Marvel at the charming combination of history and natural beauty on this private guided tour o the Natural Reserve of Arrábida. You will see the natural beauty of Arrábida Mountain Park and explore top cultural attractions like Arrábida Convent, the medieval tide mill and Forte de São Filipe. Plus, enjoy a more personalized experience with a private guide.
Any hotel/airbnb in central Lisbon
You start by being picked-up for your private tour, at a hotel or AirBnB in Lisbon. On this tour you’ll visit the natural reserve of Arrábida, where you’ll take in stunning mountain views, and learn about the area’s history, experience some of its top products, and visit its beaches (during the summer).
The first place we will pass is Azeitão, a picturesque region noted for its wines and cheeses. Maybe stop there and have your breakfast, tasting some traditional local goods.
Reaching the Arrábida National Park national park, you will see the breath-taking views of the Sado estuary, which is listed as one of the most beautiful bays of the world. Being in a natural park, you have a few beautiful spots, where you can park and take amazing pictures of the mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, you will stop to see from the outside the Arrábida Convent and Lapa de Santa Margarida, before reaching the historical centre of Setúbal.
Along the way to Setubal, you will stop to see the Arrábida Convent, founded in 1542 by Friar Martinho de Santa Maria, a Castilian Franciscan who was granted the land by D. João de Lencastre (1501-1571), the first Duke of Aveiro.
Here we will explore one of the first "star fortifications" build in Portugal, and take in the amazing views over the surrounding locations. Work on the fortress began in 1590 and was completed in 1600. The São Filipe Fortress, resulted of the orders of the king, for the fortification of the coastline that protected Setúbal and the entrance of the Sado river. The interior space, which originally included the Governors House and military. There is a small baroque chapel, still preserved, dedicated to Our Lady dated 1736.
Reaching Setúbal, you will explore the Livramento Market.
In June/2015, USA Today Travel (Food & Wine), considered this market as one of the 10 best fish markets of the world. The market’s distinctive tiled walls, called “Azulejos”, comprised of 5,700 decorative tile pieces, the wall panels measure about 1,259 square feet and depict scenes of everyday local activities such as fishing and farming. See an assortment of local seafood laid out on counters and get to know how the different fish actually look like…
Sardines are a favourite at the market. According to the Portuguese National Tourist Office, Portugal consumes 13 sardines per second, during the month of June.
Next you’ll head to a very rare, restored tide mill that was built in 1601. This piece of industrial archaeology stands as a testimony to medieval engineering expertise. The mill still uses the tides as a source of renewable, non-polluting energy. Also you will be able to discover one of the biggest wetlands of Portugal, the Sado estuary.
Any hotel/airbnb in central Lisbon
Pick up and drop off at a hotel/Airbnb in Lisbon or from cruise port;
Transportation by private air-conditioned car/van;
Private tour with Professional guide. Participants will be you and your guide;
Guide will accompany you inside the locations/monuments to explain its history;
Guaranteed to skip the long lines;
Entrance Fees.
Lunch and any other items not mentioned in the description.
Hotel or AirBnB clients must provide the following information at time of booking: hotel name and address
Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
National monuments might close without notice, on public holidays and other special occasions!
Not wheelchair accessible
Not suitable for pets
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for people with heart conditions
Your meeting point is flexible, and to be agreed with your Guide. The meeting point will be at your hotel or accommodation. Or your Guide will meet you at a convenient location close to your hotel or accommodation.
Not available Mondays!
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“No-show from guide”
We waited 30 past the start time, texted and called Joao and never got a response. We left to walk on our own. I would like a full refund please
“Sintra and Cascais tour with Rodrigo”
Rodrigo was substituted for Joao as my guide on the Sintra and Cascais tour. His English communication skills were excellent. We visited the Queluz Palace and his knowledge of the history of the palace really enhanced the visit. We also stopped at Cabo de Roca , did some shopping in Sintra and stopped for lunch in Cascais. Drove along the coast in the seaside town of Estoril on our return to Lisbon. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and would highly recommend Rodrigo’s tour guide services.
“Sintra and much more! ”
From the very beginning to the end of our tour we were blown away with how well everything went. We were 8 adults with a 1 year old on this tour. Our guide Maia and driver Pedro were so accommodating and flexible. We had a full day of touring and saw everything we had planned to see and more. Our whole group would not hesitate to book another event with this company.