Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Lisbon - A Dos Cunhados
100% customisable for you
Your Big Short Break to Lisbon begins today with a three-hour flight to Portugal’s vibrant capital. Head to the airport, whizz through security and enjoy some down time in the lounge with a few nibbles and refreshments as you await departure. A private driver will be waiting for you on arrival to whisk you off to your first hotel: a stylish property nestled within the network of tiled buildings that make up the historic centre. After settling in and freshening up, make the most of your first evening and enjoy a celebratory drink at one of our favourite rooftop bars before retreating to your hotel to rest up ready for a day of exploring tomorrow.
Rise and shine, it’s the first full-day for your five-day getaway to Lisbon and there’s not a moment to waste. Today is dedicated to discovering the delights of the capital, which centre around its bohemian atmosphere, arty nonchalance and buzzing tramways. After a hearty breakfast at your hotel this morning, you’ll be met by a clued-up local guide, who’ll be taking you on a relaxed and spontaneous walk around central Lisbon. This is a great way to not only soak in the city’s emblematic sights, but also to experience its more authentic side. We’re talking independent art galleries, private mansions, small churches, forgotten convents and old reservoirs… spots that fly under the radar of Lisbon’s regular tourists. Spend this afternoon escaping the hustle and bustle of Lisbon with an escape to Cacilhas, a small and scenic town located a short ferry ride away. Here you can visit the Jardim do Rio for panoramic views across Lisbon, before taking a lift up to a 165ft viewing platform. Savour the views with a dish of grilled fish or sautéed prawns before heading back to Lisbon.
Swap the cosmopolitan charms of Lisbon for the serene coast as you travel an hour and a half in your spacious and comfortable rental car to A dos Cunhados. Located on the beautiful shores of Grande Lisboa (a kind of ‘Greater Lisbon’ if you will), this small seaside resort has long been a prime getaway for city-dwellers. It is surrounded by sea, sand dunes and pine trees, making it the perfect place to relax, rejuvenate and recharge your batteries. Your home for the next two nights is a hippie-chic retreat surrounded by beachy wilderness. After settling in and freshening up, head out and spend the rest of today breathing in the fresh sea air as you take a stroll along the town’s stretch of golden sandy beach.
Today is all about soaking in the vast and varied beaches of this scenic sliver of Portugal’s west coast, starting with a trip to Mexilhoeira beach. Wild and dominated by cliffs, it is the perfect place to take in Portugal’s Atlantic coast. Cycle paths and dirt tracks stretch for miles, winding between beaches lined with pine trees. With a picnic basket full of goodies tucked into the front of your bike, head out and enjoy the coastal wind in your hair. This is great opportunity to check out some local sights, such as the Penafirme Convent, an ancient monastery submerged in the sand dunes. A private surf lesson can be arranged at Santa Cruz beach, or you can simply take in the show of paragliders on Santa Rita beach before reaching Porto Novo, a popular cove where the river meets the ocean. Following your beach outing, take part in an introduction to organic farming with a composting or tree planting session at a local farm. If you’d prefer to stick to the coast, you could instead opt for a fishing trip and cruise to the Berlengas Islands, setting sail from the peninsula town of Peniche.
Sadly the time has come to bid Portugal a warm farewell and embark on the journey home. After one last delicious breakfast at your hotel this morning, hop back into your hire car and drive and hour and a half back to Lisbon. Head to the airport, whizz back through security and enjoy some peace and quiet in the airport lounge as you await the departure of your three-hour flight back to the UK.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
