Venue / Accommodation / About Portugal

Venue Information, Accomodation Arrangements and Visitor Information

We would like to welcome you to Portugal, the host to this year's WFAS 2005 International Symposium of Acupuncture on November 4th - 6th.

Hotel Sheraton

The Symposium will be held at Lisbon 's top venue, Hotel Sheraton Lisboa. Positioned at the heart of the capital, Sheraton Lisboa's Business Centre has been the host to the most prestigious events and conferences held in Portugal . All of its spacious, modern and well-equipped conference rooms have been reserved, creating an ideal and comfortable atmosphere for the day-to-day execution of the Symposium. Tea, coffee and canapés will be served in the wide, carpeted hallways providing a nice moment of repose during the sessions. The Panorama Bar and Lounge Bar will be available for those eager to continue the academic dialogue at the end of each day.

It is 10 minutes away from Lisbon airport and walking distance to many of Lisbon 's beautiful national heritages. The area provides a diversity of shops and restaurants and transportation facilities are excellent. Special cultural programs will be available at the end of the Symposium for those who are interested.

Rua Latino Coelho 1
1069-025 Lisboa
Portugal
Tel. +351 21 312 0000
Fax. +351 21 354 7164
http://www.sheratonlisbon.com/por/index.html

Getting to the venue

By Air
There is only one international airport in Lisbon so you need not worry about getting to the wrong airport. Direct flights exist to and from most European capitals, Brazil , Canada , United States and some African countries. People flying in from Asia will need to stop over in one of the major capital cities of Europe ( Amsterdam , Frankfurt , London , Madrid , Paris ). All flights land in the same terminal and there is only one exit.

From the airport you may take a taxi, bus or rent-a-car. If you are unsure please go to the Tourism Information desk at the airport arrivals terminal.

Taxi
Taxi is the most conveinent method of getting to the venue. It will take about 10 minutes and it will cost you between 10 – 12 Euros (US$13) to get to any of the hotels. Beware they usually charge you a 1.50 Euro supplement for the transportation of your luggage.

Bus
The buses in Lisbon are not the most efficient service you may find but it is the cheapest way of getting around. It will cost you 1.30 Euros per journey and there are a number of buses that go from the airport to the hotels.

Rent-a-car
There are two main rent-a-car services available from the airport. Avis and Eurocar. If you are considering to arrange your own accommodation and/or staying for longer after the Symposium this could be a good option. Please go to their websites for prices.

ACCOMODATION (HOTELS)

We have negotiated special accommodation prices with a range of Hotels ideally located in and around the Lisbon venue. Please select from one of the hotels below and follow the instructions on how to reserve.

HOW TO RESERVE

Please note that accommodation is not included in the registration fee and should be paid separately to the symposium's official travel agency – Oriental Tours. Please download the Reservation & Excursion form, fill in the necessary information and send by post or fax to:

ORIENTAL - Agência de Viagens e Turismo, Lda

Rua Embaixador Martins Janeira, 4/B -3ºEsq

1750-097 Lisboa

Tel. +351 217 510 900 Fax: +351 217 510 909

Download Reservation & Excursion form

Please note that you are advised to make your hotel reservation by October 4 th in order to obtain the discount prices.

For any enquiries regarding hotel reservations please call the number shown above or send an email to
oriental@oriental-ag.pt

Please do not address travel and accommodation queries to A.P.A.E.

HOTEL LIST

Hotel Sheraton Lisboa *****

You may choose to stay at the venue itself making things all the more convenient. Prized as Lisbon 's top luxury and business hotel, both the facilities and services are of great quality.

For further information on hotel click here
Download reservation form

Hotel Real Palacio *****

This modern hotel was built in 2003 offering all the comforts of a 5 star hotel. Its interior is nicely adapted from a former historical architecture and it is less than 5 minutes from the venue.

For further information on hotel click here
Download reservation form

Hotel Fenix ****

Situated in the heart of Lisbon , overlooking the park, this 4 star hotel is situated 7 minutes away from the venue and offers all the comforts of a businessman.

For further information on hotel click here
Download reservation form

Hotel Real Parque ****

This hotel has a classic touch to it offering all the comforts of modern technology. It is less than 5 minutes away from the venue.

For more information on hotel click here
Download reservation form

Hotel Eduardo VII Lisbon ***

This comfortable business hotel is situated 5 minutes away from the venue and has a view of the park and Lisbon 's central roundabout.

For further information on hotel click here
Download reservation form

Hotel Miraparque ***

This comfortable hotel is situated 6 minutes away from the venue and overlooks the park, offering satisfactory service and facilities for short stays.

For further information on hotel click here
Download reservation form

About Portugal

Portugal was host to the great Age of Exploration in the 15 th century and today we can still find its great historical and cultural vestiges, not to mention the superb beaches, rustic landscapes and an amazing diversity of gastronomy. Its spirit of adventure balanced with a rich and mild lifestyle has captured the hearts of many the world around.

Portugal is located in the south-western tip of Europe facing the Atlantic Ocean to the West and sharing borders with Spain on the East. Its population of 10 million has enjoyed a warm reputation of friendliness, honesty and passion. It became a part of the European Community in 1986 from whence they have embarked on a mission to restructure the economy and develop its trade. Most of the major cities have steadily modernised their infrastructure and health care has improved, offering a comfortable experience for visitors and inhabitants.

To the surprise of many, 15 th century Portugal harboured an advanced understanding of medicine and science, contributing to the success of its incredible seafaring tales. In fact, the exchange of medical and scientific knowledge already existed between Portugal and the Far East during this period. Such rich historical heritage and the newly invigorated spirit of 21 st century adventure presents Portugal as the ideal destination for this year's symposium.

Travel Information

Visas
None required for EU nationals. Nationals of Canada , New Zealand , Australia , Japan and the USA can stay for 90 days visa-free. Being a member of the Schengen Agreement, business travellers from the Schengen group of nations can obtain a 90 day Schengen Visa when entering Portugal . Please check local Portuguese consulate for all other nationalities.

Time Zone : GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
Country Dialling Code: 351
Electricity: 220V ,50Hz
Weights & measures: Metric

Eating Out
An average lunch in Lisbon will cost you between 10 to 15 Euros not including tip. Dinners will be anything in the range between 20 to 30 Euros for an average meal but it can easily go above 40 Euros if you are looking for good seafood, steaks and wines. Our recommendations will be posted shortly but you may chose to browse through the list below to get an idea of the range. In terms of area, we recommend you visit the Rossio/Baixa, Bairro Alto, Alfama and see the different restaurants for yourself.

For a list of restaurants click here

Places to visit

Within Lisbon

Alfama is the oldest part of the city that survived the devastating 1755 earthquake and it is home to a famous branch of Fado music. Located on one of the seven hills, intricate and interweaving, the steep and narrow, cobbled roads will lead you to St. Jorge's castle resting at its crest.

For more on Fado music click here

For our recommended Fado restaurant please click here

Bairro Alto sits on a hill opposite Alfama and is home to a large selection of bars, restaurants and coffee shops. Here you will find restaurants that offer both the old and modern styles of food. It is a popular weekend destination for the young and the older alike.

Alcântara-Mar offers a lively selection of bars and restaurants in the marina just under the 25 th of April Bridge and along the Tagus River . It is about 10km out of central Lisbon and you may get there by taxi or train. It is open until late for anyone wishing to go for a change of atmosphere.

Rossio and Baixa on the other hand lie between the hills and its high-streets and side streets are packed with restaurants and boutiques. Quite a few restaurants in Rossio specialise in seafood and chicken dishes nicely laid out through the pedestrian walkways.

You may also want to take advantage of visiting the Museum of Azulejos (Portuguese glazed tiles) and see if you can spot these unique art forms scattered across the city. If you become an Azulejos aficionado and desire to make your own art, you may travel out to Sintra to do so as well.

Outside Lisbon

Cascais is a top destination for those seeking a quiet and picturesque coastal town located about 30km away from Lisbon . There are a few commendable restaurants in the town itself but many are located just outside along the coast line. Its petite beaches, parks and selection of shops are sure to relax your senses.

Estoril is the town next to Cascais also along the coast where you can find the Casino, Golf resorts and the beach. A daily show is run every night except Mondays at the Casino and you can also find the only worthwhile Chinese restaurant in the area.

Sintra, a village in the mountain range boasts a number of world heritages and offers one of the most magnificent views imaginable. Both the Moorish Castle and the Pena Palace sit at the top of their respective mountains from where you can view as far as the city of Lisbon . A few shops and restaurants are available in the village.