• Aveleda
• Borges Wines
• Quinta de Santa Maria
• Quinta do Ameal
• Quinta de Gomariz

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Sites to See...Igreja de São Francisco, Porto (Portugal)

Built between 1383 and 1410, the Church of St. Francis was constructed in a Gothic style, and was transformed with Baroque decoration in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The church's ordinary-looking Gothic exterior belies what you will find once you step inside, which is the most extraordinary church interior in Porto, and unquestionably one of the most lavish church interiors in all of Europe.

Rua do Infante D. Henrique                Phone: (222) 006 493
Porto, Portugal

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Checking In....Alhambra Palace Hotel, Granada (Spain)

 

 

 

 

 

The Alhambra Palace is a 4-star hotel that is located on the Alhambra hill. It was inaugurated by His Majesty the King Alfonso XIII in 1910, and is just a five minute walk to the Alhambra (14th C. Moorish palace) and the Generalife (summer palace & garden retreat).

The hotel offers Standard rooms, some of which have balconies and sweeping views of the city, as well as Garden Suites, which have sitting areas and a separate bedroom.

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On the Menu...Restaurante Oliver, Granada (Spain)

After visiting the treasures of the Cathedral, take a short walk to Restaurante Oliver to sample the delicious local cuisine. You can take in the ambiance alongside the locals who frequent this restaurant and make a meal of the many savory tapas (small appetizer portions) served in the bar area.

If you prefer a more leisurely meal, you can sit in the dining room or terrace area and enjoy some of the specialties on the menu, including Andalusian gazpacho, mixed seafood paella, lamb chops, or one of the many fish dishes.

The wine list includes selections from the famed wine regions of La Rioja and Ribera del Duero, as well as some local wines from the Granada region. Be sure to finish off your meal with a homemade dessert, such as rice pudding, flan, or a popular Andalusian dessert called tocino de cielo (heavenly treat) made from egg yolks and sugar.

Plaza Pescadería, 12                Phone: (958) 262 200
Granada, Spain                       Web: Restaurante Oliver

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Time to Save...Lisbon Card (Portugal)

On your next trip to Lisbon, get more for less by purchasing one or more of the special discount cards available to visitors:

The Lisboa Card has a wide range of benefits, including:

• Free admission to 26 museums, monuments and places of interest
• Free use of the Metro and some other buses and trams
• 10% to 50% discounts on local services and cultural places of interest
• 5% to 10% discount in some shops

Cards are valid for either 24, 48 or 72 hours, and range in cost from €17.50 to €36.00

There is also a Lisboa Restaurant Card which provides cardholders with discounts of 10% or more at its 36+ subscribing restaurants. Cards are valid for 72 hours, and range in cost from €6.15 (single) to €10.75 (family).

Lastly, there is the Lisboa Shopping Card which provides cardholders with discounts between 5% and 20% at over 200 member shops. Cards are valid for either 24 or 72 hours, and range in cost from €3.70 to €5.80.

The more you spend, the more you will save, so purchase your cards today! For more information on all three Lisboa Cards click here.

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On the Menu...Cozinha de São Humberto, Évora (Portugal)

Located just off the Praço do Giraldo in an old wine cellar, this cozy and atmospheric restaurant has been delighting diners since it opened in 1971. The traditional dishes served highlight the many specialties of the Alentejo region, including the Sopa de Cação (shark soup with bread and coriander), baked duck rice, Alentejo pork with clams, and regional lamb stew, to name just a few.

Rua da Moeda, 39                        Phone: (26) 670 42 51
Évora, Portugal

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Checking In...Hotel Casa Romana, Seville (Spain)

The Hotel Casa Romana is located on a residential street in the heart of Seville. The 19th C. building originally served as a private mansion.

It was converted to a boutique hotel and maintains all of the charm and elegance of the original private home, including a tranquil interior courtyard that is framed by columns and stone arches, along with traditional ceramic-tiled floors.

The hotel’s 26 rooms are tastefully designed and decorated in a soothing color palette. The bathrooms are well appointed and many have hydro-massage tubs and separate showers.

After taking in the sites of this beautiful city, you can enjoy the peaceful oasis of the rooftop terrace, where there is a solarium and Jacuzzi waiting to help you relax. The Casa Romana will truly be your home away from home in Seville. For more information on the hotel click here.


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Next Stop...Palacio Real de la Granja, Segovia (Spain)

 

 

 

 

 

If you are planning a day trip to Segovia, be sure to include in your itinerary a stop in the town of La Granja de San Idelfonso to see the Royal Palace of La Granja. It is located about 15 minutes southeast of Segovia, or about an hour drive north of Madrid.

La Granja was the summer palace of the Bourbon kings. It was built from 1719-1739 by Philip V, the grandson of Louis XIV, who attempted to replicate the grandeur of his birthplace, Versailles. The word granja means farm, and there was once a farm on the site of the palace. Visitors to La Granja can tour the palace and gardens, and see a collection of antiques, paintings, and an impressive collection of Flemish tapestries.

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Sites to See...Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago (Spain)

Overlooking the Plaza del Obradoiro in the heart of the old town is the majestic Catedral de Santiago, which was completed in 1211. The Cathedral is the largest Romanesque church in Spain, and one of the largest in Europe.

The Cathedral is the destination point for the millions of pilgrims who follow the Way of St. James each year, a route that begins in France and traverses northern Spain. They make the pilgrimage to visit the Cathedral, which holds what are believed to be the remains of the Apostle St. James. Legend has it that St. James’ remains were brought back to Galicia in 44 AD, after he was beheaded in Jerusalem. For more information click here

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Next Stop...Queluz (Portugal)

 

 

 

Only 20 minutes northwest of Lisbon is the town of Queluz. It makes a perfect day trip out of Lisbon and is easily accessed by car, train or bus. When you arrive, head straight for the Queluz Palace.

In the early 1800s the town's proximity to Lisbon and pristine country setting made it the perfect location for the royal family's estate and hunting lodge. In the latter part of the century the country estate was converted into a grander Summer Palace by the Infante Dom Pedro, and was the home of Queen Maria I during her reign. Today the Summer Palace and its gardens remain one of the finest examples of late 18th C. Portuguese architecture; it is often referred to as the "Portuguese Versailles." For more information on the Palace click here

If you would like to experience what it was like to stay in one of these fine buildings firsthand, you now can, as one of the buildings on the palace grounds once used by the Royal Guard of the Court is now a hotel - the Pousada de Queluz (Dona Maria I). For more information on the Pousada click here

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