Private tours in Lisbon & surroundings
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Program
Lisbon, the millenarian city of the seven hills, with unique views like at the top of Eduardo VII park. From here we see the
estuary of Tagus river and Saint George castle.
Cross the famous Marques de Pombal square and go down the hill by the XVIII century boulevard called Liberdade 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 by Alfama, the oldest and most picturesque quarter, where we step back in time and see the curious structure of
medieval Lisbon, with narrow, labyrinthine streets. If possible, we stop in a handicraft center for a free taste of Port wine.
The XVI century "pointed stones" palace, saint Anthony of Padua church, the very antique XII century Cathedral of Lisbon
(stop to see the church).
Go up the hill to saint George castle, from where we can have a nice view over the ancient part of the city, the estuary of the
river, the south bank. Enjoy a walk on the ramparts of the once Royal residence.
Go down the hill to the harbor passing by saint Vincent Monastery and saint Engracia church, two interesting monuments close
to which the flee market is held twice a week (Tuesday and Saturday).
Go up another hill to Bairro Alto, the famous section of Fado singers, passing close by Chiado; go by Estrela basilica -
marvelous marble construction with an outstanding dome; the Parliament of Portugal - imposing XIX century palace. The tour
continues along the riverside by the busy harbor, with its discos and restaurants, cruise ship docks.
Cross the 25 April bridge, for a marvelous view of Lisbon. Go up to the hill where the statue of Christ stands. Stop for a
superb view of Lisbon. If you take the elevator to the top of the Christ’s statue, you will contemplate a huge view of Lisbon
and surroundings.
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On the way back we cross again the bridge and go to Belem quarter, drive by Belem palace, official residence of the President and stops at Belem Tower –
jewel in Manueline style dating from the XVI century (stop for drinks and toilettes), the Monument to the Discoveries – homage to the great Portuguese
navigators. Proceed to 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 (stop to see the church).
Close by there is the famous factory of the typical pastry of Lisbon, Belem pastry, recipe dating from the Hieronymites monks in the XVI century. 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 a glimpse and photos at Ajuda palace, a 19th century palace, a souvenir of the last years of Monarchy in Portugal.
On the way back we go by the elegant ambassadors residential area, Monsanto park, the XVIII century aqueduct, Spain square, the bullfight ring - oriental
style construction from the XIX century, Republic avenue - the widest and longest with XIX century palaces and modern Lisbon.
Your guide will recommend a restaurant for lunch.
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Our additional suggestions:
-The Manueline cloisters of Jeronimos Monastery, a lace-work in stone, ex-libris of Lisbon.
-The Maritime Museum, with a huge collection of miniatures and full scale boats from different periods.
-The 19th century Ajuda palace, a souvenir of the last years of Monarchy in Portugal.
-The Ancient Art Museum, a must for art lovers, as here we have the most symbolic items of Portuguese Art.
-Gulbenkian Museum, one of the largest private art collections in the world: Egyptian, Roman, Greek, Persian, Arab, Middle East,
Chinese, Japanese items among others and well preserved items of European Art, such as paintings, religious Art, tapestries,
furniture, jewelry, sculpture, etc.
-Cross "Vasco da Gama" bridge (12 km long) for a spectacular view and go to Expo area by the riverside with a marvelous scenery,
theaters, concert halls, restaurants, bars, exhibition centers, promenades by cable cars and most of all the “Oceanarium”, one of the
biggest aquariums in the world.
-The Glazed Tiles museum in Madre de Deus Convent, where one can see samples of all periods.
-The Zoo of Lisbon with more than 2000 different animals, housed in a huge farm of a Portuguese noble family.
-The Cold Green House, with a big variety of tropical plants.
-take the tram nº 28 for a fantastic ride through the narrow streets of ancient Lisbon, up and down the hills...
-take a ferry boat for a cruise on one of the widest estuaries in the world... your guide will wait you on the south bank.
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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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