PORTUGAL
6 DAYS
Lisbon
Lisbon Explorer Cascais has transformed from being a sleepy fishing village to a much-loved summertime playground of wave-frolicking Lisbonites ever since King Luís I went for a dip there in 1870. Its trio of golden bays attracts holidaymakers who come to splash in the Atlantic or simply relax and explore the town, with its winding lanes, small museums, cool gardens, shiny marina and pedestrianised old town. Our wonderful tour includes guided visits to Portugal’s capital city Lisbon, as well as the charming and picturesque towns of Óbidos & Sintra. We also visit one of the region’s most stunning buildings, Queluz Palace.
UPDATED TOUR
AVAILABLE BY FERRY
Cascais
AVAILABLE BY AIR
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival We arrive at our hotel in Cascais in time for dinner. Day 2 Lisbon This morning, we enjoy a half-day step-on guided excursion to Lisbon . Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than 20 centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marquês de Pombal, who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square, Praça do Comércio. Today there are distinct modern and ancient sections to enjoy, combining great shopping areas with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city’s terraced hillsides. We have the afternoon to explore more of this wonderful city at leisure. Day 3 Day in Resort Driver’s Day Off Today is spent at leisure, providing us with the perfect opportunity to explore Cascais’ winding lanes and the local museums, or to simply relax on one of the three beaches. Day 4 Óbidos & Sintra After breakfast our guide will meet us for a full-day step-on guided tour, starting with a morning visit to Óbidos. As pristine as it is picturesque, Óbidos remains a perfectly photogenic jumble of cobblestone alleyways, whitewashed churches, colourful houses and dazzling tiles, all embraced within the protective walls of a 12th century castle. In the afternoon we visit the charming town of Sintra . The whole town is a UNESCO
World Heritage Site owing to its 19th century romantic architecture. The town still retains much of its medieval layout, with labyrinthine streets, steps and arcades. Day 5 Queluz Palace and Gardens This morning, we visit Queluz Palace and Gardens, designated a National Monument in 1910. The National Palace of Queluz and its historical gardens are a remarkable example of the harmonious link between landscape and architecture. After our visit here, we return to our hotel to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Days 6 Departure We say goodbye to Cascais and begin our journey home to the UK.
Vila Galé Hotel Cascais Cascais, Nr. Lisbon plus
The Vila Galé Hotel is set in a great seafront location, just a short walk to the Cascais Marina and town centre. All 233 spacious, comfortable bedrooms are equipped with a TV, hairdryer and air-conditioning, and all feature a balcony. There is a light, modern, spacious restaurant, a contemporary bar with comfortable seating and an outdoor seating area and gardens. • Ground floor rooms • Lift • Leisure facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and sauna • Half a litre wine with dinner • Coach parking is off-site & free of charge 5 Nights Half Board Based on Friday arrivals
INCLUSIONS • Half-day guided tour of Lisbon
• Full-day guided tour of Óbidos & Sintra • Entrance to Queluz Palace and Gardens
Queluz Palace
Josie says… My favourite thing about the Vila Gale Hotel is the location. Just a short stroll along the coast brings you to Cascais, offering stunning views of the marina as you go. The streets are paved with traditional patterned cobblestones and is the perfect place to wander, exploring its vibrant shops, cafés and restaurants – perhaps with a pastel de nata in hand! “
Sintra
Albatross Approved Rating: ✓ Visited ✓ Inspected ✓ Graded
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