Private Arrábida Tour & Bacalhôa Palace Wine Tasting Day Trip

Summary

Setúbal Peninsula Private Wine Tour from Lisbon

You’ll cross Lisbon’s iconic bridge, taste fresh seafood at Setúbal’s market, explore secret corners of Arrábida Park, visit a hidden convent, see traditional tile making up close, and enjoy exclusive wines at Bacalhôa Palace—all in one relaxed private day trip.

What’s the experience like?

The morning kicked off with a drive over the 25 de Abril Bridge—locals call it Lisbon’s “Golden Gate.” The city faded behind us as we crossed the Tagus, sunlight flickering on the water below. Our guide, João, pointed out how the bridge shakes a little when trucks pass. It’s oddly comforting, like you’re really leaving the city for something different.

First stop: Mercado do Livramento in Setúbal. I’d heard about this place but seeing it is something else. The smell of fresh fish hits you right away—mixed with coffee from a tiny stand near the entrance. We wandered between stalls stacked with glistening sardines and fat clams, while old men argued about who had the best octopus. João introduced us to Dona Maria, who’s been selling cheese here since before I was born. She let us try a slice of Azeitão cheese—creamy, tangy, melts on your tongue.

The road into Arrábida Natural Park winds through thick pine and cork trees. Windows down, you catch that salty air from the Atlantic mixed with wild herbs. We pulled over at a viewpoint—no crowds, just silence except for distant gulls and the hum of cicadas. João explained how this area’s protected because of its rare plants and limestone cliffs. He even showed us where monks used to hide during storms centuries ago.

Visiting Convento da Arrábida felt like stepping back in time. The whitewashed walls are simple but there’s something peaceful about them. We walked through cool stone corridors; outside, rosemary bushes grew wild along the paths. The view over the sea is unreal—on clear days you can spot fishing boats heading toward Sesimbra.

We made a quick detour to Azulejos de Azeitão—a small workshop tucked behind an unmarked gate. Inside, artists painted tiles by hand in deep blues and yellows. You could smell paint and hear soft Portuguese radio in the background. They showed us how they use old Moorish techniques—each tile takes hours.

The highlight? Bacalhôa Palace in Azeitão. The gardens are quiet except for peacocks strutting around (one nearly stole my cracker). We sat out on a balcony facing rows of vines while staff poured local reds and whites—each glass paired with more Azeitão cheese and sweet fig jam. João shared stories about Portuguese royalty who once lived here; apparently, they loved their wine as much as we did.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrábida Wine & Cultural Tour

• Pass by 25th of April Bridge
• Visit Mercado do Livramento
• Explore Arrábida Natural Park
• Tour Convento da Arrábida
• Visit Azulejos de Azeitão
• Wine tasting at Bacalhôa Palace

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families?

Yes! Kids love exploring markets and parks—just note wine tasting is for adults 18+.

Can I join if I have mobility issues?

The tour uses comfortable vehicles but some sites (like the convent) have steps or uneven ground—let us know your needs so we can help plan ahead.

What should I bring?

I recommend comfy shoes for walking and maybe a light jacket—the park can get breezy even in summer.

Is lunch included?

No set lunch is provided but there are plenty of chances to grab snacks at the market or local cafés along the way.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Lisbon or nearby areas; all transport by classic Mercedes-Benz car or minivan; an official local guide; entry fees for all scheduled stops (including Convento da Arrábida if booked early enough); exclusive wine tasting at Bacalhôa Palace; Azeitão cheese sampling; plus full insurance coverage throughout your trip.