Lisbon Shore Tours

The Tagus River that you have just sailed up stretches into biggest natural harbour in southern Europe.  This  estuary, or sea of straw  is over 32,000 hectares of safe harbor and provides a sheltered spot from the dashing  Atlantic waves.   The same river  witnessed great commercial splendour in Roman times when the city was named Olisipona, Roman shipping tonnage was so great that it was unequalled until the 16th century. 

Now it's time for you to see how the land lies on one of our shore tours!

The 1515 Belem Tower you have just glided passed is Lisbon defensive fortress built as a symbol of Portuguese naval power, on it Our Lady of Safe Return faces out to sea offers protection to ghosts of sailors of old on their voyages of discovery, she also welcomes to YOU to visit her Lovely Lisbon. Just as in those far off days this Tower, a gem of pure Manueline architecture protects the sea entrance to Lisbon and greets her guests! 

Wherever you are from, ships that sailed in and out of this harbour have influenced your country's history.

1488 Bartolomeu Dias rounds Southern Africa.

1498 Vasco da Gama discovers the sea route to India.

1500 Pedro Alves Cabral reaches Brazil.

1501 Corte Real reaches Newfoundland.

1512 The Portuguese make it to the Moluccas - the Spice Islands.

1513 Trading posts set up in China at Macau and Canton.

1543 The Portuguese arrive in Japan.     

1588 The Spanish Armada sails from Lisbon to defeat Elizabeth I of England. 

 Now you have sailed in let us welcome you ashore and show you where it all started from!