Private tours in Lisbon & surroundings
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Program
Lisbon, the millenarian city of the seven hills, with unique views from the top of them, like in Edward VII park. Cross the famous
Marquis of Pombal square and go down the hill by the XVIII century boulevard of Liberty avenue to Restauradores square and
Rossio, the heart of Lisbon, which has been the shopping district for more than 2000 years. The majestic Commerce square, in
front of the extraordinary estuary of Tagus river and close by the nucleus of ancient Lisbon. Drive through the old quarter of
Alfama: the XVI century "pointed stones" palace, saint Anthony of Padua church, the very antique XII century Cathedral of
Lisbon, saint Vincent Monastery and saint Engracia church. Go up the hill of Bairro Alto, the famous section of Fado singers,
where another belvedere waits you; Estrela basilica - marvelous marble construction with an outstanding dome; the Parliament of
Portugal - imposing XIX century palace. Then, we go along the riverside by the busy harbor, with its discos and restaurants,
cruise ship docks. On the way to Belem quarter, drive by the official residence of the President and stops at Belem Tower – jewel
in Manueline style dating from the XVI century, the Monument to the Discoveries – homage to the great Portuguese navigators,
Jeronimos Monastery – the most imposing monument of Lisbon, telling about the apogee of Lisbon’s history, the age of
adventurers and navigators of the XVI century. Free taste of Port wine. Free time for lunch.
Cross the bridge “25 Abril” over Tagus river, and have a superb view of Lisbon. Visit the XII century Castle of Sesimbra and
admire the beautiful view of the ocean, Sesimbra beach and scenery of this fishing town. Sightseeing of Sesimbra, seaside with
crystal clear water and where we can have a glimpse of the fishing port, to see fishermen unloading the catch.
Azeitão - famous for its wine cellar, where we can stop for a guided visit to this antique muscatel wine producer and wine tasting.
Arrabida mountain - a unique nature reserve providing a breathtaking panoramic view, on the highest cliffs of the Portuguese
coast, over Lisbon, Setubal, Troia and the ocean. Stop at Setubal, an important fishing harbour, where once again we can admire
the typical Portuguese fishing boats. Travel back to Lisbon by Vasco da Gama bridge, 12 km long, for another unforgettable view
of Lisbon and one of the widest estuaries in the world.
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...Lisbon’s history dates back to 300,000 years ago and ranks as one of the world's longest founded cities. As the legend
tells, it is a city founded and named by Ulysses, which has its origins in the Phoenician words "Allis Ubbo", meaning
"enchanting port". Lisbon was a battlefield for Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians, however it was Romans who
started their two-century reign in Lisbon in 205 BC. In 714, the Moors arrived and stayed till the 12th century. In the
13th century, Lisbon became the capital of Portugal. The 15th century was the point of departure for the Portuguese
Discoveries, an era during which Portugal enjoyed abundant wealth and prosperity through its newly discovered off
shore colonies in Africa, the Americas and Asia. Today, Lisbon still maintaining the marks of its early history, is one of
the most beautiful capitals of Europe...
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...The forest-clad, elongated hummock of the Serra da Arrábida is a veritable oasis of natural vegetation amid the suburban
sprawl of the Setúbal peninsula, with an incredibly diverse wildlife to match. Along the shore of the Sado estuary, its sheer flanks
drop sharply into a turquoise sea, the pale limestone cliffs eaten away at the base to form small sandy coves. Although the
50km-long ridge of the Arrábida attains a maximum of only 501m (Alto do Formosinho), the views from the top are truly
spectacular, giving the impression of much greater altitude. More than 1,000 species of vascular plants have been recorded from
the Arrábida natural park. Situated to the south of the peninsula is the hub Setubal, actually Portugal's third largest port after
Lisbon and Porto. Renowned for both its fishing and fish restaurants and its many historic buildings and museums, Setubal makes
a superb Portugal holiday base or indeed a day trip. To the west of Setubal centre are stunning beaches backed on by the Arrabida
Park. To the south is the natural reserve of Sado estuary, home to numerous birds and wildlife like bottle-nosed Dolphins...
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