🚶♂️ “Sandemans New Europe” free lisbon guided tours promises a jaunt through 3,000 years of history, all packed into a brisk 2-hour walk. The tour kicks off at the Camões Monument in Largo de Camões, where you meet your guide – typically someone who’s as enthusiastic about Lisbon’s history as they are about walking. Be prepared to explore the city come rain, hail, or the more likely scenario, brilliant sunshine.
🏰 The tour dives into Lisbon’s past, from its days of exploration and conquest to the more somber times of dictatorship and natural disasters. You’ll learn about the Age of Discovery, where Lisbon acted more than just a departure point for voyages; it was where Christopher Columbus, the poster boy of explorers, cut his navigational teeth. If you’re a fan of sea expeditions and spice trades, this part of the tour will float your boat.
🌍 Next, you’ll be introduced to the impact of the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, a seismic event so significant it reshaped the city. The lisbon guided tours takes you past the Carmo Convent, where the bare arches stand as a stark reminder of the disaster. It’s a bit of a history lesson and a reality check rolled into one. Your guide will paint vivid pictures of old Lisbon and its transformation post-earthquake, making you appreciate the city’s resilience.
🌹 These Lisbon guided tours don’t shy away from the darker chapters of Lisbon’s history, either. You’ll delve into the era of the Salazar dictatorship and the Carnation Revolution that peacefully ended this regime. It’s an intriguing contrast to the earlier tales of conquest and exploration, revealing a city that’s experienced both turmoil and tranquility.
💰 The “Free Lisbon Guided Tours” concept is an interesting one. It operates on a tips-based model, allowing you to decide the value of your experience. This means the guides are motivated to be as engaging and informative as possible – after all, their income depends on it.
🏢 Highlights of the lisbon guided tours include the central district of Bairro Alto, where you get a sense of Lisbon’s vibrant culture. Then there’s the Baixa Pombalina with its elegant architecture. The Praça do Comércio waterfront offers stunning views and a chance to catch your breath after all the walking and learning. You’re also likely to touch on the grim subject of the Portuguese Inquisition, adding a bit more gravitas to the tour.
🔭 If you have a head for heights and an extra euro or two, the Santa Justa Elevator offers a bird’s eye view of the city. It’s not part of the tour, but it’s a recommendation worth considering.
To sum up, the Sandemans New Europe Lisbon guided tours are a whirlwind of historical facts, cultural insights, and physical exercise. It’s ideal for those who want to understand the city beyond its surface charm. Just be sure to wear your sturdy shoes and bring a water bottle – Lisbon’s hills and history can be equally breathtaking.
| Monday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 10 am–5 pm |
