Winery Visit & Setubal Fish Market Tour with Tasting from Lisbon

A vibrant blend of wine tasting, culinary delights, and scenic exploration, the Winery Visit & Setubal Fish Market Tour with Tasting from Lisbon offers a well-rounded experience for those eager to discover Portugal beyond its capital. For $149.02 per person, this 5-hour 30-minute journey provides a chance to visit a historic winery, enjoy four tastings of local wines, and explore the lively Mercado do Livramento in Setubal. With a small group setting, the tour feels personal and engaging, making it ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed yet insightful day out.

While the tour covers a diverse range of highlights, it’s worth noting that transportation is included, and hotel pickup is not. The tour generally departs from central Lisbon, with most bookings made about three weeks in advance, ensuring a smooth planning process. The combination of wine, food, and scenic views makes this a compelling choice for visitors interested in authentic local culture, especially those who love discovering regional flavors and picturesque landscapes.

Key Points

• Small group experience ensures personalized attention and a more intimate atmosphere
• Includes four wine tastings: two whites and two reds from a notable vineyard
• Visits two key locations: Palácio da Bacalhôa and Mercado do Livramento for food and beverage tastings
• Explores Setubal’s historic center, including the Jesus Convent and São Filipe Castle with panoramic views
• Transportation from Lisbon is provided, crossing the iconic Ponte 25 de Abril
• No hotel pickup, making it suitable for those who prefer to meet at the designated start point

From Lisbon to the Historic Palácio da Bacalhôa

The tour begins in Lisbon’s city center, where travelers meet their guide before heading to the renowned Palácio da Bacalhôa. This historic estate is the first major stop, with a guided introduction to the Bacalhôa family’s influence on the region’s winemaking traditions. The visit includes a guided tour of the palace’s exquisite architecture and gardens, alongside a wine tasting that showcases the region’s best offerings.

The guided introduction highlights the estate’s rich history and significance in Portugal’s wine scene, offering insight into the local winemaking techniques. The hour and a half spent here provides a relaxed start that feels both educational and enjoyable. The free admission makes this stop accessible and stress-free, setting a tone of appreciation for regional craftsmanship.

Exploring Setubal’s Mercado do Livramento

Next, the tour ventures to Mercado do Livramento, a bustling market famous for its fresh seafood, local produce, and vibrant atmosphere. Here, visitors get to sample local delicacies paired with a glass of Portuguese wine, experiencing the region’s gastronomic culture firsthand. This 30-minute tasting offers a chance to savor fresh flavors and observe the lively market scene.

The market’s lively ambiance and wide array of seafood, cheeses, and regional snacks stand out as highlights. This stop provides an authentic taste of Setubal’s culinary scene, making it a favorite among participants. The inclusion of a wine pairing adds an extra layer of enjoyment, emphasizing Portugal’s reputation for quality wines alongside its culinary freshness.

Scenic Drive and Crossing the Ponte 25 de Abril

Traveling from the market to Setubal city involves crossing the famous Ponte 25 de Abril, a landmark suspension bridge often compared to San Francisco’s Golden Gate. The van or minibus transport offers scenic views of the river and coastline, adding a touch of adventure to the journey. The drive itself is approximately 30 minutes and offers a chance to relax while soaking in the landscape.

The bridge crossing is a memorable part of the experience, providing a visual connection between Lisbon and Setubal’s coastal charm. It also sets the stage for the outdoor exploration of Setubal’s highlights, blending transportation and sightseeing seamlessly.

Discovering Setubal’s Main Highlights

Once in Setubal, the guided tour takes visitors through the historic center, including notable sites like the Jesus Convent, a designated National Monument. The tour emphasizes Setubal’s architectural and cultural heritage, offering insights into the city’s history. Participants also visit São Filipe Castle, which provides panoramic views of Setubal Bay—considered one of the most beautiful in Portugal.

The castle visit features the Capela Joanina and scenic vistas, making it a perfect spot for photos and appreciating the area’s natural beauty. The one-hour exploration ensures sufficient time to enjoy these highlights without feeling rushed, making it ideal for history buffs and scenic lovers alike.

Wine Tasting at a Local Vineyard

Back at the Palácio da Bacalhôa, the tour features four wine tastings—including two whites and two reds—giving guests a taste of regional diversity. The wines are sampled within the gorgeous estate, often surrounded by oak barrels and scenic views. These tastings showcase the unique profiles of wines produced near the coast, appreciated for their freshness and character.

The guide explains the nuances of each wine, enriching the tasting experience with context about the region’s winemaking traditions. This part of the tour is praised for quality wines and the knowledgeable explanations provided, making it a highlight for oenophiles and casual drinkers alike.

Local Gastronomy at the Mercado

The gastronomic tasting at Mercado do Livramento pairs local delicacies with another glass of wine, emphasizing the region’s flavorful cuisine. Participants sample fresh seafood, cheeses, or regional snacks, offering an authentic taste of Setubal’s culinary identity. This tasting lasts about 30 minutes and provides a delicious, casual complement to the wine touring.

Many appreciate this stop for its vibrant atmosphere and fresh flavors, which showcase Portugal’s reputation for high-quality seafood and local produce. The pairing with regional wines enhances the experience, making it both educational and tasty.

Scenic Views from São Filipe Castle

The São Filipe Castle crowns the tour’s sightseeing segment, offering sweeping views of Setubal Bay. The panoramic vistas are often praised as some of the most beautiful in the area, with many visitors enjoying photos and relaxing in the peaceful surroundings. The castle visit is not just about history; it’s also about appreciating nature’s beauty from a historic vantage point.

The Capela Joanina within the castle complex adds to the charm, blending history and architecture seamlessly. Visitors spend about an hour here, making it a perfect conclusion to the sightseeing portion of the day.

Return Journey to Lisbon

The tour concludes with a 30-minute drive back to Lisbon, crossing the Ponte 25 de Abril once more. The return trip offers a chance to reflect on the day’s sights and experiences, with the small group setting fostering conversation and sharing highlights. The drop-off point is the same as the start, close to central Lisbon.

This smooth return ensures convenience and a relaxed end to a busy day of exploration and tasting.

Authentic Experiences with a Touch of Elegance

This tour excels in combining wine, history, and local culture in a relaxed setting. The visits to Palácio da Bacalhôa and the Setubal historic center offer a glimpse into Portugal’s rich heritage, while the market and tastings bring regional flavors directly to visitors. The small group format ensures personalized attention, making the experience feel tailored rather than rushed.

The inclusion of four wine tastings—with detailed explanations—appeals to both casual drinkers and connoisseurs. While the transportation is well handled, the lack of hotel pickup might be a consideration for some travelers. This tour delivers a balanced mix of scenic, cultural, and gastronomic experiences at a reasonable price, highly recommended for those interested in regional wines, local food, and scenic coastal views.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup; participants meet at the designated starting point in Lisbon.

How many wines are tasted during the tour?
There are four wine tastings: two whites and two reds, typically enjoyed at the Palácio da Bacalhôa estate.

What landmarks are visited in Setubal?
Visitors explore Setubal’s historic center, including Jesus Convent and São Filipe Castle, with panoramic views of Setubal Bay.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, including travel, visits, tastings, and sightseeing.

What is included in the food and drink tasting at Mercado do Livramento?
Participants enjoy a pairing of local delicacies, such as seafood and regional snacks, along with a glass of wine.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

This Winery Visit & Setubal Fish Market Tour offers a genuine taste of Portugal’s wine and culinary scene, paired with scenic views and cultural highlights. It’s an excellent choice for travelers seeking an engaging, educational, and flavorful day outside Lisbon.