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.
Leave Lisbon and drive across the largest cork region in the world for an exciting journey into the past. In Evora, capital of
Alentejo, called the “town museum”, stop at Saint Francis church where you can see the “chapel of the bones”, made with
thousands of human skeletons. A walk along its streets will help you enjoy this typical town considered World Heritage by
UNESCO, with narrow streets decorated with manors, white washed houses and antique palaces and churches. Stop at the Diana
Temple, the best well preserved Roman temple in Portugal and time to see the Romanesque Gothic Cathedral, the biggest in
Portugal. Not far, the centenary University, where you can mingle with students and admire this superb XVI century building.
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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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...With a beautifully untouched provincial atmosphere, fascinating whitewashed old town, Evora has been a cultural oasis for 2,000
years. Part of the town is enclosed by ancient walls and has been preserved in its original state, as well as its monuments dating
from various historical periods. It was known by the Romans and vestiges from this period still remain. Évora was wrested from
the moors by a Christian Knight and flourished as one of the most dynamic cities in the Kingdom of Portugal during Middle Ages.
The court was resident here for long spells and Évora became the scene where many important decisions were made. During the
XIV, XV and XVI centuries, it was formerly a major center for the humanities. The university was founded in 1551, and it was here
that great European Masters passed on their knowledge. The many monuments erected by the major artists of each period now
testify to Évora's lively cultural, artistic and historical past. The variety of architectural styles (roman, gothic, manueline,
mannerist, baroque), the palaces and even the squares and narrow streets are all part of the rich heritage of this museum-city...
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