Tag: Lisbon

10 Unique Tours to Book from Get Your Guide

Published on by Ashley BonnerLeave a comment

10 Unique Tours to Book from Get Your Guide

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Get Your Guide is an incredible company that offers tours around the world with local guides who can teach you about the culture and history of the place you are traveling to. Not only will you be able to do more than one thing at the destination that you are visiting, but transportation and trying the local food are often included. Below are the 10 unique tours to book from Get Your Guide based on research and personal experience.

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#1: Benagil Boat Tour in Portugal- BOOK THE TOUR

I recently went to Portugal and one of our day trips was a boat tour through the Algarve and a stop at the beautiful beaches in Lagos that I booked from Get Your Guide.

Stop 1: Boat

The Benagil Boat tour stopped through the most beautiful sights ever, thanks to the clear water crashing along the enormous limestone and sandstone cliffs off the coast of Portugal. There are so many geological formations along the way and what better way to see the rock formations than on a boat?

Stop 2: Lagos Beaches

There are over 100 beaches to discover in Lagos; however, the beaches we saw from a lookout point on the tour were Praia Do Camilo and Ponte de Piedade.

Stop 3: Lunch

We even got to go out to eat at Luca’s Rooftop. I highly recommend this restaurant because the views from the rooftop were incredible, and the food was delicious. Even if you do not book this tour, I recommend making a reservation because this restaurant was phenomenal, thanks to the DELICIOUS chicken wings, t-bone steak, and grilled king tiger prawns we ordered. The margarita was a perfect mix of sweet and salty. Our waiter was kind and gave us FREE Porto wine to try at the end of our meal. The wine was delightful and a fun fact is that I got to have two glasses because my boyfriend does not drink wine. 

Conclusion:

Our tour started and ended in Lisbon, which meant a three-hour drive both ways, so if you are on a time limit and are staying in Lisbon, book this tour; however, if you have more time, I recommend staying in Lagos and avoiding the long journey in one day. 

#2: Sintra Day Trip from Lisbon- BOOK THE TOUR

WOW! The Sintra Day Trip was incredible, thanks to our tour guide! Tom and I had the best time because our day was educational and entertaining. We did not stop laughing and seriously had the best day on our vacation in Lisbon. We visited Sintra and Pena Palace.

Stop 1: Pena Palace

The Palace was breathtaking, with its stunning views of the greenery and mountains, and I even got to enjoy a delicious hot chocolate while taking in the scenery.

Stop 2: Lookout Points

After the Palace, we headed to Azenhas do Mar Beach to explore the natural seawater pools, which was an impressive view.

We also visited Europe’s most western point, which used to be known as the “End of the World” back when people thought the world was flat.

Stop 3: Sintra and Cascais

Throughout the day, we stopped by two beautiful towns, Sintra, a World Heritage Site, and Cascais, a charming seaside town. My favorite town was Cascais because of the palm trees, restaurants, coffee shops, souvenir shops, and the nearby beach. 

#3: Kecack Dance in Bali at Uluwatu Temple- Entry Ticket–

 I will never forget the traditional dance the Balinese natives performed with the flames of fire and traditional yet colorful costumes. I have an entire video of the performance. The video has a segment of my friend Ari, who was with me at the Kecack Dance in Bali, and her facial expressions are everything! The performance takes place at the Uluwatu Temple and as the sunsets daily. The cultural performance represents Balinese Hinduism! The show is a rhythmic chant and Balinese dance showcasing the battle from the Hindu epic Ramayana in which Rama fights the demonic King Ravana with the help of the monkey god Hanuman.

#4: Off-Road Buggy Tour in the Turks and Caicos- BOOK THE TOUR

One of my favorite Caribbean Islands is Turks and Caicos, thanks to the incredible turquoise blue waters. A perfect day trip to book on the Island is an off-road buggy tour. You will see the Island’s rugged terrain and visit hidden gems on the adventure. Three memorable stops will be at Blue Hills Mountain, Pirate Cove, and Chalk Sound National Park. You will hear about the legends of Pirates who had experienced shipwrecks at Pirate Cove. 

#5: Saint Thomas Catamaran Tour- BOOK THE TOUR

I LOVED Saint Thomas, perhaps more than Turks and Caicos, because I was with my perfect boyfriend and it was very romantic. We got to go on this Catamaran tour I am recommending to you! You will set sail on a catamaran, where you will enjoy rum punch and go snorkeling with sea turtles and other underwater sea life. 

#6: Saint Lucia Adventure from Castries- BOOK THE TOUR

I stayed in Castries and had the time of my life in Saint Lucia, from seeing the Pitons to relaxing at our all-inclusive hotel with 360-degree views. One of the highlights was adventuring outside our PERFECT resort and going on a day tour to see the world’s only drive-in volcano, swimming in mineral springs at the beautiful botanical gardens, enjoying a relaxing mud bath, and seeing two waterfalls. The waterfalls were breathtaking. You even go rum-tasting and stop at an incredible lookout point to see the Pitons from afar. Dannyboy made the experience FUN and UNFORGETTABLE.

#7: From Tokyo: Mt. Fuji Full-Day Sightseeing Trip- BOOK THE TOUR

red and gray pagoda temple
Photo by Tomáš Malík on Pexels.com

This top-rated tour from Tokyo will take you to discover the infamous Mount Fiji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will see views of the iconic mountain from Kawaguchi Lake, 5th Station, and Oshino Hakkai! Lastly, you will stroll through the Arakura Sengen Shrine and learn about Japanese history and culture.

#8:  Athens: Acropolis and 6 Archaeological Sites- Combo Ticket

I booked this combo ticket in Athens and trust me, the ticket does not disappoint. You will see the top sites in Athens and avoid LONG lines, from the Acropolis and the Roman Agora to Aristotle’s School and Keramikos Ancient Cemetery. You can wander through the sites at your own pace. My favorite spot was the breathtaking views of the city from Acropolis Hill. 

#9: Cusco: Rainbow Mountain Day Trip and Red Valley-BOOK THE TOUR

Rainbow Mountain is a gorgeous colored mountain not far from Cusco, and the best way to hike it is with a guide. You will have the option to see Red Valley for even more beautiful views along the journey. Be careful because of elevation. If you are not an experienced hiker, the option to ride a horse to get to the top is always there. At the top, you will most likely spot alpacas, llamas, and vicunas while soaking in the views. 

#10: Cartagena: 5-Stop Island Hopping Tour with Lunch & Snorkel- BOOK THE TOUR

flock of fish swimming under blue sea
Photo by Daniel Torobekov on Pexels.com

I am going to Cartagena, Colombia this summer during August of 2024 and you bet your bottom dollar I am booking this 5-stop Island Hopping Tour with lunch and snorkeling. You will travel by speedboat to see Rosario Island, Cholon Island, and Baru. As you go snorkeling, you will see the remains of one of Pablo Escobar’s former planes underwater and wildlife in the beautiful crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean. I CAN’T WAIT!

 We shared 10 unique tours to book from Get Your Guide based on personal experience and research. Please comment below if you have ever completed any of these tours!

Similar Post: Top 5 Best Selling Tours on Viator

24 Best Things to Do in Lisbon

Published on by Ashley BonnerLeave a comment

Lisbon is a vibrant and beautiful city in Portugal with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a lively culture. From exploring historic neighborhoods to sampling delicious Portuguese cuisine, you will never be bored. This post is research for my upcoming trip on March 31st! We booked our hotel from Booking.com and a few excursions from Get Your Guide. We have a day trip booked to Lagos and the Benagil Caves and a Sintra day trip! I have not yet planned what we will do for our free days in Lisbon, so I created this list to help me decide on our itinerary! I will update this list when I get back from Portugal in April! Here are the 24 best things to do in Lisbon, Portugal.

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TIP: Buy the Lisbon Card for unlimited public transportation and free admission to 39 museums, monasteries, castles, and more historic, world-famous sites on one pass for 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours!

Special Discount!

Save 20% Your First Order!

Where to Stay?

Praca Do Comercio Main Square

We are staying in the Chiado neighborhood. I will write my review of our hotel when we get back from the trip! In the meantime, search for a hotel in Lisbon below!!

How to Get Around Lisbon?

tram on steep street in lisbon
Tram 28
  • 1- Take a Ride on Tram 28- Hop on Lisbon’s famous yellow tram 28 for a scenic journey through the city’s historic neighborhoods.

The Best Neighborhoods to Discover:

Alfama
  • 2- Parque das Nações- Visit Lisbon’s modern waterfront district, home to the Lisbon Oceanarium, the Vasco da Gama Tower, and the Vasco da Gama Bridge.
  • 3- Alfama- Wander through the narrow streets of Alfama, one of Lisbon’s oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods. Discover historic buildings, stunning views, and charming cafes along the way.
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Bairro Alto
  • 4- Bairro Alto- If you are a night owl, check out Lisbon’s nightlife hotspot, known for its lively bars, restaurants, and street art.
  • 5- Chiado district- Explore this trendy neighborhood known for its upscale shopping, vibrant cafes, and historic landmarks. Discover charming boutiques and cultural attractions along the way. A great way to see the historic neighborhoods in Lisbon is to book a guided walking tour!

Palaces to See:

National Palace of Queluz
  • 6- Visit the National Palace of Queluz- Explore this beautiful 18th-century palace. You will enjoy its stunning architecture, gardens, and historical significance. BOOK YOUR TICKET!!!
Ajuda National Palace
  • 7- Ajuda National Palace was the last residence of the Portuguese Royal Family in the 18th and 19th centuries. The former Royal Palace is now a national monument and museum. BOOK YOUR TICKET

Views:

Historical Belem Tower
  • 8- Visit the iconic Belém Tower – This 16th-century tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the tower’s stunning architecture and enjoy panoramic views of the Tagus River. BOOK YOUR ENTRY TICKET
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Santa Justa Lift
  • 9- Climb the Santa Justa Lift- Take a ride on this historic elevator for stunning views of Lisbon’s downtown area.
Miradouros
  • 10- Miradouros – Visit one of Lisbon’s many scenic viewpoints. Enjoy panoramic views of Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods, riverfront, and beyond.
Arco Da Rua Augusta

Religious Sites:

Jeronimos Monastery
  • 12- Jerónimos Monastery- Located near Belém Tower, this impressive monastery is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire its intricate Manueline architecture and visit the resting place of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. Book Your Ticket!
Historic Lisbon Cathedral
  • 13- Historic Lisbon Cathedral- Visit this stunning medieval cathedral, one of the city’s oldest and most important religious buildings. Admire its beautiful architecture and explore its interior. BOOK YOUR ENTRY TICKET

Food:

Pasteis De Nata
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  • 14- Sample Portuguese Cuisine at Time Out Market- Visit this food hall at the Mercado da Ribeira. Sample traditional Portuguese dishes from some of Lisbon’s top chefs.

Museums:

  • 15-Discover the National Tile Museum– Visit this unique museum dedicated to the art of Portuguese tiles, known as azulejos. Admire its stunning collection of tiles and learn about their history and significance in Portugal. ENTRANCE TICKET
  • 16- Explore the Tile Factory- Visit the historic Viúva Lamego tile factory, known for its beautiful hand-painted tiles. Discover the process of creating these intricate designs and purchase unique tiles.
  • 17- Visit the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum- Explore one of Lisbon’s most famous art museums, known for its impressive collection of European and Asian art. Discover paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from around the world.
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Parks:

  • 18-Relax in Jardim da Estrela- Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and unwind in this peaceful park in the Estrela district.
  • 19- Discover the Gulbenkian Gardens- Relax in the tranquil green oasis of the Gulbenkian Gardens. Explore its peaceful grounds, lakes, and sculptures.

Culture:

  • 20- Enjoy a Fado show- Immerse yourself in Portugal’s traditional music genre, Fado, by attending a live performance in one of Lisbon’s historic Fado houses. Experience the emotional and soulful sounds of this unique musical form. BOOK FADO IN CHIADO TICKETS
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Day Trips:

  • 21- Take a Day Trip to Sintra- Explore the beautiful town of Sintra on a guided tour from Lisbon, where you will discover stunning palaces, colorful gardens, and historic landmarks in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. BOOK THE DAY TRIP
  • 22- Take a Day Trip to Cascais- Explore the charming coastal town of Cascais, home to beautiful beaches and historic landmarks! BOOK THE DAY TRIP
  • 23- Relax on the Beaches of Costa da Caparica- Unwind on the beautiful beaches of Costa da Caparica, located just a short drive from Lisbon. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and water sports on this picturesque coastline.

Boat Ride:

  • 24-Take a Cruise on the Tagus River- Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Tagus River for stunning views of Lisbon’s waterfront, bridges, and historic landmarks. Relax and enjoy the sights from the water. BOOK A SUNSET BOAT CRUISE

We shared 24 best things to do in Lisbon! Lisbon is a beautiful city that I cannot wait to discover on March 31st. I will update this list when I return from my travels in April with a FULL review of where we stayed and what we accomplished on a time limit and budget. Thank you for reading!!

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Similar Post: How to Spend One Week in Portugal

24 Best Things to Do in Lisbon

How to Spend One Week in Portugal

Published on by Ashley Bonner2 Comments

How to Spend One Week in Portugal

Portugal is a dream destination that you will not regret visiting. The charming country has beautiful landscapes. Portugal is known for its historic castles, stunning beaches, and energetic cities. You have to try the delicious seafood cuisine and wine while you are there. Below is how to spend one week in Portugal.

Book a Flight to and from Lisbon:

gray plane wing
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Tips for Visiting:

  • Money to Use: Euro
  • Local Language: Portuguese
  • Best Food to Try: Seafood
  • Popular Drinks: Porto Wine, Ginja, and Licor Beirão
  • Transportation: Boat, Train, Tram 28, or Bus

Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon + Sunset Boat Cruise-

white and orange concrete house near body of water
Photo by Helena I on Pexels.com

Unpack and settle into your hotel in Lisbon! We recommend staying in the heart of Lisbon! We list many things to do in Lisbon on your first full day in Portugal; however, you might not have time to get to it all! 

Find a Hotel in Lisbon from Night 1-3:

About Lisbon:

The architecture, art, and scenic views are charming. In Lisbon, you will be able to see new and old areas, with the benefits of the city being the least expensive capital in Europe. If you look at pictures of narrow streets and architecture in Lisbon, the photos will make you want to go. 

Stop 1: Enjoy Coffee-

two cups of brown coffee on top of brown tray
Photo by Valeriia Miller on Pexels.com

Start your morning with a delicious cup of coffee! The coffee culture in Portugal brings people together! Be sure to visit Fabrica Coffee Roasters for an incredible cup that will spark your senses. After enjoying a tasty cup of coffee, go to Praca do Comercio. Praca do Comercio is a beautiful plaza to add to your Lisbon bucket list. 

Stop 2: Visit the National Tile Museum, Ajuda National Palace, or Lisbon Cathedral-

Option 1: National Tile Museum

Portugal is known for its ceramic tiles or colorful Azulejos and Pombaline architecture. The architecture became prominent in the downtown area when the country was designed and rebuilt in Lisbon following the earthquake in 1755. Speaking of the incredible ceramic tiles, you must go to the National Tile Museum while you are in Lisbon! Other museums to see are the Navy Museum and the National Coach Museum.

Option 2: Ajuda National Palace

Ajuda National Palace was the last residence of the Portuguese Royal Family in the 18th and 19th centuries. The former Royal Palace is now a national monument and museum.

Option 3: Lisbon Cathedral

The Lisbon Cathedral dates back to the 12th century and has a Romanesque style.

Stop 3: Lisbon Winery or Sunset Boat Cruise-

Option 1: Lisbon Winery

close up photography of wine glasses
Photo by Valeria Boltneva on Pexels.com

 The best place to try tapas and taste different types of wine is at the Lisbon Winery! 

Option 2: Sail at Sunset

silhouette photo of watercraft
Photo by Mo Eid on Pexels.com

Finish your evening to see Lisbon’s monuments from the water during a 2-hour boat cruise!

Day 2: Sintra Day Trip-

Learn about Sintra’s architecture and history with a professional tour guide. The tour guide will take a small group to see TWO palaces at Pena National Park, a sea arch, and a seaside town. The Sintra day trip from Lisbon will be the time of your life!

  • Palaces in Pena National Park Palaces: Palacio and Quinta da Regaleira
  • Sea Arch in Marina in Cascais: Boca do Inferno
  • Seaside Town: Praia das Azenhas do Mar

Day 3: Lisbon Walking Tour-

Sometimes it is better to learn about a new place by a guided tour! Take a guided walking tour of central Lisbon to see the main attractions. You will stroll through the Alfama, Baixa, and Chiado and discover the revolutionary history of Lisbon in Restauradores Square.

You will ride Tram 28 throughout the day. Tram 28 is one of the best ways to get around Lisbon. It is a historic form of transportation that can take you to these popular neighborhoods!

Day 4: Lisbon to Lagos + Beach Day-

bird s eye view photography of cove
Photo by julie aagaard on Pexels.com

Buy Train Tickets from Lisbon to Lagos!

Find a Hotel in Lagos for Nights 4 and 5:

Lagos is the most visited city in Algarve. Spend your first day in Lagos at the beach. The beaches come in all shapes, sizes, and colors because some are crystal-clear blue colors while others are emerald green. Some beaches are calm, and others have greater intensity. You will fall in love with the beaches of Portugal. The best beach to see is Ponte de Piedade in Lagos. Other great beaches are Praia Do Camilo and the Caves of Benagil Beach. 

Day 5: Boat Day

Option 1: Caves of Benagil Boat Day

Caves of Benagil

There are so many geological formations along the beaches in Lagos and what better way to see the rock formations than go on a boat tour to get to the caves of Benagil? These caves are INSANELY beautiful! 

Option 2: Caves of Ponta da Piedade Boat Day

Ponta da Piedade is the BEST BEST BEACH in all of Lagos. It is rated #1 on TripAdvisor!! You can take a boat trip to get to this beach!!!

Day 6: Lagos to Lisbon

Buy Train Tickets from Lagos to Lisbon!

Find a Hotel Near the Lisbon Airport for Nights 6:

Go out to dinner in Lisbon!

Day 7: Fly Home

silhouette of airplanes
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Unpack and fly home!

We shared how to spend a week in Portugal! Have you ever been to Portugal? Please comment about your experience.

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Similar Post: 5 Reasons to Travel to Portugal