Lisbon & Sintra

Richly historic yet buzzing and vibrant; elegant boulevards and a warren of ancient streets; wide vistas and intricately detailed tiles: with all of this set against a sun-kissed backdrop, it’s no wonder that Lisbon continues to charm those who visit. Packed with heritage and a timeless elegance, this alluring city has vintage trams, Moorish features, and majestic architecture found amongst its charming neighbourhoods. Whether you’re hunting out artistic treasures, enjoying the wonderful coastal cuisine or taking in the spectacular views from the hillside terraces, Lisbon is a delight for every group.

Dreamy Sintra sits amongst verdant wooded hills, a cool respite from the coast with its shady gardens and misty glens. Pretty pastel façades cluster in the historic centre of the town, which is dominated by the pale turrets of the elegant National Palace – historically a summer resort for Portuguese royalty. In addition to its picture-postcard looks, Sintra is dotted with delightful cafés where you can sample the local specialities, travesseiros (almond pastries) and queijadas (cheesecakes).

Highly ornate, this imperious 15^th century monastery in Belém is one of the must-see sights of Lisbon. Delicate Gothic details, elaborate portals, Renaissance carvings, and majestic pillars form this breathtaking construction, built following Vasco da Gama’s first journey to the Far East. The monastery’s grandeur is a celebration of the wealth that Portugal’s golden age of exploration brought.

Lisbon’s National Tile Museum traces the history of Portugal’s iconic azulejos over five centuries. This uniquely singular collection of decorative tiles is housed within the truly magnificent 16th century Madre de Deus Convent, which has richly opulent interiors and glorious, gilt-framed paintings; this unique cultural treasure makes a fascinating visit.

The outstanding Gulbenkian Museum hosts one of the finest collections of classical art in Europe. Donated by the Armenian philanthropist and art collector, Calouste Gulbenkian, this wonderful collection is home to thousands of pieces dating from antiquity to the early 20^th century, including Hellenic vases, Chinese porcelain, Art Nouveau and paintings by Rembrandt, Monet and Van Dyck.

The lovely little town of Óbidos is encircled entirely by its ancient walls. Within, cobbled alleys, whitewashed houses and terracotta roofs are accompanied by pretty churches and shops selling the local liqueur, Ginjinha de Óbidos. This sour cherry brandy is served in a small chocolate cup. The town has also been designated a UNESCO City of Literature thanks to its literary heritage and creative atmosphere.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Évora is the capital of the south-central Alentejo region of Portugal and is widely known for its historic centre, well-preserved streets and Roman buildings. At its heart is the delightful Praça do Giraldo with its tiled paving and pretty arches, and it makes a great starting point from which to uncover the ancient treasures. Main points of interest are the famed Temple of Évora, also called the Temple of Diana, the Roman Baths, medieval walls, the Cathedral and not to be missed, São Francisco church with its skeleton adorned 'Chapel of Bones'.