Lisbon (full day)

Lisboa - Almada, Statue of Christ
Lisboa - Almada, Statue of Christ

 

While you are in Portugal why not visit its capital, the city of the seven hills.  
 
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal since its conquest from the Moors in 1147, Lisbon is a legendary city with over 20 centuries of History;  
You will have a sight seeing tour of the Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, Monument to the Discoveries and free time in Alfama.  
 
The Belém Tower is one of the most famous ex-libris of Lisbon, it was deservedly declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO and is one of History’s most beautiful military constructions. Built as a stronghold to assure the defense of the entrance to the river Tagus, an identical fortress should have been constructed on the other side of the river, but this never happened.  
 
Jerónimos Monastery is usually referred to as the "jewel" of the Manueline style. This exclusive Portuguese style combines architectural elements from the Gothic and from the Renaissance periods, joining them with a royal and naturalist symbology, which makes it both unique and honorable. In 1907 it was declared a National Monument and in 1984 it was classified "Cultural Heritage of all Humanity" by UNESCO.  
 
The Monument to the Discoveries was inaugurated in 1960 during celebrations of the 500 year anniversary of the death of the Infant D. Henrique (Henry the Navigator). It evokes the maritime expansion and is designed in the shape of a caravel, showing Henry the Navigator at the prow holding a small caravel, as well as many relevant heroes of Portuguese history, seen from the huge mariners compass, this monument fascinates visitors with its impressiveness and its 50 meters height. It is visited by millions of people each year. Cut into the paving stone, the compass was a present from the Republic of South Africa in 1960 and it is best seen from the top of the Monument of the Discoveries, which you can access by elevator located inside the building. The central map, depicting galleons and mermaids, shows the routes of the discoverers in the 15th and 16th centuries.  
 
Visiting Alfama is to discover the architecture, the sounds and the smells of old Lisbon. This is one of the most typical quarters in Lisbon. On its narrow and winding streets you´ll find the hidden treasure of Alfama and on its steep stairs you will be able to breathe the soul of Lisbon. Rebuilt by the local population after the 1755 earthquake, Alfama was to be demolished but the decision didn´t go through as this region of Lisbon was thankfully considered to be a living history book where the past blends with the present.  
 
Free time for lunch at Rossio, shopping and exploring the city. On the way back to the Algarve we will drive over the Vasco da Gama bridge, the largest and longest bridge of Europe.

While you are in Portugal why not visit its capital, the city of the seven hills.

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal since its conquest from the Moors in 1147, Lisbon is a legendary city with over 20 centuries of History;

You will have a sight seeing tour of the Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, Monument to the Discoveries and free time in Alfama.

The Belém Tower is one of the most famous ex-libris of Lisbon, it was deservedly declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO and is one of History’s most beautiful military constructions. Built as a stronghold to assure the defense of the entrance to the river Tagus, an identical fortress should have been constructed on the other side of the river, but this never happened.

Jerónimos Monastery is usually referred to as the "jewel" of the Manueline style. This exclusive Portuguese style combines architectural elements from the Gothic and from the Renaissance periods, joining them with a royal and naturalist symbology, which makes it both unique and honorable. In 1907 it was declared a National Monument and in 1984 it was classified "Cultural Heritage of all Humanity" by UNESCO.

The Monument to the Discoveries was inaugurated in 1960 during celebrations of the 500 year anniversary of the death of the Infant D. Henrique (Henry the Navigator). It evokes the maritime expansion and is designed in the shape of a caravel, showing Henry the Navigator at the prow holding a small caravel, as well as many relevant heroes of Portuguese history, seen from the huge mariners compass, this monument fascinates visitors with its impressiveness and its 50 meters height. It is visited by millions of people each year. Cut into the paving stone, the compass was a present from the Republic of South Africa in 1960 and it is best seen from the top of the Monument of the Discoveries, which you can access by elevator located inside the building. The central map, depicting galleons and mermaids, shows the routes of the discoverers in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Visiting Alfama is to discover the architecture, the sounds and the smells of old Lisbon. This is one of the most typical quarters in Lisbon. On its narrow and winding streets you´ll find the hidden treasure of Alfama and on its steep stairs you will be able to breathe the soul of Lisbon. Rebuilt by the local population after the 1755 earthquake, Alfama was to be demolished but the decision didn´t go through as this region of Lisbon was thankfully considered to be a living history book where the past blends with the present.

Free time for lunch at Rossio, shopping and exploring the city. On the way back to the Algarve we will drive over the Vasco da Gama bridge, the largest and longest bridge of Europe.