Overview
DAY 1 | Lisbon
Boasting springtime temperatures during the winter and cool summers freshened by a breeze blowing in from the Atlantic, Costa de Lisboa, on the southwestern coast, offers a rich and impressively integrated diversity. The capital of Portugal since its conquest from the Moors in 1147, Lisbon is a legendary city with over 20 centuries of History.
This morning, with the assistance of your expert guide, you’ll discover the most emblematic neighborhoods of the city: Bairro Alto – a picturesque quarter dating from the 1500s, that has traditionally been the city’s bohemian haunt of artists and writers, Chiado – an elegant, sophisticated district of theaters, bookshops, old-style cafes, art nouveau jewelry shops, luxurious international names such as Hermes, and local treasures, Rossio – the liveliest square in the city and Alfama – Lisbon’s heart during Moorish times, you’ll find yourself wandering through colorful XVIII century squares downtown and getting lost in the medieval maze of the Alfama district overlooked by an ancient castle.
Lunch (not included) will be served at one of the best fresh fish restaurants in Lisbon, created with the purpose to pay tribute to the old fish shops. Let yourself be seduced by their fresh fish and seafood display cabinet, by the charm of its cuisine and by the irreverent and funny ambiance that define this restaurant.
Leisure afternoon to explore the capital of Portugal on own.
- Possible additional of luxury river cruise.
DAY 2 | Sintra – Cascais
Today, marvel with the quaint and aristocratic, World Heritage by UNESCO, town of Sintra – where Lord Byron lived and considered it to be “Paradise in Earth”. You’ll see castles, fortresses, forests, and beautiful scenery.
Sintra and its mystical hills dotted with fairytale palaces and extravagant villas have bewitched visitors for centuries. The Romans made it a place of cult moon worshiping and named it “Cynthia” after the goddess of the moon. They were followed by the Moors who also fell in love with the lush vegetation and built a hilltop castle, a palace, and several fountains around the town. Later it became the summer residence of the Portuguese royal family and attracted a number of wealthy aristocrats who built huge mansions and villas.
You’ll visit the 19th century Pena Palace, one of Europe’s most fantastic palaces. It includes a drawbridge, a conglomeration of turrets, ramparts, and domes, and a gargoyle above a Neo-Manueline arch, all washed in an array of pastel shades. The extravagant interior is decorated in late Victorian and Edwardian furnishings, rich ornaments, paintings, and priceless porcelain preserved just as the royal family left them.
Stop at Cascais, a lovely fishermen village that became (along with neighboring Estoril) a popular resort favored by European nobility and kings in the early 20th century. Today it is a colorful cosmopolitan town with elegant pedestrian streets, luxuriant villas, fashionable shops, restaurants and bars.
Have a relaxed lunch (not included) and venture on a relaxing walking tour enjoying the fresh sea breeze.
DAY 3 | Estremoz
Today, your driver will take you to the noble city of Estremoz, an utterly charming Alentejo town.
Estremoz has a rich cultural heritage, in which clearly the major feature is the castle with its medieval walls and the former thirteenth-century citadel, which now houses a Pousada.
Upon arrival, enjoy a private visit to an 18th century wine estate, nowadays considered a landmark, not only for its beauty but also for its history and quality of its wines, referred by Wine Spectator. This estate is one of the most beautiful country houses in the region, preserving the original features of its “Baroque” and “Joanina” style architecture.
Pamper your taste with a private lectured wine tasting.
Lunch (not included) will be served at a fascinating restaurant located at a former prison from the 16th century. The food served there goes back to tradition and is authentic Alentejo cuisine.
During the afternoon, enjoy a private visit to a beautiful and traditional wine estate with fine quality wines. The winery comprises 9.000 square meters (vineyards not included), having a modern vinification technology, a bottling area and cellars with approximately 2000 French, American and Portuguese oak barrels used for ageing the wines. At this winery the modern is harmoniously combined with the best Portuguese wine-growing tradition, and part of the grapes for more sophisticated wines are still foot trodden. Calmly taste and appreciate the great selection of wines you will be lectured.
Your driver will take you back to your hotel in Lisbon.
- Possible addition of lunch at the winery;
Not feasible on Weekends and National Holidays.
