LISBON, PORTUGAL

We start this tour with a panoramic drive so we can get a general overview of Lisbon City centre.We will make a brief stop at the top of King Edward VII Park from where we can enjoy a spectacular view of the city and harbour.

We start this tour with a panoramic drive so we can get a general overview of Lisbon City centre. We will make a brief stop at the top of King Edward VII Park from where we can enjoy a spectacular view of the city and harbour. We will then continue, passing by Pombal Square, the famous avenue of Liberty and, of course, Rossio – the very heart and meeting point of Lisbon. Around here we will see the district of Baixa, an area entirely rebuilt after the disastrous earthquake in 1755. The last highlight of this drive will be the unique Comercio Square on the waterfront. Located nearby is the ferry station where we will board a ship to start the second and most exciting part of our tour – a 1½ hour sail along the estuary of the river Tagus to discover the beauty and charm of Lisbon when seen from the river. Firstly we sail eastwards towards the medieval part of the city. At the top of the hill stands the castle, originally built by the Romans. The 12th Century Cathedral can be found within the centre of the labyrinctic Moorish district of Alfama. This area will make us feel like we are travelling back in time and we will be able to realise the importance of the harbour in the history of Lisbon. As we continue along the river our ship passes under the spectacular suspension bridge built in 1966, which will remind us of the Golden Gate. In the distance stands the monumental statue of Christ the King, built on Thanksgiving day for Portugal neutrality during World War II. Last but by no means least, we sail along the banks of the Belem area, once a village around the 15th century new harbour. From here the caravels from the great voyages of the discoveries set sail, no doubt the most glorious period of Portuguese history. One of the most surprising monuments, and particularly beautiful when seen from the river, is the memorial to Prince Henry – the mastermind navigator behind Portugal’s voyages of exploration and subsequent fantastic wealth. Here we can see the only two great buildings dating from the period of the discoveries and the rich reign of King Manuel I to survive the earthquake and show us the splendour of the city as it was then. The Royal Monastery of St Jerome, a masterpiece of ornate gothic style, and the unique Belem Tower, built as a fortress to defend the harbour of the rich 15th and 16th century capital of Portugal will all be there to view. After our scenic river cruise we shall return to our awaiting coach for our short drive back to the pier. There is approximately a 100 metre walk from the coach to the ferry terminal over a few cobblestones.