Lisbon full day private tour
Lisbon Private Shore Excursions and Day Trips
Experience the enchanting allure of Portugal on an exclusive day trip and shore excursion in the vibrant city of Lisbon. This ideal half-day tour is specifically designed for first-time visitors, making it the perfect opportunity to explore the city's most captivating areas—all in just one day. As we delve into Lisbon's rich and fascinating history, you will discover why it holds the title of one of Europe's oldest cities and the esteemed capital of Portugal.
Accompanied by our skilled private driver and enjoying the comfort of private transportation, we will visit some of Lisbon's most iconic sites and monuments, including the picturesque Belem, the bustling Downtown area, and the charming neighborhoods of Rossio/Baixa and Alfama, among many other hidden gems waiting to be uncovered.
Throughout the day, you'll also have the chance to enjoy some well-deserved leisure time to soak in the local atmosphere and delicious flavors, culminating in a delightful lunch in this beautiful city of Portugal. Prepare to be captivated by Lisbon's unique blend of history, culture, and culinary delights on this unforgettable journey.
Private tours and day trips in Lisbon
Private local guide and transportation included
- Season: All year
- Scheduled days: Available Daily. (Subject to availability)
- Departure time:
From 8 am or choose your ideal departure time. (Subject to guide availability)
- Duration: Approx. 4 hours
- Pick up point: From your accommodation in Lisbon city, Lisbon cruise port.
- Return point: To your accommodation in Lisbon, and Lisbon cruise port.
- Included:
Private Mercedes vehicle with driver/ guide, entrance tickets.
- Not included: Gratuities, food, drinks and all other expenses.
The history of Lisbon stretches back 3,000 years to when the Phoenicians established themselves in the area, naming the city Alis Ubbo, meaning "Delightful Shore." Its appealing attributes were soon recognized by others, leading to settlements by the Greeks and Carthaginians, and eventually, in 205 BC, the Romans. In 714, following some tribal unrest, the Moors seized control of the city, fortifying it and renaming it Lissabona, skillfully defending it against Christian advances for over 400 years. The city fell to Christian fighters, primarily British crusaders, in 1147.
During the 15th and 16th centuries, Lisbon flourished as the heart of a vast empire, particularly after Vasco da Gama uncovered a maritime route to India. This prosperity continued into the 1800s with the discovery of gold in Brazil, drawing merchants from far and wide to trade in gold, spices, silks, and jewels.
The Great Lisbon Earthquake struck on All Saints’ Day, November 1, 1755, marking a dramatic shift in the city's fate. Three powerful earthquakes devastated Lisbon, with estimates suggesting that as many as 100,000 of its 270,000 residents perished. The vast destruction meant that the city never fully regained its former glory.
In modern times, the Portuguese monarchy met a violent end in 1908 amid widespread social and economic turmoil. King Dom Carlos I and his heir, Prince Royal Dom Luís Filipe, Duke of Braganza, were assassinated in Lisbon. This upheaval led to two coups: the first in 1926 that concluded the Portuguese First Republic, and the second in 1974 that ended Europe’s longest dictatorship. The 1974 and 1975 influx of refugees from Portugal’s former African colonies significantly enriched the city's cultural tapestry.
Lisbon experienced a renaissance after Portugal joined the European Community (EC) in 1986, benefiting from substantial funding that spurred redevelopment. Today, the city is in a remarkable era of prosperity, driven by a surge in tourism that led to the establishment of a multimillion-euro cruise-ship terminal and the opening of over 100 new restaurants, bars, museums, and various cultural attractions.
Please contact us regarding prices and tours.
