With the launch of Emirates flights to Portugal, Emirates Holidays, the airline's tour operating arm, has announced holiday offers to this European country that boasts a variety of landscapes — from mountains to wide plains to sandy beaches and rocky coves.
Lisbon, the country's capital, is known to be one of the oldest cities in the world, rich in history and culture with a modern twist. Famed as the City of Seven Hills (Cidade das Sete Colinas), Lisbon was originally built over seven steep hills on the margins of River Tagus.
One of Lisbon's highlights is the Elevador de Santa Justa. Built in the early 1900's, this Gothic-style street elevator runs from Baixa way up to Bairro Alto. Other places of interest include the Pasteis de Belem which opened in 1837 and known for their Portuguese egg tart pastry; Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, a grand monastery housing the tombs of national heroes including Vasco de Gama; the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, Portugal's national gallery; and the medieval castle — Castelo de Sao Jorge surrounded by steep streets and close-packed houses of Alfama. Not to be missed is Lisbon's trams which have been part of the city's heart and soul for more than 100 years, and the best way to experience the city in true Portuguese style. From Lisbon, Cascais - a quaint beach town - is just a 40-minute drive or train ride.
On the other hand, Porto — Portugal's second largest city - is the gateway to the north of the country. Porto not only provided the nation with its name (from the city's Latin title, Portus Cale) but also that of the renowned fortified traditional local beverage. Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its rich architectural heritage.
Emirates Holidays has a variety of holiday options to both Lisbon and Porto with choice hotel accommodations.
