TOMAR

Tomar is one of central Portugal's most appealing small cities. With its pedestrian-friendly historic centre, its pretty riverside park frequented by swans, herons and families of ducks, and its charming natural setting adjacent to the lush Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes (Seven Hills National Forest), it wins lots of points for aesthetics.

But to understand what makes Tomar truly extraordinary, cast your gaze skyward to the crenellated walls of the Convento de Cristo, which forms a beautiful backdrop from almost any vantage point. Eight-and-a-half centuries after its founding, this venerable headquarters of the legendary Knights Templar still rules the hill above town, casting Tomar in the role of supporting actor. Now a Unesco World Heritage Site, Tomar’s crown jewel is a rambling concoction of Gothic, Manueline and Renaissance architecture that bears extravagant witness to its integral role in centuries of Portuguese history, from the founding of Portugal as a nation-state to the Age of Discoveries.

The Rio Nabão neatly divides the town, with new developments largely concentrated on the east bank and the old town to the west. The monastery looks down on it all from a wooded hilltop at the town’s western edge.

VILA VIÇOSA

 

Everything around Vila Viçosa's peaceful broad streets lined with orange and lemon trees seems to be made of marble. Benches, pavements, framing of windows and doorways, and even the toilets in the bus station are made of this shining "white gold," the local marble from the enormous quarries outside the town. 

This was once home to the Bragança dynasty, whose kings ruled Portugal until it became a republic (Dom Carlos spent his last night here before his assassination). There is also a fine castle – one of the few nonmarble structures in town – an excellent archaeological museum, appealing churches and a friendly laid-back citizenry who are proud of their sparkling town.

 

GUIMARÃES

Famous for the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, Guimarães has one of the most acclaimed architectural heritage, ranging from the Middle Ages to the nineteenth century. An historic town, exceptionally well-preserved and an authentic example of the evolution of a medieval settlement into a modern town. 

 

Watching the sunset at one of its numerous squares is itself a spectacle, a curtain of stone surrounded by the sounds of nature.

SAINT GEORGE CASTLE, LISBON

 

The Castle of São Jorge was chosen along the city's history as a stronghold for several people who passed through here, the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and Arabs. The latter expelled by King Afonso Henriques, when he reconquered the city in 1147. After the fortress, which was known as the Moorish Castle became a royal residence until 1511, the year the King Manuel I decided to move to the Palace of Ribeira.

ARRÁBIDA, WINE CASTLES AND MUCH MORE

Crossing the Tagus River in a relaxed way towards the Village of Sesimbra and his magnificent castle, where you will enjoy an endless magnificent landscape. Next stop is the wonderful Natural Park of Arrábida Mountain and his paradise beaches. After lunch you head to Azeitão, where is an area of farms and vineyards. On the way back to Lisbon, you will stop at the viewpoint Christ the King.

Find out more in our complete programs: Arrábida.

We are going to head south! The first stop is in Village of Sesimbra, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the bay, offered by Sesimbra Castle. Due to its particular position at the Setúbal Bay, near the mouth of the Sado River and its natural harbour, Sesimbra is an important fishing town famous for its beaches, fish restaurants and nightlife.

Next stop is the wonderful Natural Park of Arrábida Mountain and his paradise beaches. This place was declared a Natural Park in 1976 to protect the many species existent here and some of the areas can only be visited with official authorization. After this unforgettable experience, you will have the opportunity to lunch in the city of Setubal, where you can taste one of the best fishes in the world!

Then we will visit Azeitão, located 30 km away from Lisbon, we will find an area of farms and vineyards. Here, we will visit a winery, where the oldest table red wine in Portugal was bottled. You will have the

opportunity to taste this wonderful nectar as well as the muscat wine liqueur typical of this region, a true

delight that we won't forget! After the tasting and to

keep us full of energy, we will try some typical products of this region.