Discover the history of making tiles or "azulejos" in Lisbon. Lisbon's artisans have been making tiles since the 13th century. The first tiles were blue and white, then yellow and green. First, they were simple geometric shapes that covered blank spaces on walls. Later, they became more ornate, decorating church altars and depicting Portuguese history and culture. Today, they decorate restaurants, bars, railway stations, palaces, and homes. Every tourist brings home one or two tiles as souvenirs.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Wifi on board
✔ Tile Workshop and visit tile factory
✔ Free Hotel pickup and drop-off only in Lisbon
✔ Entrance fees to Palacio da Bacalhoa - If you choose Option 1
✔ Transport by air-conditioned car or minivan
✔ Tickets to Palacio Nacional de Sintra - if you choose option 2
✔ Your own Driver/guide
✖ Entrance fees unless mentioned in inclusions
✖ Food and drinks, unless specified
Pickup Locations
1. Imperador Hotel
2. EasyHotel Lisbon
3. Hotel Ibis Lisboa Jose Malhoa
4. VIP Inn Berna Hotel
5. Hotel Nacional
6. Pensao Estacao Central
7. Residencial Dona Maria II
8. Hotel Botanico
9. Altis Prime Hotel
10. Hotel A. S. Lisboa
11. Hotel Alicante
12. Albergaria Senhora Do Monte
13. Hotel Dom Carlos Park
14. Lisboa Pessoa Hotel
15. Alegria a Lisbon Boutique Hotel
16. Turim Terreiro Do Paco Hotel
17. Ever Lisboa - City Center Hotel
18. Memmo Alfama Hotel
19. Hotel Jorge V
20. WC by The Beautique Hotels
Additional Info: Pickup and Drop-off only in Lisbon hotels are included on the tour price.
Itinerary
1
National Tile Museum
Visit the National Tile Museum, the former Mother of God Monastery. The collection features tiles from the 15th century until the present. The permanent exhibition shows the materials used in making the tiles and the techniques used in their manufacture. You will see the baroque church with its blue and white tiles and gold altar and ceiling. On the monastery's roof is a large tile panel depicting Lisbon before the 1755 earthquake that destroyed most of the city.
Duration: 2 hours
2
Palacio e Quinta da Bacalhoa
Cross the river and head to the village of Vila Nogueira de Azeitao, where we will first visit the Quinta Bacalhoa Palace, gardens, and winery. This palace contains many beautiful tile panels, and the winery has many delicious bottles of wine, which we will sample.
Duration: 2 hours
3
Azulejos de Azeitao
Finally, our journey will end in a tile factory, where you will watch the artisans make and decorate the tiles, then a workshop to make one of your own.
Duration: 60 minutes
4
Sintra National Palace
Visit the town of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. First, we will visit the Sintra National Palace, known as the castle of Moors, which dates to the 8th century. As we wander through its ornate rooms, we will see many different styles and techniques of tile art. Next, our afternoon will continue through the beautiful town of Sintra. Finally, our journey ends at the Constance Piriquita Factory, where we will enjoy Sintra's delicacies – travesseiros, a puff pastry filled with almond cream, or queijadas, a sweet cake made of cheese, eggs, milk, and sugar.
Duration: 2 hours
5
Serra da Arrabida
Visit the Arrabida Natural Park, a 42-mile protected habitat in the district of Setubal that offers some of the most stunning coastal scenery in the Lisbon area. Marvel at the mountainous landscapes and cliffs reaching the ocean. Look for unique flora and fauna. Then, sunbathe on two of the park’s spectacular beaches, popular with the locals, Portinho da Arrabida and Figueirinha.
Duration: 60 minutes
Additional info
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
• Dress code is smart casual
