Portugal in November

Portugal remains relatively undiscovered by tourists, especially when compared to its big-name neighbors in Western Europe. For a small country, this Iberian nation boasts a wide range of activities and events perfect for nearly every traveler.

COGI Congress participants will experience in November pleasant weather, lower prices than in other European countries, and several unique fall events:

St. Martin's Day
St. Martin's Day on November 11 is characterized by country-wide celebrations and features such as roasted chestnuts and a local alcoholic beverage called gerupiga. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Martin's_Day)

National Horse Fair
The first half of November also marks the National Horse Fair in Golega, one of the most important horse festivals in Portugal. Events include equestrian competitions, a horse auction, and an array of local foods and beverages. (www.horsefairlusitano.org/ingles/ingles.htm)

International Chocolate Festival
From November 8 through 13, chocolate lovers will delight in the International Chocolate Festival in Obidos, featuring tastings, chocolate sculptures (including the world's biggest chocolate salami), and a chocolate fashion show. (www.festivalchocolate.cm-obidos.pt/index.php?lang=eng)

Lisbon Top 10 Experiences

1) JERONIMOS MONASTERY
Vasco da Gama's resting place is a church built in the 1500s as part of a magnificent monastery. Its cloisters are considered among the most beautiful in the world and have been listed as a World Heritage Site.

2) BELEM TOWER
The city's icon is also a symbol of the Age of Discovery. Built in the early 1500s, it has been declared a World Heritage monument by UNESCO.

3) ST. GEORGE'S CASTLE
From the millennium-old walls of this castle you can enjoy a bird's-eye view of the city accompanied by roaming peacocks. Inside the castle there is a small archaeological museum.

4) CALOUSTE GULBENKIAN MUSEUM
Treasures from the East and the West collected by one man is now one of the world's finest private art collections. It includes works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet and René Lalique.

5) BERARDO MUSEUM
A Portuguese millionaire has put together one of Europe's greatest modern art collections which includes works by Andy Warhol, Picasso, and Dali among others. Free admission.

6) ANCIENT ART MUSEUM
Fascinating Oriental and European art makes up the collection of Portugal's "National Gallery." Much of it is related to the Age of Discovery, illustrating Portugal's links with Asia and Africa.

7) TILE MUSEUM
Unique in the world, this museum showcases an ancient art form (decorative ceramic tiles) in a lavish old convent (see also the top 10 tiled attractions in the city)

8) THE GOLDEN BAROQUE TRIO
The world's largest collection of royal carriages is housed in the Coaches Museum which must be seen after a visit to two other golden baroque attractions: São Roque Church (home to "the world's most expensive chapel") and Santa Catarina Church (one of the city's most magnificent golden interiors).

9) DESIGN & FASHION MUSEUM
Design and fashion by some of the top international designers is being "previewed" in a space which in a couple of years will be expanded to become one of the world's leading design and fashion museums. Free admission

10) OCEANARIUM
An odyssey of sea creatures swim together in a state-of-the-art building. Around it (in the Parque das Nações district) are fine examples of contemporary architecture which includes Europe's longest bridge.