As you realize, if you read my last published article, my
prediction for the “Up and Coming Wines of 2014” are from the TEJO region in central
Portugal, a short hour and a half ride from the Lisbon airport.
A few e-mail responses to my article made me realize that a
group of my readers would like to visit the region, possibly as a side trip
from Lisbon or Porto.
I suggest that your side trip be more than a side trip, but,
one that will let you observe the region from many vantage points.
Your trip, if you have the time should last a minimum of three days.
What you can accomplish, of course, is up to you.
Your trip, if you have the time should last a minimum of three days.
What you can accomplish, of course, is up to you.
TAP airlines, the airline of Portugal, is a suitable choice to fly to Lisbon.
At the airport, rent a car (www.rentalcars.com
) and drive directly to the historical city of Santarem, in Tejo.
Small car rentals average $25 a day at RentalCars.com. I found their prices to be the lowest as of 30 December, 2013.
My choice of where to stay is Hotel Santarem ($70).
The hotel overlooks the city and is within walking distance of its historical section.
Small car rentals average $25 a day at RentalCars.com. I found their prices to be the lowest as of 30 December, 2013.
My choice of where to stay is Hotel Santarem ($70).
The hotel overlooks the city and is within walking distance of its historical section.
HOTEL SANTAREM:
Tel # 351 243 330 800
Avenida Madre Andaluz
2000-210 Santarem,
Portugal
Rates: Queen size bed or two twin beds.
53 Euros a night ($70) (You may find a better rate online)
View of the Rio Tejo
53 Euros a night ($70) (You may find a better rate online)
View of the Rio Tejo
Hotel Santarem
Website: www.SantaremHotel.net
A Walking Tour Guide in Santarem
TAKE A WALKING TOUR (Day 1)
Santarem is a great city and a great starting point to learn about Santarem, one of the few cities in Portugal where the Gothic style of architecture remains.
Santarem is considered the ‘Capital of Gothic style.
Start your walking tour by visiting the Santarem Archaeological Museum, housed in a Romanesque Church. One of the highlights of its collection is a 15th century tomb of a nobleman who was killed in battle. The tomb was commissioned by his widow and was built to house just a single tooth.
Nearby is the beautiful, Gothic Church of Graca, where you can see the gravestone of Pedro Alvares Cabral, the Portuguese navigator who discovered Brazil in 1500. Follow the path to the town’s farmers market and learn about the varieties of vegetables that are grown in the area.
End your tour at Portas de Sol, the remains of the castle that protected the city.
The Farmer's Market in Santarem at dawn
Website: www.SantaremHotel.net
TAKE A WALKING TOUR (Day 1)
Santarem is a great city and a great starting point to learn about Santarem, one of the few cities in Portugal where the Gothic style of architecture remains.
Santarem is considered the ‘Capital of Gothic style.
Start your walking tour by visiting the Santarem Archaeological Museum, housed in a Romanesque Church. One of the highlights of its collection is a 15th century tomb of a nobleman who was killed in battle. The tomb was commissioned by his widow and was built to house just a single tooth.
Nearby is the beautiful, Gothic Church of Graca, where you can see the gravestone of Pedro Alvares Cabral, the Portuguese navigator who discovered Brazil in 1500. Follow the path to the town’s farmers market and learn about the varieties of vegetables that are grown in the area.
End your tour at Portas de Sol, the remains of the castle that protected the city.
Quinta da Alorna
After doing a bit of shopping in town look for one of the many typical restaurants that line the cobblestone streets of Santarem. If you are a bit tired from the flight, consider eating at the hotel on your first night.
The restaurant offers regional food as well as local wine.
Prices are reasonable.
After doing a bit of shopping in town look for one of the many typical restaurants that line the cobblestone streets of Santarem. If you are a bit tired from the flight, consider eating at the hotel on your first night.
The restaurant offers regional food as well as local wine.
Prices are reasonable.
DAY 2 and 3
The vineyards are divided into three areas:
The Bairro, North of the Rio Tejo.
The Leziria, Along the Rio Tejo.
Charneca, South of the Rio
Tejo.
BAIRRO:
LEZIRIA:
Somewhere along the wine route,
take time to visit the Wine Museum of Cartaxo. The museum offers an insight
into the historical aspects of the vineyards and is well worth the visit.
The wineries in Tejo require that you call ahead and make reservations for a tour and tasting of the wines. Visit the website of each winery and plan ahead when visiting.
Also, contact: geral@cvrtejo.pt
to help plan your vineyard visit.
More information can be found at: www.cvrtejo.pt
More information can be found at: www.cvrtejo.pt
Visit TEJO…
and DISCOVER what I have DISCOVERED
“THE TRENDY WINES of 2014 are from TEJO”
Philip S. Kampe
2 comments:
You really believe in TEJO and their wines. I guess I will get on the bandwagon.
When is the next airplane? Great informative article.
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