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Lisbon & Cascais

6 Nights

Lisbon is quite a compact city making it perfect for a short city break. The terrain can be difficult at times but the funiculars help locals and tourists climb the steep and long slopes that are characteristic of the city. Transport links also make it easy to explore different parts of the city which may be further afield such as Belem & Parque das Nações. With this trip you get to combine 3 days of sightseeing with 3 days of rest in the idyllic coastal town of Cascais which is located only 30 minutes away. Boasting almost 300 days of sunshine per year, Lisbon is bathed in glorious sunshine and when it might get a bit too hot to handle you can walk towards the river Tejo for a cool breeze where there are lots of bars & restaurants with outdoor seating and tranquil views. Having served as a summer retreat to the Portuguese nobility, today Cascais is a vibrant sea side town with an historic centre, lively bars, restaurants and beautiful beaches. On the food front Lisbon will not disappoint, with lots of trendy eateries, Michelin-starred meals and cheap eats at traditional local Tascas there is something for everyone. Cervejarias are also typical of the city where the seafood is fresh and bountiful and almost always served alongside a nice cold beer. Cascais will also deliver with an array of restaurants serving fresh seafood, chicken piri piri and barbequed meats.

Itinerary

Day 1

Scheduled flights departing from your chosen airport. Once you arrive in Lisbon Airport you will be taken by private transfer to your hotel, Hotel do Chiado 4*. Being located in Lisbon's historic district, near Bairro Alto, Rossio Square and Avenida da Liberdade you will be in a perfect position to start exploring Lisbon.

Day 2

We suggest you spend the first part of your day discovering the district of Belém which is home to some of the capital's most iconic monuments and museums such as Mosterio dos Jerónimos, Monumento dos descobrimentos and the Torre de Belém. Belém is also home to the ''Pastel de Belém'' which in our opinion are definitely worth queueing for as you wont be able to eat one anywhere else. Once back in Lisbon catch the number 28 tram for a ride through Lisbon's oldest district Alfama and head up to Castelo São Jorge with its panoramic views over the city. On the way back down from the Castle through the winding streets of Alfama you could rest up and have dinner in a typical Portuguese tasca.

Day 3

Another day spent in Lisbon. After exploring the Baixa, the Arco da Rua Augusta and the impressive Praça do Comércio, one of Europe's largest squares, walk up Rua Augusta past Praça do Rossio to the Gloria Funicular. This handy little elevator will take you up to Príncipe Real. Immediately to your right will be the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcantara, a large terraced viewpoint with spectacular views over the city. A short walk up from here and you will be in the heart of Príncipe Real with an abundance of restaurants, shops, boutiques and bars. After lunch you could visit the botanical garden or have a coffee in the Príncipe Real garden and marvel at the 150 year old, 20 meter wide Cypress tree. From here you could walk back down through Bairro Alto past the Igreja São Roque, one of the most exquisite and decorative churches of Lisbon, and then down to Cais do Sodré for a walk along the river. At Praça do Ribeiro you will find the Time Out Market, a large food hall with a collection of restaurants and kiosks serving food, alcohol, desserts and delicacies. From here you are only a 15 minute walk back to your hotel for a well deserved rest.

Day 4

After breakfast you will be transferred by car to the Vila Gale Cascais 4* for the remainder of your trip. The hotel is centrally located and only minutes away by foot to the town centre. You can either spend the day by the pool or make your way down to the promenade for a leisurely walk towards Estoril. If you take some beach towels you can sunbathe on one of the many beaches you pass along the way.

Day 5

A private guided tour of Sintra including entry to the Palácio da Pena & Pena National Park. Along the way you will visit Cabo da Roca, Guincho Beach, Boca do Inferno, Cascais & Estoril. Entry into the park is included however lunch in the historical centre of Sintra is not. You will have free time to explore at each stop excluding Guincho Beach and Estoril.

Day 6

If you are feeling up to exploring you could always use this day to rent some bicycles and cycle towards Guincho Beach. Bikes with safety equipment and locks can be rented by the Marina. The marked cycle route starts in front of the Castro Guimarães museum which is located next to your hotel and passes Boca do Inferno, Casa da Guia, Forte de São Jorge de Oitavos all the way up to Guincho Beach. Once back in Cascais relax and regain your energy. For dinner perhaps try out one of the numerous restaurants on Rua Amarela, ''Yellow Road'' with outdoor dining options.