Belém district, the Portuguese Maritime Expansion Overseas

Itinerary

We'll meet at the statue of Afonso de Albuquerque, governor of India. This is the ideal spot to understand the history of the maritime expansion of Portugal overseas. The river is right there reminding us its important role of transportation and communication.
Turning to the other side, we'll face the official residence of the Portuguese President of the Republic.
We'll head to the Monastery of Saint Jerome, a UNESCO's world heritage site that you cannot miss. It's known for the beauty of its unique decoration. We'll visit the church with its surprising vault: a master piece of architecture!
In front, the Monument of Discoveries that looks like a boat. It's a homage to navigation. On the floor, we'll follow in a world map the maritime routes the Portuguese took to get to Africa, Asia, America and even Oceania.
Then the Tower of Belem is a must. Surrounded by water, it used to be a powerful fortress protecting Lisbon against pirates, enemies, invaders.
Time to say goodbye with a awesome view.

Meeting Point + Tour Duration

Meeting Point Options: Monument/Building, Suggested by Guide: Statue in Praça Afonso de Albuquerque at Belem district. When turned to the river, I'll be at the left hand side of the statue standing in the middle of the garden.

Duration: 3 hours

The length and the duration of the tour depend on weather conditions and on your requests.

Transportation

This is a walking tour.

What’s Included

• Guiding Services

Other: Important warning about the church of Jeronimos:
- closed on Mondays.
- visitable on Sundays only after 2.30pm.
- on some bank holidays it might be closed. Please inquire.

Estimated Local Cash Needed

5 euros - You might want to buy a custard, coffee, water.

What’s Extra

• Personal Expenses
• Souvenirs
• Public Transportation Tickets
• Food, Drinks, Snacks

Restrictions

If the specific day/time you want is unavailable send me a message! I'll try to move my schedule.