City Breaks · Portugal
A Taste of Lisbon
Arrive on your own; Pam and a group of about 15 are with you the whole way.
15 Apr 2027 – 18 Apr 2027 3 nights from £639pp own travel
A Long Weekend in Lisbon: Sunshine, Culture and Laid-Back Charm
Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, is a city that effortlessly blends tradition and modernity. Set across seven hills and overlooking the sparkling Tagus River, Lisbon is famous for its colourful streets, historic tram rides, delicious food, and stunning viewpoints. Whether you’re exploring the cobbled alleys of Alfama, admiring the grandeur of Belém, or soaking up the lively atmosphere of Bairro Alto, Lisbon offers something for every type of traveller.
Lisbon is a city that captures your heart the moment you arrive. Set across seven hills and overlooking the wide Tagus River, it’s a place where history, culture, and modern life blend effortlessly. With its pastel-coloured buildings, iconic trams, and sweeping viewpoints, Lisbon is full of charm, but never feels overly polished – it’s real, vibrant, and full of character.
Wandering through the city feels like stepping into a postcard. From the winding alleys of Alfama to the elegant streets of Chiado and the buzzing nightlife of Bairro Alto, each neighbourhood has its own personality. You can spend your morning exploring historic castles and monasteries, your afternoon sipping coffee in sun-drenched squares, and your evening dining on fresh seafood with a view of the river.
Food lovers will be in their element – Lisbon is a city that eats well. Tuck into grilled sardines, savour a creamy pastéis de nata from a local bakery, or enjoy a meal in a stylish modern restaurant serving Portuguese dishes with a twist. Pair it all with a glass of local wine or a chilled vinho verde, and you’re set.
But what really sets Lisbon apart is its atmosphere. It’s a capital city with a village feel – friendly, laid-back, and never in a rush. The weather helps, too. With warm sunshine throughout the spring and summer, Lisbon is ideal for outdoor living – whether that’s enjoying a sunset from a rooftop bar, strolling along the waterfront, or simply watching the world go by from a terrace café.
Add in fascinating history, striking architecture, welcoming locals, and great value for money – and it’s easy to see why Lisbon has become one of Europe’s top city break destinations. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Lisbon always leaves you wanting more.
Availability and pricing
| Option | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| A Taste of Lisbon | ||
| Own Flight without Transfers | £639.00 | 8 places left |
| London Stansted | £839.00 | 8 places left |
| London Luton | £879.00 | 8 places left |
| London Gatwick | £889.00 | 8 places left |
| London Heathrow | £899.00 | 2 places left |
| Edinburgh | £969.00 | 6 places left |
| Manchester | £989.00 | 8 places left |
| Lisbon All-in-One Pass: Bus, Tram & River Cruise | £49.00 | Available |
| A Taste of Lisbon Accommodation | ||
| Place in a double room (must be for 2) | No supplement | 2 places left |
| Place in a twin share room | No supplement | 3 places left |
| Place in a single room | £249.00 | 3 places left |
Booking conditions for this holiday
Our booking conditions apply to this holiday, including the deposit and the cancellation scale. Read the booking conditions
Quote this reference if you call the team about it: SH0000640
Who else is going
The question everyone asks and nobody wants to.
- On this departure
- 15 people booked The operator's own count for this trip — you'd make 16. It can still grow before you travel.
- Travelling alone
- Most people book on their own
Why you'll love this holiday
- Three nights with a host, and a metro stop close to the hotel.
- Alfama and Tram 28 one day, Belém and pastéis de nata the next.
- Evenings are yours, whether that's a quiet dinner or Bairro Alto.
Where you'll go
Suggestions for what to do with your time...
Thursday
Arrive at the hotel and take some time to settle in. Once you’re ready, head out for a relaxed wander around the local area — it’s a great way to get your bearings and start soaking up Lisbon’s atmosphere. In the evening, you might like to try one of the many traditional Portuguese restaurants nearby.
Friday
Today is a great opportunity to explore Lisbon’s historic heart. You could take in areas like Alfama, Rossio Square and the Elevador de Santa Justa, as well as some of the city’s stunning viewpoints. If you fancy it, hop on the famous Tram 28 or visit one of the local museums. The evening is yours to enjoy — whether that’s a relaxed dinner or heading out to experience the buzz of Bairro Alto.
Saturday
Why not head over to the riverside district of Belém, home to some of Lisbon’s most iconic sights including Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. It’s also the perfect place to try the famous pastéis de nata. In the afternoon, you could opt for a boat trip along the Tagus River or simply enjoy more time exploring at your own pace.
Sunday
Enjoy a relaxed morning and final breakfast at the hotel before departure. Head to the airport and then back to the UK.
Please note - airport transfers are not included with this holiday as the quickest transport into the city from the airport is by metro and there is a stop very close to the hotel. Details of how to use the metro service will be provided with the joining information before departure.
What's included
- International flights
- 3 nights 3* hotel accommodation (local rating)
- 3 continental breakfasts
- Spice Escapes host
- Your Spice host, Pam Harte
Not included
- Personal travel insurance
- Single supplement if selected
- City tax approx €4 per person/night
- Airport transfers
- Some meals & drinks
- Optional excursions
- Personal extras
Travel and where you'll stay
My Story Hotel Tejo
My Story Hotel Tejo is a stylish and characterful hotel where comfort and attention to detail come together to create a truly welcoming stay.
Set across six floors, the hotel’s 135 rooms have been thoughtfully designed to blend historic charm with modern style. Original features, including beautifully restored 18th-century Pombaline wood, have been carefully incorporated throughout, giving the hotel a real sense of Lisbon’s heritage while still feeling fresh and contemporary.
From the hotel, you can take in lovely views of São Jorge Castle — a landmark that naturally draws you in to explore. Just a short walk away is Figueira Square, where you can hop on the iconic Tram 28 and wind your way through Lisbon’s most traditional and picturesque neighbourhoods.
Augusta Street is also close by, leading down to the scenic riverside and the impressive Comércio Square. From here, you’ll enjoy stunning views across the Tagus River — the inspiration behind the hotel’s name.
Located right in the heart of downtown Lisbon, next to Figueira Square, the hotel is perfectly placed for exploring the city. Lisbon Airport is around 7 km away, and the nearest metro stations — Rossio (green line) and Restauradores (blue line) — are both within easy reach. For rail connections, Santa Apolónia, Oriente and Rossio stations are all accessible, making travel in and out of the city straightforward.
Tram stops at Figueira Square (lines 12 and 15) and nearby Martim Moniz Square (line 28) make it easy to explore Lisbon in a relaxed and scenic way.
All in all, it’s a perfect base for discovering Lisbon, combining location, comfort and a real sense of place.
Getting there — flights to Lisbon
Departing from London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Stansted, Manchester, London Luton or Edinburgh.
London Gatwick
London Heathrow
London Stansted
Manchester
London Luton
Edinburgh
These are the times currently scheduled. Airlines change them, sometimes months before departure, so please treat them as provisional rather than final.
Luggage, transfers and flight notes
Included luggage allowance 10kg
Before you travel
Weather when you go
April is a wonderful time to visit Lisbon, with mild spring weather, plenty of sunshine and comfortably warm temperatures. Daytime highs typically reach around 20°C, while evenings are cooler and fresh. You can also expect around eight hours of sunshine each day, with the occasional chance of a light rain shower.
Passport validity
For UK passport holders your passport must be:
- issued less than 10 years before the day you enter (check the "date of issue")
- valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the "expiry date")
You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.
Entry rules for EU travel — EES, ETIAS and your GHIC
EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is being introduced gradually across the external borders of the European countries that use it, including the collection of biometric data such as a facial image and fingerprints. Passports continue to be stamped as usual in the meantime.
Further information: travel-europe.europa.eu/ees
ETIAS
UK citizens will eventually need a travel authorisation (ETIAS) to enter the European countries that require it for short stays. It is linked to your passport and valid for up to three years. There is no confirmed start date yet — we will let everyone know when it is required and how to apply.
Global Health Insurance Card
A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), or a still-valid EHIC, gives you the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU. It is not a replacement for travel insurance.
Travel insurance
Please ensure that you have adequate personal travel insurance to suit your requirements in place before you travel. Spice Escapes have arranged a scheme with Staysure who are fully authorised and regulated by the FCA (firm reference number 663617) full details of which can be found on the FCA website www.fca.org.uk . For an instant online quotation please click here .
Gallery
Before you book
Will I be the only one on my own?
No. Almost everyone books on their own — that is the whole point of the trip. Nobody has to pair up and nobody sits on their own at dinner unless they want to.
Do I have to share a room?
Only if you want to. Sharing a twin with another solo traveller of the same sex costs nothing extra, and it is how most people keep the price down. If you would rather have a room to yourself, you can — see the single-room price on the trip you are looking at.
Is there a single supplement?
There is a charge for a room of your own and it varies a great deal by trip, so the honest answer is the figure on the holiday you are looking at rather than an average. What there is not is any obligation to pay it: sharing a twin with another solo traveller of the same sex costs nothing extra, and it is a genuine option rather than a token one.
Every holiday with a single room available, and what each one costs, is listed on single rooms and single supplements.
How big is the group?
Small enough to learn everyone’s name in the first day or two. Group sizes vary by trip and are listed on each holiday.
What does the host actually do?
Your host is there to make your holiday feel easy, welcoming and fun. They travel with the group throughout the trip, help everyone get to know each other, keep things running smoothly and are there if you need anything along the way.
They’re not a traditional holiday rep — they’re part of the group, sharing the experience with you and helping make sure nobody feels left out.
Is my money protected?
Yes. Payments are held in a bonded trust account, and every holiday booked with flights is ATOL protected under licence 9046. If you arrange your own flights, your money for the holiday is still protected by the bonded trust account, but the flights you buy elsewhere are not covered by our ATOL.
What age are the other travellers?
It varies by trip. Most groups span a wide range of ages with a shared interest in the destination rather than a shared birth year.
Is there a minimum age?
Yes — 18. Spice Escapes holidays are adults only.
Most people who travel with us are in their forties and beyond, but that is who books rather than a rule. There is no upper age limit, and two people travelling together do not need to be a similar age: a daughter in her thirties travelling with her mother in her sixties is an ordinary booking.
Is Spice Escapes a singles or dating holiday company?
No. Spice Escapes is a hosted holiday company for people who travel on their own. Almost everyone books alone, groups are small and adults only (mostly forties to sixties), and a named host travels with every departure so nobody is the odd one out. It is about the destination and the company, not matchmaking.
What travellers say
4.9/5 from 63 reviews on Google
Questions about this holiday?
Ring the office, send us a question, or chat any hour. A real person, not a call centre.
Reading about this holiday
- Is Lisbon hilly? An honest answer on the hills, the cobbles and the lifts
An honest answer on Lisbon's hills and cobbles, which lifts run this autumn, the trams that climb for you, and a hosted break from a downtown hotel.
4 min read - Lisbon in April: mild afternoons, river light and a hosted break with free evenings
Lisbon in April: about 20°C by afternoon, where to watch the river light, what is on, and a hosted downtown break with every evening left free.
4 min read - Belem Lisbon: the monastery, the tower, the custard tarts and the tram there
The Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower and the bakery that has made the monastery’s custard tarts since 1837, with Tram 15 from Figueira Square and the Belém…
4 min read - Tram 28 Lisbon: where to board, what to pay and where to hop off for Alfama
How Lisbon's Tram 28 runs through Alfama, when to catch it at the first stop, which ticket lets you hop off, and the Alfama day on the hosted Lisbon break.
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