Description

We will pick you up where needed and we will proceed to get to know the Lisbon from back in the days. We will join a guided walk that will visit the neighborhood of Alfama, where romans discovered the thermal waters, Muslims called it al-hamma (thermal fountain) and where fishermen and fado singers lived. Its alleys, patios and stairways will lead us to S. Jorge Castle. Once there you will have an amazing overview of the city from the highest of the seven hills of Lisbon. These archaeological ruins show evidence of the three significant periods in the history of Lisbon and you can also visit the museum to get more into the history of this castle.

After lunch, you will learn more about the 1755 earthquake as we go down from the castle hill into the pombaline downtown and head to the ruins of Carmo Convent and its gothic church, followed by a visit to the world´s most expensive chapel at S. Roque Church. Designed in Rome using the most costly materials available, including ivory, agate, porphyry, lapis lazulli, gold and silver, it was blessed by the Pope and shipped to Lisbon in 1747. Today this chapel is considered a masterpiece of European art.

Right next-door is Bairro Alto, another typical neighborhood that has been traditionally the city's bohemian haunt of artists and writers. Bairro Alto is the result of the mid 15th century urban expansion outside the walls of the castle and it was born as a response to a social and economic transformation of the city. It has survived the earthquake, being today one of the most vibrant, eclectic and a youth-oriented heart of the sub-culture and nightlife of Lisbon.

We will finish our heart of the city day at Chiado, the place that was a meeting point for the aristocracy, artists, and intellectuals at least until the 1960s. We will have a coffee were the great poet Fernando Pessoa wrote many of his books and will promise to take you back to your hotel with loads of stories and history to tell.

* Our touring style allows us to include things that just “pop-up” along the way or to do custom tailored routes to suit your needs. Your are welcome to tell us your ideal day and we will make it happen.

** ALL MANDATORY INSURANCES ARE INCLUDED.