Lisbon is a city steeped in history. Occupied since 1200 BC, it was known by the Ancient Greeks as Olissipo (from Ulysses), under Roman rule from 205 BC it was known by Julius Caesar as Felicitas Julia. Olissipo became Olissipona and eventually arrived at Lisboa or Lisbon the city we know today.

Lisbon has seen many conquerors, from the Romans to the Moors and was at the centre of Portugal's proud naval heritage, however, it is not a city that relies on the past for its modern day success. Today it is the second richest city on the Iberian peninsula, responsible for around 45% of Portugal's GDP.

This means that the modern day invaders (or tourists as we prefer to call them) experience a city that skilfully weaves old and new together with buildings such as Jerónimos and the Torre de Belém - superb remnants of its glory days - sitting side by side with modern classics such as the Vasco Da Gama Bridge.

Lisbon is a city of real beauty and is truly a gem waiting to be discovered. Visitors can immerse themselves shopping and dining amongst the timeless treasures of the seldom-changing cobbled street markets. Alternatively they can just as easily pick up high fashion such as Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss and Carolina Herrera in air-conditioned shopping centres. The choices are endless. And as Lisbon remains Western Europe's least expensive capital city, there are bargains to be had whatever your taste!

Walking around the city, it is clear to the visitor that one glorious age of this great city has long since passed but that another is positively blooming…