PORTUGAL - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 456

PORTUGAL
Visitors to Portugal will find Old World traditions, charm, and culture well preserved.
Each province retains its own heritage and individual characteristics, and its history
can be traced through its medieval cities and ancient palaces, castles, and cathed-
rals.
An independent kingdom since 1143, Portugal is one of the oldest nations in
Europe. In fact, 10,000-year-old cave paintings have been uncovered in the north-
ern reaches of Portugal and are said to be Europe's greatest outdoor gallery of
Stone Age art. In addition, Portugal's museums contain some of the finest collec-
tions in the world, reflecting its exposure to rich cultures explored by Portuguese
navigators of the 15th and 16th centuries.
But Portugal is more than antiquity. Its geography is diverse, making it a popular
holiday destination for travelers from all over the world. You will find wonderful white-
sand beaches, crystal-clear mountain streams, and some of the finest golf courses
in all of Europe. You'll even find fun and games at glamorous casinos and discos.
Portuguese is the national language, with English and French being the second
languages. Though some words are similar to the Spanish language, Portuguese is
its own language and not a Spanish dialect. According to the Portuguese National
Tourist Office, Portugal is “a vision for the future.” For more information about
Portugal, contact the Portuguese National Tourist Office of North America:
www.visitportugal.com ; E-mail: [e-mail].
New York: 866 Second Ave. 8th floor, New York, NY 10017. Tel: (212)
354-4403 or (800) PORTUGAL; Fax: [phone]
Toronto: 60 Bloor Street, Suite 1005, Toronto, Ontario M4W 3B8, Canada. Tel:
[phone]; Fax: [phone]
Banking
Currency: Euro (€)
Exchange rate at press time: €0.72 = U.S. $1.00