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Rossio Square, Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon & surrounds

A region vibrant with colour & history

Tailor-made holidays to Lisbon & surrounds

Introduction

Portugal’s centuries-long Age of Discovery put Lisbon at the centre of the world, inspiring a rich cultural diversity keenly felt to this day in everything from its unique gastronomy to its sheer wealth of architecture. Discover the very best of Portugal's capital and its surrounds with our curated range of tailor-made holidays, all chosen by our specialists. Call us today to start planning your trip.

Lisbon's art and architecture

It’s the likes of Brazil’s gold, Africa’s ivory and the Far East’s spices that have gilded and funded the city’s distinctive Manueline sights. Indeed, the intricately carved cloisters of the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos – and the Belém Tower’s island-stranded battlements – reveal maritime flourishes perched among architectural extravagance borrowed from both Spain and Italy. It’s all watched over by the imperious Castelo de São Jorge – a towering medieval fortress whose lofty battlements command sweeping views over the city’s terracotta rooftops.  


Lisbon's historic centre

Lisbon eats: a heaven for foodies

In among the grandeur, there’s a certain unpretentious charm. Monument-studded squares are linked by winding alleyways, themselves host to homely tabernas and hidden tasca restaurants. It’s here that you’ll be treated to the city’s famed cuisine; as Europe’s only Atlantic capital, expect everything from juicy shrimp to the city’s famous cod, served dried and salted. However it’s the bakeries that often excite the most; those oh-so gooey custard tarts are best taken with a bica espresso.


Portuguese custard tarts

Around Lisbon: Estoril, Cascais & Sintra

Lisbon has also been gifted with truly delightful natural surrounds. Those that make the short, 15-minute drive down the coast are rewarded with the white sands of Estoril and Cascais, once the preserve of Europe’s exiled nobility. From here, turn inland to Sintra. This is the place fairytales are made of, with great carpeted mountains host to thousand-year-old castles and colourful, neoclassic palaces. It comes as no surprise, then, that one Hans Christian Andersen termed it “the most beautiful and celebrated part of Portugal”.


Sintra, Portugal

 

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Special offers in Lisbon & surrounds

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon To Barcelona on Silver Ray

12-day luxury ocean cruise from £6,240 pp incl. flights

Special
cruise offer

Save up to 20%
Book by: 12 April 2024

Sailing between Portugal, Morocco and Spain, discover the ancient cities and sun-kissed shorelines of the western Mediterranean on this all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise aboard Silver Ray.

Top itineraries in Lisbon & surrounds

Porto, Douro River, Portugal

Porto, Lisbon and the Algarve

9-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,035 pp incl. flights

With included car hire and stays in luxurious accommodation this is your chance to combine Portugal's two greatest cities, Porto and Lisbon, with five days relaxing on the beaches of the Algarve.

Lisbon Belem Tower

Lisbon & Porto in Style

8-day tailor-made self-drive from £1,800 pp incl. flights

Link Portugal’s pair of city greats with a scenic road trip, affording you the chance to explore the Douro Valley’s vineyard terraces and Sintra’s storybook beauty. And, exploring the cultural delights of Lisbon and Porto, you’ll stay in two of the country’s finest hotels.

Pena National Palace, Sintra

Lisbon, Porto & Madeira

11-day tailor-made holiday from £2,925 pp incl. flights

Let private tours, first class rail travel and stays in three luxury hotels show you the best of Portugal. Alongside Porto and Lisbon’s heritage, you’ll also take in the Douro Valley’s wines, Sintra’s regal-rural beauty and Madeira’s endless sun.

Sagres, portugal

Pousadas of Portugal: Alentejo & the Algarve

8-day tailor-made self-drive from £1,080 pp incl. flights

This unique road trip will see you along dramatic coasts and a rolling interior, all the while staying in unique pousada hotels, from grand castles to historic convents.

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Top places to stay in Lisbon & surrounds

Exterior of Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa, Lisbon

Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa, Lisbon

Contemporary hotel

Matching its privileged setting, this city centre offering features a contemporary style that’s as welcoming as its exclusive rooftop bar.

Hotel Palacio Estoril

Hotel Palacio Estoril, Lisbon

Historic hotel

Everyone from James Bond to Europe’s royal families have found a quantum of solace here, with guests welcomed by stately grandeur, a golf course, gourmet restaurants and an excellent spa.

Pool, Tivoli Palácio de Seteais, Sintra

Tivoli Palácio de Seteais, Sintra

Grand & elegant hotel

Step back to the indulgence of Portugal’s aristocratic past with the Tivoli Palácio’s fresco-framed ballrooms, tapestry-furnished rooms and stunning grounds, complete with mazes and swimming pools.

Areias Do Seixo

Areias Do Seixo, Praia da Mexilhoeira

Contemporary hotel

The word magical doesn’t often apply to structures of concrete, steel and glass, but at Areias Do Seixo it most emphatically does. This modernist eco-hotel is seriously impressive in terms of design and comfort.

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Where to go in Lisbon & surrounds

Pena National Palace, Sintra, Portugal

Sintra

Sintra, located further inland, is named after the mountainous range that stretches away behind the town. Standing proud on a outcropping of these slopes, Sintra's most famous landmark, Palácio da Pena, makes its majesty felt.

Cascais

Cascais

The Algarve is the most popular beach destination in Portugal, but those looking for a more exclusive seaside retreat often head for Cascais, only a short distance from Lisbon. This coastal town has long been popular with the region's elite and in its glory days drew many of Europe's royals.

Lisbon

Lisbon

Lisbon manages to combine centuries of charm with the metropolitan feel of a modern day capital city. Bairro Alto, the higher city, is a region buzzing with vibrant bars and restaurants linked to the lower town by the stunning Elevador de Santa Justa.

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When to go to Lisbon & surrounds

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Lisbon & surrounds articles

Madeira, Portugal

10 driving holidays in Spain & Portugal

From wild coastlines and beach curves to mountain peaks and rolling countryside, the charms of the Iberian Peninsula are seemingly endless. To help point you in the right direction our destination experts have put together the following self-drive routes that showcase the best of it all.

Best Food and Wine in the World

The best food and wine holidays in the world

From nectorial white wines to ambrosial game meats, we have hand-picked our favourite food and wine holidays around the world, including highlights from South Africa, Chile and France.

Meet our Lisbon & surrounds experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7664 2268

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7664 2268 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ABTA & ATOL protected