Portugal

Globe Trekker Video. Located in southern Europe with its west face surrounded by the Atlantic ocean Portugal is known for its sunny climate and superb beach resorts. Visitors are also attracted to the vineyards, stunning inland landscapes and its thriving capital, Lisbon. Traveler Megan McCormick starts her journey in the beautiful Doruro Valley before heading north to trek through the spectacular Peneda Geres National Park. Moving south through Fatima and Santarem, she stops in Lisbon before ending her journey in the idyllic Azores. 55 minutes. Along the way... $_$_START_LIST ? Learn how Port is made in a vineyards. ? Join a celebration at a local wedding. ? Visit the chilling human skeletons at the famous Church Of Bones. ? Go whale watching in the Azores. ? Revive your energy with seaweed therapy. $_$_END_LIST

DVD. Six Shows: 3 hours, closed captioned, NTSC format, all region compatible. Here's where we'll take you... The Majesty of Madrid -- Madrid is studded with riches from its glory days. We tour the lavish Royal Palace, enjoy art-packed museums, and look deep into Picasso's greatest masterpiece. Experiencing Madrid at its fun-loving best, we're mesmerized by flamenco dancers and munch on pigs' ears. Then, for a dose of Spain's dramatic history, we side-trip to El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen. Highlights of Castille: Toledo and Salamanca -- Castille sparkles with Roman Segovia, walled Avila, student-filled Salamanca, and holy Toledo! We marvel at El Greco, pop some explosive pickles, and ramble Spain's most awe-inspiring medieval walls. Then, just for fun, we drop in on a bachelorette party with local troubadours, slice and savor tasty jamon, stroll with the crowd, and grab a front-row seat to enjoy Europe's most enchanting square. Sevilla and Andalusia -- Sevilla is the flamboyant city of Carmen and Don Juan. It's where bullfighting is still politically correct and where little girls dream of growing up to become flamenco dancers. Sevilla has soul -- and we feel it in its lacy Moorish palace, massive cathedral, lavish royal tombs, labyrinthine Jewish quarter, and its people-filled streets. After munching tasty tapas, we head south for Andalusia's ultimate whitewashed hilltown, Arcos de la Frontera. Spain's Costa del Sol -- Here in southern Spain, we explore Granada's Alhambra -- Europe's last and greatest Moorish palace, and we soak up the sun on a Costa del Sol beach. As we check out Gibraltar, a last vestige of the British Empire, we feed the legendary monkeys at the Rock of Gibraltar. Finally, a day trip to Africa takes us to Tangier where we plunge into the exotic, packed-tight markets and streets of old Morocco. Lisbon and the Algarve -- Experiencing the best of Portugal, we start in Lisbon, a ramshackle mix of glorious old and fun-loving new. Salty sailors' quarters and wistful Fado singers mix with ornate architecture to recall the glory days when Vasco da Gama and Magellan made Portugal a world power. After a uniquely matador-brutalizing Portuguese bullfight, we head for the south coast of your travel dreams -- the Algarve. We explore the Land's End of Europe -- windy and historic Cape Sagres before savoring pristine beaches and arm-wrestling octopi in the sleepy fishing village of Salema. Portugal's Heartland -- Leaving Lisbon for the countryside, we eat barnacles in a salty old fishing town, march with pilgrims on the anniversary of a miracle, ponder the local Romeo and Juliet, sample university life, and rummage through the riches of Portugal's Golden Age.

DVD. 7 Days. 52 Minutes. In the south of the country, the Algarve is the mainstay of Portuguese tourism with golden sandy beaches, bright red rocky coasts and a profusion of castles built by the Christian kings during the Moorish Wars. Faro is the capital of the Algarve and today its huge old city wall indicates its past importance. Close to the Baroque cathedral, the attractive centre of the old town has been well preserved and indicates the town's historic and dazzling past. Lisbon is the heart of Portugal and is located on the massive Tejo Bay. The Marques De Pombal rebuilt the city after it experienced the most devastating earthquake ever to hit a European town when only the plain, pointed arches of the Carmo Monastery's distinctive roof withstood the catastrophic earthquake. Baixa is the name of the lower city from which a lift ascends to the heights of Bairro Alto from where there are amazing views across the rooftops of the old town of Alfama. `Electricos' are Lisbon's quaint and unique trams which squeak and roar through the old town, traveling along the narrow streets and up and down the hills. The Torre De Belem once guarded the approaches to Lisbon's harbor. Shimmering white like a fantastic mirage, the city's most famous landmark is located on the shores of the Tejo. It was from here that ships crews were bid farewell as they set out on their long voyages of discovery. The town of Sintra is situated on a forest slope on the Sierra De Sintra. Its mild climate and proximity to the capital city led the kings of Portugal to build their summer palaces here and there is an abundance of grand residences and palaces each surrounded by beautiful gardens and tropical plants. Located atop a tall rock is the Palacio Da Pena, a pseudo-fantasy castle which dates from the Middle Ages. The long bridge over the River Douro was built by Gustave Eiffel and is in the form of a huge arch constructed solely of iron and from which, on two levels, it connects the town of Porto with Vila Nova De Gaia. Portugal is a country of churches and cathedrals, massive fortresses, magnificent castles and prosperous towns.The sunshine and glorious coastline are mere bonuses!

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. Al-Gharb - The Land In The West! Because it formed part of their realm, the southernmost province of Portugal was thus named by the Arabs who occupied it and everywhere there are castles which the Christian kings built during the Moorish Wars. Tavira had numerous rulers, among them Romans and Greeks who established a trading centre. Unobtrusive elegance is an indication of the prosperity of bygone times and due to the city's thirty well-preserved churches it is referred to as The City Of Churches. Olhao is a busy fishing port, the tiled benches on its shoreline offering a relaxed view of the day's activities. Its fishermen are said to be the most courageous in the region and in 1808 some of them crossed the Atlantic in a small boat until they reached Rio de Janeiro. Faro is the capital of the Algarve, the heritage of numerous cultures that possesses its own unique atmosphere. Near to the Baroque cathedral, the attractive centre of the old town has been well preserved and demonstrates Faro's historic and dazzling past. Portimao not only boasts a fishing port but also one of the Algarve's most beautiful beaches. When the Carthaginians came here from the Mediterranean they built a harbour for their ships, the Portus Hannibalis. The sleepy small town of Silves, formerly known as Xelb, was once the splendid capital of the Moorish Al-Gharb. The castle area is a reminder of its former Arab occupation and Christian Crusades. From the huge red sandstone Moorish castle there's a breathtaking view across the green hills of the surrounding landscape. Three hundred days of sunshine each year, a breathtakingly beautiful landscape, isolated bays with red rocks, golden sandy beaches and crystal blue sea, picturesque villages and castles with a fascinating history. That is the Algarve!

DVD. Cities of the World. 60 Minutes. Portugal. The 5 and half thousand square meters large southern part of the once proud colonial empire is Algarve, bathing all year in the sun. From the hilltops, moor forts look down on to the surroundings. In the old towns narrow roads lead up to the magnificent Manuel-style temples. The buildings are ornamented by Azulejos, moor painted tiles. The monuments and statues summon adventurers and explorers: Magellan and Vasco De Gama. The country is full of fishing villages, palm trees, vine arbours, olive tree orchards, and orange gardens. The Playa de Rocha and the other sandy beaches are surrounded by large cliffs, stone archs and lagoons. On the hill of Moniche we travel among pine trees and para oaks. From the lighthouse of the Saint Vincent cape we can only see the endless Atlantic Ocean, which the medieval man thought to be the end of the world...

Francis Porto (Igreja de Sao Francisco), Portugal - Travel Video. DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Since the early foundation of Porto in Roman times the Douro River has been an important lifeline for the second largest city in Portugal. Its outstanding landmark, the Igreja De Sao Francisco, rises up above the steep riverbank and over a nostalgic tramline. During the economic and cultural flowering period of the city the plain Igreja De Sao Francisco of those days was transformed into a splendid building. In the 17th and 18th centuries a vast amount of money was donated to the church and this assisted in creating the historic masterpiece of today. No expense was spared by the local citizens. It is thought that more than two hundred kilograms of gold leaf was used to adorn the church. Even today the highly detailed quality of the woodcarvings highlights the magnificent craftsmanship of bygone times. Whether the pulpit or the many paintings, the abundance of exquisite workmanship is simply astonishing and unique in the whole of Porto, an impressive fantasy of marble and gold.

Travel Video. DVD. Exploring. The medieval city of Viana do Castelo lies in the Minho region on the northeastern coast of Portugal. This ancient land is the birthplace of the country, and history resonates through every picturesque place. Here the country's colourful folklore comes to life in costume, music and festivities, and time-honored tradition transcends generations. In this show, perspectives take us from an open cockpit gyrocopter flight, swooping high above the rolling green countryside, to the flower lined streets of Ponte de Lima, where crowds of enthusiastic locals celebrate the centuries-old tradition of Vaca das Cordas, and invite all to join in. Join the all night party on the flower lined streets of Ponte de Lima Buckle up for a wild gyrocopter flight over Northern Portugal Mingle with the adrenaline charged crowd at Vaca das Cordas Freestyle with the urban daredevils of "Stress Off" Swing your partner in Viana do Castelo's main square Catch a bird's eye view from the open cockpit of the Trike From the aerial view to the human perspective, Exploring Horizons travels off the beaten path to the remote corners of the world and finds those places where civilization moved in without taking over. Three stunning seasons cover a cross section of culture, adventure and amazing places that make up our global village.

DVD. Alternate Routes. 30 Minutes. This beach town in southern Portugal is a 'black hole' for travelers who get sucked in by the amazing weather, beaches, surfing, and bars. Andrew from Vancouver found work at one of the bars and his initial two day visit has stretched into two seasons. He shares accommodation with other like-minded travelers and together they enjoy the daily routine that is the Lagos experience. Experience the rush of traveling the world for the first time with a crew of international back-packers, ages 16 - 22 on their quest for adventure, romance and the perfect moment. A variety of hosts from around the globe and the young people they hook up with on location are relentless in their pursuit of fun (and don't forget that culture, mate!) American girls explore Rome, Brits take on Thailand and things get wild when the Aussie's arrive in Copenhagen. Five continents, Unlimited Adventure. Take the alternate route, dude.

DVD. Cities of the World. 60 Minutes. Madeira - a part of Portugal - is an island near the coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. The island has a mild climate, and its main assets are its legendary flowers and natural beauties. Madeira's name is strongly connected with the wine and a handcraft of the same name. In the center of the Wine Company we can taste and buy this fantastic drink as well as take a look at its history. In the mountain village of Monte lies the last Habsburg royalty, and this is the place where the famous toboggan sleds can be seen. Camacha is famous for its basket makers and Moniz for its cave spa. In Santana the tourists can see many thatched houses so characteristic of the island. The 1800 meters high mountains and the lush flora offer recreation for the hikers, mountaineers, parachutists and bikers. Beside the levadas - watering canals - we can walk through Madeira among the banana plantations, vineyards, sugar cane fields, eucalyptus and laurel forests. The landscape is full of volcanic stones, basalt rocks, deep gorges, blacksanded beaches and mountaintops hardly visible in the mist. In the capital, Funchal, which is famous for its busy cultural life, we can take a look at the copy of the ship of Columbus.

DVD. The Brewshow. 90 Minutes. Lying deep in the North Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa, the Portuguese sub-tropical paradise invites all to enjoy its unique island culture. Famous for flowers and wine and so much more. Extra short segments: Cafe Chega de Saudade Fisherman's Poncha Palheiro Golf Club

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. The Mosteiro De Alcoba?a is a massive, medieval monastery in Alcoba?a and one of the most important historical monuments in Portugal. The creative influence of the monastery's fraternity is still evident and its interior is one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic Cistercian design. King Afonso Henriques promised the construction of the Cistercian monastery in 1147 following a decisive victory over the Moors. He kept his word and six years after his military triumph the first construction work on the monastery began. The majority of the buildings were completed in 1222 although the monastery's kitchen and its impressive chimney were added in the 18th century. The Cloister was built in the 15th century at the time of King Dinis. Due to the vow of silence this building was known as the silent cloister. When the religious fraternities were disbanded in 1834 the Mosteiro De Alcoba?a was abandoned by its monks but its treasures and much of its age old splendour have been preserved to the present day.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. The Batalha Monastery is one of Portugal's masterpieces of Late Gothic architecture and also one of its most important monuments. The monastery was built in thanksgiving to the Virgin Mary who answered the people's prayers during the decisive battle of Aljubarrota and in keeping with the political and historical significance of this victory, the architecture of the monastery is quite magnificent and full of artistic flair. Its construction took a hundred and fifty years. Its architecture was designed to be magnificently regal and majestic and it contains several royal tombs. Motifs of royal battledress partly decorate the interior of the church, a reminder of its former builder and patron, Joao The First, and through beautiful multi-coloured glass windows, rays of light illuminate a multitude of rich treasures. Today, the numerous Gothic ornaments and beautiful glass windows of more recent times provide the monastery with a dignified show of colour. However, little remains of the Holy Dominican Order that worshipped within its walls for more than four centuries. This exquisite monastery is quite rightly considered to be one of the most influential in the development of Portuguese architecture.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Proudly, powerfully and surrounded by fortified walls, the Convento De Christo Monastery is situated above the town of Tomar, north of Lisbon. Beyond the near impenetrable fortification was the Portuguese branch of the Order of the Knights Templar. The layout and decoration of the Convento De Christo and its church contain the numerous architectural styles and works of art of various periods. The Knights of Christ contributed to the final expulsion of the Moors, the liberation of the country and the creation of the Portuguese monarchy. The stabilization of power soon led to the rise of Portugal as an influential nation of seafarers and explorers. In the 15th century the Knights of Christ played a significant role in the country's development. The convent's circular building, the Charola, was decorated with the jewellery of the 16th century. It was originally inspired by Romanic-Byzantine style that dates back to the days of the Knights Templar. The Convento De Christo, even to the present day, is full of both historical and religious appeal.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Porto is the second largest city in Portugal and is the city from which the country derived its name. At its centre is the Praca Da Liberdade a large square that is guarded by a statue of King Dom Pedro the Fourth. The Torre Dos Clerigos is the symbol of Porto and in the middle of the 18th century was built on a rock at the city's highest point. Of particular interest is the remarkable external wall toward the east that is decorated with a huge example of the Portuguese art form known as `azuelejos'. The tidal and deep-cut river valley of the Douro is spanned by four bridges of which the most impressive is the iron-built, Ponte Dom Louis. The Frenchman, Gustave Eiffel, constructed this gigantic twin level bridge that connects Porto with its sister town, Vila Nova De Gaia. Porto is a cultural capital of Europe whose glorious spirit of the past has managed to survive the centuries.

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. Situated in the north of Portugal, Porto is a cultural capital of Europe and birthplace of the nation. The Torre Dos Clerigos is the symbol of the city and was built in the middle of the 18th century on a rock at the city's most elevated point. Two hundred and twenty five steps lead to a stunning view across the picturesque old harbour town and its carpet of red rooftops that nestle against the city's hills. Porto has one of the most beautiful markets in Europe that contains a large inner courtyard completely encircled by arcades. The narrow, deep river valley of the Douro is spanned by five bridges of which the most impressive is the Ponte Dom Louis. The Frenchman, Gustave Eiffel, constructed the gigantic two level bridge that connects Porto with its sister town, Vila Nova De Gaia. Five bridges connect the banks of the River Douro and two of them are monuments that date back to the Industrial Revolution. The river has always been the city's lifeline and a trading route to the whole world. The entire river valley was designated as a vine growing area because it is where the world famous port wine is grown. With all of its picturesque districts including its Baroque splendour and the palatial houses of its elite, Porto has well and truly survived the march of time.

DVD . Global Treasures . 10 Minutes. From Pena Ventos Hill the view across the traditional and picturesque old town of Porto on the Rio Douro could not be more beautiful. The houses are set close to each other along the steep slopes of the old Portuguese harbour town. The historic origins of S? Catedral date back to the 12th century when the original church was established on a raised area of granite rock. The historic origins of S? Catedral date back to the 12th century when it was built on a raised area of granite rock. The decision to construct the building at this location was probably more for strategic rather than aesthetic reasons. In spite of numerous reconstructions, the church has never been able to lose its fortress-like appearance. Throughout the centuries and according to the architectural of each epoch, the external Romanesque appearance of the cathedral has been the subject of constant transformation. King Joao The First and his wife, Philippa, had eight children, among whom was their famous son and discoverer, Henry The Navigator, who was born in Porto. In addition to numerous successful expeditions, Henry's self-taught contribution to shipbuilding and nautical science earned him a glorious place in the pages of history. Due to his achievements he laid the foundation for Portugal's subsequent emergence as a colonial power.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Around 30 kilometres from Lisbon is the small historic Portuguese town of Sintra where once the rise and fall of an entire kingdom took place. King Jo?o The First ordered construction of the Pal?cio Nacional De Sintra on the foundations of a Moorish construction that dated back to the 10th century. From the palace there's a beautiful view across the Vila Velha, Sintra's old town. The Pal?cio Nacional De Sintra consists of a variety of architectural styles that include Moorish, Gothic and Manuelistic design. 530 metres above sea level, on the summit of the Sintra Mountains, the spectacular Pal?cio Nacional De Pena overlooks the town. At first sight its towers resemble minarets, a symbol of a courageous and successful combination of numerous architectural traditions. Three kilometres from the castle is the oldest building in Sintra, the towers and walls of a Moorish castle, the Castelo Dos Mouros. The thousand year old ruins are famous for their breathtaking views that extend for several kilometres across the landscape and even as far as the Atlantic Ocean. In 1147, King Alfonso and his army conquered the old fortress. Sintra's gardens are the most beautiful in Europe and due to the region's unique climate, subtropical plants flourish in the fertile volcanic earth close to the Atlantic Ocean. Beneath the southern sun, Sintra's historic architecture continues to blend harmoniously with the glorious splendour of Nature.

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. Lisbon is a white city located on Portugal's River Tejo and is flamboyantly beautiful and full of melancholy, and also lively and bursting with colourful joie de vivre. The Praca Dom Pedro is more commonly known as the Rossio. At the northern end of the square is a former palace that has been transformed into a national theatre. The main square was once the setting of bull fights and up until 1820 and the Spanish Inquisition so called heretics were burned at the stake. The medieval S? Patriacal Cathedral stands defiantly on a hillside. Following the Christian conquest the city's bishops' church was built on the foundations of a former mosque to commemorate victory over the Moors. On the city's highest hill is the marvellous Castelo De Sao Jorge. Since times immemorial this fortified complex has stood guard above the mouth of the Tejo. Little remains of the former Moorish royal residence in which Vasco Da Gama?s journey to India was once celebrated. Electricos is the name of Lisbon's unique trams that travel noisily through the old town They are an indelible feature of the city and negotiate the city's twisting alleys like an ancient roller-coaster within streets so narrow that pedestrians are forced to seek refuge in the nearest doorway. On the banks of the Tejo on the outskirts of the Belem district is the Mosteiro Dos Jeronimos. This superb historical building with its snow-white fa?ade and adornments and figures in playful Manuelistic style dominates the entire city. Lisbon continues to be Portugal's unchanged treasure right up to the present day.

DVD . Global Treasures . 10 Minutes. In the Lissabon quarter of Bel?m the vast Hieronymit Monastery, the Mosteiro Dos Jer?nimos, covers an area of 300 metres. At one time, its beautiful facade was situated close to the banks of the Tejo and it is no accident that the monastery was built in this location. King Manuel The First wanted the monastery to highlight the importance of religion for the sea-faring nation of Portugal at the beginning of the 16th century. Henry The Sailor donated the tiny Maria Chapel that was the first structure within the actual monastery area. Together with his father, King Jo?o The First, he led a fleet of 200 ships to victory against the North African harbour town of Cueta. Portugal was a mighty sea power. Courageous voyages of discovery led to the development of trade on newly discovered continents and along with his loyal sailors the world famous discoverer, Vasco Da Gamma, prayed in the Maria Chapel of Henry The Sailor prior to his ocean-going adventures. Ribbed Gothic vaults support the ceiling of the church that dates back to the 16th century. Colored glass windows create a breathtaking spectacle of light. In addition to various important members of the Portuguese royal family and numerous religious leaders, it is also the final resting place of Vasco Da Gama. The monastery's richly decorated facade still shines out with all the glorious luster of Portugal's courageous seamen and their remarkable voyages of discovery.

DVD . Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Widely visible, and in the form of a ship rising out of the sea, Portugal's Torre De Belem is a fascinating structure which symbolizes the spirit of discovery of its creator, King Manuel I. Here, Byzantine, Venetian, Arabian, and even Indian building elements, combine in monumental Manuelism style. In order to protect the approaches to Lisbon, canons point threateningly out to sea and its vast cellars were originally used as a means of defence. Massive stone blocks hermetically seal the interior from the outside world. It was here that the discoverer, Vasco Da Gama, dreamed of distant lands.