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Lisbon Belém Tour with Jerónimos Monastery

Explore the fascinating history of Bélem with a leading expert
From US$293 privately
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Tour Details
Duration
3 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
  • Jerónimos Monastery
  • Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries)
  • Belém Tower (exterior)
Photos & Highlights
  • Join an engaging, local expert at the top of their field such as history or architecture as you explore Bélem
  • Unique, personal tours for the intentional traveler. Private tours for just you and your party in Lisbon and Portugal
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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.

  • 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 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.

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. 
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.


Where You'll Start
98 Reviews (4.81)

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

My Belém tour was fantastic. My guide, Ze, is an architect and also very knowledgeable about the history of the area. He was able to tie it all together and even connect it with what is happening in the present. His enthusiasm and deep knowledge were a perfect combination for bringing history to life. As always, your tours take everything to a whole new level.
The depth of knowledge from our guide, Jose Vale, was truly appreciated. Our group consider themselves experts in our field of software development and to get the perspectives of someone so well versed in the history and culture of Portugal had everyone engaged. Of particular interest was the time spent understanding the period of time surrounding the Roman ruins that kick-off the tour and then the symbols and meaning behind so much of the stonework inside the monastery.
Ilidia is a real pro….she knows her stuff. More than anything, she was very patient and adjusted our tour as we needed it to. I really enjoyed her stories that brought “old Lisbon” to life. She has a great personality and I highly recommend her. Thanks Ilidia for helping me understand Lisbon better!!