Lisbon

Lisbon…

…going back on a great timeline of history, is one of the most charming capitals of the world, and definitely one of the mostly visited and trendiest of Europe.

The architecture, culture and history have all been influenced by the great sea expeditions; however, the city and its surroundings reflect Gothic elegance with the typical southern European ambiance – captured just by looking at the Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower, both featuring the Manueline style architecture.

Like in many places of Portugal, the former Moorish presence cannot be ignored, but the remaining beautiful ceramic tiles incorporated in many buildings feature alongside the wealthy details of Baroque architecture, make the city even more unique.

There is so much to do and see in Lisbon, which is a vibrant city of arts and music, from the traditional “fado” played on guitars to contemporary exhibitions and concerts of different genres.

Lisbon also offers a great opportunity for shopping, not only for the typical Portuguese folk-art products, such as the embroidery, pottery and ceramics, but also for fashionable clothing, including leather shoes and accessories.

Last, but not least, Lisbon is the first stop, and one of the best places, to start a culinary journey of Portuguese cuisine, as well as, of course, international dishes - all prepared here with the heart and soul of the great Portuguese hospitality.

Costa do Estoril (Estoril & Cascais)

The holiday resort area of Lisbon is only about 20-30 minutes away from the centre by car or local train. It is often called the “Portuguese Riviera” because of the similarities with its famous French and Italian sister-beaches and promenades. From charming traditional European grand hotels to smaller boutique style hotels, a great variety of accommodation, entertainment, dining options is available in the area. The often narrow, winding and cobblestoned streets run into promenades, gardens, parks and pedestrian zones with the Atlantic Ocean bordering throughout, offering beautiful golden sandy beaches. There are many activities for the day time, such as exploring the castles (in the nearby Sintra), mansions and fortresses or simply watching fishermen doing their everyday routine and of course enjoying one of the beaches along the coastline, offering a wide range of water sports. It is a perfect place to relax, as well as to spend the time actively with horseback riding, tennis or golf.  There is a colourful and joyful nightlife in the area filled with cafés, bars, restaurants, many offering entertainment, and there is also the Casino of Estoril for those willing to challenge their luck.