BELÉM
TOUR OF DISCOVERIES
The Belém Tour of Discoveries experience is a 3.5 hour private guided walking tour that covers the Portuguese Age of Discoveries and the district where it all happened, Belém. A World Heritage Site, there’s plenty of things to see in Belém from the captivating Tower of Belém to the scrumptious Pastéis de Belém, from the peaceful Tagus River to the modernistic Monument to the Discoveries, not forgetting the Cultural Center of Belém and of course the Jerónimos Monastery. Two of the seven wonders of Portugal are in Belém so trust us when we say that some of the best things to do in Lisbon are right here in this neighborhood. Our expert guides selected the best stories, the most attractive sites and the unmissable spots so you’ll enjoy your Belém Tour of Discoveries to the fullest. Our Belém Tour of Discoveries is all about the Portuguese maritime expansion and we can’t think of a better way to finish the tour than a 30 minute boat trip on the Tagus River heading back to the center. If there is one monument that identifies Lisbon, it is the Tower of Belém. The tower's silhouette, absolutely unmistakable, is reproduced in all tourist materials, from t-shirts to magnets. The Tower of Belém is a fusion between a medieval tower and a modern bastion and was initially designed to be a defense tower at the entrance of the Tagus River. With 500 years of history, the work of Francisco de Arruda has already taken on very diverse roles: it was once a dungeon, a military barracks, a customs post and even a lighthouse. The decoration is from the time when Portugal asserted itself as a world maritime power and the naturalist elements, the sailor's knots and the armillary spheres are easily identifiable. There is no better way to start our visit. From Belém, hundreds of vessels departed to explore new frontiers and this neighborhood is a constant remembrance of that historical period when Portugal as the first global village. The other Unesco World Heritage Monument is the Jerónimos Monastery, and we will explore this fascinating site at the end of our Belém Tour of Discoveries. The Jerónimos Monastery began with a wish. King Manuel I wanted to build the most beautiful monument in the world. The first stone was placed in 1502 at the seaside from where Vasco da Gama had left on his way to India. This was the place where one prayed for a safe journey. One hundred years later, with more than 300 meters of façade, the Monastery of Jerónimos is one of the most beautiful monuments in the world. Sailor ropes, exotic plants, African fruits and waves are intertwined with biblical figures, the cross of Christ and the armillary sphere. One of the main façades is the archangel St. Michael and St. Mary of Bethlehem. It's breathtaking. With the company of the Tagus River, we will visit other famous places in Belém such as the Monument to the Discoveries, the Rose of the Winds, the Cultural Centre of Belém and the Empire Square and we will talk about kings and navigators, conquests and legends. We will leave the greatest of all legends of the Belém district for the end, the magnificent gastronomic monument that goes by the name of Pastel de Nata (or Belém custard tart). It will be three centuries of history in just three hours, many places to explore, many secrets to share. The Belém Tour of Discoveries is a perfect introduction to the Portuguese Age of Discoveries, its history, myths and monuments. Lisbon weather is perfect to enjoy this scenic neighborhood and the Tagus River is the ideal background to this tour. A private walking tour, set at your preferred pace, is the best possible way to feel the city. Your expert guide will be with at all times sharing his passion for History and doing his best for you to enjoy Lisbon in a fun and informative way. We want you to have an amazing journey in Belém, a walk to remember. Nothing beats the advice and tips from a friend that lives in Lisbon.
Belém Tour of Discoveries
A Private Tour that covers the
best things to do in Belém
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
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A private 3 hour walking tour with some of the best things to do in Lisbon in half a day.
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Stroll along the streets of Chiado, Bairro Alto and Downtown Lisbon.
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Skip the lines at Elevador de Santa Justa and the Arch at Rua Augusta.
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Admire Lisbon’s Cathedral and enjoy the scenic landscape after tasting an original pastel de nata.
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Listen to great stories about History, Culture and Architecture with your private Lisbon guide and feel free to ask all kinds of questions.
Other Information
What's included in your Belém Tour of Discoveries?
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English-speaking guide fully dedicated to your party, a friend that will make sure you have a great time in Belém. Like a genuine Lisboner should do.
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A 30 minute boat trip from the Tower of Belém of Belém back to Lisbon.
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3.5 hour tour dedicated to the top attractions of the district of Belém.
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Tickets to the Tower of Belém and the Jerónimos Monastery.
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Pastel de Belém tasting.
What's excluded of your Belém Tour of Discoveries?
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Pick-up and drop-off service.
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Lunch break expenses.
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Any other private expenses.
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Gratuities (optional).
How long is the tour?
In what language is the tour spoken?
3,5 Hours (including boat trip).
The tour is exclusively in English.
Important Information
Please note that we can meet you at your hotel if you wish as long as it is centrally located. If you would like for your guide to meet you there, please make sure to tell us in the comments section when you book your tour online.
We kindly advise you to use comfortable clothes and shoes and come prepared for some walking. During spring and summer please also take sunscreen protection.
Please be at the meeting point 10 minutes before the tour starts.
The itinerary may be subject to changes without prior notice due to local circumstances or events.
Cancelation Rules
No cancellation fee if you cancel until 8 days prior to the activity date.
50% charges if the cancellation occurs between 7 and 4 days before the day of the tour.
Cancellations less than 3 days or no show, a fee of 100% will be charge.
Why Take Lisboa is the right choice for your Lisbon Private Tours?
WE ARE A TRUE LOCAL COMPANY
We are a small family-run local company focused on providing the best genuine experiences to our guest. We love Lisbon and we want to share our passion with everyone that comes visit our city.
We have been in TripAdvisor’s top 3 companies consistently and our many Certificates of Excellence are the evidence of our work.
Our business in registered in Portugal, which is something we are extremely proud of as contributors to the local economy. We believe in the “local is beautiful” motto and we are always concerned with a sustainable kind of tourism.
OUR TOUR GUIDES WILL BE THERE FOR YOU 100%
Our tour guides are our pride and joy and we have personally selected everyone one at our team. We have also given them the proper training and incentives so you may have some of the best tours guides in Lisbon at your disposal. Dedicated, cultured, vibrant, warm and most importantly good-hearted. Our tour guides are praised every day because they are more than guides; they are your best friends in Lisbon.
Our private tour guides are the perfect choice if you’re traveling with your family, a group of friends, or a corporate group. Everything will be customized to your needs. You want light-spirited stories, you’ll have it. You want a fast pace, you’ll have it. You want details, you’ll have it. We have just one thing in mind. For you to enjoy your private tour in Lisbon.
WE WILL GET PERSONAL
When we mean that your private tour guide will be your best friend in Lisbon, we need to prove it. During the tour ask the guide everything to help you plan your stay. You are vegetarian and you want to know where the best veggie places in Lisbon are. You love modern art and you want to know where the best contemporary museums are. You adore the beach and you want to know where the best beaches near Lisbon are. Whatever your needs, plans, ideas, the guide will be there for you giving you the best tips for your vacation.
WE WILL ALWAYS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES
It’s in our blood. We live and breathe this city daily and we know that local business and local neighborhoods is what makes Lisbon such a charismatic city. It is why you came to visit us in the first place. We truly feel it is important to generate income within our local community and most of the recommendations we provide will honor that very special principle.
Is the Tour accessible?
No. This Tour is not recommended for people with reduced mobility.
Meeting Point
Please note that we can meet you at your hotel if you wish as long as it is centrally located. If you would like for your guide to meet you there, please make sure to tell us in the comments section when you request your tour.