Wednesday, April 2, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Lisbon, Portugal.

Where in the World Are We?

We are in the capital of Portugal, Lisbon.

LISBON, PORTUGAL
Portugal’s capital is a stirring artwork of a city

A glorious mosaic of beauty, freedom, and authenticity, Portugal’s capital is a stirring artwork of a city. Known for the seven hills it spreads across, and its stirring fado music, Lisbon is a pastel-coloured blend of houses and beautiful tile artworks. This creative city strikes a perfect harmony between natural and manmade beauty.

Stroll along Alfama’s steep, cobbled streets as you explore one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods, where each house and door could be its photograph. Look for the decorative tiles, with the distinctive blues and whites of Azulejo ceramics, and visit the dedicated museum to learn more.

Afterwards, wind up at São Jorge Castle, where views across Lisbon’s red rooftops unravel. Just one of many majestic viewpoints, you can also seek out Miradouro da Graça for perhaps Lisbon’s finest panorama, with the copper-coloured suspension bridge stretching over sparkling water beyond the sea of buildings.

The elegant Tower of Belém rises in the Tagus estuary and is a historic defender of these shores. The grand, carved cloisters of Jerónimos Monastery spread out close by. Another UNESCO-recognized location is Sintra, a colourful town set amid thick gardens and towering mountains capped by the royal Pena Palace.

Later, relax and take a quick break to drink Ginjinha, a cherry liqueur made from chocolate cups instead of coffee. Lisboetas have a sweet tooth, and the famous Pastel de Nata, with its crumbling pastry and caramelised custard topping, is essential to any coffee stop.

SIGHTS
• Castelo de S. Jorge
• Belém Tower
• Jerónimos Monastery
• Oceanário de Lisboa
• Mercado da Ribeira

SHOPPING
The Avenida da Liberdade is the swankiest shopping street in Lisbon, lined with high-end shops and designer boutiques.
This tree-lined Boulevard is home to many of Portugal’s most exclusive stores (Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Cartier) and the location of many fine restaurants and bars. The Avenida da Liberdade is also a characterful street to wander, with grand 19th-century architecture and shaded formal gardens.

LxFactory is Lisbon’s urban and creative hub. Independent shops, stalls, and cafes have created an artisanal shopping experience in this once-abandoned industrial area.

Today’s Excursion – Panoramic Lisbon & Tagus River Cruise
We explored Lisbon from a unique perspective during this picturesque city tour via river boat and bus.

Europe’s second-oldest capital (after Athens), once home to the world’s greatest explorers like Vasco da Gama, Magellan, and Prince Henry the Navigator, became the first valid world city, the capital of an empire spreading over all continents, from South America to Asia. The former launch pad for many of the world’s most remarkable voyages is now where modern travelers discover its history.

Tagus River Cruise
Along the way, discover the beauty and charm of Lisbon as seen from the river. See a Roman castle perched on a hilltop and a
12th-century cathedral in the centre of Alfama’s Moorish District before passing under the spectacular April 25th Suspension
Bridge. In the distance is the monumental statue of Christ the King, built to honour Portugal’s neutrality during World War II.
Take a sail along the banks of the Belem area on your private boat. En route, see the 15th-century New Harbour and a
memorial to Prince Henry. Your river boat cruise concludes with a look at the Royal Monastery of St. Jerome and the unique
Belem Tower was built as a fortress to defend the harbour of the wealthy Portuguese capital during the 15th and 16th centuries.
These historic buildings date from the Discovery Period and the reign of King Manuel I.

Lisbon City Tour
Upon returning to the river boat terminal, we took a coach for a scenic sightseeing drive through the centre of Lisbon. As
we proceeded along the main streets and squares, a brief stop was made at the top of King Edward VII Park for spectacular views of the city and harbour. From here, we continued past Pombal Square, the famous Liberty Avenue, Rossio, the heart of Lisbon, and the historic Baixa District en route to the unique Comercio Square, which is located along the waterfront.

Dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant