Private tours in Lisbon & surroundings
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Program
We leave Lisbon crossing “25 Abril” bridge over Tagus river and have a superb view.
As we approach the countryside we will be pleasantly surprised by a unique scenery of huge pine forests, eucalyptus and cork
trees.
We go up the hill to visit the XII century castle of Sesimbra, lying at the foothills of Serra da Arrábida. Stop to enjoy the
beautiful view over the ocean, Sesimbra beach and scenery of this picturesque fishing town. Sightseeing of Sesimbra, seaside
resort with crystal clear water and where we can have a glimpse of the fishing port, to see fishermen unloading the catch.
We proceed to Azeitão - famous for its wine cellar, where we can stop for a guided visit to this antique muscatel wine producer
and wine tasting.
We then go up to Arrabida mountain - a unique nature reserve on the highest cliffs of the Portuguese coast, providing splendid
panoramic views over Lisbon, Setubal, Sado river estuary, Troia peninsula and the ocean. Arrábida Natural Park is a beautiful
protected area covered with pine trees and rich Mediterranean vegetation, including many rare species. Down below, the crystal-
clear waters of the sheltered snow-white sandy beaches.
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This promenade will let us see from the road the old farms, once the dwelling of noblemen from Lisbon.
Stop at Setubal, an important fishing harbour, where once again we can watch the typical Portuguese fishing boats. On the Rio Sado waterfront are the
docks, the marina and the fishing harbor, where brisk auctions take place every morning when the fishermen have unloaded the day's catch.
Travel back to Lisbon by Vasco da Gama bridge, 12 km long, for another unforgettable view of Lisbon and one of the widest estuaries in the world.
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...The forest-clad, elongated hummock of the Serra da Arrábida is a veritable oasis of natural vegetation
amid the suburban sprawl of the Setúbal peninsula, with an incredibly diverse wildlife to match. Along the
shore of the Sado estuary, its sheer flanks drop sharply into a turquoise sea, the pale limestone cliffs eaten
away at the base to form small sandy coves. Although the 50km-long ridge of the Arrábida attains a
maximum of only 501m (Alto do Formosinho), the views from the top are truly spectacular, giving the
impression of much greater altitude. More than 1,000 species of vascular plants have been recorded from the
Arrábida natural park. Situated to the south of the peninsula is the hub Setubal, actually Portugal's third
largest port after Lisbon and Porto. Renowned for both its fishing and fish restaurants and its many historic
buildings and museums, Setubal makes a superb Portugal holiday base or indeed a day trip. To the west of
Setubal centre are stunning beaches backed on by the Arrabida Natural Park. To the south is the natural
reserve of the Sado estuary, home to numerous birds and wildlife including bottle-nosed Dolphins...
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