Lisbon Shore Excursion

This Lisbon shore trip ffers you the chance to see one of Portugal's most beautiful parks, sample the local wine and cheese, plus see how the famous Portuguese tiles are made.

After meeting your guide you leave Lisbon by driving over the Tagus River Bridge towards Sesimbra, a busy fishing village in a sheltered bay overlooked by the Serra da Arrabida. The fishing fleet is made up of brightly colored boats all moored in the Porto do Abrigo. High above the town is a Moorish castle restored in the 18th century when a church and small flower-filled cemetery were added inside its walls.

In Sesimbra you see the Arrabida Natural Park which is located on the northern shore of the Sado River estuary. The park's micro climate covers the Arrabida Hills with Mediterranean reminiscent of the Adriatic Coast. The beaches in this area are very popular with locals from both Lisbon and Setubal.

Next you drive to the town of Azeitao which is located in the Setubal Region. The town is known for is its red wine, olives and creamy sheep cheese. You will visit a winery and have the chance to sample the famous Moscatel de Setubal wine and the cheese which is considered the best in the country.

Finally you visit Sao Simao Arte, an original tile factory that still produces the famous Portuguese handmade tiles using the same techniques from the 17th century. You will watch the artisans making the tiles and have a chance to purchase one if you wish. This factory as produced the tiles that are now in the Porta do Cerco (city doors) of Macau China, to celebrate the handover of Macau from the Portuguese Government to the Chinese Authorities in 2000.