Portugal’s borders have remained unchanged for centuries and it has been independent since the mid 12th century. The land-mass is long and narrow and bordered by coast along two sides and its relationship with the sea an intense and passionate one. You will find picturesque fishing villages dotted along the entire coastline and even the areas influenced strongly by tourism still seem to preserve their age old tradition of catching and selling fish. Architecture in Portugal is like stepping into another time with lime-washed buildings along steep, narrow cobbled streets, decorative azulejo tiles covering the walls and historical churches and monasteries telling stories of trouble and triumph. For adventure you will find it hard to beat with virtually every water sport, great surfing, whale watching and rafting whilst on land the choices continue with horse riding, mountain and geology adventures plus the best of nature with incredible bird-watching and orienteering opportunities. Gastronomy is alive and well accompanied by superb wines and of course its signature Port.