Lisbon and the Algarve

With included airport lounge access, you'll be well rested for your flight to Lisbon where, after an included private transfer, you'll check into your four-star hotel. 

Stay: Mundial Hotel, Lisbon (Superior)

Begin the day in Belém, one of Lisbon’s most fascinating quarters. Here the River Tagus meets the Atlantic, and this is where many now legendary voyages of discovery were launched. The magnificent Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, 16th century monastery, where Vasco da Gama was entombed, is a fitting monument to Portugal’s age of exploration, and is one of today’s guided tours. Also included is a port wine tasting and relaxing by the river, sampling Bélem’s famous custard tarts. Save some space for a lingering lunch in downtown Lisbon, in an 18th century theatre before walking it all off exploring Lisbon’s hills, the historic neighbourhood of Alfama and the resplendent Lisbon Cathedral. 

Stay: Corpo Santo Hotel (Superior)

The first stop today is the fairytale hilltop town of Sintra, a magical start to the day. This medieval and perfectly preserved walled town is full of dreamy palaces and architecture, and a guided tour of the famous Pena Palace is included. After a traditional lunch within the walls, your private driver will whisk you off to a lavish wine tasting, in the charming region of Colares and in the most westerly vineyard in Europe. Afterwards, have an enchanting evening in the fabulously atmospheric fishing village of Cascais.  

Stay: Corpo Santo Hotel (Superior)

A final day full of exclusive indulgences, starting with a visit to one of the smallest and most highly regarded wine producers in Portugal. Tour the winery, set in picturesque surroundings, and enjoy a bespoke wine tasting. Then set off for another exquisite experience – a tour of the extraordinary Palácio Nacional de Mafra, a convent-palace that is one of the most extravagant in Europe. This 18th century baroque masterpiece presides over the small, pretty town of Mafra. There are over 1,000 rooms, two bell towers with 98 bells, and a library full of ancient tomes, carefully guarded by a colony of bats. Don’t worry, they’re only let out at night, to protect the precious archive from small insects. The afternoon is at leisure before a fantastic farewell dinner to celebrate the end of your stay. 

Stay: Oceano Atlantico, Algarve (Superior)

A final private transfer after breakfast takes you back to Lisbon airport for your return flight to the UK.