Arrabida Wine Tour - Lisbon: Wineries-Tastings-Tile Factory

Starting in Lisbon, you will embark on a small group tour (with a maximum of 8 people) heading south. Your journey begins with a crossing of the April 25th Bridge, which resembles the Golden Gate Bridge. This impressive suspension bridge connects the northern and southern parts of Lisbon and was named in honor of the revolution that took place on April 25, 1974, which ended the Salazar dictatorship.
Your first stop will be the Azulejos de Azeitao, a workshop that employs traditional European tile-making techniques and recreates antique designs from Europe, as well as Islamic and Chinese cultures. Here, you can explore flat hand-painted tiles and relief tiles with various color glazes, inspired by 16th-century Hispano-Moorish tiles. This workshop is one of the most renowned in the southern region of Lisbon.
Next, you'll explore Arrabida UNESCO Park, a protected area known for its unique Mediterranean plants, including olives, pistachios, strawberries, lavender, thyme, and chamomile. As you drive along the Atlantic coast, you'll stop at several points to enjoy breathtaking views of stunning beaches and azure waters.
This journey will then take you to the Quinta de Catralvos winery, a family-owned establishment offering spectacular views of its vineyards. Here, you can enjoy local wines (5 wines) and appetizers (cheese and pastries) while being guided through the winery and cellars. You'll learn about the entire wine production process, from the vine to the glass.
Afterward, you'll arrive at Sesimbra, a charming fishing village on the Atlantic coast. Nestled around a bay and surrounded by towering cliffs, turquoise waters, and beautiful sandy beaches, Sesimbra is home to exceptional seafood that is always delicious. In the town center, you'll find narrow streets lined with terracotta-roofed houses and a picturesque promenade adorned with palm trees. You may choose to have lunch, visit the Santiago Fortress—part of Portugal's coastal defenses and a summer retreat for Portuguese kings—or relax on the beautiful California and Ouro beaches, known for their soft sands and crystal-clear waters.
Your journey continues at Jose Maria da Fonseca winery, a family-owned winery that has been in operation for nearly 200 years, having been established in 1834 by six generations of the same family. The guided visit begins in the owner's house and continues through the ancient wine cellars. Some of the wines you will discover here are over 100 years old, and at the end of the tour, you will have the opportunity to taste some of their exceptional wines (2 wines).
Finally, you'll visit the site of the Christ the King Statue (Cristo Rei), which offers the best viewpoint of Lisbon. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the city and the Tagus River. Inspired by the statue in Brazil, this monument was erected in 1959 to express gratitude to God for sparing Portugal from the horrors of World War II.
At the end of your tour, you'll head back to Lisbon.