Arrabida, Setubal, Sesimbra, beach, wine tasting on private Tour

Planning a trip to Lisbon and eager to see a side of Portugal that’s less crowded but equally captivating? If so, this full-day private tour might just be what you’re looking for. It promises a blend of natural beauty, historic sites, and delicious local wines—all tailored to your interests. While I haven’t taken this exact trip myself, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary make it clear that this experience offers a well-rounded taste of the region.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this tour are its personalized approach—you can customize the stops to suit your preferences—and the expert guidance that brings the sites to life with stories and insights. On the flip side, some might find that the day’s packed schedule leaves little room for spontaneous leisure, so if you’re hoping for a more relaxed, slow-paced experience, consider that. Overall, it seems ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free way to explore beyond Lisbon’s city limits.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or a wine connoisseur, this tour caters to a variety of interests. It’s especially suitable for those who value guided experiences but prefer to keep the logistics simple, thanks to hotel pickup and private transport. If you’re visiting Lisbon and craving a full day of scenic sights, cultural insights, and regional flavors, this private tour could be a great pick.

Key Points

• Customizable itinerary allows you to focus on your specific interests.
• Private guide and transport ensure comfort and flexibility throughout the day.
• The tour visits notable sites like Arrábida Natural Park, Sesimbra Castle, and Cabo Espichel.
• Wine tasting at a renowned winery adds a delicious local flavor.
• The experience is well-reviewed for knowledgeable guides and stunning views.
• Price point of around $122 per person offers good value for a full-day, private experience.

This private tour, offered by Kitzel Tours Portugal, provides a nearly 9-hour dive into the southern Portuguese coast and countryside, starting with a convenient pickup from your Lisbon accommodation. The day is designed to showcase Portugal’s scenic diversity, rich history, and vibrant local flavors, all with the comfort of private transportation and expert guides.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Crossing the 25 de Abril Bridge and Cristo Rei Sanctuary

Your adventure begins with a drive across Lisbon’s iconic 25 de Abril bridge, which is strikingly similar to San Francisco’s Golden Gate. From here, you’ll head towards the Cristo Rei sanctuary, an imposing statue with panoramic views over Lisbon and the river. This early stop sets the tone for the day—offering sweeping vistas and photo opportunities right from the start.

Castelo de Palmela

Next, you’ll visit the Castelo de Palmela, a site inhabited since prehistoric times. Its strategic position offers views of both the Tagus and Sado rivers. The castle features several churches and a former Santiago Order convent now functioning as a hostel. This stop is perfect for history buffs and those interested in Portugal’s layered past. With just 30 minutes here and free admission, it’s a quick but meaningful peek into medieval life.

Mercado do Livramento

A visit to the Livramento Market is often highlighted as a favorite part of the tour. Reviewers rave about it being one of the best markets globally, packed with local fish, cheeses, pastries, and fresh produce. It’s a lively, sensory experience—an authentic slice of local life—and a chance to see how locals shop and eat. The market visits are also free, making it a practical highlight.

Monastery of Jesus of Setúbal

The Gothic-style Church of the former Monastery of Jesus offers a glimpse into Portugal’s religious architecture, being one of the earliest examples of the Manueline style. At just 15 minutes, it’s a brief but visually impressive stop.

Parque Natural da Arrábida

Crossing into the Arrábida Natural Park, you’ll enjoy some of Portugal’s most breathtaking scenery. The park, with its limestone cliffs, lush vegetation, and clear waters, offers spectacular views over the Sado River estuary. Many reviews mention how striking the landscape is, with some even mentioning the possibility of a boat trip to see the resident dolphin colony—an optional add-on when booking. The park visit lasts about an hour and is included in the tour, giving you ample time to absorb the natural beauty.

Castelo de Sesimbra

Perched overlooking the fishing village, Sesimbra Castle provides stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the lively harbor. With about 30 minutes allocated, it’s a chance to wander the historic site and snap some memorable photos.

Cabo Espichel

This remote cape hosts an ancient sanctuary with an intriguing history and legendary tales. The 18th-century church, aqueduct, and memory chapel are notable, and the site’s dramatic cliffs make for spectacular scenery. Entry is free, and the stop allows about 35 minutes to explore and soak in the views.

Wine Tasting at Jose Maria de Fonseca

The day concludes at a notable winery, where you’ll taste three premium wines—white, red, and Moscatel de Setúbal—paired with regional products. The Casa Museu offers a glimpse into the winery’s history, and the tasting is highly praised in reviews for its quality and variety. This is a highlight for wine lovers, and while the tasting isn’t included in the price, reviews suggest it’s a worthwhile addition given the quality of the wines and the beautiful setting.

Transport, Timing, and Group Size

Every part of this tour benefits from private, air-conditioned transport, ensuring comfort on what could be a long day. The tour starts at 8:30 am and, given the itinerary, it’s a well-paced schedule—although some reviewers mention that the day passes quickly, which speaks to the packed nature of the experience. The group is essentially your private party, making it easy to customize stops or linger longer at places you enjoy.

What Do Travelers Say?

The most common praise centers around the knowledge and friendliness of the guides. Several reviews mention how personable, flexible, and well-informed João and Anastasiya are—making the experience more engaging and personalized. One reviewer raved, “João was an amazing tour guide! We had the best time and he made sure we had a great Portuguese experience,” and others echoed this sentiment.

The scenery is consistently highlighted as stunning, especially in the Arrábida Natural Park and the coastal viewpoints. Reviewers mention how the views rival some of Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher, with the added bonus of being without the crowds.

The wine tasting at Jose Maria de Fonseca is a crowd favorite, with many noting the high quality of the wines and the informative tour of the wine cellars. It’s a perfect way to end the day on a flavorful note.

Price and Value

At around $122 per person, this tour offers a lot of value. It’s a full-day experience with private guide, transport, and multiple significant sights. While the wine tasting isn’t included in the base price, reviews suggest that the additional cost is justified by the quality and the overall experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience works best for those who want a guided, all-in-one day trip outside Lisbon without the hassle of planning each stop. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate scenic views, cultural sites, and wine, and who prefer a personalized tour over crowded group excursions. If you’re traveling with friends or a partner and want a flexible, comfortable way to explore the region, this tour fits the bill.

If you’re after a well-organized, insightful, and visually stunning day outside Lisbon, this private tour offers a compelling package. The combination of historic sites, natural beauty, and wine tasting makes it a well-rounded way to experience Portugal’s diverse charms. The flexibility and private guide allow you to tailor the day slightly, making sure you see what interests you most.

While the busy schedule might not suit those wanting a leisurely slow pace, it’s perfect for travelers eager to pack a lot into one day. The high marks from reviews about knowledgeable guides and breathtaking landscapes suggest this trip is worth considering, especially if you value comfort, expertise, and authenticity.

Who Is It Best For?

This tour is best for those who want a comprehensive, guided experience with the freedom to customize. It appeals to travelers interested in history, nature, and wine, and who appreciate a comfortable, private setting. If you want to avoid the hassle of navigating on your own and enjoy learning about the sites from a local expert, this experience is likely to meet your expectations.

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Lisbon, making it very convenient.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience takes about 9 hours, starting at 8:30 am.

Can I customize the stops? The itinerary is flexible—your guide can adapt it based on your interests, thanks to the private nature of the tour.

Is there wine tasting included? Wine tasting at Jose Maria de Fonseca is part of the experience, and reviews highlight the quality of the wines, though it is not included in the initial price.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera for the stunning views.

Is this suitable for families? The tour isn’t specifically marketed as family-friendly, but the sites are generally suitable for most age groups. Consider your children’s interests and stamina.

How far in advance should I book? The average booking time is around 83 days ahead, so planning early is recommended to secure your preferred date.

This private tour from Lisbon offers a blend of scenic beauty, cultural richness, and regional flavors that make it a memorable day trip. If you’re eager for an organized, enjoyable way to see the highlights of Arrábida, Sesimbra, and the surrounding areas, it’s worth considering—especially with the high praise from those who’ve experienced it firsthand.