Enjoy Columbus's Lisbon

In 1492 the explorer and trader Christopher Columbus reached the Americas after sailing across the Atlantic, officially becoming the first European to see the far-flung lands.

We are fast approaching the 500th anniversary of his death, on May 20th 2006, and to commemorate it holidaymakers can travel to see where he first came up with his idea for the Enterprise of the Indies.

Kirker Holidays has lined up a three-day break in Portugal's capital, Lisbon. It was here that a 25-year-old Columbus moved to stay with his map-making brother, and it was here that laid out plans for his famous voyage.

However, a short-break in the peaceful, sun-drenched Portuguese capital may leave some wondering why he wanted to leave.

Visitors can walk the immaculate tree-lined streets, stroll along the sparkling river of Tagus, or visit the grand Castelo Sao Jorge.

For £453 per person, you get three nights' accommodation with breakfast at the three-star Metropole, with return flights and return car transfers.

Once you have set up camp in the comfortable hotel, there is plenty to explore in Lisbon, such as the Igreja de Sao Roque, an extravagant Jesuit church. Not much to look out on the outside but a trove of treasures on the inside, it is an aesthetically decadent experience.

There are also plenty of museums as well, such as the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, which contains many of the country's and the world's greatest artefacts.

Food and wine are devilishly cheap in Lisbon, too, so enjoying fish fresh from the sea and other local delicacies will not break the bank.

For more information visit www.kirkerholidays.com XXX