Portugal: Lisbon & Sintra

Tuesday 15th June

Our Portuguese adventure begins as we arrive in Lisbon, where our local guide will welcome us before we travel to the enchanting town of Sintra. Surrounded by rugged mountains, lush forests and luxuriant gardens, this UNESCO World Heritage Site feels like stepping into a fairytale. With its exquisite palaces, elegant villas, historic architecture and charming streets, Sintra is a truly magical place and our base for the next two nights.

After checking into our hotel in the heart of Sintra, there will be time to explore the town at our own pace before gathering for our first evening together and a taste of traditional local Portuguese cuisine.

Dinner included. Overnight in Sintra.

Wednesday 16th June

After breakfast, we’ll set off to explore the magnificent Monserrate Palace and Gardens, where exotic plants, tranquil fountains and winding pathways create a wonderfully sensory experience.

Built in the 18th century, this extraordinary romantic estate is a feast for the senses, brimming with architectural splendour and fascinating history. With our guide, we’ll explore its captivating blend of Gothic, Moorish and Indian influences before wandering through luxuriant gardens alive with towering tree ferns, graceful palms and vibrant flowering shrubs. The air is scented with eucalyptus, while flowing water, lush greenery and intricate stone sculptures create an enchanting haven.

Next, we’ll learn about the region’s winemaking traditions and discover the distinctive aromas and flavours of some local wines.

After enjoying a traditional Portuguese lunch at a nearby restaurant, we’ll head to Praia Grande, a golden sandy beach on the Atlantic coast. Here, we’ll feel the sand beneath our feet on a guided barefoot walk whilst listening to the soothing sound of the waves. There’ll also be an opportunity to paddle in the sea.

We’ll return to Sintra in the early evening, with time to relax before heading out for dinner at our leisure.

Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight in Sintra.

Thursday 17th June

After breakfast, we’ll visit Sintra’s National Palace, a former royal residence at the heart of the town. With its distinctive twin chimneys, grand halls and beautifully decorated interiors, the palace offers a fascinating insight into Portugal’s royal history. Our guide will bring its stories to life as we explore the historic rooms, discovering intricate tilework, vaulted ceilings and centuries of architectural splendour.

Following lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll travel into the countryside to Adega Mãe winery for a hands-on winemaking experience. We’ll begin by learning how different grape varieties and flavours are brought together, tasting various wines before trying our hand at creating our own. Guided by experts, we’ll discover the art of winemaking through touch, aroma and taste, with a bottle to take home as a memento of this unique experience.

In the early evening, we’ll continue to Lisbon and check into our hotel, with time to relax before heading out for dinner at our leisure.

Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight in Lisbon.

Friday 18th June

After breakfast, we’ll set off to explore Belém, Lisbon’s historic riverside district, renowned for its magnificent monuments, maritime heritage as well as its iconic sweet pastry, the famous pastéis de Belém.

Accompanied by our local guide, we’ll discover the stories behind landmarks such as Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries, learning about Portugal’s remarkable age of exploration.

Our visit to Belém wouldn’t be complete without sampling one of Portugal’s most famous treats, the Pastel de Belém. The original recipe, dating back to 1837, was created by the monks of the Jerónimos Monastery. Today, only the custard tarts made at the Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém can be called pastéis de Belém, while those crafted elsewhere in Lisbon are known as Pastéis de Nata. What better moment to indulge than after our walk? After stopping to enjoy these delicious custard tarts, with their crisp, flaky pastry and creamy filling, we’ll return to central Lisbon.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, with the opportunity to explore Lisbon’s charming Old Town, wander through its narrow cobbled streets, browse local shops or relax at a pavement café to soak up the atmosphere.

In the evening, we’ll come together for a traditional Portuguese dinner accompanied by live Fado music. This soulful musical tradition, characterised by expressive singing and the distinctive sound of the Portuguese guitar, offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse ourselves in Portugal’s rich cultural heritage and a memorable way to spend our final evening together.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Lisbon.

Saturday 19th June

After breakfast, we’ll have time to pack our bags and say farewell to Lisbon before transferring to the airport for our return flight home.

Breakfast included.

Visa Information: British citizens travelling on a full British citizen passport can visit Portugal without a visa for tourism for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This allowance applies across the Schengen area, so previous visits to other Schengen countries count towards the 90-day limit. At border control, you may be required to provide a photograph and fingerprints as part of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES). No advance EES application is required.

If you hold a passport from outside of the UK, check with your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements before travelling.

Passport Validity: Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before your arrival in Portugal and have an expiry date at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen area.

Healthcare: For UK nationals, please ensure your UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC) is valid and up to date before departure. It provides access to medically necessary state healthcare in Portugal. An existing valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can also be used. Neither card replaces comprehensive travel insurance or covers private treatment or medical repatriation.