Lisbon, Portugal
As one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, Lisbon’s storied past reads like a drama - from Roman conquest to the establishment of the Portuguese Empire, this city was front and center in all the action. Remarkably, Portugal’s neutral status during both World Wars protected this ancient city from the ravages of two devastating conflicts. Lisbon’s grand boulevards, picturesque squares and gardens, majestic churches, charming neighborhoods, and historic monuments remained intact while the rest of Europe was largely destroyed. Take a trip back in time as you stroll along ancient cobblestone streets, let yourself be swept away by the distinctive sound of Fado music, dine like a local in quaint mom-n-pop tabernas, and fall in love with the relaxed character and charm of Portugal’s coastal capital city on this ATC Trip to Lisbon!
Interested in this trip? Fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
This Trip at a Glance
Dates: TBD | Price: $4,600
This trip features both sophisticated and casual experiences. The pace is moderate, and participants should be comfortable walking and standing for extended periods of time.
If you wish to take this trip at another date, either solo or with a group of your own, contact us and we’ll work with you to customize this trip for your needs.
The Itinerary — 7 Days, 6 Nights
Day 1
Iconic terracotta roofs of Lisbon.
Arrive in Lisbon by mid-morning. Upon arrival, a driver will escort you to the Avenida Palace hotel, located in the heart of Lisbon. Drop off your luggage and meet your fellow travelers and ATC Trip Host for a Welcome Breakfast in the hotel’s gorgeous Dining Room.
Afterward, embark on an electric Tuk Tuk tour of Lisbon’s Historic Center. Gain an overview of downtown Lisbon, view ancient cathedrals, visit scenic overlooks with views of Lisbon’s iconic red terracotta roofs, gain insight into Lisbon’s picturesque neighborhoods, and learn of the history of this culturally rich city.
Once the tour has concluded, head back to the hotel to relax and get settled before departing on a Sunset Cruise along the Tagus River aboard a luxury sailboat. Sip a glass of Portuguese wine or beer and snack on an assortment of hors d’oeuvres as you watch the sun dip behind some of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks.
Return to shore and enjoy a Welcome Dinner at O Pedroucos, a quaint, mom-n-pop restaurant serving up authentic Portuguese delicacies in a riverfront setting.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 2
Praça do Comércio and Rua Augustus Arch.
In the morning, embark on a Walking Tour of Lisbon. Pack your good walking shoes, because you’ll be trekking up and down Lisbon’s many famous (infamous?) hills along the way. Reward your effort with a bite of Portugal’s famous Pastel de Nata (custard tart) in historic Baixia, then travel back in time in the Moorish Alfama neighborhood, and end your tour sipping fine wine in the chic Chiado neighborhood. Your local guide will help you navigate the city’s winding, cobblestone streets, lead you aboard Lisbon’s characteristic trolley system when your legs get tired, shed light on famous landmarks, and introduce you to many vintage cafés and boutiques along the way.
Following the tour, enjoy lunch at Martinho da Arcada, one of the oldest cafés in Lisbon. Afterward, stroll down Rua Augustus, Lisbon’s main pedestrian thoroughfare lined with dozens of small boutiques and local cafes.
Return to the hotel to relax and refresh. In the evening, a local guide will lead you through the Alfama neighborhood where you’ll visit the Fado Museum and enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner and Fado music performance. Fado, a melancholic melody which tells tragic tales of lost loves, the perils of the sea, and the pain of poor people, offers deep insight into the heart of Portuguese culture!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
The iconic Belem Tower.
Begin the day with a morning tour of Lisbon’s Belém district. As you venture around this historic harbor port, your expert guide will share information about Portugal’s age of exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries. Included in this tour is a visit to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the gorgeous Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. Conclude your tour with a visit to Pastéis de Belém, a century-old Portuguese pastry shop.
Enjoy lunch at Time Out Market, a historic marketplace which has been converted into a modern food hall featuring dozens of independent eateries - many satellites of famous restaurants. Enjoy the freedom to choose whichever vendor catches your eye and dine with locals and tourists alike at large, communal tables.
Following lunch, stroll along Rua do Alecrim and pay a visit to Igreja de São Roque, the earliest Jesuit church in Portugal and one of the first in the world. Return to the hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, embark on a gourmet Portuguese Food and Wine Tour where you’ll sample some of Portugal’s most sought-after dishes and learn about the culture behind the cuisine.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4
Examples of Portuguese azulejo tile can be seen throughout the city.
In the morning, journey to the Feira da Ladra, the oldest and largest flea market in Lisbon - perfect for finding artisan goods and quality souvenirs. Continue the journey to the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, a major art museum in Lisbon and one of the largest private collections of art in the world belonging to the man for which the museum is named, Calouste Gulbenkian. Enjoy lunch at the in-house café and explore the museum at leisure.
Regroup with your fellow travelers and ATC Trip host, and venture to the Museu Nacional do Azulejo or National Tile Museum, a wonderful art museum showcasing the various styles of azulejo, a traditional Portuguese tilework.
In the evening, enjoy a dinner at Loco, an innovative Michelin-star restaurant sure to impress. A hanging olive tree, contemporary decor, and open-air kitchen set the tone for a truly memorable experience. Featured on the tasting menu is whatever the chef happened to pick up at the market that day, so prepare to embrace the spontaneity of this energetic eatery!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Pena Palace, Sintra.
A private guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning and escort you to the nearby town of Sintra. Once a popular vacation destination amongst Portuguese royals and aristocrats, Sintra is a beautiful scenic town full of ornate mansions, palaces, and historic monuments. Begin the journey at the 19th-century Pena Palace, an eclectic castle which sits atop a rocky peak in the Sintra Hills. Part Manueline monastery, and part dreamlike creation of King Ferdinand II, Pena Palace is unlike any castle in the world. Afterward, stroll through Sintra National Park to fully experience the beauty of the Sintran wilderness.
Continue the journey to Quinta da Regaleira, an ornate Masonic-inspired palace consisting of exotic gardens, secret wells, caves, and fantastical architecture. Learn about the castle’s mysterious connection to the Templars, the Rose Cross, and the Masonry. Then, visit Cabo de Roca, the westernmost point of Continental Europe and stroll the beaches at Guincho. Enjoy leisure time in Cascais, a former vacation destination for the Portuguese Royal family.
Return to Lisbon in the evening and enjoy a delightful dinner at Cafe A Brasileira, a gorgeous Old World cafe. Return to the hotel via Tram 28, and enjoy views of the twinkling city lights along the way.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Fronteira Palace and Gardens. Photo source.
In the morning, journey outside the city centre to visit to the Fronteira Palace, a 17th-century Mannerist-style palace featuring exquisite Baroque interiors and breathtaking gardens. Tour the palace and learn of the marquises of Fronteira, Portuguese nobility, and their influence on Portugal’s history.
Afterward, visit LX Factory, a large industrial facility that has been converted into a chic hub for local boutiques, art galleries, restaurants cafes, and more. Pause for lunch at one of the many vendors and enjoy perusing the selection of artisan crafts at this bustling marketplace.
In the evening, savor your Farewell Dinner at Taberna da Rua das Flores, a classic and famed Portuguese taberna. These small mom-n-pop shops are a favorite amongst both locals and tourists, and dining in this casual setting, which often feels like dining in the home of old friends, is the perfect way to conclude your Lisbon experience.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7
Check-out of the hotel and transfer to airport for flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Avenida Palace Hotel
Hotel Avenida Palace. Photo source.
The Avenida Palace Hotel, built in 1892, is a gorgeous neoclassical hotel designed by one of Portugal’s most famous architects, Jose Luis Monteiro. Its opulent design and exquisite interiors give this hotel a very luxurious feel. More than just another 5-star hotel however, the Avenida Palace has a distinct character and charm that is enhanced by incredibly warm and attentive staff. Although over a century old, the hotel has been completely renovated to feature both traditional aesthetics and modern amenities.
An elegant tea salon and English-style bar invite guests to lounge in comfort and style. Each room boasts luxurious touches such as chintz curtains, embroidered pillowcases, plush linens, and antique furniture. This, combined with its perfect location in the heart of Lisbon, makes The Avenida Palace Hotel the ideal place to base all your Lisbon explorations.
Read more about the Avenida Palace Hotel here.
Photo Gallery
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Additional Trip Information
Inclusions
6 nights in the gorgeous Avenida Palace Hotel
7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners
All tours mentioned in the itinerary
Private guides
Airport transfer
Local travel concierge
Gratuities
An AstridTravel Club Representative on-site
Exclusions
Airfare
Meals not specified in itinerary
Miscellaneous personal expenses
Travel Insurance
Payment Schedule
$800 deposit is required upon booking
$2,000 payment due on or before December 15, 2020
$1,800 payment due on or before January 15, 2021
Monthly payment plans available. Contact us for details.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your trip 90 days or more prior to departure, and you will receive a full refund of any monies paid to the ATC. Cancel your trip between 89 - 60 days prior to departure, and you will receive a 50% refund. Cancel your trip between 59 - 30 days prior to departure and you will receive a 25% refund. Cancel your trip less than 30 days prior to departure, and you will receive no refund.
All cancellations must be sent via email to contact@astridtravel.com and are effective the date we receive this correspondence.
ATC reserves the right to cancel this trip for any reason. Such reasons include, but are not limited to, attaining an insufficient number of participants necessary to make the trip feasible, weather, and similar unforeseen circumstances. In such event, you may choose to either receive a full refund or apply your payments to another trip if approved by ATC.
Traveler Requirements
Travelers must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months following the return travel date.
Travelers are responsible for making their own flight arrangements.
Travelers must provide a copy of their desired flight reservation before booking to ensure that all information is correct. If you would like assistance booking your flight, please contact us.
Travelers must purchase travel insurance to go on this trip. In the event that you are unable attend this trip due to an illness, family emergency, missed or canceled flight, act of terrorism, natural disaster, etc., Astrid Solo Travel Advisor, AstridTravel LLC, the AstridTravel Club LLC, nor any affiliated person or party will be held responsible for payment repatriation. Protect yourself against any unforeseen trip disasters and purchase travel insurance. More details will be provided after you make a trip reservation.
Interested in Joining?
If you are interested in this trip to Lisbon, fill out the brief, no obligation, interest form below and we will reach out to you via email. Please feel free to include any questions or comments you might have about this trip.