Tour of Mafra, Sintra, Estoril and Cascais - 59,00 € (lunch included)
- September 7th, 9:00 am
Departure via Malveira and the suburban vegetables growing region up to Mafra, located 35 kilometers
North of Lisbon.
Formally a Roman settlement and in the 9th Century an Arab village named "Mahafra", the town of Mafra
has grown up in size and importance. In the early 18th Century the town became famous for the colossal
Convent that the King Dom João V ordered to be built in 1711. The imponent Barroque structure of 220
meters long includes the Basilica all in marble with excellent statuary, the Convent, the Library with over
30.000 volumes, the Chapter room, the Monks Pharmacy and a Royal Palace, amidst many other works
of art. The Carillion (bronze bells-organ) is the largest in Europe, and was ordered by the King in 1720 to
be placed in the Convent's towers. Concerts are still played in the carillon on festive days. The Palace
was the last Royal residence up to 1910.
The tour continues to the delightful town of Sintra, immortalized by the World famous poet Lord Byron as
"Glorious Eden". Located in a slope of the Mountain of Sintra the Royal Palace (Optional visit) was the
residence of many Portuguese Kings as from the 14th Century. Beautiful tiles, painted ceilings and
centuries old walls, as well as an unusually huge kitchen.
Time at leisure as Sintra is excellent for shopping souvenirs and handicraft. Lunch, will be served at a
local restaurant.
Descending the ever-green mountain on to Cape Roca, the Western-most point of continental Europe, a
stop will be made by the cliffs over the Atlantic Ocean. Then following the coast line the tour will pass by
Guincho Beach, Boca do Inferno (Hell's Mouth) an ocean carved spectacle in rock.
Arriving the old fishermen village of Cascais that in the 1940’s was chosen as residence by the exiled
European Royalty, a stop will be made by the lovely bay filled with fishing boats.
Time at leisure in Cascais, and return to Lisbon via the Estoril coastal road.
Tour of Lisbon, with Cruise in Tagus River - 68,00 €
(for a minimum of 30 participants)
September 8th, 9:00 am (Half day with snacks and drinks)
Departure driving through this remarkable city built nearly 2.500 years ago passing buildings dating from
the 18th Century and along mosaic paved streets.
Stop at “Doca de Alcântara”, begining of 2 hours cruise.
Itinerary: Doca de Alcântara, Torre de Belém, Terreiro do Paço, Sta. Apolónia.
During the cruise will be served:
- Orange juice
- soft drinks
- Coffee
- Mini sandwiches
- Petit fours
Desembarking and continuation by bus to Belém quarter.
Visit to the Monastery of the Jerónimos (Hieronymite Monks) built in 1502 and the finest example of the
Gothic-Naturalist (the ambiental decoration named "Manueline"). The splendid church with chapels and
the main-altar in Gothic-Renaissance style will be visited.
Lisbon by Night - Fado and Folklore - 48,00 € (dinner included)
September 8th, 7:30 pm
Departure to a typical tavern located in an old borough of Lisbon for a full course Portuguese dinner,
including drinks.
While drinks are being served one attends a floor show of the traditional Lisbon song the Fado, which
may be a love lament or may describe the beauties of the city and of her "eternal lover" the River Tagus.
The singer may be male or female and is always accompanied by two guitar players, being one a 12
strings Portuguese guitar.
A group will also perform the lively Portuguese folklore dances wearing the traditional costumes. These
heavily embroidered and bright coloured costumes are still worn in the country on festive days.
This “Lisbon by Night Tour” will enable the possibility of enjoying the gastronomy and wines of Portugal
as well as its folklore traditions.
Tour of Sesimbra, Setúbal, Palmela - Full Day - 54,00 € (lunch included)
September 9th, 9:00 am
Departure heading South of Lisbon crossing the Bridge 25th April over the River Tagus and continuing by
the auto-route to Azeitão. This region is famous for a small creamy lamb's cheese and for the excellence
of its wines.
The tour will stop for a visit to the historical tile covered wine-cellars of José Maria da Fonseca (JMS), the
producers of "Lancer's" and "Moscatel" as well as many other quality wines and all visitors will be offered
a drink of the local specialities.
Continuation to Sesimbra passing by the old Castle before descending to the well known fishing village
with the traditional trawlers moored in the jetty.
Sesimbra is also favoured by sports fishermen due to the sword-fish/marlin. All streets of Sesimbra lead
to the beaches with calm waters where one may watch the heavy nets being pulled on to the golden
sands.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
Continuation of the tour passing through Setúbal, one of the most important fish-caning centers along
the Sado River. A town with great traditions originating from the Celtic Cetobriga it housed the Roman
settlers who held in Setúbal fish-salting tanks, and in the Peninsula of Troia there are many remains of a
Roman spa, a temple and a cemetery.
Next there will be a visit to the Medieval Castle and Convent of Palmela conquered to the Arabs in 1148,
being later the seat of the Knights of Sant'Iago (St.James). It was recently adapted to a deluxe
"Pousada". The beautiful view in all directions can be admired from the ramparts of the Castle.
Return to Lisbon.
Tour of Óbidos, Nazaré, Fátima - Full Day - 58,00 € (lunch included)
September 10th, 9:00 am
Depart to the Northern auto-route to Óbidos, one of the most charming Portuguese villages, completely
enclosed within the ramparts of the Medieval Castle.
Walking visit with entrance by the 18th Century arch covered in glazed tiles (azulejos), bright white small
houses along cobblestone narrow streets, flower pots on window-sills, Gothic and Renaissance churches
specially the beautiful Church of Santa Maria reminds the importance of Óbidos past.
Local artisans and craftsmen still using the old techniques show their wares in the small shops along the
streets.
Continuation of the tour to Nazaré, the most famous fishing town in Portugal. Among the bright coloured
rowing-boats moored on the beach bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, one may watch the fisherfolk bring in
the nets. A superb view is enjoyed from the "Sítio", a belvedere on top of the hill while in the streets you
may observe women still wearing the traditional 7 skirted costumes.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
Departure to Fátima, the well known Roman Catholic Marian Shrine. Visit the Basilica and the Chapel of
Apparitions that marks the spot where the 3 shepherd children had the visions in 1917. Time at leisure
for individual activities.
Return to Lisbon.
Tour of Sintra, Cascais, Estoril - Half Day - 23,00 €
September 11th, 9:00 am
Departure to Sintra, a small delightful town in the forest covered Mountain of Sintra, immortalized as
"Glorious Eden" by the World famous poet Lord Byron.
Located about 30 kilometres northwest of Lisbon, there will be a visit to the Royal Palace of Sintra, a
fabulous royal residence of many Portuguese Kings, with wings and halls dating from the 13/14th
Centuries.
Sintra is excellent for shopping souvenirs and handicraft, and there will be time at leisure.
Descending the mountain on to Cape Roca, the Western-most point of continental Europe, a stop will be
made by the cliffs over the Atlantic Ocean.
Then following the coastline the tour will pass by Guincho Beach, Boca do Inferno (Hell's Mouth) an ocean
carved spectacle in rock.
Arriving at the old fishermen village of Cascais that in the 1940's was chosen as residence by exiled
European Royalty, a stop will be made by the lovely bay filled with fishing boats.
Time at leisure in Cascais, and return to Lisbon by the Estoril coastal road.