This
Lisbon shore excursion includes a taste of Lisbon's most famous sites, view points plus local snacks and drinks. Then, you drive to the Christian Pilgrimage site of Fatima to explore the famous Sanctuary of Fatima, a site visited by 5 million people each year.
After meeting your guide, you start your excursion traveling along the Avenue of Liberdade heading to the center of the old town. You enjoy stops at two impressive locations; Lisbon’s Cathedral, the oldest church in Lisbon and the viewpoint of Graca, where you will have the best view over the city and the river Tejo.
After these stops you pass by the Monastery of S. Vicente, Alfama, the birth place of Fado Music, the National Pantheon and Comercio Square, before taking the road to Belem, one of Lisbon’s most monumental and historical areas.
The Belem area is famous for its landmarks dedicated to the marine discoverers. The area includes parks, gardens and monuments that are all well worth a visit. Your first stop is the Belem Tower, a UNESCO Heritage site and symbol of Lisbon. This fortified tower is where the explorer Vasco da Gama set sail on his voyage of discovery to India.
Also in the Belem area you see the Monument of the Discoveries, which was constructed to honor the marine explorers, and to celebrate the 500 year anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator.
The next stop is at the imposing Jeronimos Monastery. This cathedral complex was built during the reign of King D. Manuel I, as was the Belem Tower. The small chapel inside is where Vasco da Gama spent the night praying before he left on his route of discoveries. The riches brought back from these discoveries paid for this glorious monument, which today is also a listed World Heritage site.
Before leaving the Belem area you enjoy an included taste of the famous Belem pastry or Pastel de Belem. This egg custard tart is dusted with cinnamon and a nice treat to keep you going.
Heading back to the city center, we will pass by the Basilica of Estrela, the Parliament, the Bairro Alto and Chiado districts before parking in the Baixa (Downtown) district. From here you enjoy a short walk through Lisbon’s most beautiful squares including Rossio, Figueira and Restauradores.
While in the Baixa district you also enjoy a taste of green wine with a codfish cake and finishing with a glass of delicious Port Wine.
This afternoon you drive to Fatima, home to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. This imposing modern basilica has a public square which is larger than St. Peters Square in Vatican City. You will have time to explore this pilgrimage site which was built to honor the events of 1917 when the Virgin Mary appeared six times to three children near the town. During a time when Europe was being ravaged by WWI, Our Lady of Fatima brought a message from God that promised peace on Earth if her requests for prayer, reparation and consecration were heard and obeyed.
A visit to the Sanctuary includes these highlights: the Apparitions Chapel, the Basilica, the Holy Trinidad Church, Candles Wall, and Holy water. Time is flexible and you are free to attend a Mass and visit several souvenir shops before we return to Lisbon.
can also be customized to fit your needs. If you have a larger group, we can offer you a private
using a mid-size bus or full size coach. Please
