Exploring Portugal: David Whitehill in Lisbon with Scenic

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Portugal is quite different to what you would usually expect from Europe, of course it has its fair share of European polish and amazing history but it's also kept a really relaxed down to earth feel.

Scenic have landed us in Lisbon, the country's capital and one of the world's oldest cities.

With such an amazing coastline, Portugal has always been a sailing nation and they’ve been really deeply entrenched with trade and exploring just about every continent on the planet.

It's not until you get here and see monuments like this you actually realize just how important this country's been to the whole world.

Portugal was perfectly located on the early trade routes, so it's little wonder it was home to some of the most successful explorers.

The city of Lisbon is the hub of activity and the streets are filled with locals and visitors enjoying the shopping and café lifestyle.

Being influenced by so many different cultures, its mix of old world monuments and laid back Lisbonites make you feel welcome as soon as you arrive.

Scenic give us a chance to explore all the key tourists stops but also some of the locals secrets.

One experience you have to try if you can wrestle them off the crowd here is one of these pastries of Belem, the recipe dates back over 500 years.

This is the only bakery in Portugal that knows the monks original recipe, which they guarded with their life; once you try one though you start to understand what all the fuss is about.

The seaside towns just outside of Lisbon are the playground of Portugal's rich and famous, perched on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, this is the place to relax show off your wealth and possibly even dabble in a bit of espionage.

This little seaside town has quite a history, see back in and World War Two, it was heaving with exiles and spies from Germany and Britain. So it is little wonder that Casino Estoril became the birthplace of James Bond's Casino Royale.

There seems to be a secret around every corner.

Portugal’s coastline has played a huge role in shaping its culture and while you’re here with Scenic, it’s clear the locals still appreciate a no hassle way of life.

Mixed with a touch of incredible history.