Start with pickup from your Lisbon hotel in the morning or early afternoon, depending on option selected. Cross over the Vasco da Gama Bridge, the longest in Europe, and wave goodbye to Lisbon as you travel south toward the lush green Arr□bida Natural Park, located on the shore of the Sado Estuary. As you cruise along the roads, hear your private guide explain more about this beautiful winemaking region.
At the edge of the Arr□bida mountain range, stop in the small town of Palmela. Ascend the fortified castle ─ a former Moorish stronghold ─ around which the village is built and take in astounding views of the surrounding peaks and farmland, as well as of Lisbon and the coastline. Hop back into the car and continue the journey with your guide, weaving through the slopes of the forested Arr□bida range.
Call into an intimate family-owned winery in the heart of the protected park. Explore the cellars, before raising four local wines to your lips during a tasting session. Before leaving the park, stop at the highest point, a 1,640-foot (500-meter) peak to snap some photos and take in the verdant vistas.
Return to Lisbon, stopping briefly at the Christ the King monument, which ─ just like its famous namesake statue in Rio de Janeiro ─ overlooks the city. Your tour then finishes with a drop-off back at your Lisbon hotel.
Full-Day Tour Upgrade (8 Hours)After pickup from your Lisbon accommodation in the morning, follow the same itinerary as the half-day tour.
Instead of leaving Arr□bida Natural Park for Lisbon, continue on to the fishing village of Sesimbra, which is situated at the foothills of the adjacent mountains on the Atlantic coast. Perhaps sit down for lunch in one of the town’s restaurants (own expense), before enjoying free time to lounge on the beautiful golden sand beach.
Next up is the pretty village of Azeitao, also located in the foot of the Arr□bida hills amid olive and cork trees. Call into a local wine cellar, where you can try the region’s renowned sweet muscatel wine and a red variety.
Travel back to Lisbon with your private guide, stopping to soak up the city views from the Christ the King monument. Your tour ends with a drop-off back at your accommodation in Lisbon.