Lyrical Lisbon

Lisbon is a gem of a city, just waiting to be discovered. Our spring tour includes a performance of O Basculho da Chaminé by Marcos Portugal in the Salão Nobre of the Teatro Nacional de São Carlos. Born 6 years after Mozart, Portugal lived in Italy for a time before returning to his home city of Lisbon, and this will be an experience unlikely to be repeated elsewhere. The Teatro also presents Puccini’s Madama Butterfly in the sumptuous main auditorium.


Thu 22 Mar Early evening arrival in Lisbon and transfer to the 4-star Hotel Heritage Avenida Liberdade, located in the centre of Lisbon. Welcome dinner in the hotel or a local restaurant.

Fri 23 Mar Join your guide for a walking tour through the city centre, seeing the most ancient and popular quarters which still retain Muslim and medieval buildings. We visit St George’s Castle, which was the residence of the Kings of Portugal until the 16th century, and enjoy a wine-tasting at the Institute of Port Wine. Our tour ends with a walk through the oldest district of the city, Alfama. Afternoon at leisure before the evening performance in the Salão Nobre of the Teatro de São Carlos.

Sat 24 Mar Today we make a full-day excursion to Sintra, via the glorious coastal towns of Cascais and Estoril. After lunch in a local restaurant, we visit the Royal Palace of Sintra, with regal architecture dating from many different times. Of special note are the wonderful coloured glazed tiles which date from the 15th and 16th centuries. Return to Lisbon for an evening at leisure.

Sun 25 Mar This morning we visit the Belém district, linked to Portugal’s Golden Age of Discoveries. We see the ornate Torre of Belém, the Monument to the Great Explorers, and visit the impressive Jeronimos Monastery. We also take a coffee break to sample the famous Pasteis de Belém. Return to the hotel for an independent lunch before the afternoon performance. Evening at leisure.

Mon 26 Mar Late morning transfer to the airport for your homeward journey.

Flights: British Airways

Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.