Venue

If you’re dreaming about your next trip to Europe, come and discover Lisbon, a historical city full of stories to tell, where the sun shines 290 days a year and the temperature rarely drops below 15oC. A city where you feel safe wandering around day or night, where the cuisine is dedicated to creating over a thousand ways to cook the beloved bacalhau (salted cod), and where you’ll find hotels and restaurants to suit every taste, budget and requirement. Discover Lisbon, a city full of authenticity where old customs and ancient history intermix with cultural entertainment and hi-tech innovation. Lisbon is ageless, but it loves company, as you’ll find out if you meet someone and ask them to explain, with lots of gestures and repetition, where the best place is to listen to Fado. After all, Lisbon is famous for its hospitality and the family-like way it welcomes visitors.

Not to miss in Lisbon:

Baixa (downtown) - the busy financial and shopping area. Praça do Comércio, the magnificent «Black Horse» Square with its Triumphal Arch facing the River Tagus, the Cathedral, the City Hall, the Carmo Convent, etc.

Alfama - charming ancient Moorish quarter with narrow winding streets and picturesque white washed houses. On top of the hill is the St. Jorge's Castle from where you have fantastic view over the city and the river Tagus.

Bairro Alto - a typical "quarter" in the city centre where the nightlife is lively and where you will find some of the more famous Fado houses, where Fado (the traditional "blues" of Lisbon) is performed.

Belém - the westernmost part of the city, known for its UNESCO world heritage monuments and other important and emblematic buildings (Tower of Belém, Jerónimos Monastery, Discovery's Monument, Cultural Centre, Royal Coaches Museum, Ajuda Royal Palace and the Presidential Palace). This area is also appreciated by the local inhabitants for its leisure and recreational areas. It was from the Belém river shore, near its graceful Tower (1515), that the ships of Vasco da Gama and other famous explorers set sail.

Parque das Nações (Nations Park) – this was the site of the world Expo'98, leaving its legacy of avant-garde architecture along the river Tagus to Lisbon. The area is today a residential area including some spectacular constructions such as the Vasco da Gama Tower, the old oil refinery Galp Tower, the Pavilhão de Portugal (designed by the awarded Portuguese architect Siza Vieira), the Oceanarium and the superb "Atlantico Dome" - Lisbon's multipurpose hall for sports, shows, meetings and exhibitions.

Mini Cruise Tagus River - A mini cruise is a real must as its offers a complete view over the city. Centuries of history will emerge from its monuments scattered along the hills always with a window open to the river.

Climate

The average maximum and minimum temperature in the Lisbon area in July are 28ºC / 82 F (high) and 18ºC / 64,4 F (low). Please take into consideration that Lisbon is located by the river and the ocean, and therefore can be somewhat windy in the late afternoon or evening. A sweater or a ladies pashmina may be necessary.

Currency

Portugal is a member of the European Monetary System, and the previous currency Escudo was replaced by the €uro on 1 January 2002.

Electric Current

Portuguese standard is the European type 2 pin sockets with 220 volts AC at 50 cycles. The phase 380 volt current is normally available in meeting rooms and exhibition halls.

Health Requirements

With the exception of vaccination certificates for persons coming from areas where yellow fever is endemic, at the present there are no special health requirements.

Hotel Check in/out Policy

Normal check in time at hotels is 15h00. The established check out time is 12h00. Should you need guaranteed occupancy before 13h00 on the day of your arrival, the previous night should be reserved.

Local Time

Mainland Portugal is 1 hour ahead of European Standard Time (C.E.T. + 1).

Language

The official language in Portugal is Portuguese. Both English, Spanish and French are widely spoken.

Medical Care

Clinics and hospitals provide 24 hrs emergency service.

The national emergency phone number is 112. Hotels have a doctor on call through the reception. Reciprocal E.C. cover is available at out-patient departments, otherwise private consultation fees are charged.

Smoking

The Portuguese law, in accordance with Regulations in force in the majority of European Countries and the USA, does not allow smoking in any public transportation or in any closed public areas (some restaurants, bars and discotecs may have a designated smoking area).

TAX Free

Sales tax (VAT) is included in prices quoted. For non E.U. residents, tax free shopping schemes are available in many shops, which give substantial savings to visitors.