LISBON — Next to me sits a young couple from Truro, NS, on their honeymoon, while a group of men from Cole Harbour ahead are traveling for a bachelor party.

Destination: Lisbon, one of WestJet’s newest transatlantic destinations out of Halifax. I’m on board too, joining Canadian travel advisors and agents on a three-day, adventure-filled FAM trip, co-hosted by WestJet and Visit Portugal.

“The launch of WestJet’s new direct route from Halifax to Lisbon is exciting for us and our clients in Atlantic Canada,” says travel advisor Scott Penney with The Travel Agent Next Door. “It avoids the dreaded airport connection through Toronto or Montreal, and gets travellers to their destination easier and quicker.”

It was at that moment that it dawned on me: Europe as a long weekend destination? “Yes,” says Melissa Peterson, Account Representative for WestJet. “In the past, many Canadians often spent long weekends within Canada or the US, but our flight from Halifax to Lisbon is only 5.5 hours; it opens up so many more opportunities for those looking for a different kind of experience. It’s especially ideal for a long weekend getaway.”

Sao Jorge Castle (photo credit Turismo Lisboa)

“PORTUGAL IS POPULAR WITH JUST ABOUT EVERYONE”

Alongside four direct weekly flights from Halifax to both Madrid and Copenhagen, WestJet has announced five weekly nonstop flights between Halifax and Lisbon, operating May 1 through Oct. 18. From Oct. 19 to Oct. 26, the schedule shifts to three direct flights.

“Portugal is popular with just about everyone,” says Roxanne Antle, a travel advisor with Trevello. “People want slower, more meaningful trips and Atlantic Canadians are all too eager to take advantage of this direct flight whenever they can. After all, Portugal offers all of that and more, including lovely wines, rich culture, and amazing seafood – this coming from a Newfoundlander.”

COASTAL MEALS & PORTUGUESE WINES

Our itinerary is packed, yet relaxed and well-balanced, with an impressively diverse mix of experiences. I didn’t doubt that we’d fit it all in – but I’m amazed at how seamlessly we do.

Day 1 – Lisbon in Focus

We begin in Lisbon’s storied Belem district, where, as a history, and architecture nut, I’m enthralled by Jerónimos Monastery and the Monument of the Discoveries. We recharge at historic Pastéis de Belém, birthplace of the legendary pastel de nata dating back to 1837. We continue to the Royal Treasury Museum to admire crowns and jewels once reserved for Portuguese royalty, before visiting the neo-classical Ajuda National Palace for a glimpse into Portugal’s regal 18th and 19th century court life.

My eyes widened and my jaw dropped over waterside lunch at Fysh, where generous pours of Portuguese wines, pair beautifully with substantial portions of ocean-fresh platters of lobster and calamari satisfied my cravings, all set against unobstructed views of the 25 de Abril Bridge. We work off lunch by making our way to Lisbon’s majestic Arco de Rua Augusta, and climb to Moorish-era São Jorge Castle, complete with roaming peacocks and sweeping panoramic views. Dinner at the buzzing local favourite Cervejaria Ribadouro features silky crab pate, grilled steak, and more vino, of course.

Belém Tower (photo credit Turismo Lisboa)

Day 2 – Arrábida Coastal Escape: Markets, Wine & Fado Experience

We head south to Portugal’s Arrábida region, starting in Setúbal, and its vibrant Livramento Market, named by USA Today as one of the world’s best fish markets. After soaking in the hum of vendors and locals haggling over the day’s catch, we pause at Casa Negrito for an espresso and a Torta de Azeitão – a traditional rolled sponge cake filled with custard-like egg yolk cream and dusted with icing sugar. Delicious!

We drive west through Parque Natural da Arrábida, where pine-covered hills and ocean views showcase Portugal at its most beautiful. In Sesimbra, I dip my toes into the town’s Blue Flag beach before a gelato-lined seaside stroll. Inland, Azeitão’s Moscatel-rich vineyards stretch across the landscape. As Penney noted, “seasoned travellers now seek authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences” – like a guided visit to the José Maria da Fonseca House Museum and Winery, a 6th generation estate dating back to 1834, and one of Portugal’s oldest wine houses, and an obvious stop for visiting royalty.

We cap the day with a traditional Fado experience in Lisbon’s Alfama district, where the lights dim, conversation fades and dinner pauses for moving performances of Portuguese guitar and singers whose emotional voices capture the soul of Portugal.

Day 3 – From Europe’s Edge to Sintra’s Legacy

As Ines Almeida Garrett, Director of Portugal Canada puts it, “We’re positioning Portugal as a year-round destination; mild weather is only one of the reasons the country is chosen by Canadians for long stays.”

That’s quickly evident as we drive west of Lisbon, to Cascais – the hub of the Portuguese Riviera – where sandy beaches, 19th -century villas, and standout dining await. It also serves as the gateway to Cabo da Roca in Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais, the dramatic westernmost point of mainland Europe, adorned by its iconic red and white lighthouse. We continue to mythical Sintra, a UNESCO Cultural Landscape World Heritage Site known for its misty forests, rolling hills, and Gothic architecture, stopping for a relaxed lunch at Café Paris in the historic centre. Garrett adds, “Portugal’s appeal lies in its diversity, warm hospitality, food, wine, UNESCO heritage, and authentic experiences.”

“This is the western tip of Europe many tourists don’t see,” says Jorge Beirão, our 4×4 guide and owner of Naturway Outdoor Adventures, a company specializing in bespoke tours across Portugal. We strap in as he expertly navigates Sintra’s hidden, rocky, mud-lined forest tracks, stopping at hilltop convents and idyllic small villages before reaching the dramatic, cliff-side edge of the continent (literally), with unforgettable Atlantic views most visitors never reach.

The irony of the moment isn’t lost on me. While this trip may be coming to a close, Portugal’s alluring siren call will definitely draw me back again – especially for a long weekend escape. As Penney puts it, “Halifax to Lisbon in under six hours? It opens up new adventures and experiences!”

More information about WestJet’s Portugal product can be found here, and for Visit Portugal, click here.

Lead image caption: Having a wonderful time on last week’s Lisbon FAM with WestJet and Visit Portugal are (to the left of the grapes) Claire MacPhee, Maritime Travel; Scott Penney, The Travel Agent Next Door; Carina Shortliffe, TravelOnly; Barbara O’Reilly, CAA Atlantic; Travelweek correspondent Jim Bamboulis; Ameara Falloon, Fareconnect (and to the right of the grapes) Christina DeCoppi, GMS / Visit Portugal; Roxanne Antle, Trevello; Melissa Peterson, WestJet Airlines; and Shannon Chaisson, Marlin Travel