Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the conquest of the Moors in 1147. That's almost 900 years; not a typo. Lisbon is a history lesson, a gourmand's paradise, a photographer's heaven and a relaxing dream. With an easy way of life mirroring nearby Spanish cities, Lisbon is famous for its salt-heavy foods, medieval architecture, cobblestone streets and sea-faring history. Where else can you walk the same streets where a twenty-something Columbus brooded over funding for his voyage across the Atlantic? Where else can you drink high-end port wine for the price of a song and dance in the same 600 year old tavern where the finest sailors of their time did the same? Where else can you sit at an outdoor café with the knowledge there is a Roman city of tunnels and passageways below your feet? Welcome to Lisbon.
This fall, Go-Today (tel. 800/227-3235; www.go-today.com) has an air and land inclusive special to Lisbon starting at $759 with round-trip airfare out of New York. The no frills trip gets you to Lisbon, puts you up at three-star or more hotel, feeds you breakfast and leaves the rest to you. This six-night vacation has a purchase deadline of October 19, 2006, but that deadline has been extended to today, October 23, 2006. Don't maim yourself if you miss the travel deadline: Over the next few days or within a week, Go-Today will announce similarly priced deals slight alterations in hotel offerings that will coincide with new travel dates and packages. Prices will increase after the November 1 to December 12, 2006 travel period as Portugal enters the warmer spring months and events in late March and April. From the January 4 to March 7, 2007 travel period, however, prices will hover around the $749 level for this package.
Gate One Travel (tel. 800/682-3333; www.gateonetravel.com) has similar six-day air and land packages to Lisbon with fall and winter departures starting at only $649. These packages also come with daily breakfast, four-night's accommodations, and airline fuel charges. Like Go Today's packages, prices for these trips do not include airline security taxes and departure fees. Departure dates at the $649 price point leave on November 1, 8, and 15, 2006, December 13, 2006 and January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, February 7, 21, and March 7, 14, and 21, 2007. Hotels include the tourist class Sana Executive Hotel, a modern hotel with 72 rooms located near the New Avenues known for its recent architectural entries and 21st Century structures. Several excursions in and around Lisbon are also available through Gate One Travel. A half-day tour around the city runs you $46 while a full day tour to Fatima, Obidos and other nearby villages and sites costs $119. If you prefer salted Cod to Turkey, then a Thanksgiving trip to Lisbon may be for you. Departing on November 20, 21, and 22, 2006, Gate One Travel's Thanksgiving package starts at the same $649 as above. An upgrade to the four-star 262-room Mundial Hotel with views of the St. Jorge Castle brings the trips total to $679 per person.
For an educational spin on Lisbon with guided element, Go Ahead Tours (tel. 800/590-1170; www.goaheadtours.com) has a "Lisbon City Stay" costing approximately $999 for eight days. Specializing in informative cultural education, Go Ahead is a division of EF Education, one of the world's largest private education travel providers. Accommodations for this trip are at the four-star Hotel Acores Lisboa located just a 15 mi
nute bus ride from Lisbon's city beaches. Keep in mind this is an independent trip where excursions are optional and cost extra money. A Go Ahead representative, however, will be available at all times to point you in the right direction toward city and area sites. Optional excursions include a $79 Fado dinner at a traditional Portuguese tavern, a $59 day trip to Sintra to what's known as the Portuguese Riviera, and $69 trip to the Arrabida Natural Park known for its indigenous fauna and flora. In all, this trip includes round-trip airfare from the United States, six night's hotel accommodations, the services of a Go Ahead Tour Director, a local guide in Lisbon, all hotel taxes and service charges and a full buffet breakfast daily. The traditional Go Ahead travel bag with a handy slot for your passport and valuables is included as well. Departure taxes and security fees are not included. December 1, 2006 and February 16, 2007 departure dates are available for this tour.
Learn more about Lisbon from fellow travelers on our Portugal Message Boards.