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PORTUGAL TOP 10

1. Explore ancient Lisbon and hitch a ride on a traditional tram

Lisbon is far from being the only city in the world that has antique trams. In the US, San Francisco does, while Porto, in northern Portugal, also has its own version of these electric rail vehicles. They spread in the 20th century, reaching their peak of popularity in the 1950s and, at least in Lisbon, have become a permanent part of the city’s identity. It is hard to explain the attraction of this form of public transport, but the fact is that these yellow metal boxes have withstood the passage of time not least because they are ideal to traverse the narrow streets of neighbourhoods such as Alfama.

In this part of town the ancient street plan is conserved, because the area more or less survived the terrible 1755 Earthquake – which was inevitably a turning point in the city’s history and layout. The most popular route is that of the number 28, which runs from the Prazeres cemetery in the Campo de Ourique neighbourhood to Praça Martim Moniz. Given the trams’ limited capacity, there are often long queues. The fact is that tourists see this trip as an essential part of a visit to Lisbon, and prefer to catch an ordinary, packed tram to taking the red and green tourist trams that have now emerged as an attraction aimed at providing a guided tour of this route and the city. It is not clear whether it is because of the city’s soul represented by the yellow trams or the romance of travelling through time, trundling up and down the famous hills of the Portuguese capital on board this century-old vehicle.

Climbing the wobbly little steps and edging carefully behind the tram driver, you will hear the floor creak pleasantly beneath your feet as you sit on the old brown seats where countless historic figures – from writers to politicians – have sat on either side of the narrow aisle. Along the route, through the small square windows you can see some of Lisbon’s most iconic monuments and buildings. From the modern structures of Campo de Ourique, past the imposing Basílica da Estrela and Palácio de São Bento (the parliament building), the traditional and always lively Bairro Alto, the bustling streets of Chiado, the grand 18th – century buildings in the city centre, the marvellous Sé Cathedral that towers above the tram, the stunning views of the River Tagus that open out at every other corner and the narrow old alleys that take your breath away and send the adrenalin pumping as you make your way through. This is one of the ways to feel Lisboa, in a form of transport that is bound up with the city’s identity.

  • 1/10

    Explore ancient Lisbon and hitch a ride on a traditional tram

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  • 2/10

    Visit the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and munch a pastel de nata

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  • 3/10

    Visit the fairy-tale town of Sintra

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  • 4/10

    Enjoy grilled fish with a sea view

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  • 5/10

    Get emotional with Fado music, an authentic Portuguese expression

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  • 6/10

    Take a boat trip to Ponta da Piedade and Lagos caves

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  • 7/10

    Visit a wine-making region and taste Portuguese wine

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  • 8/10

    Stroll around the historic centre of Évora and sample local cuisine

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  • 9/10

    Lose yourself in Porto’s historic centre

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  • 10/10

    Visit Óbidos and sip a ginjinha

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  • A solution for travelers who are looking for an affordable but still good quality tour. Our hand-picked basic accommodations are 3 star hotels or similar.


    Paying more than standard for better accommodation services to make sure you absolutely have a comfortable trip. You will stay in very good accommodation (4 star, some 3 star high end).


    Mostly first-class hotels, with impeccable services with personal care (5 star hotels, Pousadas, mixed with very charming rural accommodation in smaller towns where high end hotels might not be available). Perfect choice for having great value for money!



  • You will pick up the rental car at the nearest desk on the first day that you will be driving. You should return it on the second last day at the nearest desk to your hotel. With the rental car you have the freedom of choice of how much to do and see each of the travelling days, allowing you to access some of the hidden gems along the way between each location. We will also book transfers from the airport to the hotel on the day of your arrival and from the hotel to the airport on the day of your departure.


    Our English Speaking private driver will pick you up at your Hotel, tour with you, and take you back to your hotel. Our driver will ensure you have what you need to make the most of your time. You will be driven on an Air conditioned and very comfortable luxury vehicle. The driver would be at your service about 8 hours per day, within the kilometers and itinerary set. We will also book transfers from the airport to the hotel on the day of your arrival and from the hotel to the airport on the day of your departure.The private driver service costs around 400 Euros to 500 Euros per day. The final price will be calculated based on your specific itinerary.


    Our English Speaking private driver will pick you up at the train stations and take you to the hotels and vice versa (where service is needed or available). Where there are no trains available, buses will be used as an alternative. We will also book transfers from the airport to the hotel on the day of your arrival and from the hotel to the airport on the day of your departure.


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  • Portugaltrails – Viagens e Turismo, Unipessoal, Lda
    Address: Rua das Lapas, Centro Comercial da Charneca
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    License nr. RNAVT 2791 (Turismo de Portugal, I.P.)
    Tel: +351 214 851 476


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