Wonders of Portugal - Long range (3 days/2 nights)

Day 1
Lisbon – Sintra – Cabo da Roca – Cascais – Estoril – Lisbon

We set off from Lisbon for the impressive and romantic Pena Palace, located on one of the highest peaks in Serra de Sintra Natural Park.
The Palace is characterised by its blend of styles, which combine to create an unmistakeable appearance. At the end of the morning, there’s some free time to wander the streets of the town that charmed kings and inspired poets. Take some time over the range of handicraft stores, tea-houses and savour some of the famous local sweets: queijadas and travesseiros.
You may also take lunch (optional) while viewing rather special views out over the surrounding mountains. We then set off for Colares*, a demarcated wine region with quite a reputation. We then move onto Cabo da Roca, the most westerly point of continental Europe.
We also take in Guincho beach, a favourite among windsurfers, and Boca do Inferno, with wonderful views out over the coast. We then visit the cosmopolitan town of Cascais, where there is a particularly magnificent view out over the bay before making our return to Lisbon along the coastline in front of Estoril, with views out over the Casino and its respective gardens. Return to Lisbon hotel.

* A trip made by tram (Sintra-Colares) from April to October – Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. On other days, the distance is covered by bus.

Day 2
Lisbon – Óbidos – Alcobaça – Nazaré – Batalha – Fátima – Lisbon

We depart first to encounter Óbidos and meet its medieval walls, rustic white houses and the rich and varied local traditions of the town. We also take the opportunity to visit the Castle Pousada-Hotel.
We then leave for Alcobaça to take in the imposing monastery church (UNESCO world heritage), the first Gothic church to be built in Portugal and home to the tombs of the ill-starred lovers D. Pedro and D. Inês de Castro. We then head onto the picturesque and colourful fishing town of Nazaré for lunch.
There’s also the chance to find out something about the legends and traditions of this town. When possible, we go to Sítio, to marvel at its wonderful views out over Nazaré and its beaches. We then move onto Batalha to visit the monastery church (also UNESCO world heritage), a Gothic masterpiece with the most finely worked stained-glass windows. Finally, we reach the Our Lady of Fátima Sanctuary, an altar of the Christian faith and site of world pilgrimage.
There is also the Chapel of Apparitions with its portrayal of Our Lady of Fátima. Take the time also for the Basilica with the tombs of the three witnesses, and the Church of the Holy Trinity, the fourth largest in the world by capacity.
You have some some free time to attend mass. Heading through this colourful agricultural region, we return to Lisbon where we spend the night.

Day 3
Lisbon – Évora – Azeitão – Lisbon

We embark on a one-day voyage through the city of Évora – UNESCO World Heritage –, a mosaic of culture, history and traditions. Leaving Lisbon behind, we cross the bridge over the Tagus before, within a few kilometres, a pleasant landscape takes shape, dotted with cork oaks, olive groves and vineyards.
In the distance, we pass walls before their whiteness tells us we have arrived in Évora.
Here, wander the narrow streets and take the time to savour masterpieces of past eras and the key monuments of Évora: the Roman Temple of Diana, the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral, the Church of São Francisco and its Chapel of Bones as well as the University.
There is also the chance to explore the deep variety of handicrafts produced across the Alentejo including the renowned pieces in cork, ceramics and copper. Furthermore, take the opportunity to engage and experience the depth and breadth in the ingredients for some of the most defining dishes in the Portuguese gastronomic range. Following lunch, in the afternoon, we set off in direction of Azeitão.
Here, we visit one of the most historical and important wine cellars in the country. Following this, we get to taste the traditional Setúbal moscatel.
At the end of this marvellous day, we make our return to Lisbon.
End of tour.

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