23 Set LIS – Portugal: Lisbon by bike with an ocean view

Lisbon and its hills that overlook the ocean: a week visiting Lisbon, Belem, and Cascais in a group. Uncover the buried treasures of the Portuguese capital and its surroundings.

Lisbon follows the Tago river and just like Rome, grew over seven hills: the Sete Colinas. Its streets are pleasant up-and-downs studded with timeless craft shops and little restaurants. Lisbon is alive and stimulating, ready to be experienced to the fullest! By bike or on foot or aboard of its historical trams, known for their routes in the narrow streets, you can discover new hidden spots with new friends. Experience the local cuisine and reach the famous Belem tower, overlooking the ocean. You will then be able to cycle to Cascais and the Estoril coast, host of the Boca do Inferno.

PROGRAM

MONDAY: check-in at the hotel. In the afternoon, our guide will introduce us to the holiday and our equipment. We take a stroll in the city center, from Figueira and Rossio to happy hour in the historical Ginjinha, perfect for an introduction to the Fado’s capital and its nightlife.
TUESDAY: we take a brief stroll in the city center, admiring the Baixa, the Triumph Arc, and the Praça do Comércio, one of the biggest squares in Europe. We get our bikes and then we are off! We pass by the old docas, known for their nightlife, under the majestic 25 Abril bridge to finally arrive in Belem. A gateway to discovery expeditions, the historic town hosts some of the most celebrated treasures of Portugal, such as the Jeronimos Monastery, the Belem Tower and the Discovery Monument. We finish our day at the Belem Cultural Center and with a bite at the historical Pasteis de Belem pastry shop. Distance: 20 km
WEDNESDAY: we head north along the Tago through the city’s squares, reaching the point where the estuary widens. An ever-changing scenery surrounds us: from the old Santa Apolonia station to Graça neighborhood, from the old port area to Parque das Nações, the modern part of the city. Built for the 1998 Expo, this area reflects a modern Lisbon made of a 17 km long bridge, the Vasco de Gama tower and the intermodal Oriente Station designed by Calatrava. We will explore the various pavilions and its water games and waterfalls, sculptures and gardens. The biggest attraction here is the Oceanário, the largest aquarium in Europe, with 1000m2 of space and a water tank of 5000m3! Distance: 30 km
THURSDAY: today’s activities revolve around the beach and relaxation! In the morning, through Cais do Sodré station, we will catch a train to the Estoril Coast. Here we find Cascais, a small town overlooking the ocean known for its beaches and to be the place where the last King of Italy, Umberto II, was exiled. Through its small but stunning center, we pass by Boca do Inferno, to then reach Guincho beach. Did you know that this beach appeared in a James Bond’s movie? In the afternoon, we can enjoy the sun and the beach where the braver ones can try surfing, kitesurfing or windsurfing. We dine together and then we have infinite choices for a night out full of fun! Distance: 20 km
FRIDAY: Today is a free day where we can indulge in our passions! Any suggestions? For those who want to stay in the city, you can get lost in its alleys or its 40 museums! You can also cross the Tago with a boat heading to the South coast, where you can relax in the Caparica beach. Close by the capital, Sintra is a little town with magic castles and endless gardens. You can even go up to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe: 140 meters of rocks facing the Atlantic Ocean.
SATURDAY: we explore the city center on foot, up and down the hills. Our first stop is the famous and diverse flea market, Feira da Ladra, only open on Saturdays. Next, we can get lost in the alleys of the Alfama neighborhood, full of Arab influences. We then go down the hill to the incredible São Jorge Castle. Grilled sardines for lunch will get us ready to visit the historical Sé Cathedral, the Casa dos Bicos to the Principe Real are and the Bairro Alto. Here we can shop in the unique craft and vintage shops.
SUNDAY: it’s time to say goodbye and leave, but the sweet soul of Lisbon will come back home with us.

INFO

Where: Portugal – Lisbon
Accommodation: Hotel Gat Rossio. Located in a quiet central avenue behind Praça dos Restauradoes, rooms equipped with AC, TV with cable, desk, and bathroom. Discover the hotel
Individual price: €620
Bike rental: €50 for 3 days
Electric bike rental: €100 for 3 days
Single room charge: €150
Includes: accommodation in 3-star hotel in double/triple rooms, half board, guide/interpreter, guided tours, tourist materials, health, and luggage insurance.
Does not include: journey, drinks, on-site transportation, Friday dinner, city tax when required, anything not listed in the “Includes” section.
Guide: one of Jonas’ own will accompany and coordinate the group during the entirety of the trip and its guided tours. The guide knows the local language and area and will go the extra mile to ensure an unforgettable holiday.
This holiday is suitable for: vegetarians