European Holidays

Print this Page

Lisbon and the Treasures of Portugal

About the booking processOnce you click the Continue button an 'option' booking will be made for you. Your booking should be a continuous process, please do not 'bookmark' or 'Add to favourites' any of the subsequent pages. Returning to these pages at a later time will produce an error as your 'option' will have expired.

The hidden delights of Portugal

Come to a land of stunning scenery, historic towns and villages, and friendly people. Stay in the renowned resort of Estoril; visit vibrant, enchanting Lisbon, bustling Cascais and the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site of Sintra; and perhaps join our optional excursions to discover Evora, Obidos and the fabled shrine at Fatima.

The renowned coastal town of Estoril lies west of Lisbon, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Sheltered and genteel, its small beach, its lido and its mimosa, jacaranda and hibiscus-filled park lie just two miles from the bustling bars, cafes and restaurants of its lively neighbour, Cascais.

Day One

Fly to Lisbon, and transfer to Estoril (journey approximately 45 minutes). After check-in you're free to unpack and explore or enjoy the hotel's excellent leisure facilities.

Day Two

After a breakfast, come with us on our included, half-day visit to Lisbon. See the extraordinary Manueline architecture of the Belem quarter, and the grid of wide avenues, fringed with striking modern buildings, that makes up the Baixa. Stroll the narrow streets of the Alfama, and perhaps climb aboard one of the city's famous trams before we return to delightful Estoril for an afternoon left free for relaxation.

Day Three

Spend today relaxing, or join our full-day optional excursion to ancient, exquisite Evora. This UNESCO World Heritage site is at once a thriving market town and a living museum boasting fine Renaissance architecture, ancient ruins and a well-regarded university - which inevitably also means a variety of beguiling bars, restaurants and cafes to explore.

Day Four

Today's optional excursion takes us, first, to the immaculate walled hill-top village of Obidos, an oasis of medieval charm and colour. The bustling fishing town of Nazare, with its sweeping beach battered by the Atlantic breakers, is our second stop, after which we'll head for the peace and tranquillity of the great Alcobaca Monastery and on to the fabled shrine at Fatima - one of the world's most important Christian pilgrimage centres.

Day Five

This morning, board the coach for our included half-day excursion to Cascais and Sintra. Cascais is a bustling resort of fashionable bars centred on an unspoilt 'old-town' centre. Explore, before we continue to verdant Sintra, former retreat of the Portuguese Royal Family, from whose lofty perch the views out over the surrounding National Park are simply stunning.

Day Six

Transfer back to the airport for check-in and your flight home.

Wining and dining

Seafood is a main feature of Portugese cuisine, Charcoal-grilled sardines and prawns, often mixed with small red chilli peppers, garlic and olive oil in the famous prawn piri piri, are plentiful. Dried and preserved cod (bacalhau) is also popular, as are soups such as sweet, prawn-laden Acordas and thick Caldeirada, which is served in a big, lidded pot.

There are many excellent red and white wines to enjoy, including the famous Vinho Verde.

 
 

Book Online Now!

Book by telephone