10:00 am: We will spend some time getting to know each other and the bikes. Once you are kitted out with helmets we begin our pedaling through Lisbon.

10:30 am: As a result of the destruction of the greater part of the city by the 1755 earthquake – the most violent registered in history – a complex reconstruction scheme was imposed by the commanding figure Marquês de Pombal.

Here we will tell you about this main part of the city but doing such in funny episodes and bringing up to the conversation unexpected details that made all the difference.

Terreiro do Paço

11:10 am: Why did we built such a huge square here? The King had to have control over the spices, silk and other goods that were transforming Lisbon into the wealthiest capital in Europe (for a certain time…).

What better than have the Palace built by the river, the dock and the customs next door? It´s good to be the King and collect the taxes!

We will go up to the top of the Big Arch you can see in the picture.

Ribeira Market

11:30 am: Follow the lead of locals and come for a browse in the main market. You probably heard about the sucess of the recently opened Ribeira Market food court.

Now, do you know where do these famous chefs buy the ingredients for their restaurants? That´s right, in the old and original market under the same roof and we will explore the daily show of fresh fish, locally farmed fruit and veg.

Witness how the renovation and the new riverside promenade helped boost the wining and dining scene in the hip Cais do Sodre area where 14 restaurants and bars have opened up in the past year.

Ciclovia

12:00 am: Beautiful and romantic: a new set of bike paths placed next to the Tejo river, are tatooed with phrases and poems by famous Portuguese writer Fernando Pessoa.

While it would seem a little strange to read while pedaling you will witness that it´s very relaxing.

6 km of pure joy on a bicycle!

Belém

12:50 am: Once upon a time there was a King who wanted to turn a hermitage into a monastery. The King was Manuel, the date was 1501 and part of the money for the work on the monastery came from the flourishing trade that followed Portugal maritime discoveries.

Appropriately enough, the monastery is a prime example of the Manueline style. But the most exciting moment was the extinction of the religious orders in 1834, so the monks left the monastery and opened a pastry shop next door: our beloved Pastel de Nata was born.

The Tour ends in Belém area, a district you don´t want to miss. There are Unesco World Heritage sites and we will explain you about the different places for you to visit. It is definitely worth it! And because there´s nothing worse than being starving, we will also give you recommendations on places to eat. From Belém back to Lisbon centre there are public transportation options available (bus, train and tram), we will point you out where they are located.