Page 13 - AAA Northampton County – AAA Now! – Fall 2017

TRAVEL WITH SOMEONE YOU TRUST®
PORTUGAL – A LAND OF HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE
TRAVEL
TM
While Portugal has dwelled in the shadow of Spain for centuries, it has in recent years emerged as one of Europe’s most unique destinations – a combination of great resorts along the Algarve in the south, and one of Europe’s most historical cities, Lisbon, or Lisboa.
Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since its conquest from the Moors in 1147, and much of its historical character is still intact. The historic center of the city is built on seven hills, making some of the city’s streets too steep for motor vehicles. So there are three funiculars and one elevator to take people up and down. The Alfama is one of the oldest quarters in Lisboa. Since it survived the earthquake of 1755 that destroyed much of the city, the area has retained most of its original layout.
It is Lisbon’s position on seven low hills beside a river that originally attracted traders and settlers, and it’s still a stunning site. Wide, tree-lined avenues are accented by art nouveau buildings, mosaic pavement, and an endless stream of cafes. Its housing looks as though it suddenly leapt from an impressionist’s painting, with low-rise, pastel and ochre brown buildings, and church towers and
domes rising in the distance.
Like Spain, Portugal is really a nation of different
parts. In the north is the town of Porto, classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and it is where the country’s world-famous port wine originated. A visit to the lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia will get you free tastings of the famous product. Also in
the north, approximately 88 miles from Lisbon, lies Fatima. Each year, millions of pilgrims and tourists from around the world visit this town to pay homage to one of the most important Catholic shrines dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
The historic hilltop town of Obidos, encircled
by a fortified wall, is also a big tourist draw. With a history dating back to the Middle Ages, it remains
a well-preserved example of medieval architecture. The winding alleyways of the walled city lead to the famous eighth-century Castle of Obidos.
To the south, the Algarve is the Portuguese equivalent of Spain’s Costa del Sol, drawing tourists from around Europe. Situated at the extreme south of Portugal, this part of the territory was the last to be conquered from the Moors by the Portuguese king Dom Afonso III in 1292. You’ll still find traces
of the Moorish presence in the unique terraces, chimneys and whitewashed houses that form the region’s villages.
The southern coastline is a continuous, sandy beach, broken by extraordinary rugged red cliffs. Faro is the capital of the region, with a medieval wall and a large number of monuments, including the Roman ruins of Milreu in the suburbs.
2 for 1 CRUISE FARES
includes:
Airfae* & Unlimited Internet
plus choose one:
FREE - Shore Excursions FREE-Beverage Package FREE - Shipboard Credit
Exclusive Amenity: Pre-Paid Gratuities and Wine Tasting Event on select sailings *Amenities are per stateroom
Call 610-258-2371, click aaanc.com,
or visit AAA Northampton County,
3914 Hecktown Road, Easton, PA 18045
Discover a region bursting with
Call 610.258.2371 • Click aaanc.com
Visit AAA Northampton County, 3914 Hecktown Road, Easton, PA 18045
Spain’s Classics & Portugal
14 Days, 19 Meals · Starting at $2,599*
Highlights: Lisbon, Fatima, Nazare, Obidos, Madrid, Royal Palace, Toledo, Cordoba, Seville, Flamenco Show, Granada, The Alhambra, Valencia, Paella Experience, Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell
Member Benefits
AAA Member Benefit: $50 savings per person.
AAA Vacations® Complimentary Inclusion: Receive $50 credit to use toward the pre-booked optional tour of your choice.
On all air-inclusive tours, receive roundtrip home to airport sedan service†
*Rate is land only, per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. AAA Member Benefit savings is reflected in the rate. † Not valid on group travel. Included in many U.S. cities within a 50 mile radius of more than 90 airport gateways. Service is available between 51 and 75 miles for a small fee. One transfer per room booking. Additional stops are not permitted on route. Other restrictions may apply; call for details.
CST# 2006766-20 UBN# 601220855 Nevada Seller of Travel Registration No. 2003-0279
FALL 2017
3914 Hecktown Rd., Easton, PA • (610) 258-2371 • northampton.aaa.com
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