Best of Belém: Jerónimos Monastery & Belém Tower Tour with Scenic River Cruise

Bathed in landmarks from the Age of Discovery, Belém is a neighborhood for the adventurous! This tour will take you on an exploration of Belém’s most captivating sites from grand monuments to strategic fortresses.

We’ll start our expedition at the Commercial Square (Praça do Comércio) in Central Lisbon where you’ll meet your expert guide before taking the train to Belém. With tickets and itineraries all taken care of, and zero traffic, in a matter of minutes you’ll find yourself in one of Lisbon’s most beautiful districts. In the distance you’ll see our first stop; the towering Jerónimos Monastery (Church of Santa Maria de Belém) - one of the best examples of Portugal’s distinctive Manueline architecture. Jerónimos was intimately connected with the explorers who set off to discover different trade routes around the world during the Age of Exploration. Well aware of the perilous journey that awaited them, sailors often spent the night before their voyage here, seeking spiritual guidance from the community of monks. You’ll be able to trace their footsteps inside as you admire the high vaulted ceilings, and ornately carved interior. Here you’ll see the sea creatures and coils of rope carved into the pillars in homage to one of Portugal's most famous figures, Vasco da Gama, who made history when he became the first navigator to discover a trade route to India. The church houses his tomb along with the country’s most renowned poet, Luís de Camões’. Afterwards, you’ll visit the Cathedral’s ancient cloisters and, with pre-reserved tickets, you’ll walk straight in with no need to wait in line.

Our journey continues as you take in the charming surrounds of fountains and manicured lawns at the Imperio Gardens. Here you’ll see two of Belém’s most monumental landmarks, which also happen to be our next stops, awaiting close by: the Monument to the Discoveries and Belém Tower.

Standing tall over the Tagus river, the Monument to the Discoveries was built to commemorate the age of discoveries. While its eastern side depicts Portugal’s greatest discoverers, the western side shows the supporters who made these voyages possible. Without context, it can be hard to fully appreciate this statue - but you won’t have that problem! Your guide will even show you an optical trick to visualize the sheer size of the ships that once set sail and tell you about the symbolism hiding in plain sight along the monument.

Next, we’ll visit Belém Tower, which guards the entrance to the city. Built in 1515, the tower was originally a defensive fortress to safeguard Lisbon against invasion. As we view it from the outside you’ll get to admire the rolling blue surrounds of the river Tagus and hear about its history as a prison. Then witness it from a whole new perspective as we take to the water for a scenic river cruise. What better way to make our way back into town than on a relaxing scenic river cruise where you’ll see the beautiful city of Lisbon and its top sites, including Belém’s lighthouse, the MAAT museum and Cristo Rei statue and pass under the April 25th Bridge. Not only will you get a taste of the city’s horizons, you’ll sample its cuisine as well with a traditional Portugese custard tart for everyone on board!

The afternoon is one of the best times to visit Belém and on this half day tour, you’ll take in the sights and sounds of this historic area home to landmarks of the Age of Exploration. With an expert guide to show you around, you’ll leave with a sense of adventure that inspired some of the world’s most famous discoverers!