Monday 31 March 2008

Lisbon to Cascais

Hotel Roma is situated near the Entrecampos Train/Metro Station

From there you can get a Metro in Direction Rato, change to one Direction Stª. Apolonia and at Metro Station Baixa Chiado change for one for Rail Station Cais de Sodre.

Alternatively, you could walk to Areeiro Metro Station and get a train direct to Rail Station Cais de Sodre.

From Cais de Sodre there are frequent trains depending on the time of day/week to Cascais.

Cascais is not only about sandy shores but the train trip itself is worth it to see the Tagus estuary, the tower of Belem, Jeronimos Monastery and other sites of the greater Lisbon area.

Trip takes about 40 minutes each way.

Sunday 30 March 2008

Internet Access Sagres

Il y a plusiers cafes s'offrent Internet en Sagres que inclui Dromedàrio Bistro - tel: (282) 62 45 66

Braga to Santiago de compostela by bus

Timetable for the bus service operated by alsa.es below (Click on image to enlarge):

travel tips from lisbon to lagos

Most local car hire companies do deals for 3 or 7 day hires and you may find it not much more expensive to hire the car for seven days than for two one-day hires.

Also bear in mind that having a car will enable you to explore the West Coast beaches north from Sagres if you want to.

Downtown Lagos is small so if you intend to stay in one of the hostels and just enjoy backpacker life a car will not necessarily be a necessity.

If that is the case you may find it cheaper to take the train or bus from Lisbon to Lagos and back.

By the time you pay for the car, fuel and toll Motorways (if you come the most direct route) it may well outweigh the cost of a taxi from Lisbon Airport to Gare Oriente and a train to Lagos for the four of you..

There again taxis are often hard to come by at Lagos Train and Bus Station although they have been improving recently.

Wednesday 26 March 2008

TAP - Air Portugal

TAP - Air Portugal is the national airline of Portugal and has been operating for 50 years. They have a good safety record.

There can be problems occasionally on the Lisbon - Faro sector if incoming flights are delayed. You may find yourself "bumped" to a later flight.

Aer Lingus is the national airline of Ireland and again has been operating for nearly 50 years. Good Record as well.

Rental car offices at the train station at Lagos

No, there are no car hire offices at the train station at Lagos. There are several about 500m away over the footbridge on the main avenida.

However, I am sure that if you advise your car hire company as to your time of arrival or arrange to call them on your mobile when you are on final approach...e.g. after leaving Portimão Station, they will send someone to meet you.

As you are from the other side of the pond, remember that most vehicles here are manual shift. Remember to ask for an automatic if necessary although you will pay a premium for it.

New Route - London Gatwick - Faro - BA

news.cheapflights.co.uk reported yesterday that BA are to launch a route London Gatwick - Faro shortly. One presumes this is on the heels of the takeover of GB Airways by Easyjet.

Service sleighted to start 30th March 2008 but nothing on BA site yet that I can find.

Report here:

http://news.cheapflights.co.uk/flights/2008/03/british-airways.html

Tuesday 25 March 2008

São Martinho do Porto to Carvoeiro, Algarve

The main problem with this route is that there is no easy long distance train or coach service that serves Carvoeiro. There is a local bus service that runs via Lagoa several times a day.

To drive would take:

Time: 03h41 including 03h16 on motorways
Distance: 372km including 354km on motorways

according to viamichelin.

Rail would be your best public transport option as it would be more comfortable.

Take a train to Portimão and then a taxi to Carvoeiro.

Schedule as follows:

12h52 São Martinho Do Porto
13h06 Caldas Da Rainha
13h39 Caldas Da Rainha
15h31 Mira Sintra-melecas
15h49 Mira Sintra-melecas
16h18 Lisboa - Entrecampos
17h30 Lisboa - Entrecampos
20h44 Tunes
20h58 Tunes
21h32 Portimão

Travel time: 8h40mins.

Taxi to Carvoeiro would take about 20 minutes at that time of night.

Lagos - New Urban Bus Service

Further to my previous post, I have now obtained further details of the service courtesy of the website of the Camara Municipal de Lagos and the nascent web-site of the ONDA bus service.

Portuguese versions here:

Camara Municipal de Lagos

Onda - Timetables - PDF download

I have also translated a large part of this info which is available at the bottom of this article in three png images.

The interesting thing about these new services, resutling from a €1mn investment in new buses is that Lagos, Praia da Luz, Barão São João and Bensafrim will now have regular services at good frequencies between them even on Sundays from early in the morning till around 20:00.

It still means that is you want to go to Lagos from Praia de Luz for a night out you will have to take car but for those who only need day services it is going to be a great improvement.

Lagos Zoo will also now benefit from several services a day.

Just click one them and they will enlarge.

Onda Page 1



Onda Page 2



Onda Page 3

Algarve - 12 day itinerary.

The first thing to remember is that the Algarve is a relatively small area measuring approximately 160 km long by 40 km wide.

You best bet therefore would be to base yourselves at say two or three places for 3 to four days each and then explore out from there.

If you want to avoid high rises keep well clear of Albufeira, which is the centre of mass tourism in the Algarve.

I would recommend something along the following lines:

Day 1 - 4 Head for Tavira and base yourselves there for 3 to 4 days. From there you can visit Castro Marim, Ayamonte, (just over the border in Spain), Vila Real Stª. Antonio.

On Day 4 - 5 Take the route up the left bank of the Guadiana River (Portugal/Spanish Borded) and visit Alcoutim and Mertola, and head for the old Roman town of Serpa. Be warned that this route can be very hot in late June, July and August.

See this article on my blog which may be of use:

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/2008/01/serpa-alentejo.html

Day 5 -6 - Drive Serpa/Beja/Odemira. Have a look at the old centre of Beja and the agricultural town of Odemira. From there continue the 100km to Sagres.

In the area of Sagres, I can recommend the following places:

Sagres:

Guest House Albergaria dos Mareantes
http://www.paraisolpraia.com/index.php?content=sel_hotel
email: paraisolpraia@gmail.com
or call Maria de Jesus on 00 351 918441745

Between Praia de Luz and Burgau (20 minutes from Sagres)

Guest House - Aurora-Sol

http://www.docemaralgarve.com/aurora.htm
email: info@docemaralgarve.com
Sra. Lucilia Matos

Day 7-9 from Sagres/Burgau Visit the spectacular west coast of the Algarve with its hidden coves and spectacular cliffs. Drive to the delighful inland town of Monchique nestled on the top of the small mountain by the same name. Visit the Spa 5kms from the town at Caldas de Monchique.

Day 10-12 - Stay in Lagos 30 km from Sagres. This is one of the oldest towns in the Algarve and was the departure point for many of the Portuguese Voyages of Discovery which opened the route around the Cape. It still retains its Portuguese character. During this time also visit Silves, 30km distant with its old Moorish City walls.

Back to Faro Airport 1 hours drive.

Please note that this is just a suggestion and can be played around with. However, it will keep you away from the mass tourism.

As regards a hire car, I recommend Luzcar who have offices in Lagos and a base at Faro Airport. Their prices may not be the cheapest at first glance but are all-inclusive. Their vehicles are of high standard and can be taken into Spain. I have know them and used them for 10 years.

More info here:

http://www.paraisolpraia.com/carhirealgarve/index.php?option=en

Have a good trip

Hope this helps.

Sunday 23 March 2008

Lisbon to Amsterdam

Transavia.com will operate flights to/from Lisbon to Amsterdam starting 25th April 2008.

Faro Airport Lockers

I was at Faro airport today,

There are now coin operated loggage lockers by the bus carpark near the arrivals entrance.

Locker prices started from Euro 1.00 for 4 hours.

Lisbon to Lagos by train

Actually there is a very good train service between Lisbon to Lagos.

Go to my blog:

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/

Scroll down on the right until you come the panel entitled:

>>Algarve & Portugal - Travel Transport Links

Scroll down till you come to the item:

# Portuguese Railways - Winter 2007/2008 - Lisbon - Algarve Faro/Lagos Timetable

Here you will be able to download the timetable in pdf format.

The timetables may change in the next few weeks with the introduction of the summer 2008 timetable.

You can find the main rail site at:

http://www.cp.pt

The only way to get from Faro Airport to Lagos without a car is by taxi or private transfer.

See:

http://www.low-cost-transfers.com/

Hope this clarifies matter.

Saturday 22 March 2008

Lagos - New Urban Bus Service

As from next Monday, the Lagos urban bus service has been rebranded under the name "Onda."

There are no timetables available yet - I checked yesterday.

Basically 7 routes operating week-days using 5 mini-bus and 6 medium size buses.

As soon as I have more news will post.

Friday 21 March 2008

Algarve - Apolonia Supermarkets

There are reports today via Google Alerts that Apolonia supermarkets in Almancil are to open additional stores between Lagos and Albufeira.

Tuesday 18 March 2008

Faro to Salamanca

The only direct route from Faro to Salamanca by public transport is the service operated by alsa.es.

Dept Faro: 01:45
Arr: Salamanca: 16:30

Bus Change at ALBERGARIA (Same Company)

There is an also the option of train:

Dept: Faro 09:05
Arr: Lisbon Gare Oriente 13:06

Dept: Lisbon Gare Oriente 16:06
Arr: Salamanca 00:05

There is no direct train between Seville and Salamanca.

You would need to route via Madrid.

Note: Faro - Salamanca by Car is about 7 hours with stops.

Hope this helps.

Porto - La Coruna

Unfortunately no there is no easy way that ties in with your arrival time.

Options are::

1) Rail:

Two through train departures daily from Porto Campanha station to Vigo in Spain at

07:55 arriving 12:15

and

17:55 arriving 22:37

Connecting Through trains to A Coruna are:

13:43 arriving 15:55

06.30 arriving 08.48 (next day)

For sources see:

www.cp.pt
www.renfe.es

2) Hire a car but there will be a hefty drop of charge for one way.

3) Coach

There is a direct service operated by Internorte - see:

www.internorte.pt

Weekdays

PORTO AIRPORT-SANTIAGO-CORUNA
Dept:09.15H
Arr: 14.30H

LISBOA-PORTO/CORUNHA
Dept:14.45H
Arr: 19.45H

PORTO AIRPORT-SANTIAGO-CORUNA (Certain Weekdays)
Dept:16.45H
Arr: 22.15H

Weekends

PORTO AIRPORT-SANTIAGO-CORUNA
Dept:09.15H
Arr: 14.30H

LISBOA-PORTO/CORUNHA
Dept:14.45H
Arr: 19.45H

Online booking does not appear to be currently available for this service.

For more info:

www.internorte.pt
www.alsa.es

Saturday 15 March 2008

White/Electrical Goods Shops - Lagos and Algarve

For white/electrical goods don't forget the branches of Worten at the Modelo centre in Portimão and Algarve Shopping in Guia.

If you are into IKEA, why not make a short trip to Seville and visit the IKEA there. Its on the Southern Approach to Seville (Algarve-Huelva-Seville motoway) and easily acessible. About 2 hours drive from Lagos.

Details here.

http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/IkeaNearYouView?storeId=11&langId=-5&StoreNumber=283

Also in Huelva, 160 km from Lagos along the motorway you have El Corte Ingles which is a department store found throughout Spain and a sort of John Lewis/Waitrose/Comet on steroids!.

You can spend a morning (or at least the other half can!) Remember to ask them about their insurance policies for bigger items. We bought a laptop there 18 months ago and got an excellent insurance deal on the unit.

Head for Huelva - Centro Comercial Costa Luz.

Hope this helps.

Driving from Setubal to the Algarve

You are looking at at least 2 hours by toll motorway.

If you take the scenic coastal route via Troia, Vila Nova Milfontes, Aljezur, Lagos allow 2 hrs. 30 mins depending on time of year.

In Lisbon there are great things for kids such as the massive walk through Aquarium at Parque de Nações, the Zoo at Sete Rios, Tram Rides, the train ride along the Coast to Cascais, Toys R Us in the Colombo Centre, the kiddies park with rides etc. also in Colombo Centre.

All accessible by Fertagus train and Metro from Setubal station over the 25 Abril bridge and into Lisbon.

Friday 14 March 2008

Lisbonne Porto Transports

Il y a deux compagnies que s'offrent services de autobus entre Lisbonne et Porto.

Si vous visitez mon blogue, (malheureusement seulement en anglais)

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/

Dans le panneau à la droite, vous allez rencontrer une section intitulé

"Algarve & Portugal - Travel Transport Links"

Là vous allez rencontrer des liens suivants où vous pouvez télécharger des horaires pour:

# Porto - Lisbon - Porto Train Timetable (Horaire)
lieu de depart: Gare St. Aplolonia ou Gare Oriente

# RENEX Bus Service - Lisbon to Porto timetable -(Horaire)
lieu de depart: Gare St. Aplolonia ou Gare Oriente

Aussi il y a un lien au site du Compagnie Rede - Expressos:

# Rede-Expressos - National Bus Timetable- Portuguese Only - (Ignore messages for IE 5.5)
(Horaire)
lieu de depart: Sete Rios (Metro Jardim Zoologico/Gare Sete Rios)

On souhaite que c'était utile.

Bonne route

Thursday 13 March 2008

Transport between Lisbon and Albufeira

here are good train and coach links between Lisbon and Albufeira.

Trains leave several times a day from Ferreiras/Albufeira Station, 8km from Albufeira.

Buses leave from Albufeira several times a day.

Check out the following links for more info:

http://www.algarvebus.info

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/2007/06/travelling-from-albufeira-to-lisbon.html

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com

If you scroll down on the right you will find a panel entitled:

>> Algarve & Portugal - Travel Transport Links

Check out this links there:

# Portuguese Railways - Winter 2007/2008 - Lisbon - Algarve Faro/Lagos Timetable (PDF download)

# Rede-Expressos - National Bus Timetable- Portuguese Only - (Ignore messages for IE 5.5)

# RENEX Bus Service - Lisbon to Algarve timetable (PDF download)

Make sure where you are heading for in Lisbon so that you can get off at the correct train/bus station.

Irish Airports to Faro & Lisbon Summer 2008

Realistically, as mentioned by others, Faro and Lisbon are the only feasible airports for the Algarve.

From Ireland I think you are restricted to:

Ryanair

Dublin to Faro

Shannon to Faro

Aer Lingus

Belfast to Faro

Cork to Faro

Dublin to Faro

Dublin to Lisbon

www.aerarann.com

Waterford to Faro

Galway to Faro

easyjet.com

Belfast to Faro

That's all the current scheduled services I can find announced so far for this summer. There are always the possibility of charters etc

Transfers from Lisbon airport to Cascais

I agree with cubsur's comments.

There used to be a bus operated by Scotturb but this was suspended last year owing to poor traffic loads.

With all your luggage, kids etc you really do not want to be struggling to get a bus to Cais de Sodre, buy tickets and then from Cascais station to your destination. Although it will work and I would probably use it if I was on my own, (the train trip has great views ), with the logistics I would recommend one of the following three options:

1) Taxi - Lisbon - Airport to Cascais

To arrange a taxi, check with the Tourism Desk in the Arrivals Hall at the airport when you arrive. I would think you would be looking at +-€ 60, although prices rise at night and week-ends and baggage is extra.

2) Private Transfer

Low Cost Transfers are currently quoting € 56 for a March transfer Lisbon Airport to Cascais.

See:

http://www.low-cost-transfers.com/lisbon-airport/index.php

3) Hire Car

Some rental operators in Lisbon have daily car hire offers. Unfortunately, I can remember who, as it a year or so I saw the adverts when up in Lisbon. I don't normally recommend hiring cars if it is one's first visit to Lisbon/Cascais but it may be an option for you.

Wednesday 12 March 2008

Ryanair - Reduced Frequency - Porto - Milano/Bergamo

Just reported on Portuguese blog, Ryanair will reduce frequency on this route to three times a week as from 6th May. 2008.

Shades of Faro-Madrid??

London to Lagos, Algarve. Portugal

Lagos is situated in the South-Western part of the Algarve region of Portugal about 275 km from Lisbon Airport and 80 km from Faro Airport.

It does not have its own airport.

From London, most visitors fly in via Faro Airport. However, public transport from Faro Airport to Lagos is not easy.

You would have to get a local bus or taxi from Faro Airport to Faro Centre and then a bus or train from Faro to Lagos. Altenatively, you could arrange transport with one of the private shuttle services than operate from the airport

For flights from London Airports(Stansted, Gatwick, Luton) to Faro see:

Easyjet
Ryanair
Monarch
Thomson's Fly

From Lisbon you would need to get a train or bus to Lagos:

By train you would take a taxi five minutes to Gare Oriente where there is a bus and rail station. From there you can get either train (change at Tunes juction) or RENEX bus to Lagos.

For flights from London Airports(Stansted, Gatwick, Luton) to Faro see:

Easyjet
TAP
British Airways

You can find links to directly download train and bus for Lisbon - Lagos and Faro - Lagos (train) timetables in pdf format in the "Algarve & Portugal - Travel Transport Links Panel" on the right hand side of my blog at

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com

Also see Cubsur's http://www.algarvebus.info for information on Algarve bus services.

Travel from the Algarve to Lisbon

I'm not sure where you got the idea that the train times are slow. There are several departures per day taking between 2,45 and 3, 25 hrs. Not bad for a 270 km trip that includes climbing through the escarpment out of the Algarve. Remember for downtown Lisbon you want to get of at Entrecampos Station and not Gare Oriente. This knocks 10 minutes of the trip.

I strongly recommend using public transport to visit Lisbon for the first time.

Currently, the local council in Lisbon is putting in place traffic calming measures in the centre of the city that is making it increasingly awkward to drive there unless you know where you are going. I have known Lisbon for 40 years and with the latest changes to the traffic system downtown even I had 'fun' recently when I was up there.

The motorway up to Lisbon is a toll road. For the price of a hire car, toll and fuel you could could get 6 return train tickets. It will take you you about 2.45 hours to drive to the Ponte 25 Abril bridge over the Tagus at the entrance to Lisbon.

Thirdly, by taking the train you will get to see a bit more of Portugal.

Lisbon has an excellent public transport system.

If you do take a car, try and get a hotel in the area of Avda. Jose Malhoa, which is just off the 1st Circular (which runs from the Ponte 25 Abril bridge) and near to Praça de Espanha and Sete Rios Metro Stations.

Tuesday 11 March 2008

Lagos and Environs - Restaurants

In Lagos you can try some of the following:

Restaurante O Pinoquio
Rua Gil Eanes 5
Lagos

Tel: 282 761 230

O Algarvio
Rua de Vasco da Gama 71
Lagos
(Near Hotel Tivoli Lagos)

Restaurante Reis
Rua R. Antonio B Viana Nº. 21
Lagos
(Centre)

Good Cheap and Cheerfuls!

Restaurante-Cafe Ate Qu´Enfim
Behind Intermarche in the Upper Town

Restaurante O Pato Cheio
Rua Francisco Sa Carneiro 23
(Upper Town - Near Upper Post Office)

Restaurant

In Espiche,(8km from Lagos)

Adega de Papagaio
Tel: 282 789 423

Computer Shops - Eastern Algarve

Box in Forum Algarve should have hard drives.

Alternatively, you could try:

Worten in the Modelo centre in Olhão.

See type of stock here at their online shop:

http://www.worten.pt/ProductList.aspx?oid=10|26|124|&c=1428759&l=1

If you can get to Algarve Shopping in Guia, you can go both to:

Vobis

or

Fnac

They both stock hard drives.

Finally, if you really in the East of the Algarve, you could nip over to Ayamonte and see todoapc.com who are in old downtown Ayamonte.

They have been in business for several years.

http://it-solutions.todoapc.com/

One note:

Be clear what type of hard drive you need - IDE or SATA. The latter is the new standard and will not connect to older motherboards without an additional pci card.

Monday 10 March 2008

Sintra - Seville

Sintra is just outside Lisbon and there is a good suburban train service between Sintra and the recently reopened Rossio Station in downtown Lisbon,

As regards Lisbon - Seville, this is a bit problematical. There are no direct train links.

TAP - Air Portugal currently have a daily one hour flight - Lisbon to Seville. Return prices this week are in the order of € 220 including taxes. Note One way tickets for this period are € 309! It may be cheaper to buy a return ticket rather than a one way and not use the return sector.

You would have to take the train from Sintra to Cacem, change to a train for Gare Oriente and then take a taxi five minutes to the Airport.

The alternative is long distance coach.

There is a twice daily service operated by www.alsa.es from Lisbon Sete Rios Coach Station to Seville Plaza das Armas.

If you go to my blog at

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/2008/03/sintra-seville.html

you will find a copy of this reply together with a png image of the current timetable for the service. Click on it to view and download.

You would have to take the train from Sintra to Cacem, change to a train for Sete Rios go the ground floor and walk over to the Bus Station.

Hope this helps.

Algarve - Thoughts on property prices vis a vis the Spanish Market

It is certainly possible that the Spanish property market turbulence
will hit the Algarve.

The question is how!

a) Will punters looking to buy on the Iberian Peninsula prefer to buy
in Portugal, as the same uncertainty on illegal construction currently
dominating the Spanish market, does not apply? If so it may have a
small upwards effect on Algarve Property Prices.

or

b) Will the surplus property portfolio in Spain result in a
substantial discounting in prices there. This could then result in a
rush to buy in Spain and decrease interest in the Algarve/Portugal
with a resultant small downwards effect on Algarve Property Prices.

It also necessary to factor in two other factors:

c) The current US recession and downwards trends in major world
economies. Credit lenders are going to tighten credit substantially in
my opinion, thus reducing the number of buyers around. This should
have a further downwards effect on world and Algarve Property Prices.

d) The Algarve itself - The Algarve is a strange economic animal where
often normal economic rules do not apply. A lot of money is invested
here but never gets spent here and just disappears...with the
resultant low wages, pressure on small business etc.

Secondly, developers here seem to have deep pockets and are prepared
historically and at present to sit on empty new builds for years
rather than sell at reduced price. The same is true of the
"second-hand" market. Local Portuguese and long time expats appear to
be prepared to sit on empty propertys for years rather than sell at
reduced price.

Overall, I think the next 2 - 3 years will see downwards pressures on
property prices particularly at the lower end of the market.

Prices will only see substantial increases if the World Economy turns round
quickly or if there is a major exodus of expats from Spain to
Portugal.

Finally, don't forget that it is not only the Spanish Expat market
that has an impact on the Algarve Property Market.

The Croatian, Bulgarian, French, Greek Islands, Cyprus, Canaries, Cape
Verde and Florida Markets also all have an influence.

In the long/medium term, Algarve property prices should recover and
maintain their value because of the Algarve's ease of access to key
markets viz U.K., Ireland, Germany, and the Benelux. However, also
bear in mind that property values here may never accurately reflect
final resale price because one may be required to drop a price 10%-15%
for a quick sale.

Saturday 8 March 2008

Seville to Coimbra

Hi,

The fastest, most direct and best way will be an overnight bus operated by www.alsa.es.

Dept: SEVILLA - 19/04/2008 - 23:59
Arr: COIMBRA - 20/04/2008 - 09:30

Price: € 50.00

There is then a train leaving from Coimbra Parque Station at 10:19 arriving Miranda do Corvo at 10:54.

There are no direct train services or low cost flights between Seville and Lisbon or Porto. The above solution is about the only direct effective service.

If you go to my blog at:

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/

You will find a copy of this answer.

Below you will find a png file with the alsa.es timetable for the route Seville - Coimbra. If you click it you should be able to view it.

Also on the blog if you scroll down on the right till you come to the panel:

>> Algarve & Portugal - Travel Transport Links

You will find a link entitled

"Train Timetable - Coimbra - Miranda do Corvo"

Click on it and you will be able to download in pdf format the official timetable for the train service.

Hope this helps

Wednesday 5 March 2008

Dance Algarve 2008

Anyone wanting to know what I have been up to the past few months and why postings have been sparse can now know. I have been helping in the organisation of the following event to take place in Lagos between 19th and 23rd March 2008.

Of general interest to the public, will be the performances by the Cape Junior Ballet, from Cape Town, South Africa in the on Thursday 21st March, and Friday 22nd March at 20.30 which on the Thursday will include a Mime workshop given by John Mowat and Leonor Keil.

Anyone visiting or in the Lagos area on those days can attend. Tickets will be €5:00.

More info see below and or
click here!

PRESS RELEASE.

DANCE ALGARVE 2008


Hosted by Associação da Dança Iberíca, with the support of the Cultural Division of the Town Council of Lagos, Dance Algarve 2008 is under the direction of Gwen Franco, Caroline Costa and Gillian Anthony,Dance Algarve 2008 is a four day course, to be held between Wednesday, 19th March 2008 and Saturday, 22nd March 2008 over Easter 2008.

The course is conceived especially for students of classical ballet, and will include classes in ballet, repertoire, jazz/musical and mime. Over 100 students from throughout Portugal, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and South Africa have registered to participate giving the event an exciting international dimension that will bring a new aspect to the long cultural history of Lagos. It will also give many students of ballet, their first opportunity to interact with and learn from professional dancers in the field.

Dance Algarve 2008 is honoured that Sr. Armando Jorge and D. Margarida Sá Fialho, both prominent personalities in the classical dance world in Portugal, have graciously agreed to be patrons of the event.

The course will be led by an international faculty that includes:

>> Francesca Filpi, First Artist, The Royal Ballet, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom
>> Kenn Burke, Director of Dance, Aberdeen International Youth Festival, Scotland
>> Dianne Cheesman, Director, Cape Junior Ballet, Cape Town, South Africa
>> Silke Nuhn, Kieler Institut für Tanz, Kiel, Germany
>> John Mowat, Mime & Theatre Director, London and Lisbon.
>> Bernadete Bishop, Director of theatre and Master in Creative Techniques, Portugal

The event will take place at the Centro Cultural de Lagos, a purpose built arts complex in the centre of Lagos, housing studios, exhibition venues and a Theatre.

In the evenings, on Thursday 21st March, and Friday 22nd March at 20.30 there will be special events, including a workshop given by John Mowat and Leonor Keil, and performances by Cape Junior Ballet Company, Cape Town, South Africa.

On Saturday, 22nd March, 2008 at 18:00, there will be a final presentation, “On Stage!” in which students participating will present examples of their work to guests and parents in the Theatre of the Centro Cultural de Lagos.

Anyone wishing to attend any of the events can contact the association through the contact details listed below.

Associação da Dança Ibérica
Apartado 126
8601-902
Lagos, Algarve
Portugal
T: 00 351 91 111 31 86
F: 00 351 282 792 591

email: dancaiberica@gmail.com
web:http://www.dancaiberica.org/index.php?content=news&option=1

Monday 3 March 2008

Porto to Vitoria by Train

Hi Ken,

You can do train all the way from Porto to Vitora!

You just need to route via Coimbra.

You get the 16:52 from Porto Campanha arriving Coimbra - B at 17:56

There is then an 18:26 Sud-Expresso (Lisbon to Paris service) departure from Coimbra B arriving Vitoria at 04:24 the next morning.

The links to the relevant timetables are on my blog on the right hand panel entitled:

>> Algarve & Portugal - Travel Transport Links

Click on both the following links and you will be able to download the timetables in pdf format.:

# Paris to Lisbon Train Timetable - Sud Expresso
# Porto - Lisbon - Porto Train Timetable

Please check the times nearer to day of travel as changes are always possible.!

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