PORTUGAL - A GOLFER'S PARADISE

It is a destination favored by the sun year round and bordered from north to south by sparkling blue water.  Although a small country, Portugal has a diverse landscape that will hold its guest's attention time after time making it a great place for long stays and repeat visitors.

For almost three decades now, Portugal has been on the map as a Golf Haven.  It was in the mid sixties that the first proper grass course was designed at Penina by legend Henry Cotton and 3 more followed in the Algarve province, a place he called home for almost 30 years.  Through the seventies, eighties and into the early nineties courses started popping up all along the coast, each one offering something a little different.  Ever since these developments began, men and woman have been flocking here year after year to play the diverse terrains, ranging from steep hillsides to sea level flatlands.  With the Canadian Winter Season being so unpredictable and the return of the golf season often looking distant a quick trip to Portugal is the perfect way to practice and start off the Canadian Golf Season with a smooth swing.

Concentrating on the southern province of Algarve, Signature Vacations offers clients a wide variety of accommodations with rentals ranging from one to eight weeks.  A total of twelve properties scattered between the fishermen's town of Portimao and the regions Capitol, Faro, provide a lodging style to suit everyone.  Hotels, Resorts, Apartments and the fusion of them, Aparthotels, offer travelers a chance to either dine out or stay in. A popular choice is to dine out each night on the famous Portuguese cuisine and wines, or you can also choose to stay in and prepare something from the local markets.  Many of our properties offer optional meal plans that can be conveniently booked and paid for before departure.  Two of our four star resorts, the Clube Humbria and the Riu Falesia both located in Olhos d'Agua, include two meals daily. Add ten golf courses ready to be pre-booked from Canada with websites featuring the holes and challenges they offer, and Portugal sounds too good to be true.

Catering to the sports person of all abilities, we can help the beginner or the pro design a Golfing Schedule that will be hassle free.  Teaming up with Quo Vadis Travel and Services, local specialists in Golf Packages, Signature has some exciting and Canadian exclusive offers for its clients.  By pre blocking tee-times, Quo Vadis can save you 27-70% off of the regular green fees and help you to have access to the best times to play.  When you are ready to set your tee-times, booking has never been easier.  All you need is your Hotel Name along with your Travel Dates and a quick email, fax or phone call to have everything taken care of for you.

For those days when you need to rest your arm, the Algarve offers much more than just golf.  With beautiful golden sand beaches, unique markets for shopping and Moorish Architecture, Portugal really is a well rounded destination.  Those looking for a great beach and a lively nightlife should pick out accommodations near Albufeira.  Famed for its beaches, beautiful rock and cliff scenery this is a place to relax during the day connecting with new friends and tasting local wine at night.  For a change, head inland to see the beautiful green countryside covered with mature fig, almond, orange and pine trees.  If it is a quiet atmosphere you are looking for, choose to stay near Portimao, where the main church Igreja Mãe and Town Hall have both been called a must see.

When planning your itinerary, make sure to save time for a visit to the Capital City of Lisbon.   Whether it is on an escorted day trip through Signature Vacations or via a train, a bus or your own personal car rental, this is a city that should not be missed.  Considered the first true world city and the starting point for many voyages of discovery, Lisbon will always be known as the 'City of Explorers'.  Stunning and filled with hills that offer breathtaking views by day and a vibrant, culture packed environment at night, this is a place for everyone.  A Moorish Castle, World Heritage Monuments, the Oceanarium which served as the centerpiece of the World EXPO 1998 in Portugal, art nouveau shops and countless cafes will keep your day full.  If exploring charming and authentic neighborhoods sounds like more your pace, then head to Alfama where you will be reminded of Portugal's Arabic influence and fishing village heritage.  On the go or watching the world pass you by, Lisbon will capture you and leave you singing its praises. 

With Signature Vacations offering flights every Monday from Toronto running through to April 16 with Skyservice Airlines, there is no reason not to make Portugal your next Winter Escape.

For more information on golf packages to Portugal visit www.signaturevacations.com and click onto “Special Packages”.

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