Wakacje Lizbona - holidays and trips

The Lisbon Riviera guarantees a variety of attractions for everyone. You can relax here on the golden sands, play sports, party in the clubs, taste the local cuisine and see many sights.

Costa da Caparica is a picturesque resort, situated by a sandy, long and wide public beach of the same name. Here you can still see fishermen on traditional boats. Costa da Caparica is ideal for romantic dinners, the local restaurants are renowned for the excellent cuisine based on seafood. Carcavelos is a place famous for its centuries of wine-making. It is also a real paradise for enthusiasts of watersports. In particular, we recommend the beaches: Praia do Tamariz and Carcavelos. To the east of the city is a fortification - Forte de São Julião da Barra, once protecting against the attacks of enemy ships, today it is the residence of the Ministry of National Defense. The "golden triangle", that is the cities: Cascais, Estoril and Sintra means fantastic attractions for hotheads of history. Cascais at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries was a traditional holiday place of the Royal family. Being in Cascais it is worth visiting: the Condes de Castro Guimaraes museum, the Sea Museum, the churches of Nossa Senhora da Assunção and Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes from the 18th century, the chapels of Nossa Senhora da Guia from the 15th century and São Sebastião from the 16th century, as well as the fortress from the 17th century. The city is also famous for its large yacht port, sailing competitions take place here. The local beaches - Cascais and Guinchoto are great places for enthusiasts of surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing. The Town Estoril located not far away offers an exciting nightlife in the many clubs. In this cosmopolitan resort there is a casino, golf course and racetrack. Those who prefer a quieter form of relaxation we recommend the Museum of Portuguese Music and the Church of Santo António. In the centre of Sintra city there is the National Palace, being erected from the 10th century, which astonishes with its two powerful cone chimneys. Other monuments include: the Moorish Castle from the 8th century, the fabulous Pena Palace from the 19th century and the Capuchins Monastery from the 16th century and the Romanesque church of São Martinho and Roman-Gothic Santa Maria, as well as the Toy Museum. Ericeira is distinguished by beautiful historic architecture, it is also the most important hub for surfing in Europe, which is why it is colloquially called the Mecca of surfers. Praia do Sul is a beautiful sandy beach with a very gentle descend into the sea, which due to big waves is an ideal place for watersports. Surrounded by a cliff 40 m high, Praia dos Pescadores is a place not only for beach goers.

The capital of Portugal - Lisbon - provides entertainment of world class. It is the duty of every newcomer to take the one-wagon antique tram no. 28 through the narrow streets of the Old City. You can take the tram from the foot of the castle to get to Bairro Alto via Baixa. The most important monument of Lisbon is the castle of St George - Castelo de São Jorge, which was built in the 12th century. There is an enormous figure of Jesus that towers over the city - a statue that is 110 m tall. You might also want to see the 45-m high elevator created in 1902 - Elevador de Santa Justa, which was designed by Raoul Mesnier de Ronsard. You can take the elevator to the panoramic terrace. The aqueduct which supplied the city with the first clean drinking waters, built in 1746, is also an interesting sight. To see what the nightlife of Lisbon looks like, you need to head to Rossio Square in the very centre of the city.

The region of the Lisbon Riviera also offers other attractions: recurring events, music and film festivals, traditional feasts and celebrations, fairs, crafts, concerts, exhibitions, matches. Without a doubt it is worth seeing Touradas - the Portuguese version of the corrida, without killing bulls and hear the "Portuguese blues" - fado, melancholic songs performed by a singer accompanied by two guitars. In the Portuguese cuisine simple dishes prevail, in particular those based on seafood. The national dish is bacalhau, which main ingredient is cod. Grilled sardines and fish or vegetable stews are also popular, including: caldeirada, feijoada and cozio, and soups: green (caldo verde) and from "stone" (sopa de pedra).

Lisbon City Tour - and opportunity to feel the unique atmosphere, get to know the history and traditions of Portugal's capital. The programme includes visiting monuments from the "Golden Age" of Portuguese discoveries: the Jeronimos Church, the Monument of Discoverers, the Tower of Belém, the most popular districts: Alfama and Rossio. Half-day trip. Price - approx. 15 EUR (does not include entry tickets: approx. 8 EUR/person).

Obidos - a visit to the picturesque town situated on a hill surrounded by walls from the 16th century. The facades of houses with yellow and blue decorations and colourful flowers contrast with the white walls. Obidos is called the city of weddings – according to the centuries-old tradition, Portuguese kings offered it to their wives on their wedding day. In Obidos the International Chocolate Festival is held every autumn. Professional confectioners, connoisseurs of this fine product and amateurs of sweet rarities from all over the world come here. During a few autumn days, the masters of the craft present their most creative works: chocolate, chocolates, truffles, ice cream and cakes. Half-day trip. Price - approx. 20 EUR.

Fatima and Porto (2 days) - transfer to Fatima, a special place for Catholics. It was here in 1917 that the Virgin Mary appeared to three children. Since then, crowds of pilgrims come to Fatima. Sightseeing: the sanctuary, Pilgrim square, the Chapel of Apparitions and the Basilica with the tombs of Francisco and Jacinta Marto and Lucia Santos. Free time. Depart for Porto, check into hotel, overnight stay. Breakfast. Visiting Porto, a city situated on both sides of the Duero River. The banks are joined by several bridges of incredible design. In the city centre there are baroque churches with elaborate form and richness of gold. Wine tasting in a local basement included in the programme. Free time. Return to Lisbon in the afternoon. Price – approx. 110 EUR (entry tickets additionally payable – approx. 15 EUR/person).

Sintra - day trip to the holiday city of Portuguese kings and wealthy noblemen, who for centuries built there their summer residences here. The programme includes: a tour of the Renaissance palace decorated with azulejos ceramic tiles and transfer to Cabo da Roca – the westernmost cape of Europe. Half-day trip. Price – approx. 18 EUR (entry tickets additionally payable – approx. 8 EUR/person).

Fado Dinner - an unforgettable evening in a unique Portuguese atmosphere. A great opportunity to taste traditional dishes accompanied by guitars, which accompanies Fado singers. Price – approx. 42 EUR.

Folklore Night - a party at the Troubadours Tavern in the charming town of São Pedro de Sintra. Cosy interiors, friendly atmosphere, a large selection of delicious meals and wines guarantee a great feast. Here you can find out what the traditional Portuguese cuisine is like at its best. Be sure to try the homemade specialty – a casserole of cod in cream. The dinner is combined with live music performed by famous artists - the friends of the Tavern and its owner, forming Royal Company. Price – approx. 35 EUR.

 

Local excursions are organized by local travel agencies under the conditions fixed by them. It's possible to disorganize trips due to low number of applicants.