Our arrival at the Praça do Comercio, Europe’s Primary port during the Discoveries commenced with our welcome hosts Abreu DMC ready and waiting to greet with our plane landing on time at Lisbon’s airport. Our luggage was whisked away straight to our hotel and before we knew where we boarded the first of many alternative means of transport – a cute tour topless tour bus. Our host and tour guide gave us a brief history of location before we enjoyed a scrumptious lunch at the new and trendy Aura restaurant facing the Tagus river. The restaurant is surrounded by the most stunning architecture, a new and magical meeting place for both its population and visitors. Now offering a great venue for product launches! This followed by visting the castle on one of Lisbon’s hill tops enabling us to admire one of the most beautiful views of the city and to acquaint with the surroundings for a perfect venue for a Gala/dinner event.

The education trip evening dining commenced at the Pestana Palace, our luxurious and prestigious home for the next few days. Pestana Palace, one of the best hotels in Lisbon, is a 5 star hotel in a 19th century palace located in a residential area of the city of Lisbon, and its gardens, with a variety of plants and subtropical trees, are classified as “National Monument”. This hotel in Lisbon is located near some of the most important monuments of the city, such as Centro Cultural de Belém, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and Centro de Congressos (Congress Centre). It has 194 rooms, 4 of these being royal suites. In the present day, in the Palace building we can find the chapel and the hotel’s service areas (porter and reception, salons, bar and the Valle Flôr restaurant), small meeting rooms and the 4 royal suites.

It was here when it became noticeable of the group’s and James’ love for deserts, although surprisingly it was actually the starter for where a new Portuguese dining experience began for us all. Sera cheese in a pear was mouthwatering and enjoyed by everyone and the cheese is indeed a real delicacy here! Portuguese cheese has been a well kept a secret! It quickly became apparent the wines are also of very high quality but without high production and low export you really need to visit for this hospitality experience!

But, if wines are of interest don’t forget Portugal offers fabulous port in the unique destination of Oporto! Combine a meeting or incentive with transfers possible on the Douro river [video link] to your accommodation in a converted covent, a luxury Pousadas (a chain of over 40 exclusive hotels) followed by a visit to a vineyard and option to have evening entertainment and gala event on a rabelo boat is perfect to wow any incentive group! Or for the sweet tooth lovers, then Madeira is of course the home of both our host and Madeira wine! Read more on event options in Madeira…

After meeting in the hotel lounge for departure to discover the beautiful Estoril coast, the first stop was the Queluz Place, a definite WOW venue for larger events. By midday we arrived at Penha Longa for a lesson in golf at one of the world’s finest championship golf courses, some being quite apprehensive about the idea. But, it was Sheelena here who I noticed really had the ability to hit the golf ball straight, with all taking part. Giggles and fun all round and a few sore wrists! This followed by an alternative means of transportation for a ride through the mountain and forest visiting Sintra and Cascais.

After some free time relaxing in the pool and spa, the evening meal was at the Tivolio Lisboa on the rooftop restaurant. This elegant 5-star Lisbon hotel is set right in the heart of the city located on Avenida da Liberdade, perfect for the incentive group looking to shop in this fabulous and fashionable city. After dinner, Becky’s quest for Lisbon nightlife was fulfilled with a brief visit to the nightlife venues and local bars. Lisbon offers an array of venues to privatise for dining combined with private parties.

The following day after to being fooled to try and to squeeze in one car for a transport (no names mentioned), our alternative means of transport was revealed. Drivers were selected, but after hearing of Ellie’s morning commute stories it was lucky Ellie wasn’t leading from the front, otherwise similar to her driving to work to Birmingham every day we would have driven a huge loop around Lisboa adding a further 20miles to the journey petrifying cyclists – no traffic here in Lisbon! I kept the rear, quite far back apparently. What a great way to see the city and perfect for groups.

The theme quickly became ‘speed.’ Natalia’s thirst for adrenaline after experiencing James driving as the navigator and co-pilot was then fulfilled by our hosts leading us to a speedy ride on a hub on Lisbon’s river. There was no hesitation, a quick jump and life jacket and Natalia was at the front ready for our weekend’s next exciting incentive experience – (treasure hunts and sailing regatta).

The trip finished by an award winning performance of desert eating at the boutique hotel on Lisboa’s dock front. Altis Belém Hotel & Spa is a 5 star design hotel in Lisbon, located in Belém overlooking the Tagus River and it really demonstrated how exciting the destination really is by offering contemporary design combined with competitive rates for small meetings as an excellent new hotel.

For more details, availability and prices,
please contact us and we make sure that you receive a proposal within 48 hours.