Cross the central Marques de Pombal square and go down by the XVIII century boulevard called Liberdade avenue to the popular Restauradores and Rossio squares it's the heart of Lisbon since Roman times, and the Pombaline downtown which has been the shopping area for more than 2000 years. The majestic waterfront Comercio square, once the welcome gate to seafarer and caravels. Close by is the nucleus of ancient Lisbon. The tour continues along the riverside by the harbour with sights of one of world's leading cruise destinations.
On the way to Belem, the most monumental and historical quarter, we pass by Belem palace, official residence of the President of Portugal. Stops at Belem Tower – icon of the Age of Discovery (stop for photos, drinks and toilettes), the Monument to the Discoveries – evoking the maritime expansion. Close by is Jeronimos Monastery, magnificent example of the Manueline style.
The Estoril coast, incorporating holiday hotspots offers great beaches and a choice of historic sights.
Cascais fishing port swiftly expanded to an elegant, cosmopolitan, coastal resort. O Drive across the luxuriant Sintra Mountain and its gardens - "The Glorious Eden" - by twisted roads bordered by several plants, its mystical hills dotted with fairytale palaces and extravagant villas that have bewitched visitors for centuries.
Sintra’s historical town centre is a listed UNESCO world heritage site. It is made up of a charming maze of steep, narrow streets lined with fine examples of old palatial homes hiding behind lichen-covered walls, while local pastry shops provide the famous Sintra ‘queijadas’ (cheese pastries).
Go up to one of the highest peaks of the mountain through a narrow and crooked road crossing Sintra forest, passing by the mysterious Moorish castle. Fairy tale Pena palace and its surrounding park are billed as "a consummate specimen of Portuguese romantic architecture", with a profusion of eclectic styles. From the palace, one has a spectacular outlook onto the mountain and its surroundings. On the way back to Lisbon, we pass by the XVIII century Queluz palace, reminiscent of Versailles.
