Lisbon: a true delight for all your senses

Who: Jocelina Paixao Fortes

What: Christmas, culinary, shopping press trip to Lisbon

Where: Lisbon

When: November 2011

During my studies I had the pleasure of studying in Lisbon. After two years I was glad to re-visit the Portuguese city I love so much during a Christmas – Culinary press trip. For this occasion Turismo Lisboa invited journalists from all countries who represent the region in their country so we had a great mix of Spanish, French, Belgian and Dutch journalists. With our excellent guide Carmo Botelho as our leader I knew from the beginning we would enjoy our stay during the press trip!

‘Bom apetite’

The Portuguese cuisine is very rich and during this trip I was amazed at how diverse it really is. Everybody knows fish, especially cod, is a main ingredient in many Portuguese (Christmas) dishes but did you know that duck and octopus are also culinary delicacies Portuguese people enjoy? ‘Arroz de pato’ (rice with duck) and ‘Polvo’ (octopus) prepared in several, delicious ways are specialties that are a ‘must-taste’ during a trip to Lisbon. People with a sweet tooth will take delight in the Bolo Rei and Broas that are a true Christmas tradition. At the most antique bakery in Lisbon ‘Confeitaria Nacional’ you can taste the best Bolo Rei in town. Founded in 1829 the son of the founder introduced this French recipe in Portugal. From then on the cake Bolo Rei became a yearly culinary tradition that is eaten from Christmas until Three Kings day (January 6). Broas are delicious cookies made with almonds, sweet potato or sweet herb.

Christmas shopping in Lisbon

Recently named one of the best 10 cities to shop in Lisbon, the Portuguese capital is a true shopping paradise for all fashionistas. In the Portuguese capital you will find four shopping malls (Colombo, Vasco da Gama, el Corte Ingles and Dolce Vita) and in Baixa and Chiado, one of coziest neighborhoods in Lisbon, you will find tons of shops such as Bershka, Stradivarius, Mango and Blanco. If you live in North Europe you will really enjoy shopping at these Spanish shops as they are at least 20% cheaper in prize! If you’re still looking for the perfect Christmas gift in Chiado you will find several authentic and international shops. Near the Terreiro do Paço plaza you can buy handmade jewelry, leather and decorative objects made of recycled materials. For a true Lisbon souvenir I would recommend the Lisbon shop at the new meeting point Patio da Galé on Terreiro do Paço plaza.

Jocelina’s tip:

At restaurant Faz Figura try the ‘Polvo em crosta de milho’ (octopus with corn flour crust). Although many of the journalist were wary about tasting this Portuguese delicacy everybody loved it! It didn’t have that gooey feel that everybody threated. It actually tasted like ‘meat’ and some even said it tasted like turkey. Aproveita!

For more information on Lisbon visit http://www.visitlisboa.com/

Read more »

Valle d’Aosta: a real hidden treasure!

Who: Mincke Pijpers

What: A culinary press trip through Valle d’Aosta.

Where: Valle d’Aosta, Italy

When: September, 2011

The Autumn is the perfect timing for a short break to the Italian region Valle d’Aosta. For those looking for an authentic place, wishing to step literally in a ‘warm bath’ when it comes to hospitality and who appreciate a good farmer’s meal, will find happiness and more in Valle d’Aosta. This region – hidden between France, Switserland and Italy – is really a hidden treasure! This valley has all ingredients to spend a great holiday. During my trip and the first acquaintance for the journalists with this region, I noticed that people are really pleasantly surprised by the offer of Valle d’Aosta.

The main ingredients of our trip? Food, food, food but also, castles, wine, hiking, shopping. Being here, feels so ‘healthy’ with full of fresh and healthy mountain air. No stress, relax, eat, sleep, hike, enjoy. Remarkable is the friendliness of the people speaking both Italian and French. There is a very kind and friendly atmosphere and people open up immediately towards visitors. During our program we visited two of the ‘food festivals’ in the region. If you really want to stroll among locals, this is a must do! Cheese and salami everywhere, although we also visited the Apple Festival in Antey and the “Marché au Fort” in Fort Bard.

Mincke’s tip: Valle d’Aosta can easily be reached by car but is also accessible via a low cost carrier such as Easy Jet to Geneva. At only 1.5 – 2 hours drive you are discovering Valle d’Aosta, away from hectic, daily life!

Discover more Valle d’Aosta via http://www.visitaosta.nl/

Read more »

Our Clients

During the last couple of years AVIAREPS Tourism has gained a lot of experience in organizing numerous events for tourism clients. Every year our agency organizes multiple events, gatherings and/or road shows for her clients.

Air Arabia Caribbean Tourism Organization Curaçao
Egypt
Graubünden
Kroatië
Las Vegas
Lisbon
Mediaworkshop
Norway
Norfolk Line
Oman
P&O Ferries
Star Clippers
Thailand
Thüringen
Trentino
Turkey
Verkiezing Reisbureau van het Jaar
Valle d'Aosta
Visit Sweden
Wales

Visit our website for a complete overview of our clients

Read more »

Publication: Reizen Magazine - Lisbon

Reizen Magazine is a monthly travel magazine that informs its readers about the many destinations that they can visit. The journalists of the magazine discovered Lisbon with a local and tell us all about the new places they discovered in the city!

Read more »

Company Profile

AVIAREPS Tourism: a full-service communication consultancy agency that works primarily for companies in tourism. It advises and supports these clients with all their communication requirements, core areas being marketing, public relations and representation.

A total of more than fifteen employees focus on a single objective: implementing effective communication projects for clients.

For more information visit the Aviareps Tourism website

Read more »

Press Trip Thüringen: Goethe, Goethe and more Goethe!

From the 12th until 15th of May 2011 I travelled to Thüringen in Germany. Did you know that the most noted personalities come from here? Schiller, Lizst, Luther, Bach and off course Goethe. Especially Goethe had an important role in the German land, so we discovered. His influence can be found in street names, tram line, restaurants or bakeries. Even a biking shop in one of the small villages carries his name. Anyone who visits this beautiful region discovers a beautiful mix of culture and nature in its purest forms.

Erfurt and Weimar have beautiful museums and attractions that take you back in time. Both cities exude a cozy atmosphere due to the historical constructions built in Jugendstil style. Besides this you will find a lot of nature in Thüringen and the forest nearby.  

We walked on the noted baumkronenpfad which was a refreshing variety after the cultural trips. Besides this Thüringen offers many beautiful biking routes, such as the Ilmtal Radweg where we cycled from Weimar to Bad Sulza. On the way we had a little BBQ-picnic stop in the sun. When we arrived at Bad Sulza we were pampered at the Thermen Toskanaworld, which is part of Schloss Auerstedt. Here they produce delicious wine. To sum it up, we enjoyed a versatile citytrip t the heart of Germany.

Mabelie's Thüringen Tips:
Accomodation

In the historical centre you can enjoy an excellent accomodation at hotel Zumnorde:

http://www.hotel-zumnorde.de/

To eat

The only place where you can enjoy Thüringen's culinary specialty inside, the Thüringer bratwurst, is Faustfood: http://www.faustfood.de/

Worth a visit:Erfurt: Krämerbrücke, old Synagogue, Mariendom and St. Severi
Weimar: residentials of Goethe and Schiller, Goethes garden house, Bauhaus museum, Wittumspalais.

In the neighbourhood:

Baumkronenpfad in National Park Hainich, Bad Langensalza. After a nice walk in the forest visit the museum, where children and adults can learn a lot about the habitants of the forrest and the birds. http://www.nationalpark-hainich.de/

Enjoy the sauna, bath and relax at the Thermen Toskanaworld in Bad Sulza: http://www.toskana-therme.de/

Ilmtal Radweg is a beautiful biking route that you can discover. Once in a while you need to ride up the hill and off and little villages. Taste the Kaffee und Kuchen on the way for an extra refill of energy.

http://www.weimar.de/

Golden tip:For a heavenly chocolate dessert go to Golhelm Schokoladen in Erfurt

Mabelie Bruijns

Read more »