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PORTUGAL TOP 10

5. Get emotional with Fado music, an authentic Portuguese expression

– Silêncio, que se vai cantar o Fado!

Even if this warning – ‘Silence, Fado is about to be sung!’ – is not actually spoken, it is implicit in this traditional local form of music. Fado requires an intimate atmosphere and a pact between singers, musicians and audience. That can be achieved in a concert hall, in a tavern or in a restaurant. The singer, usually accompanied by one or more guitarras (12-stringed Portuguese guitars) and a viola (Spanish guitar), closes his or her eyes and launches into a melody. Fado may also be sung a capella, in various styles.

Fado is a melancholic form of song that is rooted in the Portuguese soul and expresses that complex mixture of nostalgia and yearning that is known as saudade. It developed mainly in central and southern Portugal – in Coimbra and above all Lisboa. Fado is a song about fate (Fatum in Latin) that began to be sung in sailors bars and in less salubrious parts of town until it became what it is today – the most noteworthy expression of the Portuguese soul. Its origins are obscure, but cadences reminiscent of Arab chants, mixed with sounds from African and Brazil, point to probable influences. What matters is that this form of music is specific to Portugal, and cannot be confused with any other. In addition it has seen the emergence of dozens of new composers and performers in recent years, who have renewed it and struck out in new directions.

The guitarra used in Fado is also a very special instrument that is adapted from those used by 17th – century court musicians. A Fado performance can be an occasion for the listener to come into contact with his or her deepest feelings, and be moved by the art into a semi-hypnotised state.

It is an experience that is not to be missed!

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  • A solution for travelers who are looking for an affordable but still good quality tour. Our hand-picked basic accommodations are 3 star hotels or similar.


    Paying more than standard for better accommodation services to make sure you absolutely have a comfortable trip. You will stay in very good accommodation (4 star, some 3 star high end).


    Mostly first-class hotels, with impeccable services with personal care (5 star hotels, Pousadas, mixed with very charming rural accommodation in smaller towns where high end hotels might not be available). Perfect choice for having great value for money!



  • You will pick up the rental car at the nearest desk on the first day that you will be driving. You should return it on the second last day at the nearest desk to your hotel. With the rental car you have the freedom of choice of how much to do and see each of the travelling days, allowing you to access some of the hidden gems along the way between each location. We will also book transfers from the airport to the hotel on the day of your arrival and from the hotel to the airport on the day of your departure.


    Our English Speaking private driver will pick you up at your Hotel, tour with you, and take you back to your hotel. Our driver will ensure you have what you need to make the most of your time. You will be driven on an Air conditioned and very comfortable luxury vehicle. The driver would be at your service about 8 hours per day, within the kilometers and itinerary set. We will also book transfers from the airport to the hotel on the day of your arrival and from the hotel to the airport on the day of your departure.The private driver service costs around 400 Euros to 500 Euros per day. The final price will be calculated based on your specific itinerary.


    Our English Speaking private driver will pick you up at the train stations and take you to the hotels and vice versa (where service is needed or available). Where there are no trains available, buses will be used as an alternative. We will also book transfers from the airport to the hotel on the day of your arrival and from the hotel to the airport on the day of your departure.


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  • Portugaltrails – Viagens e Turismo, Unipessoal, Lda
    Address: Rua das Lapas, Centro Comercial da Charneca
    Loja 13, Charneca, 2750-772 Cascais, PORTUGAL
    License nr. RNAVT 2791 (Turismo de Portugal, I.P.)
    Tel: +351 214 851 476


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