Lisbon: a guided tour of the city and the simulator of the earthquake that changed it

Explore Lisbon’s Streets and Historic Sites in a 9-Hour Guided Tour

This 9-hour guided tour of Lisbon offers an engaging blend of cultural sights, historical insights, and sensory experiences. Starting at the Tivoli Hotel, the tour takes you through the city’s most iconic viewpoints, landmarks, and hidden stories. A standout feature is the visit to the Quake Museum, where you relive the 1755 earthquake through an immersive simulator.

Designed for those interested in Lisbon’s layered history, this tour combines sightseeing with storytelling, providing a comprehensive picture of how the city has evolved. The itinerary includes stunning viewpoints, significant religious and royal sites, and a lunch stop with local cuisine options. A smaller group ensures personalized attention, making this a manageable and insightful experience.

While the schedule is packed, the physical demands are moderate—comfortable shoes are recommended. This tour is particularly suited for history buffs, architecture lovers, and anyone eager to understand Lisbon’s resilience after one of Europe’s most impactful earthquakes. It’s a fulfilling way to see the city’s highlights in one day.

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Key Points

• Full-day Lisbon city tour lasting 9 hours, starting at the Tivoli Hotel.
• Includes scenic viewpoints like Santa Luzia and Nossa Senhora do Monte for panoramic city views.
• Visit to the Quake Museum provides a sensory experience of the 1755 earthquake.
• Tour covers historic landmarks such as São Vicente de Fora, Pantheon, Jerónimos Monastery, and Belém Tower.
• A local restaurant break offers a chance to enjoy authentic Portuguese cuisine.
• The tour is led by a live guide in Portuguese and English, limited to 8 participants for a more personal experience.

The Tour Starts at the Tivoli Hotel in Lisbon

The journey begins at the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade in the heart of Lisbon. The guide will meet participants at this central location, with precise coordinates provided for easy meeting. This starting point allows convenient access to many of the city’s key sites and sets the tone for a day filled with stories and sights.

From here, the tour moves swiftly into the city’s historic neighborhoods, with a focus on viewpoints that showcase Lisbon’s skyline and river. The Santa Luzia Viewpoint is the first stop, offering a friendly atmosphere and beautiful photo opportunities. Next, the Nossa Senhora do Monte Viewpoint provides the best overall vista of Lisbon’s rooftops and the Tagus River.

Visiting Lisbon’s Religious and Royal Heritage Sites

The tour includes a pass-by of São Vicente de Fora, a church where many Portuguese kings are buried. The Pantheon of Santa Engracia is also on the route, where visitors can glimpse the final resting place of notable national figures. These sites are appreciated for their architecture and their links to Portugal’s royal and political history.

External views of these landmarks make for memorable photo stops, while their stories add depth to the tour’s narrative. The Jerónimos Monastery and Ajuda National Palace are further highlights, with the monastery’s external beauty standing out and the palace being the residence of Portugal’s last monarchs.

Discover Lisbon’s Central Square and Famous Streets

Praça do Comércio is a major highlight, hosting historical events and offering a stunning view of the river. The square serves as a hub of Lisbon’s history and life, with the guide explaining its significance. Following this, a walk to Luís de Camões Square leads to A Brasileira, a renowned café that has hosted many writers and artists.

This segment offers a taste of Lisbon’s vibrant street life, blending cultural landmarks with local flavor. The walk lasts about an hour, connecting different parts of the city seamlessly.

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Immersive Experience at the Quake Museum

A key feature of this tour is the visit to the Quake Museum, where the sensory journey begins. The museum recreates the 1755 earthquake in a way that feels immediate and real, helping visitors understand the scale and impact of the disaster. The simulator allows participants to relive the earthquake and see how Lisbon’s architecture and infrastructure responded to the catastrophe.

This experience takes approximately 100 minutes, making it one of the most memorable parts of the day. It’s suitable for those eager to learn about Lisbon’s resilience and response to natural disasters, with detailed explanations about the earthquake’s context before, during, and after.

Sampling Portuguese Cuisine During a Lunch Break

The tour includes a lunch stop at a local restaurant, offering the chance to sample authentic Portuguese dishes. The guide provides suggestions in Belém, a neighborhood famous for its culinary delights, so travelers can enjoy a true taste of Lisbon’s flavors. This break also offers a moment to relax and reflect on the morning’s discoveries.

Exploring Lisbon’s Maritime and Modern Sides

After lunch, the tour visits the Jerónimos Monastery, an architectural masterpiece that’s worth external admiration if not internal exploration. The Belém Tower then comes into view, standing as Portugal’s iconic symbol of maritime exploration. The Monument to the Discoveries highlights Portugal’s global navigation achievements, with impressive views of the Tagus River.

Next, the Parque das Nações offers a glimpse into Lisbon’s modern side. Here, the Gare do Oriente station and the Vasco da Gama Bridge showcase innovative architecture and engineering. The Bridge, the longest in Europe, contrasts with the old city’s charm and underscores Lisbon’s adaptability and growth.

Passing by Lisbon’s Architectural and Cultural Landmarks

The tour continues past Campo Pequeno, a striking Moorish-style bullring that adds a touch of local culture. The Águas Livres Aqueduct, dating back to Roman times, offers a scenic view from the route and emphasizes Lisbon’s long history of engineering prowess.

Throughout the day, the guide points out these landmarks, explaining their significance and how they fit into the city’s evolving landscape. The tour concludes back at the Tivoli Hotel, bringing the day’s explorations full circle.

The Practicalities: Group Size and Logistics

This tour is designed for small groups, limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience. The guide speaks Portuguese and English, providing clear explanations and storytelling throughout. The tour is flexible in cancellation—guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and booking allows for pay later options, making it easy to adapt plans.

Participants are advised to bring comfortable shoes to navigate Lisbon’s cobblestone streets but should note that the tour is not suitable for those in baby carriages or using electric wheelchairs. The schedule is well-paced, with plenty of time at each stop, but expect some walking between sites.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This comprehensive itinerary suits history enthusiasts, architecture fans, and those interested in Lisbon’s recovery from the 1755 earthquake. The added value of the immersive Earthquake Museum makes it especially appealing for visitors wanting a tactile, emotional understanding of Lisbon’s resilience.

The local guide’s storytelling and the small group size enhance the experience, making it engaging without feeling rushed. However, travelers should be prepared for a full day on their feet, and those seeking a more leisurely pace might prefer shorter options.

Final Thoughts on the Lisbon City and Earthquake Simulator Tour

This tour offers a rich combination of landmarks, storytelling, and sensory experiences in Lisbon. The visit to the Quake Museum is a standout feature, providing a deeper understanding of the city’s history and resilience. The scenic viewpoints and historic sites give a well-rounded picture of Lisbon’s evolution from its Roman roots to its modern vibrancy.

While the itinerary is packed, the limited group size and knowledgeable guides ensure an engaging and manageable day. It’s ideal for history lovers and those curious about Lisbon’s past, especially the 1755 earthquake’s impact on the city’s architecture and culture. For travelers who want a thorough exploration with a touch of sensory immersion, this tour offers excellent value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour covers transportation through the city, guide services in Portuguese and English, and admission to the Quake Museum. Lunch is at the participant’s expense, with suggestions provided.

How long is the visit to the Quake Museum?
The museum visit lasts approximately 100 minutes, offering a detailed and sensory recreation of Lisbon’s earthquake.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking, and a camera for photos. No specific dress code is mentioned.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 6 years old are not recommended for this tour.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Hotel in Lisbon.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are there options to pay later?
Yes, the tour allows booking with a reserve now, pay later option.

What languages are spoken during the tour?
Guides speak Portuguese and English.

What kind of group size should I expect?
The tour is limited to 8 participants for a more personalized experience.

Is there any physical difficulty involved?
The tour involves walking and standing at various sites; comfortable shoes are advised. It is not suitable for those with baby carriages or electric wheelchairs.

How long does the entire tour last?
The full experience lasts approximately 9 hours.

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