Ponte de Lima 16 - 21 July 2008

Music, landscape and history in Portugal's northwest corner

Wednesday 16 July: Independent arrivals at Oporto (Porto) airport. Transfers will be arranged to Ponte de Lima (about one hour). Group welcome dinner in nearby restaurant.
Thursday 17 July: Morning walking tour of Ponte de Lima. Free time for lunch. Afternoon: continue to Ponte de Lima's international garden festival. Rest of afternoon at leisure. Evening recital by Kate Gould, London Bridge Ensemble’s cellist, with pianist Angelika Merkle. Music includes Debussy, Bach and Beethoven.
Friday 18 July: Guided sightseeing of Porto including port tasting at Taylor’s famous wine lodge. Evening: Le Nozze di Figaro at Teatro Diogo Bernardes, a 19th century jewel built in the Italian theatre style.
Saturday 19 July: Guided tour of Guimarães, a medieval city with World Heritage site status. Proudly referred to as the Cradle of the Nation, it was here that the first King of Portugal was crowned in 1179. Lunch included. Evening: London Bridge Ensemble concert of chamber music and song, including Beethoven’s Archduke Piano Trio and music by Dvořák.
Sunday 20 July: Excursion to Brufe - a drive into the rugged hills, followed by a gentle walk (optional) and lunch at a restaurant apparently in the middle of nowhere! Despite its obscure location, it has won awards both for its cuisine and architecture. Free evening.
Monday 21 July: Morning transfer to airport from Ponte de Lima for independently arranged return flights.