Saturday 11 September 2004 – 18.30 - 21.00
Welcome Party at the Lisbon Congress Centre (CCL)
The recreation of a Lisbon popular party known as “Arraial”, usually held in June to celebrate the traditional festivities honoring Lisbon’s patron St. Anthony, promises a casual Welcome Party where you will enjoy a typical Portuguese atmosphere. Within a festive environment, full of color and music, you will have the opportunity to discover sounds and symbols of a true “Arraial Lisboeta”.
In order to give a really popular atmosphere, a small “Coreto” will be installed next to the tables. A “Coreto” is an old round iron structure, where on Sundays the local Recreational Community Societies used to present their music bands. A Lisbon Popular Parade will call you to the cocktail area. When arriving at the cocktail area, you will meet some old-time traditional folk characters, like the “Oleiro”, a man who works the clay and shapes it into beautiful objects, the “Cesteiro”, a man who makes baskets, the “Cauteleiro”, a man who sells lottery tickets and the “Peixeira”, a woman who sells fish – among others.
They will be showing their creative skills and will prompt memories of important folk crafts’peopleships of the Portuguese culture. A Students “Tuna” will join in to play and sing among the guests with its customary cheerfulness; later on, you will be entertained by a presentation from the “Pauliteiros de Miranda” and a popular band playing at the “Coreto”.
Enjoy a nice cocktail full of joy, music and color in a warm late summer evening.
All participants are kindly invited to the Welcome Party.

Excursions
All excursions depart and return from the Lisbon Congress Centre (CCL).
Excursions will be confirmed only if a minimum of 20 participants is met. AIMS reserves the right to cancel the excursions if the minimum number of participants is not reached, one month before the congress. In this case, deposit paid will be reimbursed in full.

Sunday 12 September 2004
09.30 - 13.30

Included in the accompanying person’s registration fee !

A taste of Lisbon
Getting acquainted with the most exotic capital of Europe! Start with a visit to the historical quarter of Belem, where you will visit some of the Ex-libris of the town, such as the Monument to the Portuguese discoveries, the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, a jewel of manueline architecture, as well as the Torre de Belem. Continue along the Tagus river and enter into downtown Lisbon, Alfama, which is the oldest area in town where still nowadays a strong Arabic influence can be felt. Climb up to the Castle hill following the narrow lanes and picturesque corners of Alfama and finally have the “Beauty of the Tagus“ stretching out at your feet, once you reach the terrace of St. George Castle. Enjoy – with a glass of Port wine.
Price per person: EUR 28

Monday 13 September 2004
09.30 - 13.30

Sintra and the Continent West-end
We will take the highway directly to Sintra (World Heritage Site), a former residence of Portuguese kings. The area has a wonderful vegetation due to the microclimate of the mountain making it seem like a huge garden with many palaces.
First of all, we will visit the Palacio da Vila famous for its wall frescos and tiles, and the marvelous Sala dos Cisnes where dinners of the Portuguese rulers used to be held.Time for leisure to stroll along the small lanes of Sintra, discover the many handicraft shops and have a coffee and a small "queijada" (delicious Portuguese specialty).
After that we will cross the mountain and the beautiful landscape to arrive at Cabo da Roca - the most western point of Europe, where the view over the Atlantic Ocean is awesome!
To return to Lisbon, we will drive along the Atlantic ocean and its sandy beaches.
Price per person: EUR 30

Monday 13 September 2004
14.30 - 18.30

Where Lisbon is most “Alfacinha”
First, transfer to Praça do Comercio Commercial Square, right in the heart of the city and from here get on board an “Electrico”. Lisbon without it’s trams would be a little bit like a cake without raisins. During a ride through the most picturesque areas of the city admire hidden spots and outstanding views. The tram will take you to Graça, Baixa and Chiado. Finally reach Largo de Camões and walk through the nice Chiado area until you get to the Miradouro S. Pedro de Alcântara where you can admire the stunning view over the castle hill situated on the opposite side. Relax at the Solar do Vinho Porto, a real Portuguese Institution where hundred of different port wines can be tasted. You will have the opportunity to taste a red sweet port. Downhill with the Elevador da Gloria to get you to the Baixa, one of the most popular shopping areas. Stay for shopping or transfer back to the hotel.
Price per person: EUR 42

For post congress tours, AIMS will be pleased to create a tailor-made offer according to your wishes and budgets. For a personalised proposal, please contact AIMS Portugal!