Private tours in Lisbon & surroundings
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Program
Lisbon, the millenarian city of the seven hills, with the classic views they command, like at the top of Eduardo VII park. From
here we see the wide estuary of Tagus river and Sao Jorge castle.
Cross the central Marques de Pombal square and go down by the XVIII century boulevard called Liberdade avenue to the
popular Restauradores and Rossio squares; it's the heart of Lisbon since Roman times, and the Pombaline downtown which has
been the shopping area for more than 2000 years.
The majestic waterfront Comercio square, facing the extraordinary estuary of the river, once the welcome gate to seafarer and
caravels. Close by is the nucleus of ancient Lisbon. Drive by the oldest quarter, Alfama, with the structure of the medieval city,
with labyrinthine narrow streets, steep stairways and alleys, tiny squares. If possible, we'll stop in a handicraft shop for a taste
of Port wine.
The XVI century "pointed stones" palace - renaissance building with its uncommon facade, Santo Antonio de Padua church –
where Saint Anthony of Padua was actually born, the very ancient Cathedral - stop to see the church, symbol of Lisbon
Christianity.
Go up the hill to Sao Jorge castle, once Royal residence, walk along the ramparts and wonder at the spectacular views.
Go down the hill to the harbour passing by the Renaissance Sao Vicente, pantheon of the last Portuguese monarchs and Santa
Engracia church, national pantheon of Portuguese presidents, with multicoloured marble and crowned with an impressive dome.
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Go up another hill to the picturesque Bairro Alto, section of Fado singers, bohemian haunt of artists and writers, passing close by Chiado, the elegant
shopping area.
Pass by Estrela basilica - marble construction with an outstanding dome, one of Lisbon's most eye-catching landmarks; the Parliament of Portugal – an
outstanding neo-classical palace.
The tour continues along the riverside by the harbour with sights of one of world's leading cruise destinations.
Cross the 25 Abril bridge and go to the statue of Christ, a Catholic monument overlooking Lisbon, inspired by the statue in Brazil. Stop for another superb
panorama. If you take the elevator to the top of the Christ’s tower, more than 200 m high, you will contemplate a colossal view.
Returning to Lisbon we cross again the bridge and go to Belem, the most monumental and historical quarter, we pass by Belem palace, official residence of
the President of Portugal. Stops at Belem Tower – icon of the Age of Discovery (stop for photos, drinks and toilettes), the Monument to the Discoveries –
evoking the maritime expansion. Close by is Jeronimos Monastery, magnificent example of the Manueline style, the most impressive symbol of Portugal's
power and wealth during the Age of Discovery (stop to see the church).
Close by there is the famous confeitaria de Belem, which makes Pasteis de Belem, a delicious Portuguese egg custard tart pastry, considered the typical
pastry of Lisbon. And just a few yards away there is the coach museum, housing the best carriages’ collection in the world.
Go to the top of the hill and stop for photos at Ajuda, a 19th century neoclassical royal palace. Its interior is richly filled with furniture, tapestries, statues,
and extravagant decorative arts.
On the way back, we go by Restelo district, a sumptuous residential area and chic ambassadors’ district, Monsanto park, the XVIII century aqueduct,
Espanha square, the bullfight ring (oriental style construction from the XIX century), Republica avenue (the widest and longest with noble buildings and
palaces) and modern Lisbon.
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In addition:
-The cloisters of Jeronimos Monastery, a lace-work in stone, an elaborate Manueline sculpture, ex-libris of Lisbon.
-The Maritime Museum, one of the most important in Europe, evoking Portugal's domination of the seas, with its colossal 17,000
items of model ships from the Age of Discovery onward.
-The Ancient Art museum contains 14th to 20th century European work, with the most symbolic items of Portuguese Art.
-Gulbenkian museum, one of the largest private art collections in the world: Oriental and Classical Art on display in the Egyptian,
Greco-Roman, Mesopotamian, Eastern Islamic, Armenian and Far Eastern Art. European Art with sections dedicated to the Art of
the Book, Sculpture, Painting and the Decorative Arts particularly 18th century French art.
-Parque das Naçoes or Expo 98, an area by the riverside with a futuristic architecture and marvellous scenery close to Vasco da
Gama bridge: theatres, concert halls, restaurants, bars, exhibition centres, cable cars. The main highlight is the state-of-the-art
Oceanarium, hailed as the world's most impressive aquarium. Other attractions include a modern casino, water gardens, a viewing
tower, a marina, a shopping centre.
-The Glazed Tiles museum in Madre de Deus Convent, presenting five centuries of decorative ceramic tiles or azulejos, tracing the
history and production of the art form.
-The Zoo of Lisbon located in the centre of the city with more than 2000 different animals, ranging over 400 species.
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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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