Conference Excursion 2010
IDMA Annual 3-day Excursion
17th-20th October
Exploring Ancient Portugal
Our excursion takes us along the coastal route and through into the beautiful town of Sintra, and then up to Palácio da Pena with it’s stunning views of the surrounding areas. It is the oldest palace inspired by European Romanticism as well as being a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.
After leaving Sintra we make our way along the coast towards the old fishing town of Peniche. This will be the stopping place for our first night exploring ancient Portugal. Buffet Dinner at the hotel included in excursion price.
Monday morning we leave Peniche heading a little further north to the city of Alcobaça, most famous for it’s gothic monastery, the resting place for Dom Pedro and Inês de Castro, whose tragic love story is believed to have inspired Shakespeare’s very own Romeo and Juliet. The two tombs lay opposite each other, purposefully set by Dom Pedro for judgment day when the two will awaken and arise to be reunited in love once again.
Lunch will be taken en route and is included.
Monday afternoon we arrive at the Palace of Mafra, considered to be the most sumptuous Baroque building in Portugal and one of the biggest buildings constructed in Europe in the 18th Century. The palace also has a magnificent library containing about 40,000 rare books.
We leave Mafra late afternoon heading for historical Lisbon where we will spend the last two nights of our excursion. You are free to explore the many restaurants of Lisbon or just relax in the hotel.
Tuesday morning we head for the centre of the city to join the open top bus tour of Lisbon. It is a hop on hop off city bus where you can choose where and what you want to see. The bus ticket allows you to explore as much of the city as you want. Day at leisure.
Tuesday evening we leave the hotel for our special evenings entertainment at a local Lisbon restaurant, which allows you to experience not only local Portuguese cuisine but also an understanding of the Portuguese word “Saudade” which loosely translates to “aching and longing of the soul”.
This longing is portrayed through the “Fado” songs of Portugal, a style of music that touches deep into the depths of the soul. Portugal’s most famous
fado singer is Amalia Rodrigues.
How much of your salt is made from the tears you cry for Portugal”
Fernando Pessoa (Portuguese Poet)
Return to hotel for final nights stay.
Departures Wednesday morning.
Excursion price and bookings:
290€ (please check exchange rate on day of booking)
Includes:
• 3 nights accommodation in twin room
(Single rooms available at 50€ supplement)
• Open top bus tour of Lisbon
• Entrance Fees to monuments
• Fado dinner
• Buffet dinner on first night
• Lunch at restaurant on Monday
IDMA conference and excursion booking form may be downloaded here
For more information on the excursion please contact:
Mark Wentworth – mark@dynamictheatre.com
More information on the IDMA conference 14th - 17th October