The historical heritage left by ancestors, ancient architectural structures, a favorable climate for recreation, various excursions in Portugal allowed the state to bring the tourism business to the highest level.
Lovers of the azure sea and the golden coast, lovers of ancient architecture, lovers of the deep sea will find activities in this country. Of course, the neighboring giants of tourism, France and Spain, do not yet reach here, but travelers looking for unusual experiences and having studied their neighbors well can safely go to conquer the Portuguese expanses.
Capital excursions in Portugal
Lisbon occupies a special place among other European cities, "place" in the literal sense, as it is the westernmost capital in Western Europe. Naturally, excursion routes run from the main city of the country to the most remote corners. But coming to Lisbon and not seeing it is an annoying mistake for a tourist.
The city has a developed network of excursion bureaus and private guides who are ready to tell tourists about the city forever, day and night, winter and summer. The sightseeing tour will give you a general idea of Lisbon, its history and surviving monuments. Thematic excursions will acquaint you in detail with one or another side of the Portuguese capital, for example, its architecture or museum collections, theaters or squares, parks. The cost of an individual excursion or story for a small company (up to 5 people) is within 60 €.
An important warning - you need to choose the most comfortable shoes for walking around the city. Lisbon is spread over the hills, walking requires constant ups and downs, so it's better not to go out without good sneakers so as not to spoil your experience.
Car excursions in the capital
For lazy people or guests who find themselves without comfortable sneakers, car sightseeing tours are suitable. The duration of the trip will be 6 hours, the cost is more expensive than walking - from 160 €. But during a walk with a breeze, there is an opportunity to see the following seven "wonders of the capital": Baisha Pombalina area; the church of St. Roch; Monastery of the Jeronimites; Belém Tower; Museum of carriages and other ancient vehicles; Free waters aqueduct; monastery of Our Lady with a unique collection of tiles.
One of the central districts of Lisbon - Baixa Pombalina - appeared at the end of the 18th century after a devastating earthquake, the streets were built from scratch and now represent an excellent example of a single architectural style. Since 2004, this district of the capital has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Church of St. Roch appeared in the 16th century, has a modest facade, but very rich interiors, its treasures are kept in the nearby museum. The interiors of the Monastery of Jeronimites are also interesting, the architecture can be traced to the marine theme - waves, curls, shells, starfish.
The Belém Tower is one of the few surviving towers that were supposed to guard the entrance to the capital's port in the 16th century. Although, according to many tourists, a princess could live in the tower, and not the courageous defenders of the city. The next object is a museum with carriages. Such a clever move was suggested by Amelia, Queen of Portugal. While the neighbors were destroying out-of-fashion vehicles, the Portuguese collected them in one place, restored them and now they make good money on it.
Gold ring
An excursion with this name was clearly invented by a guide who was born and raised in Russia; this is an excellent advertising ploy to attract tourists. The duration of such a trip is about 8 hours, the route is combined, including transfers by bus or car (for a small company) and walking tours to the main attractions, the cost is 80 € per person.
During the trip, tourists will have time to visit four cities in different regions of Portugal. The main topic of the excursion is history, acquaintance with ancient monuments of architecture and culture associated with kings, knights and monks. The road passes along the high-speed highway, but guests have time to admire the vineyards stretching on both sides, bright green hills and picturesque windmills, as if they came from the previous centuries.
Guests will have a stop in Obidos, called in the Middle Ages the "City of Queens", since this particular settlement was the main gift of the next king of Portugal to his bride. The next point on the route is Alcobasa, a city famous for its Santa Maria monastery, a fine example of Gothic architecture. Acquaintance with the Gothic will continue in the next city of Batalha, at the end of the trip tourists come to Fatima, one of the main shrines of Christianity.
