A combination of the finest Portuguese architecture, traditional manor-houses and art collections, as well as lovely landscapes set against the backdrop of the proud history of this amazing country, will be highlighted during this special tour of Lisbon and its surroundings.

For the full duration of the tour we shall be staying at the attractive and elegant Hotel Lisboa Regency Chiado, a small four-star hotel in the heart of Lisbon ’s historic district.

The tour will start at 15.00 on the first day with a guided tour of the important Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon. The Turkish tycoon and art collector Calouste Sarkis Gublenkian came to live in Lisbon in 1942, leaving to the Portuguese people, after his death thirteen years later, an impressive art collection. In the evening, a lecture on Lisbon ’s history and heritage has been arranged at the Gremio Literario private club, where we shall also have dinner.

Our further introduction to Lisbon the next day will include the district of Belem, from where the great explorers set sail. We will visit the Lisbon Cathedral, which dates back to the 12 th century, when it was built by the first King of Portugal, Alfonso Henriques, on the site of an old mosque. A tram will take us up to the ancient St. George’s Castle , where we will be shown the progress of its restoration, and can enjoy a most spectacular view of Lisbon . At walking distance from St. George Castle, we shall be received for coffee at a historic 16 th century private home owned by a Lisbon aristocratic family. At the Ricardo do Espiritu Santo Silva Foundation, located in a beautifully restored manor house, we will be shown the typical Portuguese decorative style. After lunch, the director of the Foundation, Mrs Mary Espiritu Santo, and the relevant curator will guide us through the collection of Portuguese furniture and decorative arts, followed by a visit to the workshops. In the evening, we have been invited for cocktails at the private home of the Countess of Seisal, who will also be our hostess in Portugal.

The following day, we are heading for the romantic hill-town of Sintra. This summer residence of the Portuguese kings has enchanted travellers for centuries. After visiting the Royal Places of Pena and Sintra, we will be received for lunch by the Countess of Assecaat her gracious 18 th century Quinta de San Sebastian with its lovely frescoed dining room. Afterwards, there will be another visit to a private historic home in Sintra.

In the superbly preserved old town of Evora - a World Heritage site - we shall visit the Church of the Convent of Dos Loios, the Cathedral (one of the most important monuments of Portugal ) and the Church of São Francisco. The Duchess of Cadaval will receive us for coffee at her Palace, where we shall view the important restoration activities. On the way back to Lisbon, a stop will be made in the region of Azeitao, where we shall be welcomed at the private manor house Quinta do Bacalhoa. Surrounded by vineyards, it is one of the most dramatic properties in the region. During our visit, we will be offered an opportunity to taste the excellent Bacalhoa wines.

On our two last days in Lisbon, the programme includes a visit to the National Museum of Ancient Art, hosting a superb collection of Portuguese paintings, carpets, ceramics and furniture. Here we will be welcomed by the director, Mrs Dalila Fernández, and the curators. We will continue with special visits to the Royal Palace of Ajuda and the renowned Monastery of Los Jerónimos. In the late afternoon, a reception at the French Embassy, located in the beautiful Palacio Dos Santos, is offered by H.E. Ambassador Patrick Gautret. On the final day, we will see the splendid Baroque Church of São Rocca and the Museo Nacional do Azulejo with its spectacular collection of Portuguese ceramics displayed in a highly attractive setting: the magnificent Royal Convent of Madre de Deus with its lovely tiled courtyards. The farewell dinner, preceded by cocktails, will take place at the Palace and gardens of the Marquis of Fronteira. The Palace is considered to be one of Portugal ’s best preserved landmarks.

On the final morning a short programme of sightseeing on foot in the old quarter of Lisbon is envisaged for those with late departures.

The tour starts on Friday, 26 September with lunch at 13.30 in the hotel and ends on Thursday, 2 October around noon.

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