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The Se Cathedral….Torre de Belem….Elevador de Santa Justa….Castelo de Sao Jorge…Mosteiro dos Jeronimos….Praca
do Comercio….Sao Roque Church….Cafe Brasiliera.…Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga.…are just some of the 'must see'
sights of Lisbon.
Panorama Tours Tours invites you to enjoy a wonderful city break in Lisbon with the flexibility to do what you want, when you want and how you want. Lisbon - as a tourist destination needs little or no introduction. Built on the bank of the River Tagus and with a population of 3.3 million, it's a city steeped in history - famous most of all for its maritime successes by the likes of Vasco da Gama and Fernao de Magalbaes (Magellan). Today Lisbon has 4 main districts - Baixa & Avenida, Alfama, Bairro Alto & Estrela and Belem. It's also built on several hills! 
There is so much to see and do… and what better way to start off than with a ride on the red Colinas or Tejo trams (electricos). Departing from the Praca do Comercio, these charming pre World War 1 trams provide special sightseeing rides (with commentary in various languages) and take you along the winding roads on the hills of Lisbon or along the River Tagus. The No 28 tram will take you most of the way to Castelo de Sao Jorge with its 12th century church, narrow cobbled streets and gardens, and from the towers and ramparts there are wonderful views over the city and River Tagus. A gentle descent by foot will take you past the Se Cathedral with its twin bell towers and splendid rose window. 
The Bairro Alto is best reached by taking the Elevador da Gloria (funicular) from Praca dos Restauradores, the No 28 tram or by metro. Its narrow cobbled streets are home to 16th century Sao Roque Church with its plain facade and baroque interior, the Chiado with its upmarket shops and old style cafes. A visit to the 1920's Brasiliera Cafe with its gilded mirrors is a must - time for coffee and a pasteis de nata (custard pastry) or a cool refreshing beer! 
The No 15 tram will take you along the busy sea front to the Belem district and the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos (16th century monastery), the Torre de Belem (formerly a beacon for ships returning from the Indies and New World) and the impressive Praca do Imperio with its fountain and park landscape. 
The Feira da Ladra ('Thieves Market') in the Alfama district is open on Tuesday and Saturday morning and well worth a visit. Alternatively if visiting the cities of Sintra or Cascais, they also both hold excellent markets. And if its 'retail therapy' you seek, then there are numerous shopping centres including Amoreiras (with over 300 shops), Vasco da Gama and El Corte Ingles - and of course, all beckoning you with their 'Sales' to 'spend…spend…spend!' 
Whilst in Lisbon, you will be staying at the 5* Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & Spa, which is centrally located on the Rua Latino Coelho, near Marques Pombal Square and just minutes from the old city centre. Having undergone total refurbishment, the hotel has a very trendy and luxurious look about it. There are 369 rooms – many of which boast stunning views of the city. The Lobby Bistro & Bar offers regional and international cuisine with all-day dining service. The Panorama Bar and Panorama Restaurant are located on the top floor commanding some of the best views in town – the perfect place for cocktails and live entertainment or to sample local gourmet cuisine. After a day of sightseeing or shopping, the Spirito Spa & Wellness Centre awaits you – with outdoor heated pool, jacuzzi, sauna, hammam & fitness areas, so that you may relax before going out to enjoy Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife. 
As the sun sets, its time to enjoy Lisbon's vibrant nightlife and catering for all ages and tastes, you will not be disappointed. The Bairro Alto district has countless bars and restaurants. The seafood is excellent with a wide range of shellfish, but be warned - the bacalhau (dried cod) can be quite salty. Grilled sardines are at their best in the summer season. In the Baixa district the Ruas das Portas de Santo Antao is full of excellent restaurants catering for all budgets and it's a delight to eat 'al fresco'! Mention the names Alfredo Duarte and Amalia Rodrigues and the music Fado comes immediately to mind. Sung by both men and women, the music and words are very emotional. A visit to a Casa do Fado is a must - not only will you enjoy good food and fine wine, but also Fado - the music of Lisbon. 
And if you still have time… Visit the fishing port and holiday resort of Cascais or the historical city of Sintra (a UNESCO Heritage Site), the Palmela Castle with wonderful views over the wooded Serra da Arrabida, the Palacio de Queluz with its gardens adorned with statues, fountains and topiary or the baroque Palacio de Mafra. 
* 4 nights from just US$ 699.00 per person Prices include:
Prices do not include:
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 Panorama Tours holidays and flights shown are ATOL protected by the UK Civil Aviation Authority under an agreement with Destination Store; holder of ATOL number 6375. ATOL Protection extends primarily to customers who book and pay in the United Kingdom. Click on the ATOL logo you want to know more. All rights reserved © 2006-2008. | ||
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