Spread across steep hillsides that overlook the Rio Tejo, Lisbon offers all the delights you’d expect of Portugal’s star attraction, yet with half the fuss of other European capitals. Gothic cathedrals, majestic monasteries and quaint museums are all part of the colourful cityscape, but the real delights of discovery lie in wandering the narrow lanes of Lisbon’s lovely backstreets. As bright yellow trams wind their way through curvy tree-lined streets, the citizens stroll through the old quarters. Village-life gossip in old Alfama is exchanged at the public baths or over fresh bread and wine at tiny patio restaurants while fadistas (proponents of fado, Portugal’s traditional melancholic singing) perform in the background. Meanwhile, in the other parts of town, visitors and locals chase the ghosts of Pessoa in warmly lit 1930s-era cafes or walk along the seaside that once saw the celebrated return of Vasco da Gama. Yet, while history is very much alive in centuries-old Lisbon, its spirit is undeniable youthful. In the hilltop district of Bairro Alto the visitors will find many restaurant, bars and nightclubs. The Lisbon experience gathered together so many things from enjoying a fresh pastry and bica (espresso) to window-shopping in elegant Chiado or watching the sunset from the old Moorish castle.

PROPOSED HOTELS

HOTEL CORINTHIA 5*****

Overlooking the Aqueduct and Monsanto Nature Park, Corinthia Hotel is situated 5 minutes' walk from Lisbon's Zoological Gardens and a metro station. It has 2 restaurants, a luxury spa and stylish, air-conditioned rooms.  Guests can relax at the Corinthia Hotel Lisbon’s spa. All of the rooms at the 5-star Hotel Corinthia have been tastefully decorated and fitted with cable TVs, free Wi-Fi. Each has a private bathroom with free luxury toiletries. The hotel's Tipico Restaurant serves traditional Portuguese dishes throughout the day. A large buffet breakfast is served in Sete Colinas Restaurant, which has views over the gardens

HOTEL SHERATON 5*****

Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & Spa is located in Lisbon’s business district, just a 10-minute walk from downtown Baixa. It offers luxurious rooms and spa with fitness facilities. The stylish rooms of Sheraton Lisboa Hotel are spacious, and well equipped with air conditioning, designer glass-wall bathrooms, and LCD TVs. Guests can relax at the 1,500-square meter Spirito Spa, which offers an extensive menu of health and beauty treatments. The Panorama Restaurant and cocktail bar are located on the top floor. Here you can enjoy gourmet cuisine, while admiring panoramic views of Lisbon. Rossio Square and Rua Augusta with its shopping centre, theatres, and nightlife are within walking distance.

HOTEL MARRIOT 4****

This 4-star Lisbon hotel offers elegant accommodation with a balcony. It has an outdoor pool and a sun terrace. Lisbon Marriott Hotel offers plush beds with white linens and floor-to-ceiling windows in all rooms. Picturesque views of Lisbon can be seen from the balcony. Room service is available 24 hours per day. Guests can relax on a lounger by the pool or enjoy a refreshing drink from the bar. Lisbon Marriott Hotel features a state-of-the-art fitness centre and a lush garden. A large, well-equipped meeting space is also offered. Marriott Lisbon’s restaurant overlooks the palm garden and serves Portuguese and Mediterranean cuisine as well as a selection of local wines. Nearby points of interest include the Lisbon Zoo and the Cidade Universitária‎ metro station, both a 5-minute drive away. Liberty Avenue is 3 km from Marriott Lisbon, and Lisboa Water Museum is a 5-minute drive away.

SUGGESTED VISITS AND EXCURSIONS

HD LISBON

Panoramic tour that will take you through the most historical and traditional points of the city, such as the Park Edward VII, Liberty Avenue, Restauration Square, Rossio Square, the Downtown (rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755) and Commerce Square. Afterwards we will continue to Belém, that is known as the “Discoveries Quarter” – it was from here that the caravels set sail to their trips to South America and to the Orient. First we will see the Tower of Belém – built in Manueline style on the north bank of the River Tagus for defence of the city – and afterwards photo stop at the Monument of the Discoveries that celebrates the Portuguese discoveries and specially Henry the Navigator. Continue towards the Geraniums Monastery, built in the 16^th century in Manueline style. This monument celebrates the power of King Manuel I and the magnificence of the empire.

HD FATIMA

The name of the town and parish actually evolved from the Arabic name Fatima, the name of Moorish princess. The history of Fátima is associated with three children: Lúcia and her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto who, on 13 May 1917, while guarding their sheep in Cova da Iria and witnessed an apparition of a lady dressed in white (today occupied by the Chapel of Apparitions). The lady, later referred to Our Lady of the Rosary indicated that she was sent by God with a message of prayer, repentance and consecrations, and visited the children in the next few months (all on the 13th of each month). The last apparition occurred in October, and was witnessed by 70.000 pilgrims, who saw the Miracle of the Sun. In addition, Our Lady of Fátima sent a message that consisted of three secrets: first, a vision of Hell where the souls of the sinful would travel without prayer; the second, prophesied the beginning of the Second World War; and ultimately, the mysterious third secret, which was written down by Lúcia dos Santos in 1944, and held by the Vatican, since 1957. Much later, sister Lúcia (she had become a nun), recounted visits between April and October 1916, by an angel to the children (three times) twice in Loca do Cabeço and the other by the well in Lúcia's garden, who invited them to pray and penitence. Jacinta died in 1919 and Francisco in 1920 from the Spanish flu Epidemic of 1918-1920, and were later beatified on 13 May 2000 by Pope John Paul II. Lucia lived until 2005. In order to mark the location of the apparitions, a wooden arch with cross was constructed in Cova da Iria. The faithful began to travel in pilgrimage to the site, and on 6 August 1918, with donations from the public, a small chapel was begun, built from rock and limestone and covered in tile and it began to become a centre of Marian worship, receiving names such as a fé. Fátima, cidade da Paz (the faith of Fatima, City of Peace), or Terra de Milagres e Aparições (Land of Miracles and Apparitions).

FD SINTRA – CASCAIS - ESTORIL

Full day excursion to Sintra, a beautiful town situated on the green slopes of a mountain range. This town used to be the residence of the Portuguese royal family during the middle ages and it was considered World Heritage by UNESCO. Visit of the National Palace, built over an ancient Arabic palace and rebuilt over the centuries. It houses an interesting collection of glazed tiles, paintings and furniture. Proceed to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in Continental Europe with wonderful views over the Atlantic and with a unique flora. We will then drive along the coastline towards Cascais, where we will have a stop for a beautiful view of the fishing port. Cascais became a look-out for Lisbon during the age of the Discoveries. Due to its location close to the mouth of the River Tagus it was the first place the navigators used to see when they returned from overseas. Cascais became very famous in the end of the 19th century, when it was chosen as a summer residence by the Portuguese Royal Family. Continue to Estoril and enjoy a panoramic view of its gardens and Casino.

GALA VENUES

PATIO DA GALE

In the heart of the city, in the west wing of Praça do Comércio, Pátio da Galé is the most recent multi-purpose facility in Lisboa, equipped with infrastructure that reflects the avant-garde and authentic personality of the capital city. Pátio da Galé offers excellent conditions for holding the most diverse initiatives and has staged some of Lisboan’s most notable events, such as ModaLisboa and the culinary event, “Peixe em Lisboa” (‘Fish in Lisboa). It is also going to host activities for the Festival dos Oceanos (Oceans Festival) in August.

CONVENTO DO BEATO

With its excellent location and remarkable facilities, the “Convento do Beato” is an ideal place for organizing a wide range of event: congresses, seminaries, exhibitions, concerts, weddings and other social occasions. It is located in the historic part of Lisbon, rich in tradition and culture, close to the Rio Tejo. The restoration of a number of area and the constants investment in improvements of the building have made possible to be used for all kind of events in which style, security and practicality are the keys to success.

RESTAURANT KAIS

Elegant restaurant, located in the former warehouse of the end of the nineteenth century, beautifully restored to maintain its industrial roots, revealing the elements of the structure of the old factory with the addition of thousands of candles. Ideal for either romantic or business dinners. Typical Portuguese cuisine elegantly adapted. Good wine cellar.