Food & Drink Private Tour in Lisbon & Cacilhas w/ Ferry Included

Discover Authentic Lisbon and Cacilhas on a Food & Drink Tour

Imagine wandering through the lively streets of Lisbon, then crossing the Tagus River to a charming fishing village for a feast of local seafood, tapas, and wine. This private tour, costing around $176 per person, lasts about three and a half hours and offers a personalized way to experience Portuguese cuisine and culture. Led by knowledgeable guides—like André, who gets rave reviews—you’ll visit iconic spots, enjoy scenic river views, and sample dishes that truly showcase the region’s flavors.

What sets this tour apart is its combination of walking, ferry crossings, and intimate tastings. We particularly love the opportunity to see Lisbon from different angles—starting in the bustling Praça Luís de Camões and ending with a sunset walk along the river in Cacilhas. Plus, all snacks, ferry tickets, and meals are included, making it a stress-free experience. However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or are traveling with mobility concerns, the tour’s busy itinerary might feel a bit fast.

This experience is perfect for travelers who want to combine cultural insights with culinary delights. Food lovers eager to try authentic Portuguese petiscos and seafood, as well as those interested in stunning river views and local traditions, will find plenty to enjoy here. It’s also well-suited for those who appreciate guided tours that focus on personalization and behind-the-scenes stories.

Key Points

• Authentic Flavors: Sample traditional Portuguese petiscos and seafood, paired with local wines.
• Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Lisbon from Cacilhas and along the river.
• Personalized Experience: A private guide makes the tour flexible and tailored to your interests.
• Inclusive Details: All ferry tickets, snacks, and meals are covered—no hidden costs.
• Cultural Insights: Learn about Portuguese food traditions and local history from your guide.
• Flexible Ending: Return to Lisbon by boat or finish exploring Cacilhas on your own.

A Full Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Starting in Lisbon: Praça Luís de Camões

Your journey begins in Praça Luís de Camões, the heart of Lisbon’s social life. Here, you’ll get a quick yet meaningful introduction to the city’s vibrant atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot to understand where locals gather and set the tone for your culinary adventure. This square, dedicated to the father of the Portuguese language, offers a glimpse into Lisbon’s cultural pride.

Visiting Miradouro de Santa Catarina

Next, you’ll make a brief stop at Miradouro de Santa Catarina, one of Lisbon’s most picturesque viewpoints. From this vantage point, you’ll take in sweeping views of the city and the river, ideal for snapping photos. Here, you’ll get a welcome drink—perhaps a cherry liquor (ginja), wine liqueur (moscatel), or a small beer—at a traditional Portuguese kiosk. Many reviewers, like Katherine, appreciated this as a charming, relaxed start to the tour, offering both scenery and local flavor.

Sampling Preserved Fish at Rua do Arsenal 138

A highlight for seafood lovers is a visit to a shop specializing in preserved fish—sardines, tuna, and mackerel are the stars. This spot offers a tasting of these well-preserved delights, often accompanied by a crisp white wine from Alentejo or Vinho Verde. This stop is especially praised for its authenticity, with one reviewer calling it “the best preserved fish in Lisbon.” It’s a chance to taste the subtle differences in local fish preparations.

Crossing to Cacilhas by Ferry

After the fish shop, you’ll hop aboard a ferry at Cais do Sodré, crossing the Tagus River to Cacilhas. The 20-minute boat ride is more than just transportation—it’s part of the experience, offering fantastic views of Lisbon’s skyline and the iconic 25 April Bridge. Many travelers, such as Janine, appreciate this seamless blend of city and river scenery, making the journey feel more like a part of the adventure than a simple commute.

Exploring Cacilhas and the Sunset Walk

Upon arrival in Cacilhas, you’ll stroll through this colorful fishing village, renowned for its traditional vibe. The walk along the river at sunset is particularly enchanting, with the old fish factories creating a nostalgic backdrop. As Andre’s reviews describe, this is a “romantic and naive” walk that captures the village’s rustic charm, especially as the sun dips behind the bridge.

Dinner and Wine in Almada

Next, you’ll stop at a cozy restaurant in Almada, perched at the end of the pathway, where you can enjoy Portuguese wine and petiscos—small, flavorful dishes typical of local taverns. The setting is romantic, particularly as you watch the sunset from this vantage point. Reviewers often highlight the quality of the wine and the authenticity of the dishes, which reflect real Portuguese dining.

Authentic Seafood Feast in Cacilhas

The tour culminates with a dinner at one of the best fish restaurants in Cacilhas. Here, you’ll indulge in a variety of seafood and petiscos, paired with local wines. Many guests find this meal to be the highlight—a genuine taste of Portuguese coastal cuisine, served in a lively, no-frills atmosphere. The included meal ensures you get an authentic, satisfying experience without extra expense.

Returning to Lisbon

Finally, you can choose to return by boat, retracing your steps and savoring the last views of the river, or finish at Cais do Sodré, where your guide will leave you free to explore further or head back on your own. The tour includes the ferry tickets for the return, making logistics smoother and letting you focus on enjoying the scenery.

What Travelers Say: Authenticity and Value

Reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides—like André—for their storytelling ability and local insights. Katherine mentioned, “We had André as our guide. It was fun, and we learned a lot about Lisbon’s streets and history, while tasting delicious wine and seafood.” Many appreciate that the tour isn’t rushed, providing a well-paced look at the city and its culinary traditions.

The scenic views are another highlight. Janine describes the sunset walk along the river as “full of whimsy and nostalgia,” with the old fish factories and bridge providing a picturesque backdrop. The inclusion of ferry rides is seen as a clever way to add variety and authentic local transportation to the experience.

Most reviews note the quality of food and drink, emphasizing the chance to sample real, local petiscos and seafood—far from touristy spots. The wines are also well-liked, with the chance to taste regional varieties that pair perfectly with the dishes.

Value for Money

At around $176, this tour offers a significant amount of value—combining culinary tasting, scenic transportation, and cultural insights in one experience. All the tickets, meals, and ferry rides are included, so there are no hidden costs, and the personalized private guide elevates it beyond typical group excursions.

Possible Drawbacks

Some might find the itinerary busy, especially if they prefer a more leisurely pace or have mobility issues. The tour involves walking, boat rides, and several stops in quick succession. Also, the timing is tight, so travelers needing more flexibility might want to plan extra time for exploring Cacilhas afterward.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for foodies eager to taste authentic Portuguese petiscos and seafood while enjoying scenic river views. It’s also ideal for culture lovers who want more than just a walking tour—who appreciate learning about local traditions from knowledgeable guides. If you’re traveling with a sense of adventure and enjoy combining sightseeing with culinary delights, this tour fits perfectly.

It’s especially good for those wanting a personalized experience, as the private guide tailors the journey, making it more engaging. Travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic outing combined with delicious food and wine will find this a memorable way to experience Lisbon’s culinary side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but keep in mind the walking involved and the boat rides. It’s best suited for those comfortable with some physical activity and moving between stops.

How long does the ferry ride last?
The boat crossing from Lisbon to Cacilhas takes about 20 minutes, offering a scenic view of the city skyline and the bridge.

Are meals and drinks included?
Yes, all snacks, ferry tickets, and the main meal are included in the price, making it easy to enjoy without worrying about extra costs.

Can I customize the tour?
Since it’s a private experience, guides can often tailor the tour to your interests, focusing more on food, history, or photography.

What type of food will I taste?
You’ll sample preserved fish, Portuguese petiscos, seafood, and regional wines. The dishes reflect local traditions and maritime flavors.

Is there time to explore after the tour ends?
Yes, you can choose to return to Lisbon by boat or stay in Cacilhas to explore further, as the tour includes the boat tickets for the return.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 96 days in advance, indicating its popularity among those planning ahead.

What’s the best time of day for the tour?
Many reviews highlight the sunset walk, so late afternoon or early evening offers the most atmospheric experience.

Final Thoughts

This private food tour in Lisbon and Cacilhas offers a delightful blend of culinary discovery, scenic views, and cultural stories. It’s a fantastic way to see a different side of Lisbon—away from the typical tourist spots—and dive into authentic flavors with local guides. The inclusion of ferry rides, scenic walks, and a relaxed dinner makes it a well-rounded experience that appeals to travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

It’s particularly suited for those who value personalized attention, love seafood, and want to enjoy Lisbon from both land and river perspectives. The tour’s detailed itinerary and positive reviews suggest it’s a worthwhile investment for anyone wanting a memorable, immersive taste of Portugal’s coastal culture.

If you’re looking for an experience that combines authentic cuisine, beautiful scenery, and local life, this tour checks all those boxes—delivering a genuine slice of Lisbon’s culinary soul.