Day 01
Lisbon, Belém, Cascais and Cabo da Roca by Kombi
- Start the tour by heading towards Baixa, the downtown area of the city. Crossing Baixa, you will get a feel for the architectural features of Lisbon.
- Then, drive through Chiado, which became the trendy part of the city in the 19th century. It was where French-style shops could be found, and you will pass in front of some of its historic and famous stores, such as Bertrand and Brasileira.
- Of course, Bairro Alto is well known for its bohemian lifestyle, as journalists could be seen here at night because some of the most important newspapers were based in this area from the 18th century onward. Nowadays, it is one of the city's nightlife spots not to be missed.
- Next, move to Praça do Comércio, the entrance gate into the city and a square full of historical symbols to discover.
- Drive past the Sé historical church, the oldest church in Lisbon, whose construction began in the second half of the 12th century after the conquest of the city from the Moors by D. Afonso Henriques. The cathedral was apparently built on the site of the old mosque in Lisbon.
- Afterwards, proceed towards the castle of São Jorge, located in the old medieval citadel that was inhabited by the Moors, who fortified it for their defence. When D. Afonso Henriques, Portugal's founding king, took the castle in 1147 after besieging it for three months, he expelled the Muslims and opened the castle doors to Christianity.
- Next, stop at the Portas do Sol viewpoint.
- Listen to your guide, who will share stories of Lisbon's rise to fame in the 15th and 16th centuries as explorers set out on maritime conquests. This Golden Age of Portugal is reflected in the architecture, and your guide will be there to answer any questions as you continue to explore.
- Then, move towards the Jerónimos Monastery, where you can admire the extravagant Manueline architectural style that came to define this city. You will also experience its wonders in the Belém area, with a stop at the Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries.
- Along the panoramic road over Estoril, make a short stop in Cascais to admire this beautiful city, then head to the Guincho dunes, the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, and Cabo da Roca, Europe's westernmost point.
- Later, return quickly through IC19 while witnessing views of the suburbs on the way back to Lisbon City Center, and reach your hotel for drop-off.
Trip ends.
