Starting from 1800€ /person
Romance embraces you on every street corner in Lisbon, be it the shimmering cobblestone below the wrought iron lampposts, the longing wail of fado drifting through open shutters along the alley-woven Alfama district, or the sunset light pouring over porcelain tiled buildings in a fresco painter’s palette of colors. Mind you, there are several European cities known for their Old-World romance, sprinkled in fairy dust and history, but none like Lisbon where your Romantic Weekend Escape begins.
On this three day romantic getaway, you’ll explore Lisbon’s Gothic architecture, beautiful promenades and cozy little cafés overflowing with flaky homemade desserts. You’ll also visit the vast hilltop vistas dotting the city, peruse the romantic alleyways, and of course, eat as several world-famous restaurants tucked inside hidden stone clad restaurants complete with candelabras and live music. The best is for last, a fairytale experience ending in one of the most eclectic and gorgeous castles in Europe, Pena Palace.
For anyone looking to book a Honeymoon, or simply weekend escape, this is the perfect getaway for you!
“It’s not easy to plan a wine trip, especially for a group that expects a high level of wine communication, education, and experience. Ryan Opaz and the team at Catavino exceeded all expectations in my first visit to the Douro. The knowledge base they represented, the contacts they have, and the professionalism they exhibited is of the highest caliber. Beyond that, and possibly most importantly, Ryan was simply a blast to travel with.”
Upon arrival to Lisbon airport, you’ll be quickly escorted to your boutique hotel by your private driver, where you’ll relax on one of Lisbon’s grandest boulevards. This charming boutique hotel has 25 rooms and suites overlooking the capital’s characteristic red roofs adored with lush vine-covered gardens . Interiors behind the beautifully preserved 19th-century façade draw together the very best art, porcelain, fabrics and marble from around the country, creating a national showcase. Come evening, you’ll enjoy a private sunset cruise along the Tagus River, complete with drinks and nibbles, before heading off to sumptuous seafood feast. Nestled along the river, with a spectacular view of the coast, you’ll be enticed to savor lemony oysters, cod with clams and coriander, or a bevy of chargrilled fish on their enclosed terrace. It’s a beautiful start to a romantic weekend, especially when paired with Portugal’s prized sparkling espumante.
This morning, you’ll meet the passionate people crafting old-school Portuguese food deep inside Lisbon’s traditional neighborhoods. Visit the hole-in-the-wall bakeries famed for their warm, freshly baked breads and eggy, sweet tarts. You may have an opportunity to savor soups and açordas (bread stew); buttery steaks, sausages and sandwiches; and of course, their beloved bacalhau (salted cod) – not to mention Portugal’s traditional canned fish, savory petiscos (Portuguese small bites), craft Portuguese beer and a wide range of freshly picked fruit and nuts. Come afternoon, take time for yourself to explore the romantic side of Lisbon. From leisurely strolls along the Tagus River to rooftop bars that offer jaw-dropping views and outstanding wines, we’ll happily offer suggestions to keep the romance flowing. Come evening, treat yourself to a traditional Portuguese dinner with a live Fado show, featuring some of the top fadistas in Lisbon.
The height of your romance will end in Sintra where you’ll explore a gorgeous Old World village set in the Serra de Sintra mountains. Visit Pena Palace for breathtaking views, decorative details and bright colors – a fairytale experience. The architecture is an eclectic mix of Neo-Gothic, Islamic and Renaissance styles that are set high above a moss covered garden secreting hidden follies, historical sites and fabulous views. Together, they create an intimate setting to wander hand in hand. After a light lunch, peruse the many shops and cafés featuring various styles of Port wine by the glass, but the most popular is Ruby, meant to be paired with dark chocolate (white milk chocolate is good with Tawny). You can also find many places to try the Portuguese cherry liquor Ginja, produced in the nearby town of Óbidos, which is famously drunk in an edible chocolate cup, que romântico! That said, before you leave Sintra, don’t forget to stop at one of the little cafés from some Queijadas de Sintra, their regional pastry! Come evening, enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride by majestic Ardennais horses that live in the park followed by dinner at one of the best restaurants in Lisbon – Belcanto, a Michelin 2 star restaurant.
Today, your private driver can either bring you to airport, or straight to Porto or the Algarve for a further extension to your fabulous romantic holiday!
