Belém, Tagus, and Sintra: Heritage and Nature Discovery (Pre)
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Spend three nights in Portugal's capital city, Lisbon.
Explore Lisbon’s South Bank and Belém monumental area, and enjoy a typical Portuguese wine tasting.
Encounter the Tagus Estuary wetlands, a prime location for birdwatching with over 250 species.
Admire the picturesque town of Sintra, which is 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,which is located in the Belém district. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of navigationin Portugal. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, models, and interactiveexhibits that showcase the country's rich maritime heritage.
We’ll then continue on and cross the bridge over the Tagus River to Setúbal to visitLivramento Market. Inhale the aromas from the fresh produce as your guide points out the 1930stiles 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, which is known for its limestone mountains,remarkable views, and diverse, protected wildlife. Visit Azeitao for a wine tasting, includingthe famous Moscatel de Setubal, before driving back to Lisbon.
Day 3: Bird watching in Tagus Estuary Natural Reserve
Today, you ́ll be taken to Tagus Estuary Natural Reserve, a prime location forbirdwatching with over 250 species. This internationally important Ramsar site spans over35,000 acres and features a Special Protection Zone and a nature reserve to safeguardaquatic birds. The estuary's diverse geography also includes wooded slopes and pastures,which attract a wide range of birds such as flamingos, black-shouldered kites, squaccoherons, and little bustards. Enjoy the rich biodiversity as you explore this crucialPortuguese wetland.
Your tour will end with lunch before heading back to Lisbon. Guests may enjoy the afternoon and eveningat their 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-colored villas, and castles. A nice lunch will be served to youat a typical Portuguese restaurant.
A highlight is the parks and palace of Monserrate—a masterpiece of Romanticism withgardens full of ruins and exotic flowers. After the visit you’́ll return to the history steepedstreets and architecture of Lisbon.
Your expedition ship will be waiting for you in the port.
Please note that the order of the sites we visit may vary.
Practical information
Included
Three nights in a hotel in Lisbon with breakfast
Three full-day excursions with English/German speaking guide and an ornithologist for thebird-watching part,
entrance fees, headset equipment, bottle of water in the bus, and lunch
Not included
Dinner, drinks and gratuities
Remarks and requirements
The tour starts four days before embarkation
It includes some walking over uneven sidewalks and cobblestone streets. This pre-program 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-Program up to six weeks before departure.
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