Weather

Springtime in Portugal is certainly the finest season, with temperatures of around 20 degrees celcius.  However, April can be rainy, so waterproof clothing is advised.

Appropriate Clothing

We would prefer that you wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes that are suitable for practical work.  Heels and sandals are not a good idea.

Currency

Euros.  You can change money at the airport or at the hotel.  There are also a number of ATM machines in the area.

Notes on Accommodation and Travel

Staff Accommodation

Hotel Rivieira

Rua Bartolomeu Dias

Junqueiro

Carcavelos 2775 – 551

Portugal

Tel: +351 214586600

Fax: 351 214586619

The staff and teachers will be staying at the Hotel Rivieira, 10 minutes walk from the school.  The Riviera Hotel is situated in a privileged area very close to Carcavelos Beach, which is considered to be the best of the various beaches in the area.

There are 2 panoramic lifts in the lobby, private parking and garage and a shopping centre with 52 shops. All the 130 rooms have air conditioning, satellite TV, mini bar, safes, broad band internet connection, trouser press and hair dryer. 24 hour room service is available. 

Single rooms have been booked for all staff and teachers and are priced at 59 euros per night.

Travel From Airport

Schools will be met at the airport by members of staff or students.  Airport shuttle buses are frequent and cost around 3 euros for a single journey to Cais do Sodre, the station from which you take the train to Carcavelos.  The cost of this short journey is around 1 euro.  St Julian’s School is a 2 minute walk from Carcavelos train station.  Please make sure that you have enough change to pay for your tickets.

Other Relevant Information

There will be a reception at the school on Thursday evening after the presentations.  On Saturday, there will be a staff social dinner, which will cost in the region of 40 euros a head.  This will include such dishes as octopus salad, cheeses, mushrooms, ham to start and fish soup, garoupa rice, baked veal fruit, sweet trolley and beer and wine included.  Aperitifs and digestifs are extra.  Please let us know if you would like a vegetarian option.

On Friday morning, the ensemble groups will be travelling to Belem, just outside Lisbon, to explore some of the local sites, which may serve as stimuli for further work within the groups.  This will involve a further train journey and entry to the Discoveries Monument.  The total cost will be a further 10 euros.  Please hand the total amount for your group to Philip Wright on Thursday.