Best of Belem: Guided Tour with Jerónimos Monastery & Lisbon River Cruise

From the towering Jerónimos Monastery to Belém Tower, trace the route of Portugal’s discoverers before they set sail on this guided tour of Belém.

Beginning your tour with a train to Belém, your guide and small group will bypass any traffic and within a matter of minutes arrive at the place from which Portugal’s discoverers set sail during the Age of Explorations. After passing through the scenic beauty of Belém Gardens - with interesting insights from your dedicated guide - you’ll find yourself at a site entwined with its seafaring history: the Jerónimos Monastery. Many sailors - including Vasco da Gama - spent their final night in Lisbon here before taking to the seas. Skip the line and trace their footsteps inside where you’ll be greeted by a visual feast of vaulted arches and intricate carvings. Although construction of the church began on 6th January 1501, it wasn’t completed for nearly a century. Full of striking features, it’s not difficult to understand how it took so long! Your guide will take you around the awe-inspiring interior before you get the opportunity to explore the cloisters of the church with special access tickets.

Following in the footsteps of the explorers, next you’ll see one of their final sights before leaving the city. Sitting on the mouth of the Tagus river, since 1515 Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) has stood as a guardian to the city of Lisbon. Experience its imposing presence as your guide points out its little-known features. Take one final look at this towering fortress before moving on to discover the secrets of the Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos). Originally constructed in 1940 as a temporary exhibit, this statue was erected permanently in 1960 to mark the death of the Portuguese Prince, Henry the Navigator. One of the most impressive sculptures in Lisbon, it tells the story of the characters from the age of explorations. In total 32 figures can be seen, ranging from explorers and soldiers to artists and chroniclers. Unravel the tale with the help of your expert guide and learn about the hidden details most visitors never uncover!

As your tour comes to a close you’ll be brought back to the city in comfort. On a scenic cruise you’ll travel down the Tagus river and take in a panoramic perspective of the city. Along the way you’ll see the MAAT Museum, the Christ statue, the Tejo electricity Museum, and even pass under the famous April 25th Bridge.

You’ll return to the city with a newfound sense of adventure, and a tale or two of your own to share!