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Lisbon & Estoril Coast March 2014
by claire
Day 1
On Sunday 09th March 2104 I boarded an Easyjet Flight from Bristol to Lisbon with Classic Collection Holidays on arrival our group was met by Joanna Espadinha, Senior Sales Executive for Buzz Portugal Destination Management who was to be our guide for the next 4 nights, we were swiftly transferred to the very chic & sophisticated Hotel Do Chiado for 1nt, allocated a premium room on the 7th floor with a private terrace and views of the castle of Sao Jorge, a little free time was had for a glass of wine at Bar Entretanto, which boasts spectacular views of the city, later that evening a short walk to the Biarro Alto Hotel, a restored 19th century building, for a glass of traditional coconut lemonade at the roof top terrace bar with great views over the River Tagus, after a tour of the Hotel we had dinner at the Flores do Biarro Restaurant where we sampled the amazing sharing menu, both Hotels are in a great location for good shopping and nightlife
Day 2
After breakfast all aboard the mini bus for a Tour of Lisbon, Liberty Avenue is the main area of downtown Lisbon, a lovely boulevard decorated with gardens, pavement cafes, shops and restaurants, it links Restauradores Square with Marquis of Pombal Square, just off of Liberty Avenue is Eduardo Park and the Botanical Gardens. Commercial Square is a must with its fine architecture and cafés overlooking the River Tagus, Biarro Alto and Chiado are known as the City’s vibrant nightlife quarter, Baixa is the main shopping district that stretches from the riverfront to Liberty Avenue.
East of the City is Expo 98 the new residential area of Lisbon, here you will find the Vasgo De Gamma shopping Mall, Atlantic Pavillion Concert Hall, Portugal’s largest indoor arena, The Oceanarium, one of the largest marine aquariums in the world, from the Oceanarium, a cable car takes visitors to the Vasco Da Gamma Tower, shaped like a nautical sail it is Lisbon’s tallest building with a panoramic viewing platform for views over the City
West of the City is Belem situated along the River Tagus, an area of leisure and recreation where historical monuments, modern museums, contemporary art exhibitions and busy cafes can be found, No trip to Belém would be complete without sampling the most delicious Pasteis De Belem, warm custard tarts with a light crunchy casing, served in old-fashioned tiled rooms dating back to 1837. Along the River Tagus is the seaplane piloted by Portuguese aviators that in 1922 made the first flight across the South Atlantic and also the Belem Watch Tower Built on the northern bank of the Tagus between 1514 and 1520 as part of the Tagus estuary defence system
Next stop Altis Belem, lovely Boutique Hotel with chic guest rooms, located on the banks of River Tagus a tour of the property then the most amazing lunch served on the terrace overlooking the Marina, back into the centre of Lisbon to view the Altis Avenida, a modern Hotel , with comfortable guest rooms in a great location , Tivoli Lisboa, very large Hotel situated on Liberty Avenue, numerous room types ranging from Standard to Presidential Suite, an added bonus is the outdoor swimming pool open summer months only.
Late afternoon we checked into Lisboa Plaza Heritage for 1nt, family run with classically decorated comfortable rooms, lovely traditional hotel with an exceptional breakfast selection, including a chocolate fountain and champagne.
Dinner this evening was at the luxurious Lapa Palace, exquisite property, beautiful rooms, amazing wellness centre, outdoor pool surrounded by tropical gardens, beautiful breakfast room with outdoor terrace.
Day 3
After a champagne breakfast we travelled along the Estoril Coast, passing the resort of Carcavelos one of the best beaches for surfing and body boarding, arriving at Quinta Da Marina Golf Hotel & Spa, fun was had by all at the golf clinic brushing up on our putting skills, lovely property in a tranquil location, smart rooms and a fantastic 18 Hole Golf Course, the cost for residents is 52 Euros per round, due to the location of this Hotel a free shuttle bus is available to the beach, lunch was served at sister Hotel Aura-Onyria Resort, very modern property, made up of Standard Rooms, Suites and
1 & 2 Bedroom Villa’s perfect for larger groups or families
Later in the afternoon we checked into Cascais Miragem, allocated a Deluxe Ocean View Room for the next 2 nights it was perfect, really liked this property, the location is perfect within walking distance of the beach, railway station and town centre of Cascais. Adjacent to the Hotel Holmes Place is a fully equipped gym and fitness centre with indoor pool, Jacuzzi and spa open from
7.30am – 10.30pm weekdays and 10am – 8pm weekends. Miragem has a kids club and babysitting service at a charge, lovely outdoor pool overlooking the ocean
This afternoon is was nice to have a couple of hour’s free time to wander into Town along the seafront, have a browse in the shops and dip my feet in the Atlantic Ocean
This evening we had dinner at Grande Real Villa Italia, luxurious hotel with stunning views over the ocean, it certainly has the wow factor, rooms range from Deluxe to Sea View Penthouse with plunge pool, spa including thalassotherapy circuit pool additional charge 20 euros, great location close to the Marina and Town Centre
Day 4
After breakfast today we go north of Cascais to the traditional Portuguese Town of Sintra, with its palaces and parks dotted around the hillside. The hop on hop off shuttle bus is a great way to visit all the attractions Sintra and the surrounding area has to offer, Pena Palace and Park, Capuchos Convent, Monserrate Park the Moorish Castle and on through the National park to the windswept cape Caba Da Roca, the most westerly point of mainland Europe, this was our next stop of the day and it certainly wasn’t windy the weather was glorious, we only had about 30 minutes here but it was well worth the visit before heading back to Pousada Do Cascais for a buffet lunch. Extraordinary property within the 16th Century Citadel of Cascais, unusual rooms 10 of which have been individually designed by an artist
And on to the next Hotel visit of the day the beautiful Boutique Senhora Da Guia, overlooking a beautiful stretch of coastline, in a tranquil location surrounded by pine forests on the outskirts of Cascais, my personal favourite with only 39 Bedrooms and Suites what a little gem, I loved the feel and friendliness here, the elegantly decorated rooms, lovely outside pool area, small indoor pool and spa, bikes are available from the Hotel
Late afternoon drinks and nibbles were served at Hotel Albatroz, in a great location with its oceanfront setting overlooking the beach. Made up of 4 individual buildings with a range of accommodation, smart property close to the railway station and town centre
Dinner this evening was at the Palacio Estoril, walking from the Miragem along the beachfront promenade took about 30 minutes. Spacious Hotel with character and charm, photograph’s of royalty and famous guests who have stayed here line the corridor walls. Guest rooms range from Classic to Suites. Stunning indoor pool area with Jacuzzi and sunbeds, one of the best I have seen
Returning to the Miragem for a nightcap might head is reeling we have viewed 15 Hotels in the space of 4 days
Day 5
After breakfast time to check out and return to Lisbon for our Easyjet flight home to Bristol
Lisbon and the Estoril Coast is a great destination to combine a European City Break with Beach, there is a direct train link from Lisbon Airport into the City Centre, getting around Lisbon on the public transport system is quick and easy, a day ticket costs 6 Euros and can be used on the Trams, Metro, Fenicular and Buses. Lisbon’s annual festival takes place during the month of June with colourful decorations lining the streets
A day trip to Cascais from Lisbon is easy the coastal line runs daily direct from Cais Do Sodre Station every 20 minutes from 05.30am – 01.50am, bikes are available from the station free of charge on a first come first served basis. There is also a train from Restauradores Station taking you direct beautiful Town of Sintra
By Lynne Richards