Vasco de Gama is one of world’s most famous travelers and explorers. He was born in 1460 in Sines, Alentejo, Portugal and died in 1524 in Kochi, India. He is among the most famous European explorers connected to the Age of Discovery. He was the first leader of an expedition of ship to make the trip from Europe to India.

He was born in the fishermen settlement of Sines on the southwestern coastline of Portugal. His father, Estevo de Gama was a knight belonging to the retinue of the Duke of Viseu. He was appointed by him to be the governor of Sines. His mother was also from a known noble family having blood relations to the Prince Diogo who was the son of the British King Edward I.

Vasco de Gama studies mathematics, astronomy and navigation in his early life. In 1492 he was ordered by the Portuguese king to seize French ship is a local port as retaliation for French actions against Portuguese interests.

His first voyage started in 1497 when he had four ships and 170 men under his command. His trip took him around the Cape of Africa and to India. Approximately 55 men returned and two of the ships were lost. On his way to the Cape of Good Hope he stopped in Mozambique and attempted to trade. Then, his fleet pirated Arabic trade vessels in Mombasa, modern Kenya. The fleet arrived in Calicut, India in 1498. He has strained relations with the local ruler and had to leave quickly. Nevertheless, the fleet returned met success beyond any expectations and returned with cargo 6 times the cost of the expedition.

His second expedition was in 1502 when he commanded the forth Portuguese expedition to India. This time he had 15 ships and 800 men. The objective was to defend royal interests in the east. His whole voyage was full of acts of piracy and uncalled cruelty against Muslim traders and travelers. When he arrived in Calicut he demanded that the local rulers expel all Muslims form the city and when turned down bombarded the city.

He made another two voyages to India. There, he earned the honorary title of count and the reputation of fixer of Indian problems for the crown. He died in the city of Cochin in 1524 from malaria.

St. Jorge’s Castle:

Overlooking the city of Lisbon, St. Jorge’s Castle is one of the top touristic sites and also one of the main historical places in Portugal. Set atop of the highest hill in the city centre, this strongly fortified castle dates back to the medieval period. Most of the tourists head towards this site for its lovely country side and for the panoramic views of the city. It also boasts beautiful gardens with ducks and geese roaming all over the castle’s interior.

The Gulbenkian Museum:

Located in the city of Lisbon, the Gulbenkian Museum is a renowned museum that depicts the history and culture of Portugal. The museum houses the glorious and ancient collections of the Persian art, Egyptian sculptures and artifacts, French de curative art with paintings, interiors, Roman art with marble sculptures, glassware, and also has a park and an artificial lake that is surrounded by rose gardens, water gardens and open-air theater.

Ponte 25 de Abril:

Opened in the year 1966, Ponte 25 de Abril also called as the Bridge over the Tagus is a suspension bridge with a length of 2.278 km, making it the 20^th largest suspension bridge in the world. This bridge is similar to that of the Golden Gate Bridge, located in San Francisco, USA. The upper platform of this suspension bridge carries about six car lanes and the lower platform carries two train tracks. It was named as Salazar Bridge until 1974, but was renamed again on 25^th of April to honor the Carnation Revolution.

National, Budgt, Avis, Sixt and Hertz are the car rental companies available in Portugal.

The European country of Portugal situated on the Iberian Peninsula is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean in the west and south and by Spain, in the north and east. The countries diverse geography, comprising of mountains, arid plains, sub-tropical volcanic islands, lush-green meadows and picturesque beaches makes it a tourist haven.

The official name of Portugal is the ‘Republic of Portugal’, the official language Portuguese and the official currency is Euro. Portugal was founded by Alfonso Henriques in 1152. During the Roman times, Portugal was called Luisitania.

In 1975 Portugal granted independence to all of its African colonies. Portugal is a founding member of NATO and entered the EC (now the EU) in 1986.

The capital city of Lisbon is also the largest city of Portugal.

Vasco Da Gama is best known for discovering the sea route to India. Bartholomew Diaz was the first person to sail round the southern tip of Africa, which he named the Cape of Good Hope, while Pedro Alvarez Cabral discovered Brazil. Ferdinand Magellan was the first to complete a circumnavigation of the world in 1522.

The Kingdom of Portugal lasted from 1139 to 1910. The country has been a republic since 1910 and their vast colonization has made Portuguese the official language of 9 countries.

The Arrábida Natural Park a protected area is unique for its unusual soil and microclimate, Parque Natural das Serras de Aire e Candeeiros and Parque Natural da Arrabida house well-preserved dinosaur tracks.

The Vasco da Gama Bridge of Lisbon is the longest bridge in Europe.

Car rental agencies in Portugal include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National and Sixt.

Introduction

Portugal is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. It is a stunningly marvelous country; the rivers, forests and lush valleys of the north are a splendid contrast to its contorted southern coastline of beaches, cliffs and coves. It has peaceful beach resorts, wistful towns and cities, wonderful vineyards, wheat fields and landscape wreathed in olive groves. Portugal’s lively capital, Lisbon, and its northern sibling, Porto, are magical places for the wanderer, with scenic neighborhoods, broad plazas and old-fashioned trams still moving through the streets.

Climate

Outside the cities, travelers prefer visiting stone villages in the mountains or soaking up rays on the magnificent southern shoreline. The northwest has mild winters with intense rainfall and fairly short summers. The northeast has extended winters and hot summers. In the south, summers (May to October) are warm with slight rainfall except in early spring and autumn. Southern Portugal, including the Algarve, has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures are high, but moderated by sea breezes. In the north the weather is wetter. The best time to travel to Portugal is during spring and autumn when days are pleasantly sunny and warm.

Places to visit

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal. The Shrine of Mother Mary at Fatima and Algarve attract many who seek a spiritual experience. Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Portugal and of the European continent as a whole is a breathtaking experience. The remarkable Torre de Belem was the starting point of explorer Vasco da Gama’s historical journey into the New World.  The country’s largest collection of roman ruins can be found at Conímbriga, which also boasts one of Portugal’s finest museums. The beautiful Monastery of Batalha is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Porto is the original home of port wine, winding streets, an interesting old town that is a World Heritage Site.

Airport

Portugal is popular for a dozen major and regional airports that provide easy access to not-so-easy-to-reach parts of the country. The Lisbon airport is the best in the country. Several facilities are available at the airport. Also car rentals can be found on every airport hence travelling to and from the airport is easy

Transport

In all major towns there are several companies providing rent a car service. The Portuguese railway system is State owned and has the name of “Caminhos de Ferro Portuguese (CP)”. The system provides a very reasonably priced transport within the country.