After breakfast, your private guide will pick you up from the hotel and lead you first to see
Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) from the outside. Standing at the mouth of the Tagus River, the 16th-century fortress witnessed the glory of the Age of Discoveries and remained as the symbol of Lisbon and even the whole of Portugal. Then we will head to the
Monument of the Discoveries (Padrao dos Descobrimentos), depicting the great story of Prince Henry the Navigator and other leading figures from the Age of Discoveries, like the King Afonso V and Vasco da Gama. The next stop is
Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos), a fine example of Manueline architecture. It’s also home to the tomb of the famous explorer, Vasco de Gama. After the monastery visit, if time permits, your guide will lead you to taste Pastel de Nata at its birth place, Pstéis de Belém, and that would be a really nice try. Then we will pay a visit to the
National Coach Museum, which collects various kinds of century-old coaches and carriages, with luxurious and beautiful decorations. At noon, you will have a chance to
Time Out Market, the leading food market in the city, offering a variety of tasty specialties and drinks from over 30 food stalls.
After lunch, follow the guide to stroll around the old town area. First, view the
Elevador da Bica Funicular, boasting Lisbon’s most beautiful photographed funicular shuttling between the hill top and bottom. Then we will continue to the
Igreja de Sao Roque Church to see the oldest Catholic church in Lisbon, successfully preserved from the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. Apart from appreciating the Baroque architecture, exquisite carvings and gorgeous decorative interiors, you can also see some intricate sacred arts and relics in the nearby small museum. After that, we will pass by the spectacular industrial-era elevator,
Elevador de Santa Justa, and then stop by the
Rua Augusta Arch, the city’s famous landmark constructed in honor of the reconstruction of the city from the large earthquake. Next, we will pass by the
Praça do Comércio (Commercial Square) facing the Tagus River. Later, we will continue the visit to the
Alfama District to see
Lisbon Cathedral, the oldest church in the city. Today’s last stop is
Castelo de S. Jorge (São Jorge Castle), standing on the highest hill of Lisbon. The castle surrounded by old walls cannot only take you to travel to the medieval era but also offer a stunning panoramic view of the city.
► Tips:
1. Make sure to wear a pair of sneakers because the roads are stony, with many ups and downs.
2. Wear a coat for your visit to the viewing platform and the wind is strong during the sunset.
► Night Activities Recommended: Enjoy a Live Fado Show in Alfama District!
Fado is a traditional musical singing popular from the 19th century in Lisbon. Famous for sorrow-stricken tunes, a fado is mainly for expressing sorrow, thoughts of the departed, everyday life and conquests. The combination of the high-pitched Portuguese guitar and the tenor Spanish guitar creates a unique lyrical atmosphere of sweet sadness. You cannot miss the charm of Fado when visiting Lisbon. Alfama District is considered the birthplace of the beautiful music, home to a lot of classic fado houses, like Tasca do Chico and A Baîuca. Generally, the show starts after 21:00.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Marques de Pombal, Lisbon (4 stars) or similar
