Cascais to start with

Cool Portugal offers the traveller to Portugal an exciting range of travel experiences throughout Portugal. Wherever your travels might take you, you will need to start your journey in either Lisbon or Porto. And if you choose Lisbon think seriously about Cascais. Call it LA’s Santa Monica. Except it’s better. Sydney’s Palm Beach but better. Cascais and Estoril are the summer playground for many Europeans. And have been since King Luis I chose the bay for his summer residence in the late 19th century.

If its sailing you want Cascais is the place. Fishing is popular as is to be expected in a town which started life as a fishing village. There are many championship golf courses within 10 or 15 minutes. Cascais is a place to hire a bike and ride along the coastline. Ride to Guincho a famous surfing beach home to regular international surf events. Or ride the other way to Estoril where you will find Europe’s largest casino. And shows events and exhibitions. Depending on the time of year you might also take in the tennis at the Estoril Open.

Add in culture at a range of museums and galleries, a visit to Sintra and the opportunity to experience great food and wine overlooking the Atlantic and you start to see a whole host of reasons to stay in Cascais. And if you do need a Lisbon fix its 40 minutes on the train. A journey itself worth taking for the view as the tracks wind along the coast line.

We hope you enjoy this Cascais experience.

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Day 1

• Arrive Cascais in afternoon.
• Transport from Airport to Hotel.
• The afternoon and evening is free.
• We suggest a walk along the seaside towards Estoril and then into town to familiarise yourself with your surroundings.
• We suggest a light dinner on your first night. So try some Portuguese tapas (Petiscos) at Páteo dos Petiscos and get the feel for a real local restaurant.

Day 2

• You do have to see Lisbon. Your lovely guide Catarina Perestrelo will pick you up and show you the delights of Lisbon. Wear your walking shoes because most of this full day tour will be on foot.
• For dinner we suggest 5 Sentidos Casa do Largo.

Day 3

• On your own. Catch the train down to Belém. Visit the Mosteiros dos Jeronimos, the Centro Cultural de Belém and the Carriage Museum. Take a walk along the waterfront and take in the Discoveries Monument. Stroll back through the gardens and head for Pastéis de Belém, the cafe that serves Portugal’s most famous custard tarts
• For dinner head down to Hemingways on the marina.

Day 4

• A full day tour of Sintra with Catarina Perestrelo.
• For dinner head along the coastline to Mar do Inferno and take in some of Portugal’s best seafood.

Day 5

• Your last full day in Cascais.
• Hire a bike or go for a walk along the coastline to Guincho.
• And then take in some culture.
• Try the Castro Guimarães Museum. Then the Casa das Histórias de Paula Rego.
• And if you have time the Museu do Mar, Casa de Santa Maria and the Farol Casa de Santa Maria.
• Or wander into the town centre for a dose of shopping. Have a light lunch only as tonight you dine in style. For dinner you have a three course meal at the Michelin Star Fortaleza do Guincho.

Day 6

• Depart for your next CoolPortugal experience.

• Five nights accommodation in a sea view room including breakfast
• Transport from airport to and from hotel
• Full day guided tour of Lisbon
• Full day guided tour of Sintra including any entrance fees
• A light lunch and drinks on full day tours with Catarina Perestrolo
• Three course meal at Fortaleza do Guincho (excluding beverages)
• Our recommendations for restaurants can be booked by us in advance for no extra cost – just let us know