Welcome to Portugal Holiday Villas - self-catering villas and cottages and bed-and-breakfast near to historic Tomar, the ancient headquarters of the Knights Templar, and the rural heart of this sunny country.

For a countryside holiday retreat, most with private pool, no shared facilities and full comfort self catering, come and be introduced to relaxation, tranquility, history, lakes, caves, vineyards, handicrafts, a different gastronomy and lovely people. For the more energetic, there are exciting local activities - water parks, go-kart tracks and lots more - for both adults and children. Tourism has not yet spoilt the region which is mainly agricultural and enjoys warm sunshine from May to September, with just enough rain to keep the landscape green and fresh.

You can choose between Self Catering or Bed and Breakfast accommodation to suit your mood, your pocket and your holiday aspirations, be it family friendly homes, large parties needing room to get together and to find individual tranquility, to cosy cottages for romantic couples seeking a hideaway.

On your arrival you will be welcomed by us or the villa owners - your "support and local resource people". It's very important that you feel relaxed, comfortable and at home, so you get more than the keys to the rental home or villa with instructions on how to use the equipment. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide many of the extras you may require to make your holiday very special. Whenever you want help with where to go, what to do - an anniversary cake, flowers for that special occasion, a romantic meal for two with taxi organised, a special trip - the little things that it takes to make it a holiday full of happy memories, just say the word.

Arrival and Departure days are flexible for all of our villas so that guests can take advantage of cheaper fares on low-cost airlines. For example, on EasyJet from London to Lisbon in June 2010, there is a saving per person by flying on Saturday rather than Sunday!

Portugal is one of the cheapest countries in Europe for food and drink. There are lots of small bars and cafes where you can have a lunchtime snack with a drink for two or three euros per person. An evening meal with drinks at a restaurant is usually around per person. Food costs at the supermarkets are in general much cheaper than in the UK and, to really save, the local weekly markets common in small towns throughout Portugal are cheaper than the supermarkets for fruit, vegetables, meat and bread.

See you soon! Carole and Vic.