Belém, Tagus & Sintra: Heritage and Nature Discovery (Pre)
Price from
£1,029
Spend 3 nights in Portugal's capital city Lisbon
Explore Lisbon ́s South Bank, Belém monumental area and enjoy a typical protugeese wine tasting
Encounter the Tagus Estuary Wetlands, a prime location for birdwatching with over 250 species
Admire the picturesque town of Sintra, a UNESCO site and tour ornate Monserrate Palace and its manicured gardens
Day 1: Lisbon
Spend the night at a hotel in Lisbon, including breakfast the next morning.
Day 2: Lisbon South Bank and Belém Monumental area
After breakfast, you'll begin your full-day excursion by visiting the Maritime Museum, located in Belém district. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of navigation in Portugal. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, models, and interactive exhibits that showcase the country's rich maritime heritage.
We’ll then continue and and cross the bridge over the Tagus River to Setúbal to visit the Livramento Market. Inhale the fresh produce aromas as your guide points out the 1930s tiles depicting fishing and farming scenes. Enjoy the vibrant, sensory feast of fruits, vegetables, seafood, and rich local history.
After lunch, continue to Arrabida Natural Park, known for its limestone mountains and remarkable views, protecting diverse wildlife. Visit Azeitao for a wine tasting, including the famous Moscatel de Setubal, before driving back to Lisbon.
Day 3: Bird watching in the Tagus Estuary nature Reserve
Today, you ́ll be taken to the Tagus Estuary Nature Reserve, a prime location for birdwatching with over 250 species. This internationally important Ramsar site spans over 14,000 hectares, featuring a Special Protection Zone and a Nature Reserve to safeguard aquatic birds. The estuary's diverse geography also includes wooded slopes and pastures, attracting a wide range of birds such as Flamingos, Black-shouldered Kites, Squacco Herons, and Little Bustards. Enjoy the rich biodiversity as you explore this crucial Portuguese wetland.
Your tour ends with lunch before heading back to Lisbon. The afternoon and evening is at your own leisure.
Day 4: Sintra and Monserrate Palace
Today, you'll enjoy seeing and doing some of the best things in and around Lisbon. First, we'll visit the UNESCO-listed town of Sintra, with its fairy-tale 19th century architecture, pastel-coloured villas and castles. In a typical Portuguese restaurant, a nice lunch will be served to you.
A highlight is the parks and palace of Monserrate – a masterpiece of Romanticism with gardens full of ruins and exotic flowers. After the visit you ́ll return to the history-steeped streets and architecture of Lisbon.
Your expedition ship will be waiting for you in the port.
Please note we may visit these sights in a different order.
Practical information
Included
3 nights in a hotel in Lisbon with breakfast
3 full day excursions with Eng-German speaking guide and an Ornithologist for the bird watching part
entrance fees, headset equipment, bottle of water in bus and lunch
Not included
Dinner, drinks and gratuities
Remarks and requirements
The tour starts 4 days before embarkation
Includes some walking on uneven pavements and cobblestone streets. This pre-programme is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Minimum number: 10
If the minimum number of participants is not reached, we reserve the right to cancel the Pre-Programme up to 6 weeks before departure.
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