This is a guided boat trip in the historical heart of Lisbon. It's an informative boat trip along the River Tagus which takes you along the city of Lisbon to let you discover the period of the XVIII century and before. See the silent witnesses of the prestigious and glorious past. Your guide and sailor will be doing commentary so you can enjoy the views while also learning about the city of Lisbon.
The express cruise last for 45 minutes and starts at the Cais do Sodré River Station. In this tour you have the opportunity to see from the river the wonderful landscape of the historical city center, passing by Commerce Square, São Jorge Castle, Alfama, National Pantheon, and Santa Apolónia Station. On the way back sail through the middle of the river to observe the enchantment of the hills of Lisbon, and observe from a distance the grandeur of the 25 de Abril Bridge and Crist the King.
The tour is in a traditional 1947 sailing cargo boat with 15 meters and capacity for 50 people. Only 7 boats of this size remain, all of them inscribed in the Navy Museum, which makes this tour quite unique. The boat's decoration is characterized by warm tones and numerous hand-painted flowers, that give a touch of charm and authenticity. The crew will introduce to you the history of the boat, the "Sejas Feliz" (Be Happy), will make the setting of the traditional boats of the Tagus, and will give some historical notes about the main monuments.
The Tagus estuary traditional boats are one of the most important cultural heritage of its coastal communities. Its topological diversity is the largest in Europe, and one of the largest in the world. Among the various types of vessels highlighted: Fragatas, Varinos, Botes de Fragata, Faluas, Cangueiros, Botes, Botes de Pinho, Botes de Água Acima, Canoas and Catraios. For hundreds of years these boats were a fundamental means of transport for the Lisbon region, assuring the transportation of cargo and people between the two river banks. These boats supplied Lisbon, loading and unloading the large ships docked at Lisbon’s port coming from all over the world.
In the late '60s with the introduction of road bridges, these vessels entered into disuse which led to its abandonment. Of the thousands of boats that existed only about 75 survived, duly registered in the “Marinha do Tejo”- living part of Portuguese Navy Museum, and therefore considered as museum pieces. Owning the only large-size Lisbon traditional boats used in maritime-tourism activity, offered is a truly unique experience!
We went as a group of 3 adults for the 45 minute express tour. It's a lovely trip that gives you a fab view of the city. Very relaxing and you get a glass of wine! We had Joana as our tour guide, who spoke...More
We took the early afternoon cruise with Joanna. She was an enthusiastic guide and obviously was delighted to share her knowledge of the Rio Tejo area with the ten of us tourists on the boat. The time passed too quickly— we would highly recommend this...More
I went on this cruise and I was so impressed by the hospitality of the staff and the effort they did. Sid one of the crew member explained everything twice in Italian because my Mum didn’t speak English. Their boat is authentic and everybody is...More
Sid, our boat master was fabulous Gave us a great overview of what we were seeing and the general history of Lisbon. It was great to get away from the people and have a beautiful overall view of the area. This boat trip was a...More
Sid, a marine biologist, was an outstanding guide and narrator. He shared both current and historical information. The crew were highly attentive to passenger safety. Photo ops abound including having your picture taken while steering the “traditional” vessel by tiller. Don’t miss this opportunity.
