80Regional Information - Portugal80Places Of Interest & Things To SeeLagosThe most likeable town in the Algarve with a seafaringtradition dating back to the 15th century when Henrythe Navigator set sail for the New world from its port.Historical places of interest are the Church of SantoAnonio, Pau da Bandeira fort and a walk along thecity walls, but Lagos has a relaxed and modern charmof its own for those who want a lively night.Cape San VincentThought of by the medieval Portuguese to be the endof the world before Colombus disproved that theory,this is still the most south-westerly tip of Europe. Thelonely lighthouse polices this busy shipping lane facingnothing but the Azores and the East coast of theUSA! The towering cliffs and stunning beaches aresplendid sights to match the romance of this place.Praia da LuzOnce a busy fishing village when tuna was caught byhuge nets draped from beneath the Fort. The remainsof the Roman bath house by the sea indicate it hasalways been a favourite fishing destination. As thefishmigrated south so tourists have migrated intoappreciate this pleasant little town with goodrestaurants and lively bars.Algarve's golden triangleQuinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Vilamoura marinaare the addresses for the millionaires and theirfabulous villas. Take a walk around the harbour toname check the yachts by day, or visit the chicrestaurants and nightclubs in the evening.Caldas de MonchiqueIf you are searching for a haven of tranquillity, visit thelovely inland area of Monchique where a quiet ruralway of life is still enjoyed amongst the terraced fieldsand forests. At 900m the summit of Foia is thehighest point of the Algarve with stunning viewsofthe coast.West coast and AljezurTake the time to visit the great beaches and unspoiltscenery of the western coast. There are somefantastic stretches of sand and more authenticeateries to be discovered as you make your way tothe magical town of Ajezur within the Costa Vicentinanature reserve.Fun For All The FamilyDolphin safarisYou can take a boat trip from Lagos harbour to seethe dolphins in their wild habitat but also visit theDolphinarium at Alcanarilha for a stunning show ofthese intelligent and entertaining mammals.Aqualand water park near AlcantarilhaSample some of the fastest and most exhilaratingrides in this superb water park.Mark McCarrick soccer school at Boavista resort(3km)Learn new skills and techniques from professionalcoaches so you can start the new season in top form.Want to feel the wind in the sails like the ancientmariners? Take a boat ride along the coast toSagresin sail boats to recreate the famousPortuguese sailing style.Local Specialities. Soups - home made fish soups are specialities.. Shellfish for starters always recommended.. Dourada (sea bream) and sardines for main course,Cataplana and Caldeira the most famous seafoodstews.. Meat courses - Piri piri is the famous chilli sauceand Frango piri piri is a delicious charcoal chickendish.. Sweets - The Portuguese are great confectioners:Pudim Flan is a local crème caramel not to bemissed.. Portuguese wines - massive variety and greatquality on offer: Vinho Verde from the north is alight and refreshing white wine; Local reds fromtheprovince of Alentejo are consistent: Redondo,Borba and Reguegos are names to look out for.Otherwise the Duoro valley wines have internationalreputations and offer exceptional value.Algarvethomsonalfresco.co.uk

8181thomsonalfresco.co.ukPlaces Of Interest & Things To SeeTivoliPerched high on a hill is this small provincial townwhich is famous for the travertine quarries nearby, andits fine ancient Roman Villa and landscaped gardensand parks. In classical days it was a retirement townfor wealthy Romans, now you willfind a town whichexports precious stone worldwide. In the main square'Largo Garibaldi' you will find the 'Villa of CardinalIppolito d'Este', where you can visit the beautifulgardens and fountains.Villa AdrianoLocated just outside the village of Tivoli you will findwhat was the largest and most sumptuous villa in theRoman empire, 'Villa Adriano'. The ruins of this 2ndcentury Villa is a spectacular attraction, formallyEmperor Hadrian's summer residence. Hadrian wasagreat traveller and architect, andmany parts of thebuilding are inspired by buildings around the world. ViterboThis 13th century medieval town was once somethingof a rival to Rome, and even today, is the region's mosthistoric centre after Rome. Once the residence ofpopes, you will find a handful of grand palaces andchurches surrounded by medieval walls. You will findthe centre of Viterbo at 'Piazza del Plebiscito' a squaresurrounded by the town's most historic group ofbuildings. While here you could make a trip to thechurch of 'Sant'Angelo' orvisit 'Via Lorenzo' here youwill pass the pretty 'Piazza di Gesù'. Don't forget theold quarter 'Quartiere Pellegrino' and the Papal Palace,a 13th century building which overlooks the greengorge that cuts through the into the centre of Viterbo. BraccianoBracciano with its archaeological and artistic richnessissituated on a hill and is famous for itsmedievalcastle 'Castello Orsini-Odelscalchi' which overlooks thevolcanic lake. Due to the castle's structural, architectureand excellent state of conservation it is considered oneof the most important castles of Italy. The town alsoholds greatantique markets in the town's squares onthesecond and third Sunday of the month. Castel Sant' AngeloReached by one of the world's most beautiful bridges'Bernini's billowing' you will find 'Sant' Angelo'. Thiscircular building was originally constructed as the burialplace of the Emperor Hadrian. However in the 6thcentury it was converted into a papal fortress, withunderground passages to the Vatican palaces. Today,you willfind it home to an interesting museum.ColosseumThe Colosseum is both an important historicalandcultural monument. This awe-inspiring ancientmonument was organically known as the 'FlavianAmphitheatre' and was begun by emperor Vespasianaround 72 AD. The elliptical-shaped Colosseum took10 years to build and stood 40metres high, 188metres along with four stories of windows, arches, andcolumns that could hold 50,000 people. The Romansused to flock here for gladiatorial contests, and towatch criminals being attacked by wildanimalsPantheon'Marcus Agrippa's Pantheon' is one of the world's mostawesome architectural creations. Built in 27BC, it wasoriginally dedicated as a temple to allgods, and wasthen rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian in120 AD. Here youwill find a dome which is the largest masonry vaultever built, resting on an elegant drum of columns andpediments. Walking into the interior of the Pantheonyou will appreciate the enormity of the columns thatform the pillared porch. You will understand why thisisone of the best preserved relic's of ancient Rome.Inthe 'piazza del Pantheon' not only will you find thePantheon, but you will also find a beautiful fountainand numerous open air bars where you can rest andappreciate the atmosphere.Trevi FountainsThe Trevi Fountains - 'Fontana di Trevi' one of thefinest ofRome's many fountains. This spectacularfountain has alocal tradition attached to it, if youthrow a few Euro overyour shoulder into the fountain,they say you will return to Rome. Circus MaximusThe Circus was a large, oval track where chariot racestook place, along with other events such asgladiatorialcombats and wild animal hunts, athleticevents, andprocessions. The last race heldat the Circus Maximuswas in 549 AD, nearly a full millennium after the track'sconstruction. Thespectator capacity for the CircusMaximus wasa quarter of a million people!The ForumBuilt over 900 years ago, the Roman Forum 'ForoRomano' was the commercial, administrative, politicaland religious centre of ancient Rome from theRepublican era until the 4th century AD. Here youwillfind columns rising from grassy hillocks, andrepositioned pediment. You will also see the 'Arch ofConstantine' and 'Via Sacra' the best known street ofancient Rome.The Palatine HillNear the Arch of Titus you will find the PalatineHill,supposedly where the city of Rome was founded.Here you will find some of Rome's mostancient ruins.The Vatican City - RomeYour visit would not be complete without a trip to theworld's richest treasure chest containing an astonishingcollection of priceless art treasures. There is much tosee, from St Peter's Square, the largest church in theworld, 'St Peter's Basilica', then to the impressivemuseums where you will find the richest and mostcompelling collection of Renaissance paintings. Don'tforget the Vatican is also home to the Sistine Chapel.Piazza di Spagna This beautiful piazza is formed from two sharptriangles that meet at the points so really doesn't lookmuch like a square. From here you can travel down the'Spanish Steps' to the impressive double-bell toweredchurch.Fun For All The FamilyLago di BraccianoThis picturesque lake fills an enormous volcanic crater.Why not rent a boat and enjoy a picnic offshore? Guidonia WaterparkThis is central Italy's largest waterpark, and makes areally great day out.The Time Elevator RomaSituated near Piazza Venezia, the 'Time Elevator Romais a unique, multi-sensory attraction that brings to life3000 years of Roman history. You will get to see, feel,hear and ride great moments in the history of Rome.Local Specialities. Tortina di carciofi - baked artichoke. Cannelloni. Pesto. Mozzarella and Gorgonzola cheese.. Wines - Pinot Grigio and Frascati.RomeRegional Information - Italy