18th International Surgical Pathology Symposium

May 3-6, 2011
Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & Spa
Lisbon, Portugal

Conference Description

The 18th International Surgical Pathology Symposium addresses unique challenges and problems encountered in today’s practice. Participants will simultaneously review case histories, examine images by virtual microscopy, and formulate diagnoses. The unique subtleties and differentiating characteristics of each diagnosis will then be highlighted. Participants will also discuss the patient management strategy used in each case.

During the four-day conference, 38 cases will be presented and discussed. Three to four specialty areas will be featured each day. Cases will be presented in breast pathology, cytopathology, gastrointestinal pathology, gynecological pathology, head and neck pathology, liver pathology, neuropathology, pulmonary pathology and soft tissue pathology. 

Objectives

Upon completion of the conference, participants should be able to:

• Identify common diagnostic problems of pathologies selected for study
• Interpret appropriate ancillary tests for study cases
• Classify each case according to pathology type
• Enumerate the treatment options of each case diagnosis
• Integrate diagnostic, clinical, and pathological challenges in pathologist/clinician communication methods

Intended Audience

This course is designed for practicing surgical pathologists. Other medical laboratory scientists or physicians interested in enhancing their delivery of care also may benefit from this program.

Disclaimer

Attendance at this Mayo conference does not indicate nor guarantee competence or proficiency in the performance of any procedures that may be discussed or taught in this course.

Conference Agenda

Throughout the four-day conference, the following specialty areas will be featured each day: breast pathology, cytopathology, gastrointestinal pathology, gynecological pathology, head and neck pathology, liver pathology, neuropathology, pulmonary pathology and soft tissue pathology.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

6:30 am	Registration
7:15 am	Welcome and Introduction to Symposium
7:30 am	Presentation and Discussion of Cases 1-5
10:00 am	Refreshment Break
10:30 am	Presentation and Discussion of Cases 6-10
1:00 pm	Adjourn/Box Lunch
6:00–7:30 pm	Conference Reception/Dinner Estufa Real

 

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

7:30 am	Presentation and Discussion of Cases 11-15
10:00 am	Refreshment Break
10:30 am	Presentation and Discussion of Cases 16-20
1:00 pm	Adjourn/Box Lunch

 

Thursday, May 5, 2011

7:30 am	Presentation and Discussion of Cases 21-25
10:00 am	Refreshment Break
10:30 am	Presentation and Discussion of Cases 26-30
1:00 pm	Adjourn/Box Lunch

 

Friday, May 6, 2011

7:30 am	Presentation and Discussion of Cases 31-35
10:00 am	Refreshment Break
10:30 am	Presentation and Discussion of Cases 36-38
12:00 Noon	Adjourn/Box Lunch

 

Conference Faculty

COURSE DIRECTORS

Gary L. Keeney, MD
Chair, Division of Anatomic Pathology
Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
Associate Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota

Thomas C. Smyrk, MD
Consultant, Division of Anatomic Pathology
Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
Associate Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota

GUEST FACULTY

Antonio G. Nascimento, MD
Emeritus Staff
Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota

MAYO CLINIC FACULTY

Marie Christine Aubry, MD
Consultant, Division of Anatomic Pathology
Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
Associate Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota

Michael R. Henry, MD
Consultant, Division of Anatomic Pathology
Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
Associate Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota

Jason T. Lewis, MD
Senior Associate Consultant, Division of Anatomic Pathology
Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
Assistant Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota

Bernd Scheithauer, MD
Consultant, Division of Anatomic Pathology
Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota

Daniel W. Visscher, MD
Consultant, Division of Anatomic Pathology
Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota

Faculty Disclosure

As a provider accredited by ACCME, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic must ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in its educational activities. Thus, safeguards against commercial bias have been put in place. Course director(s), planning committee, faculty, and all others who are in a position to control the content of this educational activity are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with any commercial interest related to the subject matter of the educational activity. Faculty also will disclose any off-label and/or investigational use of pharmaceuticals or instruments discussed in their presentation. Disclosure of this information will be published in course materials so that participants in the activity may formulate their own judgments regarding the presentation.

Credit

College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic designates this educational activity for a maximum of 19.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Registration

To register, click on the “Register Now” button below. The registration fee of $895 includes tuition, USB drive containing PPT presentations, virtual microscopy DVD, break refreshments, daily box lunch and reception. Although it is not the policy of Mayo Medical Laboratories Education Department to limit the number of participants, conference room facilities may necessitate closing of enrollment; therefore, early registration is strongly advised. Registration deadline is April 1, 2011. E-mail address is required upon registration. A letter of confirmation will be forwarded to this address upon receipt of payment and submitted registration. Present the letter of confirmation when checking in at the meeting registration desk.

Mayo Medical Laboratories reserves the right to cancel or postpone any course due to unforeseen circumstances. In the unlikely event Mayo Medical Laboratories must cancel or postpone this course, Mayo Medical Laboratories will refund the registration fee, but is not responsible for any related costs, charges, or expenses to participants, including fees assessed by airline/travel/lodging agencies.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel your participation in this conference on or before April 1, 2011, your registration fee, less a $75 administrative fee, will be refunded. Mayo Medical Laboratories Education Department must receive written notification of your cancellation. No refunds will be made after April 1, 2011.

Travel

Travel arrangements are the responsibility of the participant.

Lisbon has experienced a renaissance in recent years, with a contemporary culture that is alive and thriving and making its mark in today’s Europe. Perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon is one of the rare Western European cities that faces the ocean and uses water as an element that defines the city. Lisbon enchants travelers with its white bleached limestone buildings, intimate alleyways, and an easy-going charm that makes it a popular year-round destination

Lisbon is served by Lisbon International Airport. The Sheraton Hotel is 6 km/3.73 miles from the airport by car. The average cost for a public taxi is approximately 8 EURO ($11 US) one way.

For travel arrangements, you may contact Carlson Wagonlit Travel at 866-629-6885 toll free from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time. Identify yourself as attending the Mayo Medical Laboratories 18th International Surgical Pathology Symposium.

Lodging Accommodations

A block of rooms have been secured at the Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & Spa for participants and their guests, with special conference rates. To receive the special rate, you must make reservations before the room block is filled or before the expiration date of March 15, 2011, whichever comes first. Reservations will be taken following this date based on space and rate availability. Upon registration for the symposium, you will receive a hotel reservation form to complete and return to confirm your hotel reservation.

Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & Spa
Rua Latino Coelho, 1
1069-025 Lisbon
Portugal
www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=292
Phone: (351)(21) 3120000
Fax: (351)(21) 3547164

The following daily rates include breakfast and are exclusive of the VAT:

Euro 171, Deluxe Room for Single Occupancy
Euro 197, Deluxe Room for Double Occupancy

In order to be included in the breakfast with attendees, please make your hotel reservation via the form included with symposium registration confirmation. Mayo Medical Laboratories has guaranteed and will be responsible for any unused rooms in the reserved block. If rooms are booked via an online service, breakfast may not be included with your rate.

Access to the fitness room, outside heated swimming pool, hammam, sauna and vitality pool is included. Massages and treatments are not included. The Sheraton will provide a 20% discount on massage treatments. Prescheduled appointments are encouraged. Contact the hotel at (351)(21) 3120000 and ask for the Spa. 

Social Program

Conference Reception – Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Participants and a guest are cordially invited to join the conference faculty for the Conference Reception. A reception/dinner is currently being arranged at the Estufa Real. Estufa Real is set in the heart of the 18th century Ajuda Botanical Gardens, overlooking the tranquil Tagus River. Transportation will be provided to the venue. The reception welcomes you to Lisbon and offers you the perfect opportunity to make connections with existing and new colleagues. Preregistration is required and can be done via the online registration form.

Tours

Tours are being arranged by Destination Portugal, a Destination Management Company in Lisbon, Portugal. All tours include an English-speaking guide and bus transportation when necessary. The following tour options will be available:

Monday, May 2, 2011

Tour to Obidos, Alcobaca and Nazaré (All-day)
Time: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Cost: Euros 40,00/person

This tour begins by driving north through the bullfighting region of Vila Franca on the way to Obidos, the medieval little town with its colorful houses completely surrounded by the city walls. The town is a collection of narrow streets winding their way between whitewashed houses adorned with blossoming bougainvillea. The architecture of Obidos today is exceptionally well preserved, with medieval buildings blending comfortably with 17th century additions and the homes built by the local population over the centuries.

Continue to Alcobaça to visit the Monastery with its square Cistercian plan. One of the most beautiful Cistercian abbeys dating from the Middle Ages stands in the heart of this small town. Alcobaça is set in an agricultural region at the confluence of the Alcoa and Baça rivers, which gave the town its name. Its main activities are fruit growing, wine making and the production of a cherry liqueur called ginginha. Alcobaça is also an active commercial center for local pottery that is predominantly blue.

In 1147, in the middle of the Christian Re-conquest, the first king of Portugal is believed to have vowed that he would found a monastery and dedicate it to St. Bernard if he managed to capture Santarem from the Moors. The legend is based on a fact: Afonso Henriques did indeed found an abbey at Alcobaça which he donated to the Cistercians in 1153. The church was completed in 1253.

The external appearance of the 18th century Santa Maria Monastery belies the splendid Cistercian architecture within. The church has been restored and, in the process, all the nobility and clean lines of its original Cistercian architecture were rediscovered. It is one of the largest churches of its kind, with an impressive elevation.

On to Nazaré for a visit and lunch at your leisure. Nazaré is an old fishing village. In the old days, before the new harbor was built, the fishing boats were pulled onto the beach by oxen. Going out to sea they were pulled by hand to the surf until a favorable wave would take them out.

Nazaré is divided in three parts: Pederneira, the old city center, Praia (meaning beach) and Sitio, built on a rock 110 meters above the old city. From Sitio you’ll have a wonderful panoramic view over Nazaré and its beach. The Nazaré beach is considered one of Portugal’s most beautiful.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Walking Tour of Downtown Lisbon (Half-day)
Time: 2:00-5:30 PM
Cost: Euros 29,00/person
Includes: Roundtrip Transfers, English-speaking guide and Santa Justa Lift ride

The tour begins in the beautiful square of Rossio, known as the D. Maria II Theatre, which is built at the site of the House of Inquisition. Being the forum of Lisbon’s bourgeoisie, Rossio was the most important spot in Lisbon at the end of the 18th century. The square was animated by innumerable cafés, very typical of Portugal, where people talked, discussed politics and debated the arts.

Linking the Praça do Comércio and Rossio, the Rua Augusta is one of the main commercial centers of Lisbon‘s Baixa. Closed to traffic and with a pleasant pedestrian walk containing a diversified variety of shops suitable for all tastes, this street continues to conjugate tradition and art. Frequently occupied by independent street artists, artisans and street sellers, this is where one can find everything.

Lisbon is a city of hills and valleys. The slopes are steep and abrupt, creating what has always been a serious problem for the transport of people and goods between the high and the low areas of the city. The advent of mechanical traction brought the funiculars and lifts. Only the Santa Justa Lift remains in operation today. Built in 1900, the system was electrified and the early steam engines were replaced by electric engines during 1907. In February 2002, it was classified as a national monument.

When guests get out of the lift they are in Chiado area and Brasileira Coffee Shop, the oldest, most famous café in the city, with wooden booths, mirrored walls and a long oak-paneled bar straight out of the 18th century. Young pre-clubbers coming in meet elderly locals going out and make for a lively mix of tradition and trend. There are chairs under umbrellas outside to watch the crowds night and day.

Following the road up the hill leads to Bairro Alto, situated in Lisbon center, one of the typical quarters with its narrow steep streets with old buildings, many of them restored. Bairro Alto is the heart of the Portuguese capital’s nightlife, and here one can find a huge variety of bars, lounges, Fado houses and restaurants. The blend between old neighbors and younger ones found here, one of the most cosmopolitan spots in Lisbon, is reflected in the commerce, where one can find the typical tiny grocery and bakery shops to the designers’ ateliers, tattoo and piercing shops. Nowadays, Bairro Alto is known as the area for intellectuals, artists and bohemians, side by side with the Chiado quarter.

On to “Cervejaria Trindade” Beer Hall where visitors can stop inside to have a beer (OPTIONAL). The convent of the Trinitarian Friars of the Redemption of the Captives, who were religious and known for rescuing the prisoners from the Moors, was built in 1294. Centuries later, in 1836, “Cervejaria Trindade” Beer Hall was inaugurated at the same place. Nowadays the hall is an authentic museum, among whose assets can be found items of large historic value. Its Luis Ferreira tile panels from the 19th century evoke topics such as the four elements, the seasons of the year or the gods of trade and industry. The panels in stone mosaic in the new hall by the artist Maria Keil, which are inspired by Lisbon’s pavements and were inaugurated in 1946, are a valuable document of the contemporary Portuguese arts.

At the end of the tour, guests may choose to stay downtown and explore on their own or return with the guide to the hotel. (Walking again or you may have the bus available for shuttle.)

OR

Cultural Tour Lisboa (Half-day)
Time: 2:00-5:30 PM
Cost: Euros 28,00/person
Includes: Entrance fees to the Gulbenkian Museum and Modern Art Center, and English-speaking guide

The tour begins by the Statue of Marques de Pombal and heads directly to the Gulbenkian Museum and Modern Art Center, both located in the grounds of the Gulbenkian Foundation.

The Gulbenkian Museum, opened in October of 1969, contains one of the world’s
greatest private collections, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, ceramics, tapestries and jewelry ranging from the early Egyptian period to modern times. Included in the art collection are works of Van der Weyden, Rubens, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner, Monet and Renoir.

The first of the permanent exhibition galleries contains Oriental and Classical art and leads to the Egyptian, Greco-Roman, Islamic Orient and Armenian arts. The second is dedicated to European art with specific parts dedicated to books, sculpture, painting and the decorative arts. The part dealing with the decorative arts pays special attention to French art of the 18th century and to the work of René Lalique. Following these two exhibitions are galleries bearing sculpture, paintings, Renaissance art from Flanders, France and Italy, among several others.

The Modern Art Center possesses the largest and finest collection of Portuguese modern and contemporary art. It also possesses a British art collection (dating from the 1960s) that includes some important pieces, and works by other international artists. Around 300 works from the approximately 6,000 that comprise the collection are on display at any one time.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Belém Tour
Time: 2:00-5:30 PM 
Cost: Euros 28,00/person
Includes: Entrance fees to Royal Coach Museum, Cloister of Jeronimos Monastery, English-speaking guide

The tour begins by the Statue of Marques de Pombal, and progresses along the aristocratic Avenue of Liberty and downtown through busy Rossio and Black Horse Squares to reach Belém quarter.

Belém, which faces the river Tejo (Tagus) and is the western area of the city, has a significant number of monuments, museums, open air cafés and gardens which attract tourist pilgrimages. The history of Belém dates back to the days of the Discoveries. This was the place where the first and most important landmarks of this grand period were begun.

King D. Manuel I ordered the construction of the impressive Mosteiro dos Jeronimos (Hyeronimite Monastery) and Torre de Belém (Belém Tower) classified as Humanity Heritage and Palácio de Belém (Belém Palace), which is currently the official residence of the President of the Republic. In the 20th century this area continues to be chosen for controversial architectural tributes. The Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries) was built in 1940 for the occasion of the Portuguese World Exhibition. Finally the Cultural Center of Belém complex, was a result of the Portuguese presidency of the European Union in 1992. In the area is the most famous “Patisserie” of Lisbon, where the Pastéis de Nata (a traditional Portuguese pastry consisting of a small short crust tart filled with custard that is based on a recipe over 160 years old) are almost unanimously considered the best in Portugal.

Royal Coach Museum
This museum is in the Royal Riding School of Belém, in the Belém Palace, and has the best collection of royal vehicles from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Founded by Queen Amélia, the museum celebrated its 100th year in 2005. The aristocratic carriages, ecclesiastic carriages, horse trappings and the famous trumpets of the Royal Band give a real history lesson to adults and children who eagerly visit this museum.

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Hieronymite Monastery)
On the Unesco World Heritage List, this national monument facing the river is a prime example of Manuel Style architecture. At the beginning of the 16th century, the Prosperous king, D. Manuel I, ordered the construction of the monastery to commemorate the discovery of the sea route to India. This was the seat of St. Jerome’s Order and located there are the tombs of D. Manuel I, D. João III, Cardinal D. Henrique, Luis de Camões and Vasco da Gama. Its church-hall, in the shape of a Latin cross, has a vault supported by octagonal pillars shaped like palm trees. The monument’s cloisters are uniquely beautiful and much admired by its visitors.

OR

Tour downtown Lisbon including Alfama Quarter, Lisbon Cathedral and St. George’s Castle
Time: 2:00-6:00 PM
Cost: Euros 32,00/person
Includes: Entrance fee to St. George’s Castle, Roundtrip transfers, English-speaking guide

The tour starts by the Av Liberdade in downtown Rossio and then continues through Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest quarter and probably the most traditional. Its name has Arabic roots (al hama means “the fountains”), which is proof of its ancient origins. A visitor can learn a lot about the essence and soul of Lisbon just by going through its narrow streets, alleys, squares and patios. A stop will be made at Miradouro de Sta Luzia, the official belvedere of Lisbon. From there, guests will take a 10-minute walk to the castle.

The Castle of St. George was built by the Romans and later occupied by the Moors and conquered by the first King of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, in 1147. It is one of the finest fortresses in the whole country. From the castle are the loveliest views of the city of Lisbon, the river and the distant hills of Sintra. The walls also enclose a beautiful garden.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Sintra (Half-day)
Time: 2:00-6:00 PM
Cost: Euros 30,00/person
Includes: Roundtrip Transfers, English-speaking guide, and Entrance fee at National Royal Palace
Departure will be from the hotel at 2:00 PM direct to Sintra city center.

The ancient town of Sintra is where the well-known English poets and writers lived in the 18th and 19th centuries, among them Lord Byron, William Beckford and Francis Cook. In the main square is the National Royal Palace, in existence since 1154. The palace is distinguished by its conical twin kitchen chimneys with a mixture of architectural styles combining Gothic, Mudejar, Manueline and Renaissance works, and its superb 15th and 16th century hand-painted wall tiles in the chapel and main halls.

Sintra, with its narrow roads, its climbing flowers and semi-tropical vine-like plants trailing from mossy walls and balconies, offers breathtaking views all around, where old palaces and noble old houses can be admired. Time is set aside to stroll around this quaint town with interesting shops and cafes. Linen, porcelain and typical items, as well as local wine and typical desserts, can be found in this beautiful town.

Or

Cascais and Estoril Tour
Time: 2:00-6:00 PM
Cost: Euros 25,00/person
Includes: Entrance fee to Castro Guimarães Museum, English-speaking guide

Tour will depart from the hotel in the direction of Cascais and Estoril via the coast line.

The picturesque towns of Estoril and Cascais with their pretty little palaces overlooking the sea have been inhabited from the remotest ages. From various interesting finds, it is known that Paleolithic man lived there, and it is believed Neolithic people lived in local caves 4,000 years old.

In 1364, King Pedro I granted the title of municipality on Cascais, but it only came into effect in 1370 when King Fernando gave the castle to Gomes Lourenço de Avelar. From then on, Cascais became a lookout for Lisbon in the great maritime era of discovering new worlds. It was the first place that navigators saw when they returned from long and adventurous voyages seeking their homeland, and the last when they set out on voyages looking for African treasures, oriental spices, sugar and, later, gold from Brazil. For this reason, in the time of King Manuel I during the middle of the 16th century when Portugal’s discoveries were at their height, Cascais was one of the first places to have a lighthouse. It was situated exactly where the Guia lighthouse is today. The strategic position of the bay is of great importance.

From the 1930s, both Cascais and Monte Estoril have supported Estoril as the flagship of Portuguese tourism. The area was initially called the Sun Coast but is now known as the Estoril Coast. One of the most beautiful parts of the Estoril Coast is the countryside, a succession of hills dotted with pine trees and houses, sweeping down to the sea.

Apart from the usual countryside scenery, the visitor will also enjoy seeing the local villages with their typical houses and the old palatial villas along the seafront.

The Castro Guimarães Museum is situated in one of the most sought after areas of the town, where the sea appears to be trying to reach the Gandarinha Park, in the Counts of Castro Guimarães Palace, whose medieval castle overlooks the Santa Marta Cove. The Palace was donated to the local authority in 1924, when it became a Museum. It is worth a prolonged visit, not only for its unusual architecture, but also for its wealth of art and archaeology. You can appreciate works of art by national and international artists, some of them depicting Cascais and rich Indo-Portuguese furniture. The library was constantly replenished and updated, and has over 25,000 books, some of them from the 17th century and richly bound. It provides an exceptional source of information and assistance to lecturers, researchers and students.

Or

Cooking Class at Hotel Albatroz
5* Hotel Albatroz – Cascais
Time: 2:00-7:00 PM
Cost: Euros 120,00/person
Includes: Roundtrip transfers, all necessary material for activity such as aprons and chef hats, chef accompaniment, lunch for the entire group, mineral water, ½ bottle of wine and coffee with meal

At Hotel Albatroz, Albatroz Palace and Villa Albatroz Guest-House you have the privilege of being a guest at some of the most noble houses in Cascais with the sun and sea always present. Rising above the ocean is a place of true luxury and elegance, a place covered by the smell of the sea where everything was idealized and planned to the smallest of details. At Hotel Albatroz, the magic enchants and surprises the most demanding of visitors.

Renowned for its exceptional beauty and tranquility, it was originally built for the Portuguese royal family in the mid-19th century. Today it has been enlarged and entirely refitted with taste, imagination and care.

The cooking classes take place in the Palace wing (specialty built for this purpose). The classes are taught by the head chef, Miguel Oliveira. These classes include the cooking of the following:
Two Appetizers
One Main Course
One Dessert
A selection of wines is available to accompany the chosen menus.

At the end of the class all participants receive a diploma and a small booklet with the recipes. The cooking classes consist of two different modules depending on the client’s preference: either a “Do it yourself” class or a “Watch and Learn” class, and they take approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Menu Example:
Aubergine and Mozzarela Timbale, Rocket Salad
Tagliollini Sautéed in a Confit Tomato Sauce, Sheep’s Milk Cheese
“Unilateral” Salmon, Citrus Scented Couscous and Fresh Salsa
Crispy Pineapple in Philo Pastry, Lightly Caramelized Mangoes with Dill.

This is just one of many examples. Normally the chef decides what to cook depending on the season and the local ingredients.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Obidos Tour
Time: 12:30-4:30 PM
Cost: Euros 28,00/person

The drive is north through the bullfighting region of Vila Franca on the way to Obidos, the medieval little town with its colorful houses completely surrounded by the city walls. Once the wedding present of a queen, the town is a collection of narrow streets winding their way between whitewashed houses adorned with blossoming bougainvillea.

The architecture of Obidos today is exceptionally well preserved, with medieval buildings blending comfortably with 17th century additions and the homes built by the local population over the centuries. Obidos is also a town known for its beautiful handicraft such as pottery and woolen items.

English-speaking guides will be available for a brief explanation at the walls of the city. The tour will include leisure time for walking around, tasting the famous “ginginha,” a typical Portuguese sweet liqueur Obidos is known for making from the fruits grown in the region, and visiting the local shops including Rua Direita, a street filled with small shops where visitors can buy traditional ceramics, wicker baskets, miniature windmills and handmade embroidery and woolen articles.

As you cross the Village Door you must look up. There is a 17th century balcony with a beautiful panel made with white tiles painted in blue (called azulejos in Portuguese); these tiles date from the 18th century. The balcony’s ceiling also has frescos with a flowered pattern. This place is an Oratory — Oratório Nossa.

St. Mary Square is the most emblematic square in town. Here you will find the City Fountain from the 16th century, ordered by Queen Catarina of Austria. Located in the square is the magnificent St. Mary’s Church, the Mother Church of Obidos, built on the site of a pre-existent Visigothic Temple and later used as a Mosque. The church was rebuilt several times and includes paintings by Josefa D`Obidos (the famous Portuguese painter from the 17th century), blue and white 17th century tile covering Senhora da Piedade and some typical lamps made of iron.

Also, not to miss in this square is the Pillory. Erected in 1513, it is the symbol of municipality authority. It was also the place where criminals were punished. It bears Queen Leonor of Lencastre’s coat of arms, represented by a fishing net in memory of her son, whose body was recovered from the Tagus River by local fishermen.

While in Obidos, you may also visit the St. James’s Church, built in 1186 by order of King Sancho I and totally destroyed by the 1755 earthquake. From the church, climb up to the castle to see the magnificent views of the town and the surroundings. Probably of Roman origin, the castle was rebuilt during the Islamic period. Besides its military function, it was also the Royal Palace. Restored and enlarged by successive kings, it became the fits historic Pousada (State-Inn) in Portugal in 1950.

Or

Azeitao and Arrabida Mountain Range
Time: 12:30-5:30 PM
Cost: Euros 28,00/person
Includes: Entrance fee to the wine cellar, and English-speaking guide

The tour will start by crossing the bridge over the Tagus River and driving on to the famous little town of Azeitão, known for its vineyards, to visit the old wine cellars of José Maria da Fonseca (known in the United States for producing Lancers wines) and to taste some of the regional wines.

The prosperous agricultural town of Azeitão, set amidst beautiful quintas, is famous for its muscatel wine. The main street is bordered with lovely baroque fountains and the graceful buildings and gardens of the José Maria da Fonseca Wine Cellars.

José Maria da Fonseca, as a company, is the oldest wine company in Portugal. Its namesake, José Maria da Fonseca, was born in the north of Portugal, the Dao region, in May of 1804 and he established his company in Azeitão in 1834. During the time that he was in charge of the company he was responsible for the beginning of the commercialization of wine in bottles and the creation of brands.

The company started exporting wine to Brazil and became dependent on this market until the 1920s when the world recession and the crisis in Brazil made him feel obliged to sell some properties.

At the end of the 30s, the market picked up and José Maria da Fonseca created Lancers wine and started exporting it to the United States. It was the beginning of a prosperous period that lasts today.

Guests will also have the opportunity to visit a small tile factory, where they will see how the tiles are made. After visiting the tile factory, guests will continue the drive over the Arrabida Mountains to see a beautiful view of the sea, the peninsula of Troia and the mountains. The Arrabida Mountain Range rises and falls over the southern part of the Setubal peninsula, covering 35 km/22 miles between Cabo Espichel and Palmela. The Natural Park of the Arrabida Mountain Range, which covers 26.688 acres between Sesimbra and Setubal, has been created to protect the local scenery and architecture.

POSTCONFERENCE BICYCLE TRIP – PORTUGAL 2011
May 6-15, 2011

Hindriks European Bicycle Tours is organizing a 10-day postconference bicycle tour in the Alentejo part of Portugal not far from the Spanish border. The ride takes you through a gorgeous landscape with cork oaks, wheat fields and olive trees and through villages and small towns characterized by quaint whitewashed villages and Moorish-influenced architecture. From Alvito to Monsaraz, with stops along the way in Beja, Serpa, Moura, this trip takes you through a fascinating part of Portuguese culture and history. Highlights are the Alvito castle and the monastery in Beja (both converted into luxury hotels where you will stay), prehistoric and Roman remains, the step-back-in-time charm of Serpa, the splendid natural surroundings near the Guadiana river, the excellent local wines, Portuguese food, the medieval hilltop town of Monsaraz, local arts and crafts like great pottery.

This trip combines great nature, small villages, interesting towns, fascinating history and culture with great riding. Accommodations are excellent. Riding is moderate with flat stretches, some rolling terrain and a few challenges. Sightseeing opportunities are abundant. Trip price $3,250, single supplement $550. Included are bus tranfers, comfortable hotels, all breakfasts, 8 dinners with wine, trekking bikes (Giant Aero RS1), entrance fees to selected sights, bicycle guides, support van.

For more information on the Bicycle Trip:
E-mail Herman at herman@hindrikstours.com or phone Kay at 1-866-605-0289.