The westernmost country of Europe is a beautiful land of marked contrasts whose bold, sea-faring people pushed forward the frontiers of the ancient world. Evidence of that glorious heritage can be seen everywhere: in fascinating cities, extraordinarily lovely scenery and warm, unaffected people who keep alive their age old traditions and ceremonies. This country, with its unexpected contrasts, is a most stimulating and rewarding one to tour. The white holiday beaches of the Algarve give way to the green Monchique hills, then to the cork tree-covered plains of the Alentejo stretching to Lisbon, among the loveliest of all European cities, and beyond to wooded and vine-covered hills encompassing vibrant towns before finally reaching the Spanish border.
