Palaces and Gardens of Lisbon and Sintra

Situated at the western extremity of Europe, the city enjoyed a period of unparalleled magnificence in the 15th and early 16th centuries, when Portugese sailors and explorers created a maritime empire that stretched as far as Brazil, Goa, Macao and the fabled Spice Islands. The riches that poured into Lisbon are displayed in the city’s great churches and palaces; we are fortunate enough to be visiting some of the finest of these in private hands. The city that we admire today is the result of the classic town plan executed by the Marques de Pombal following the disastrous earthquake of 1755. No wonder Calouste Gulbenkian should have chosen to leave his extraordinarily rich and eclectic collection to this cosmopolitan city.

The Portugese monarchs and their nobles enjoyed escaping from the summer heat by retreating into the surrounding hills where they laid out a series of enchanting villas and gardens at Sintra, many of them still privately owned. We will be visiting these accompanied by the knowledgeable landscape designer and architectural historian Patrick Bowe, who has written an acclaimed book on Portugese gardens.

Hotel: The Lapa Palace Hotel is in the quiet and elegant Lapa district of Lisbon, close to many embassies and the Museum of Fine Arts. This late 19th century palazzo has been transformed into a charming and very comfortable 5 star hotel. The well maintained gardens have flowering borders and a swimming pool. All our rooms have wonderful views over the gardens to the Tagus.

Lecturer:  Charles FitzRoy

Tour Leaders:  Charles FitzRoy and Jane Rae