Tour Details
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
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- Jerónimos Monastery
- Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries)
- Belém Tower (exterior)
Tour Description
You will begin your Belém tour experience with the impressive Belém Tower, which along with the monastery forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage site and the 7 Wonders of Portugal. You’ll learn how and why it was conceived for defensive purposes and the important battles to which it bore witness. By pointing out hidden details, your guide will describe how the Age of Discovery influenced the appearance and use of this grand building.
From there, you will head towards the immense Padrão dos Descobrimentos, or the Monument to the Discoveries. With its grand exterior situated right on the water’s edge, you’ll get an idea of just how close Belém is to the sea and why it was of such strategic military and navigational importance. Your expert may give an in-depth explanation of the explorers depicted on the monument and the routes they pioneered, or perhaps delve into the social history of Lisbon’s maritime culture and how embarking upon these often treacherous journeys affected those who were left behind.
Before heading to the last stop, you will pass by the legendary Pastéis de Belém bakery, where people come from far and wide to try their delicious signature custard tarts.
You will end your visit to Belem at the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Jerónimos Monastery where, with pre-paid tickets in hand, you will set out to explore one of the most prominent examples of Manueline gothic architecture in Lisbon. As you wander through the monastery halls, you will learn about when Vasco de Gama and his men spent the night here ahead of their first voyage to the Orient, cementing Belém and the Monastery as key sites in the age of exploration and Portuguese colonial history. You will take a peek at Vasco de Gama’s tomb and find out more about the monastery’s other illustrious inhabitants over the years.
Experts
- You’re curious to explore Portuguese history outside of central Lisbon.
- You're passionate about architecture and want to explore a prime example of Manueline gothic architecture.
- If you are traveling with children, we can arrange for a family-friendly guide.
- Jerónimos Monastery-UNESCO World Heritage site, an important example of Manueline architecture
- Padrão dos Descobrimentos-monument honoring the Age of Discovery and Portuguese explorers
- Belém Tower (exterior)- UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as an emblem of the Age of Discovery
General Information
- There will be scheduled breaks for restroom use and moments to rest throughout the tour.
- We strive to accommodate all guests, so please inform us of any mobility needs or concerns when you book your tour.
Tickets
- Your tickets to the Jéronimos Monastery are pre-purchased.
- This tour does not enter the Bélem Tower.
Resources
- For detailed information on planning your visit to Portugal, please check out our Context Stories.
- If you're keen to expand your knowledge about Portugal before your tour, explore our online lectures and audio guides.
For more information about Context Tours, please visit our FAQs.
Can we go to Pastéis de Belém during the tour?
Though we used to meet for pastels here, it has gotten too busy and reduces the time of the tour. Instead, we share its fascinating history and encourage you to return outside of tour time.
Though we used to meet for pastels here, it has gotten too busy and reduces the time of the tour. Instead, we share its fascinating history and encourage you to return outside of tour time.
Why doesn’t the tour go inside the Belém Tower?
They limit their capacity and it's not possible to skip the line which means a long waiting time. The interior is also not overly impressive, we choose to focus on the exterior with its immense facades and interesting carvings.
They limit their capacity and it's not possible to skip the line which means a long waiting time. The interior is also not overly impressive, we choose to focus on the exterior with its immense facades and interesting carvings.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
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116 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
The tour with Ian was fantastic. He’s a great storyteller and knows his subject. Didn’t want it to end.
Richard
Sep 25, 2019
Tour guides are consistently top notch, insightful and engaging. Pascal’s knowledge, passion and enthusiasm about Portugal is terrific!
Nick
Sep 7, 2019
Extremely knowledgeable and personable guide
We learned a great deal
Excellent itinerary
David
Aug 20, 2019