Lisbon is the capital and the largest city of Portugal. Known as the “city of light”, this feature is widely considered as an immaterial icon of the city. The light of Lisbon has been sung by poets and writers and immortalized by painters, photographers, filmmakers, and other artists.
The city’s seven hills are covered with layers of history and heritage. Being one of the oldest cities in the world, diverse people and cultures settled here through the centuries.
Lisbon is the capital and the largest city of Portugal. Known as the “city of light”, this feature is widely considered as an immaterial icon of the city. The light of Lisbon has been sung by poets and writers and immortalized by painters, photographers, filmmakers, and other artists.
The city’s seven hills are covered with layers of history and heritage. Being one of the oldest cities in the world, diverse people and cultures settled here through the centuries.
Lisbon, view from the river. With seven hills overlooking the large estuary of the River Tejo, Lisbon is a city that offers great views
There are Romans and Moors vestiges and their influence persists in present-day Lisbon. You can find it, for instance, in the narrow cobbled streets and the whitewashed walls of the Alfama neighborhood, the oldest quarter in Lisbon, and famed for being the cradle of fado music.
In the 16th century, Lisbon was a hub of commerce between Africa, India, the Far East, and later, Brazil.
The great richness acquired in this period with the trade-in spices, slaves, sugar, textiles, and other goods, financed the exuberant Manueline style in architecture, which left its mark in many buildings including the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery (both World Heritage Sites).
In 1755 the city was hit by a devastating earthquake, followed by a tsunami, which killed thousands and destroyed a significant part of the city. Lisbon was rebuilt following a meticulous grid plan with probably the first examples of earthquake-resistant constructions at a large scale in the world.
Comercio Square, Lisbon Steeped in history and culture. The Praça do Comércio is a large, harbor-facing square in Portugal’s capital, Lisbon. Facing, south, the Tagus.
Today, Lisbon is a joyful mix of people from all over the world, and its free spirit inhabitants boast an effortless charm unlike any other city in the country.
Surrounded by tradition and blessed with modernity, the city has become a popular European destination for its exciting diversity, vintage trams, cobblestone streets, Fado songs, majestic azulejo adorned architecture, and an enviable climate.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Lisbon
Transfer from airport to Hotel. Free time until the evening meeting and dinner. Dinner will be taken at a local restaurant.
Transfer to Hotel. Transfer time +/- 30 minutes
Torre de Belém. The harmony and delicate ornamentation of the Tower of Belém suggest a finely cut jewel to all laying eyes on her.
Day 2 – Bairro Alto and Praça do Comércio
Bairro Alto is one of Lisbon’s most picturesque, bohemian, and alternative neighbourhoods.
It was designed in the 15th century to host merchants and sailors from overseas expansion. Eternally associated as the city’s bohemian haunt of artists, its grid of streets is quiet during the day but transformed at night into one of the city’s most vibrant nightlife quarters.
Praça do Comércio is Lisbon’s largest square. Located near the Tagus River it’s also known as “Terreiro do Paço” due to the Royal Ribeira Palace former location, destroyed during the 1755 earthquake.
Historically the plaza and the port were the main entrance of wealth in the city, serving both the east and west sides of the city.
Centre to all kinds of historic moments like a king’s assassinations, this equestrian sculpture ostentation display is nowadays the center of the events and concerts that the mayor of Lisbon offers its inhabitants and visitors.
In the afternoon, a visit to the luxurious Botanical gardens will relax and inspire us!
Dinner will be taken at a local restaurant.
Comercio Square, Lisbon Steeped in history and culture
Day 3 – From S. Jorge Castle to Alfama São Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge) is one of Lisbon’s most emblematic landmarks. Dated from the medieval period, it stands out in a commanding position in one of the seven hills of Lisbon, the highest one in the city. We also visit the S. Vicente de Fora Church and cloisters, to admire the beautiful tiled “Fables of La Fontaine “.
Alfama is the oldest quarter in Lisbon. Hardly affected by the 1755 earthquake due to its solid rock foundations, it was home for the Visigoths, the Romans, and the Moors that left the cobbled streets, the small squares, and the whitewashed houses as their unmistakable heritage. Being part of history where most of the Fado songs were written and sung, it’s today an old cosmopolitan neighbourhood.
Dinner will be taken at a local restaurant.
View from Miradouro da Graça
Day 4 – Jerónimos Monastery and Belém
The Jerónimos Monastery is the most impressive symbol of Portugal’s power and wealth brought by the Age of Discoveries. Requested by King Manuel I in 1501, it was meant to celebrate his Iberian family dynasty and provide spiritual assistance to the sailors who departed from the Restelo shorefront.
Being the Portuguese crown jewel of Manueline Architecture, it took 100 years to be built.
Dinner will be taken at a local restaurant.
Jeronimos Monastery Lisboa. A masterpiece of 16th-century architecture in Portugal, the Monastery of Jerónimos is listed as a National Monument and inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Day 5 – Departure
Transfer from hotel to Airport.
What's included
Accommodation
4 nights in a twin standard room for two pax
Shared ensuite room with a traveling companion of the same sex
Single supplement available with a surcharge
Extra nights available on request
Meals
4 buffet breakfasts at the Hotel
4 Dinners with drinks included
Transport
Meet & Greet Airport Transfer to the hotel on the first day – group transfer
Transfer from the hotel to the airport on last day – group transfer
All transports to walks and activities (as outlined) with dedicated driver and vehicle
Additional transfers are available on request at an extra cost
Tour Leaders
Dedicated English speaking local tour leader
The tour leader will assist and guide the group throughout the holidays, handle all the arrangements and other needs that might arise, making sure that you don’t have to worry about planning your days and you can enjoy your holiday
Each evening, your tour leader will discuss the details and program for the following day
Walks and Activities
Activities according to program
Monument entrance fees to Botanical gardens, Castle São Jorge, S. Vicente de Fora Cloisters, and the Maritime Museum.
Exclusions
Any services not listed as included
Flights to and from Portugal
Meals, tips/gratuities, baggage, or personal insurance (except as outlined)
Admission fees to castles & attractions or events (except as outlined)
Personal expenses
Supplements
Guide services inside monuments
Insurance
You must be adequately insured to join our Guided holidays and Self-Guided holidays. We do not insist that you insure with us but we require that you are adequately insured for the nature of your holiday.
BeCool Travel has partnered with WorldNomads.com to keep you travelling safely. WorldNomads.com Travel Insurance is designed for independent and adventurous travellers, with coverage for overseas medical expenses, cancellation, baggage, and other expenses.
Please consult our Travel Insurance page, where you’ll be able to get more detailed info about insurance requirements and an immediate quote for your trip.
