Spanning an impressive 17.2 kilometres, the Vasco da Gama Bridge is the longest bridge in the European Union and an engineering landmark in Portugal. Opened in 1998 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India, it stretches gracefully across the Tagus Estuary, connecting Lisbon to the southern wine regions. As you cross the bridge, enjoy sweeping views over the river, its protected wetlands, and the vast landscape beyond—a spectacular introduction to the Setúbal Peninsula and the beginning of your journey into Portuguese wine country.

Nestled between the mountains and the sea, Setúbal is one of Portugal’s most authentic coastal cities, renowned for its rich maritime heritage, vibrant food culture, and exceptional wines. For centuries, it has been a centre of fishing, salt production, and winemaking, with the surrounding vineyards producing the world-famous Moscatel de Setúbal. Today, the city is loved for its lively markets, picturesque waterfront, fresh seafood, and relaxed atmosphere, making it the perfect place to savour traditional Portuguese cuisine before continuing your journey through the region’s celebrated wine country.

The Sado Estuary Natural Reserve is one of Portugal’s most important protected wetlands, where the Sado River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Established in 1980, it is home to an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, including one of Europe’s few resident populations of bottlenose dolphins. The reserve also provides a sanctuary for hundreds of bird species, traditional salt marshes, and thriving oyster beds. Framed by vineyards, rolling hills, and tranquil waterways, the estuary is a remarkable example of how nature, agriculture, and local traditions have coexisted for centuries.

The Serra da Arrábida is one of Portugal’s most breathtaking natural landscapes, where forested limestone mountains meet the Atlantic Ocean in a spectacular display of colour. Protected as part of the Arrábida Natural Park since 1976, the region is celebrated for its dramatic coastal roads, secluded beaches, and remarkable biodiversity. As we wind through the mountains, you’ll enjoy panoramic views over the Setúbal Peninsula and discover why this unspoilt corner of Portugal is considered one of the country’s best-kept secrets.

Perched high above the vineyards of the Setúbal Peninsula, Palmela Castle has watched over the region for more than eight centuries. Originally built by the Moors and later expanded by the Portuguese after the Christian Reconquest, the castle played a strategic role in protecting the surrounding lands and trade routes. Today, it offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views in Portugal, stretching across the vineyards, the Sado Estuary, the Serra da Arrábida, and, on a clear day, all the way to Lisbon.

Your journey ends by crossing Lisbon’s iconic 25th of April Bridge, one of Portugal’s most recognizable landmarks. Opened in 1966, the bridge spans the Tagus River and connects the city with the Setúbal Peninsula, offering sweeping views of Lisbon’s skyline, the river, and the towering Christ the King monument. Often compared to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge for its striking red colour and elegant suspension design, it’s the perfect gateway to a day among vineyards and rolling countryside.

As you cross the Tagus River, you’ll enjoy one of the best views of the Christ the King Monument (Cristo Rei), standing proudly above the southern bank. Inspired by Rio de Janeiro’s famous Christ the Redeemer statue, the monument was inaugurated in 1959 as a symbol of peace and gratitude. Rising 110 metres above the river, it has become one of Lisbon’s most recognisable landmarks, welcoming visitors as they journey south toward the vineyards of the Setúbal Peninsula.