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PORTUGAL TOP 10

2. Visit the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and munch a pastel de nata

The Jerónimos Monastery is a grand construction built on the order of Dom Manuel I to thank God for Portuguese mariners’ discovery of the sea route to India. Concluded at the end of the 16th century, it contains the tomb of Vasco da Gama, leader of that expedition. It was also the place where, a century earlier, Infante Dom Henrique (Prince Henry the Navigator) had ordered a church built. The monks of the Order of St Jerome (Jerónimos in Portuguese) occupied the building, which became known by the order’s name, although initially called the Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Belém (St Mary of Bethlehem). The building once fronted onto a river beach, within sight of the Torre de Belém (Tower of Belém) from which Portuguese caravels set sail on their voyages of discovery. Its façade is dominated by vertical lines, and its style is predominately Manueline (Portuguese late Gothic). The portals are veritable monuments in stone, sculpted in detail with a profusion of decorative and symbolic elements that are interlaced in complex fashion yet all remaining in proportion. Inside the church, high columns are delicately worked, while the domed ceiling is packed with rib vaults. The cloister, with its square floor plan and on two storeys, is a lovely peaceful and sheltered space open to the sky; from here you can visit various other important parts of the monastery. The monastery was declared a national monument at the beginning of the 20th century and UNESCO World Heritage in 1983.

After this visit to Portugal’s most symbolically charged sight, take a break in the surrounding gardens or at the Centro Cultural de Belém, Lisbon’s most important arts venue. You can also walk along the river to the Torre de Belém, which is reflected in its rippling surface. Another option, whether or not you have seen the sights, is to eat a delicious pastel de nata with a coffee. These creamy custard tarts can be found all over Portugal, and have even been exported, but it is at the Fábrica dos Pastéis de Belém, an establishment near the monastery, that the secret is kept of the recipe once used by the monks. The tarts here are craters of flaky pastry with a cooked creamy filling.

  • 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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