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Seven Night Lisbon City Break
Spend a perfect week in Europe's most charismatic capital
Highlights
A tuk-tuk tour of central Lisbon.
A tuk-tuk tour of historic Belem.
A mini-bus tour of Sintra and Cascais.
A mini-bus tour of the UNESCO World Heritage City Evora.
Our seven night Lisbon City Break will introduce you to the sights and sounds of Portugal’s engaging capital city.
It feels like the city is bursting at the seams with contemporary culture at the moment; in art, music, theatre and cuisine- always accompanied by the typically-Portuguese easy-going attitude. It’s no fluke that Lisbon was recently crowned Europe’s best city destination in the World Travel Awards.
You’ll have two of the city’s most exciting and dynamic districts on your doorstep; the Bairro Alto…famous for its excellent restaurants and late-night bars, and the Bairro Chiado: filled with charming old bookshops, coffee houses and boutique clothing stores.
As one of Europe’s oldest capitals, the city is steeped in history. The Celts, the Romans and the North Africans have all called Lisbon home over the last 3000 years, giving the city’s Alfama district an attractive medieval feel. Whilst the dramatic classical architecture of the Praca do Comercio and the Torre de Belem stand as monuments to the Age of Discoveries, when Portugal ruled the seas and Lisbon was one of the richest cities in Europe.
You’ll also have a chance to explore further afield – our resident guide will take you on a tour of the fairytale palaces of Sintra, the beautiful beaches of Cascais, and to the (in)famous Capela dos Ossos: the Chapel of Bones in the medieval city of Evora.
Day 1
Fly from the UK to Lisbon. On arrival you’ll be met and transferred to your city centre hotel (20mins).
Accommodation on this day: Brown's Central Hotel
Day 2
You’ll spend your first morning exploring the city by Tuk-tuk, including visits to the Se Cathedral, Alfama, the Praca do Comercio, Bairro Alto and Chiado. An electric Tuk-tuk is the best way to see the city in a day, and you can easily return to any districts that catch your eye on foot another day.
Accommodation on this day: Brown's Central Hotel
Day 3
You’ll head out of the city centre with our guide today, 7km east along the River Tagus to the historic district of Belem. Arguably, Belem’s most famous landmark is the Torre de Belém but you’ll also visit the beautifully ornate 16th Century Jerónimos Monastery and the Padrao dos Descobrimentos – the ‘Monument to the Discoveries’.
Accommodation on this day: Brown's Central Hotel
Day 4
You’ll have today free – you might like to take a tram up to the Castelo de Sao Jorge, the hilltop Moorish castle that dominates the city’s landscape. You could spend the evening at the Mercado da Ribeira, also known as the Time Out Food Court where some of the most interesting and exciting Portuguese food and wines are conveniently crammed in under one roof.
Accommodation on this day: Brown's Central Hotel
Day 5
You’ll head out of Lisbon today into the Parque natural de Sintra-Cascais. You’ll spend the morning exploring the pretty cobbled streets and fairytale palaces of Sintra itself, before driving to Cabo da Roca, the most westerly point of mainland Europe. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the rugged cliffs at Boca do Inferno and the popular seaside resort of Cascais, ending your day in the town of Estoril.
Accommodation on this day: Brown's Central Hotel
Day 6
Today’s another free day – you could spend today exploring the Bairro Alto district on foot. It’s a short walk from the Praça Luís de Camões square to the ruins of the Convento da Ordem do Carmo, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Chiado, and the miradoura de Santna Catarina – a popular spot to watch the sunset over a glass of Portuguese wine.
Accommodation on this day: Brown's Central Hotel
Day 7
You’ll head out of Lisbon for your final-full day – driving over the Vasco da Gama Bridge to explore the Setubal Peninsula. You’ll begin with a visit to the Castelo de Palmela on the high Serra de Arrabida, before head into the city of Setubal – popular with the residents of Lisbon for it’s fresh fish. In the afternoon, you’ll explore the Mediterranean-like landscape of the Parque Natural da Arrábida and the Azeitão vineyards. Your final stop of the day is the Santuário de Cristo Rei in Almada – the Christ the King monument which overlooks Lisbon, before heading home via the Ponte 25 de Abril Suspension Bridge.
Accommodation on this day: Brown's Central Hotel
Day 8
Today you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Jeep Tours
Our jeep tours are the best way to explore those off the beaten track locations that you’d otherwise miss. Our guides will always have a plan for your day, but our tours are very relaxed and can be personalised to your particular interests.
Canyoning
Canyoning is one of the most popular pastimes in Portugal – a sport in which you scramble, jump, swim and abseil along a narrow river gorge. It’s a great sport for beginners and experts alike, and the Peneda-Gerês National Park in the north of country has some of the most beautiful rivers and canyoning routes in the whole of Portugal.
Guided tuk tuk city tour
Let the tuk tuk take the strain as you explore the seven hills of Lisbon in the company of our guides. You'll duck in and out of the tuk tuk to see the sights, architecture and history of this fascinating city. As it's electric, your guide can describe the passing streets to you as you travel to your next stopping point. The best possible introduction to Lisbon.
Food and wine
Portugal’s cuisine is very underrated. It’s always been wonderfully seasonal; an all important philosophy on food that the country’s never lost. As you’d expect, it’s also very regional; Lisbon has its famous crowd-pleasing dishes - the Pasteis de Bacalhau and Pasteis de Belem, but it’s down her narrow back-streets that you’ll find unexpected seasonal gems like coal-roasted blue lobster and Bulhao Pato clams.
Heading north, Porto’s famous Port wine Lodges are the gateway to the Douro Valley wine region. Portugal’s wines are some of the best in Europe however we don’t see them very often here in the UK as they don’t really produce enough for export. The rural heartlands of Alentejo also produce more amazing wines (including the unique ‘Invisivel’ - a white wine produced from red grapes), and arguably a superior Iberian Pork to their Spanish neighbours just across the border!
Horse riding
The Parque National da Peneda-Gerês is Portugal’s only National Park - a great way to explore the river valleys and high serras is on horseback, and there are trails to suit all abilities.
Cooking
Cook your own delicious meal under the watchful eye of expert chefs.
Kayaking
Kayaking is a wonderful way to experience Portugal’s beautiful waterways. The calm waters of the Caniçada reservoir in the north are perfect for beginners and younger children to get to grips with a kayak. For more experienced kayakers, the upstream rapids of the Cávado river offer some more challenging routes.
Brown’s Central Hotel
Brown’s Central Hotel is a boutique hotel in the bustling Baixa Pombalina downtown district of Lisbon.
Whilst the outer shell of the original 17th Century building has been lovingly restored, the interior has been completely revamped. The ground floor brassiere is made relaxing and cosy by the oak ceilings and floors, the nicely-retro furniture, and higgledy piggledy art that adorns every available piece of wall space. The décor for Brown’s Central’s 63 double rooms is contemporary throughout, with hardwood oak floors, marble bathrooms, air conditioning, and WiFi equipped bluetooth media hubs.
Location-wise, you couldn’t be better placed to explore the city. The Praca do Rossio and Praca do Comercio squares are close by, and it’s a short walk to the Bairros Alto and Chiado, and to Alfama.
Hi Max,
Just to let you know that we had a great holiday which went too fast. Each hotel was unique and amazing and each place gave us new experience and interest.
Glowing feedback on the arrangements which all went very smoothly right from start to finish. Keep performing your magic!
All the best,
Sue
Sue
Hi Max,
Tuktuk ride with Mario was exceptional. Lovely chap and made our trip memorable. This evening in a Fado restaurant was just fabulous. Hotel Solar do Castelo is amazing. After 2 postponements this holiday is truly worth it.
At the moment Archipelago Choice is on a pedestal.
John
John
Where is Portugal?
Portugal is the most-western country in mainland Europe, bordered by Spain in the north and east.
When is the best time to visit Portugal?
Portugal’s mild in the Autumn and Winter, and hot from around May through to November. It can be very hot (+40⁰C) in the Summer months.
How do I get to Portugal?
The UK is well-connected to Lisbon, with direct flights from London, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh. You can also fly direct to Porto from Gatwick, Manchester and Edinburgh.
What languages do they speak on Portugal?
Portuguese, and English is widely spoken.
Is it safe to drive on Portugal?
Very – the quality of the roads is excellent and it’s very easy to navigate.
Do I need an international driver’s license for Portugal?
All you require is a valid UK driving licence.
Do I need travel insurance to visit Portugal?
We highly recommend that you have the right type of travel insurance that will cover your medical expenses, baggage loss, accidents and personal liability and repatriation.
Can I get WiFi in Portugal?
All our hotels offer WiFi – mostly in your room but in some smaller places it’s available in the shared, public areas.
Can I use my mobile phone in Portugal?
There’s an excellent mobile reception right across the country.
What is the food like in Portugal?
The restaurants in cities like Porto and Lisbon have a good mix of Portuguese more European style menus, and there’s usually a nice selection of vegetarian options available. In the smaller towns and villages, you’ll tend to find more traditional Portuguese menus.
Are credit & debit cards accepted in Portugal?
Yes, although in more rural locations you can find it’s a bit more cash-only in restaurants and cafe bars.
What type of plug adapter do I need in Portugal?
You will need a type F adaptor in Portugal.
Is tap water safe to drink in Portugal?
Yes, the tap water is safe to drink in Portugal.
Do I need to tip in Portugal?
Tipping is not compulsory but if you feel your guide or driver has done a good job then they’ll always be happy to receive a tip.
How do I go about booking my holiday to Portugal with Archipelago Choice?
We offer two options, either book one of our ‘Best of’ holidays from the website. Alternatively, many people choose the bespoke approach where we have an insightful conversation and create a personalised itinerary that gives you the unique holiday experience you’re looking for.
How far in advance should I book my trip to Portugal?
Our advice is to start planning around six months prior to your visit, as this helps us offer the best value airfares and secure your hotels of choice.
Can I book a last-minute holiday to Portugal?
Absolutely; it helps if you have a bit of flexibility with your dates as some of our hotels might be fully booked.
Highlights
A tuk-tuk tour of central Lisbon.
A tuk-tuk tour of historic Belem.
A mini-bus tour of Sintra and Cascais.
A mini-bus tour of the UNESCO World Heritage City Evora.
Our seven night Lisbon City Break will introduce you to the sights and sounds of Portugal’s engaging capital city.
It feels like the city is bursting at the seams with contemporary culture at the moment; in art, music, theatre and cuisine- always accompanied by the typically-Portuguese easy-going attitude. It’s no fluke that Lisbon was recently crowned Europe’s best city destination in the World Travel Awards.
You’ll have two of the city’s most exciting and dynamic districts on your doorstep; the Bairro Alto…famous for its excellent restaurants and late-night bars, and the Bairro Chiado: filled with charming old bookshops, coffee houses and boutique clothing stores.
As one of Europe’s oldest capitals, the city is steeped in history. The Celts, the Romans and the North Africans have all called Lisbon home over the last 3000 years, giving the city’s Alfama district an attractive medieval feel. Whilst the dramatic classical architecture of the Praca do Comercio and the Torre de Belem stand as monuments to the Age of Discoveries, when Portugal ruled the seas and Lisbon was one of the richest cities in Europe.
You’ll also have a chance to explore further afield – our resident guide will take you on a tour of the fairytale palaces of Sintra, the beautiful beaches of Cascais, and to the (in)famous Capela dos Ossos: the Chapel of Bones in the medieval city of Evora.
Day 1
Fly from the UK to Lisbon. On arrival you’ll be met and transferred to your city centre hotel (20mins).
Accommodation on this day: Brown's Central Hotel
Day 2
You’ll spend your first morning exploring the city by Tuk-tuk, including visits to the Se Cathedral, Alfama, the Praca do Comercio, Bairro Alto and Chiado. An electric Tuk-tuk is the best way to see the city in a day, and you can easily return to any districts that catch your eye on foot another day.
Accommodation on this day: Brown's Central Hotel
Day 3
You’ll head out of the city centre with our guide today, 7km east along the River Tagus to the historic district of Belem. Arguably, Belem’s most famous landmark is the Torre de Belém but you’ll also visit the beautifully ornate 16th Century Jerónimos Monastery and the Padrao dos Descobrimentos – the ‘Monument to the Discoveries’.
Accommodation on this day: Brown's Central Hotel
Day 4
You’ll have today free – you might like to take a tram up to the Castelo de Sao Jorge, the hilltop Moorish castle that dominates the city’s landscape. You could spend the evening at the Mercado da Ribeira, also known as the Time Out Food Court where some of the most interesting and exciting Portuguese food and wines are conveniently crammed in under one roof.
Accommodation on this day: Brown's Central Hotel
Day 5
You’ll head out of Lisbon today into the Parque natural de Sintra-Cascais. You’ll spend the morning exploring the pretty cobbled streets and fairytale palaces of Sintra itself, before driving to Cabo da Roca, the most westerly point of mainland Europe. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the rugged cliffs at Boca do Inferno and the popular seaside resort of Cascais, ending your day in the town of Estoril.
Accommodation on this day: Brown's Central Hotel
Day 6
Today’s another free day – you could spend today exploring the Bairro Alto district on foot. It’s a short walk from the Praça Luís de Camões square to the ruins of the Convento da Ordem do Carmo, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Chiado, and the miradoura de Santna Catarina – a popular spot to watch the sunset over a glass of Portuguese wine.
Accommodation on this day: Brown's Central Hotel
Day 7
You’ll head out of Lisbon for your final-full day – driving over the Vasco da Gama Bridge to explore the Setubal Peninsula. You’ll begin with a visit to the Castelo de Palmela on the high Serra de Arrabida, before head into the city of Setubal – popular with the residents of Lisbon for it’s fresh fish. In the afternoon, you’ll explore the Mediterranean-like landscape of the Parque Natural da Arrábida and the Azeitão vineyards. Your final stop of the day is the Santuário de Cristo Rei in Almada – the Christ the King monument which overlooks Lisbon, before heading home via the Ponte 25 de Abril Suspension Bridge.
Accommodation on this day: Brown's Central Hotel
Day 8
Today you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Jeep Tours
Our jeep tours are the best way to explore those off the beaten track locations that you’d otherwise miss. Our guides will always have a plan for your day, but our tours are very relaxed and can be personalised to your particular interests.
Canyoning
Canyoning is one of the most popular pastimes in Portugal – a sport in which you scramble, jump, swim and abseil along a narrow river gorge. It’s a great sport for beginners and experts alike, and the Peneda-Gerês National Park in the north of country has some of the most beautiful rivers and canyoning routes in the whole of Portugal.
Guided tuk tuk city tour
Let the tuk tuk take the strain as you explore the seven hills of Lisbon in the company of our guides. You'll duck in and out of the tuk tuk to see the sights, architecture and history of this fascinating city. As it's electric, your guide can describe the passing streets to you as you travel to your next stopping point. The best possible introduction to Lisbon.
Food and wine
Portugal’s cuisine is very underrated. It’s always been wonderfully seasonal; an all important philosophy on food that the country’s never lost. As you’d expect, it’s also very regional; Lisbon has its famous crowd-pleasing dishes - the Pasteis de Bacalhau and Pasteis de Belem, but it’s down her narrow back-streets that you’ll find unexpected seasonal gems like coal-roasted blue lobster and Bulhao Pato clams.
Heading north, Porto’s famous Port wine Lodges are the gateway to the Douro Valley wine region. Portugal’s wines are some of the best in Europe however we don’t see them very often here in the UK as they don’t really produce enough for export. The rural heartlands of Alentejo also produce more amazing wines (including the unique ‘Invisivel’ - a white wine produced from red grapes), and arguably a superior Iberian Pork to their Spanish neighbours just across the border!
Horse riding
The Parque National da Peneda-Gerês is Portugal’s only National Park - a great way to explore the river valleys and high serras is on horseback, and there are trails to suit all abilities.
Cooking
Cook your own delicious meal under the watchful eye of expert chefs.
Kayaking
Kayaking is a wonderful way to experience Portugal’s beautiful waterways. The calm waters of the Caniçada reservoir in the north are perfect for beginners and younger children to get to grips with a kayak. For more experienced kayakers, the upstream rapids of the Cávado river offer some more challenging routes.
Brown’s Central Hotel
Brown’s Central Hotel is a boutique hotel in the bustling Baixa Pombalina downtown district of Lisbon.
Whilst the outer shell of the original 17th Century building has been lovingly restored, the interior has been completely revamped. The ground floor brassiere is made relaxing and cosy by the oak ceilings and floors, the nicely-retro furniture, and higgledy piggledy art that adorns every available piece of wall space. The décor for Brown’s Central’s 63 double rooms is contemporary throughout, with hardwood oak floors, marble bathrooms, air conditioning, and WiFi equipped bluetooth media hubs.
Location-wise, you couldn’t be better placed to explore the city. The Praca do Rossio and Praca do Comercio squares are close by, and it’s a short walk to the Bairros Alto and Chiado, and to Alfama.
Hi Max,
Just to let you know that we had a great holiday which went too fast. Each hotel was unique and amazing and each place gave us new experience and interest.
Glowing feedback on the arrangements which all went very smoothly right from start to finish. Keep performing your magic!
All the best,
Sue
- Sue
Hi Max,
Tuktuk ride with Mario was exceptional. Lovely chap and made our trip memorable. This evening in a Fado restaurant was just fabulous. Hotel Solar do Castelo is amazing. After 2 postponements this holiday is truly worth it.
At the moment Archipelago Choice is on a pedestal.
John
- John
Where is Portugal?
Portugal is the most-western country in mainland Europe, bordered by Spain in the north and east.
When is the best time to visit Portugal?
Portugal’s mild in the Autumn and Winter, and hot from around May through to November. It can be very hot (+40⁰C) in the Summer months.
How do I get to Portugal?
The UK is well-connected to Lisbon, with direct flights from London, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh. You can also fly direct to Porto from Gatwick, Manchester and Edinburgh.
What languages do they speak on Portugal?
Portuguese, and English is widely spoken.
Is it safe to drive on Portugal?
Very – the quality of the roads is excellent and it’s very easy to navigate.
Do I need an international driver’s license for Portugal?
All you require is a valid UK driving licence.
Do I need travel insurance to visit Portugal?
We highly recommend that you have the right type of travel insurance that will cover your medical expenses, baggage loss, accidents and personal liability and repatriation.
Can I get WiFi in Portugal?
All our hotels offer WiFi – mostly in your room but in some smaller places it’s available in the shared, public areas.
Can I use my mobile phone in Portugal?
There’s an excellent mobile reception right across the country.
What is the food like in Portugal?
The restaurants in cities like Porto and Lisbon have a good mix of Portuguese more European style menus, and there’s usually a nice selection of vegetarian options available. In the smaller towns and villages, you’ll tend to find more traditional Portuguese menus.
Are credit & debit cards accepted in Portugal?
Yes, although in more rural locations you can find it’s a bit more cash-only in restaurants and cafe bars.
What type of plug adapter do I need in Portugal?
You will need a type F adaptor in Portugal.
Is tap water safe to drink in Portugal?
Yes, the tap water is safe to drink in Portugal.
Do I need to tip in Portugal?
Tipping is not compulsory but if you feel your guide or driver has done a good job then they’ll always be happy to receive a tip.
How do I go about booking my holiday to Portugal with Archipelago Choice?
We offer two options, either book one of our ‘Best of’ holidays from the website. Alternatively, many people choose the bespoke approach where we have an insightful conversation and create a personalised itinerary that gives you the unique holiday experience you’re looking for.
How far in advance should I book my trip to Portugal?
Our advice is to start planning around six months prior to your visit, as this helps us offer the best value airfares and secure your hotels of choice.
Can I book a last-minute holiday to Portugal?
Absolutely; it helps if you have a bit of flexibility with your dates as some of our hotels might be fully booked.
Talk to someone who loves Portugal!
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