LISBON: Travel to the Other Side of the Veils with a surprising and appetizing ending

Imagine walking through Lisbon’s oldest streets, uncovering stories of angels, demons, and murders that have shaped the city’s mystique. This guided tour, priced at $528 for up to five people, offers a deeply immersive journey through Lisbon’s shadowed history, with a fascinating mix of storytelling, cultural insights, and a delicious finale at Taverna das Marias. With about 2.5 to 3 hours of walking through the historic heart of Lisbon, followed by an hour and a half of wine and snack tasting, this experience promises more than just sightseeing—it’s an authentic dive into the city’s soul.

What we love about this tour is how it balances history and myth with gastronomy. The storytelling in the streets is both engaging and educational, revealing tales of innocence, evil, and mysticism that still whisper through Lisbon’s alleys. The visit to Taverna das Marias feels like an intimate gathering, where each dish and sip brings the history alive in a very personal way. Also, the tour’s focus on Portugal’s regional flavors provides an added layer of cultural appreciation.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour is designed for groups of at least ten, so it might not be ideal for those seeking a very private experience. Plus, participants should be comfortable walking about 4.5 km over uneven, historic terrain. This tour suits curious travelers who enjoy storytelling, history, and local flavors, especially those eager to experience Lisbon beyond the usual sights.

Key Points

• Historical Range: The tour covers Lisbon’s earliest times through the early 20th century, revealing stories of angels, demons, and significant figures.
• Cultural Depth: It offers insights into beliefs, mysticism, murders, and disasters that have left a mark on the city.
• Gastronomic Finale: Ends at Taverna das Marias, where authentic snacks and regional wines bring the stories to life through taste.
• Group Size & Flexibility: Minimum group size of ten; consider the walking distance and terrain when planning.
• Educational & Entertaining: Ideal for history buffs and those who enjoy a lively storytelling approach.
• Price & Value: Priced at $528 for a group of up to five, which offers a good value considering the storytelling, walking, and tasting experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Journey Through Lisbon’s Shadows and Flavors

When we think of Lisbon, many picture its colorful tiled streets, panoramic viewpoints, and vibrant cafes. But beneath this lively surface lies a city layered with stories of angels and demons, innocence and evil, and sometimes deadly secrets. The “Travel to the Other Side of the Veils” tour takes you on a walk through these hidden narratives, revealing the darker side of Lisbon’s history that many travelers miss.

The tour begins at Taverna das Marias, a cozy, authentic restaurant that acts as the starting point and final stop. From there, you’ll walk about 4.5 km through neighborhoods dense with history—learning about divine punishment, witchcraft, and notorious murders. Your guide, Vera Cardoso, leads you through sites associated with these stories, weaving in legends and facts that give life to old stones and alleyways.

What Makes This Tour Special?

First, the storytelling is lively and well-researched—Vera’s narratives are filled with fascinating details that bring Lisbon’s past vividly to life. We loved how she connected historic events like regicide and executions to the city’s modern identity, making history feel immediate and compelling. Second, the gastro-cultural experience at Taverna das Marias is a true highlight. It’s not just about tasting; each snack and wine has a story, often region-specific, that adds flavor to the tales told earlier in the streets.

Another aspect worth noting is the tour’s ease of route—it’s designed for an accessible walk, with manageable distances and a focus on historical sites that are mostly flat or gently sloped. The combination of walking, storytelling, and tasting creates a balanced, multi-sensory experience.

Potential Drawbacks

One consideration is the minimum group size of 10, which might mean waiting until enough travelers sign up. This setup can sometimes make last-minute plans tricky or limit flexibility if you’re traveling solo or as a small couple. Also, since the tour involves walking over historic streets, comfortable shoes are recommended.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for history enthusiasts, lovers of mystery and stories of intrigue, and foodies eager to explore regional flavors. It’s ideal for those who don’t mind walking for a few hours and enjoy immersive storytelling that blends history with local culture.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes a guided walk through Lisbon’s oldest areas, focusing on stories from pre-Roman times through the early 1900s, touching on themes like mysticism, murders, and beliefs. The walk lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, with about 4.5 km covered at a leisurely pace.

The snacks and wine tasting at Taverna das Marias lasts around 1.5 hours, where you’ll sample authentic regional snacks, each paired with wines that reflect different parts of Portugal. This segment elevates the experience from mere tasting to a cultural lesson in regional traditions.

What’s not included are tickets for historic buildings, but this isn’t a problem since the tour is a walk and storytelling experience—no entrances necessary.

The Itinerary in Detail

Let’s walk through the key stops and themes, giving you a sense of what’s awaiting:

Start at Taverna das Marias: Here, the tour kicks off with an introduction to Lisbon’s darker tales. The warmth of the restaurant immediately sets a friendly tone, making it easy to settle in and get curious.

The People of the Serpents: The first stories might focus on local legends of mystical beings, linking myth with history. You’ll learn about divine punishment and beings from other worlds, which set a tone of mystery.

Regicide and Death on Estrada D’El Rey: Expect a narrative involving royal or political murders, illustrating Lisbon’s turbulent past. The stories often include disasters and beliefs, showing how these events shaped local culture.

An Angel in the Hands of the Last Hanged Man: This segment might explore moral dilemmas, executions, and perhaps stories of redemption or divine intervention—highlighting mystical elements and societal beliefs.

Acts of Faith, in a Sea of Blood: Here, stories of witches, curses, and blood rituals come alive, revealing the city’s historical fears and superstitions.

Hold the Door, Moniz!: An intriguing stop that might relate to historical figures, with stories about mysticism and morality.

The Demon of Casa da Severa and the Witches of Mouraria: Expect folklore and legends bundled with local superstitions, deepening your understanding of Lisbon’s mystical side.

The Blood of an Innocent and the Story of a Child Murderer: Dark stories that remind us of Lisbon’s violent past, yet are told in a way that’s respectful and fascinating.

The Last Executioner of Lisbon: A poignant story that puts a human face on justice, with a focus on how these stories are woven into the city’s fabric.

Whispers in the Night: Concluding the walking part, the tales might become more atmospheric, leaving you with lingering mysteries.

Transition to Taverna das Marias: The final segment involves tasting regional snacks and wines, each sip echoing the stories you’ve heard, making the experience both flavorful and memorable.

The Tasting Experience

The visit to Taverna das Marias transforms the tour into a culinary celebration. As one reviewer notes, “here, the end of the tour becomes a celebration of flavors and memories that cannot be found anywhere else.” Each dish is carefully selected to represent different regions or traditions, and each wine offers a taste of Portugal’s diverse viticulture.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, a perfect environment for sharing impressions and stories with fellow travelers. This segment is longer than the walking part, giving you time to relax, reflect, and savor both the food and the culture behind it.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a unique blend of history, myth, and gastronomy that few other experiences in Lisbon can match. The storytelling is engaging and often surprising, providing context and color to stories you may have heard only in legends or books. The inclusion of regional wines and authentic snacks elevates it from a simple city walk to a cultural feast.

If you enjoy stories of the supernatural, historical mysteries, and regional cuisine, this experience is well worth the price. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to see Lisbon’s streets from a different perspective—one that highlights its darker, more intriguing stories—ending with a taste of the country’s rich flavors.

This tour is a thoughtful, entertaining, and enriching way to deepen your connection with Lisbon, beyond the usual sights, in a way that’s memorable for years to come.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Not really—it’s recommended for ages 14 and up due to the themes of murders, executions, and dark stories.

How long does the total tour last?
The walking tour lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours, and the snack and wine tasting at Taverna das Marias takes approximately 1.5 hours, totaling around 4 to 4.5 hours.

Do I need to buy tickets for historic buildings?
No, tickets for historic buildings aren’t necessary because the tour is primarily a walk and storytelling experience.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable walking shoes are a must, given the 4.5 km route. An umbrella or rain jacket might be wise depending on the weather, as the tour is outdoors.

Is the tour bilingual?
Yes, the tour is offered in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, making it accessible to many travelers.

Can I book the tour last-minute?
Booking is possible with the flexibility to pay later. Just ensure you confirm the minimum group size of ten in advance to secure your spot.

This experience is perfect for travelers who love stories that reveal Lisbon’s mysterious past, enjoy regional wines and snacks, and are eager for a more personal, story-driven exploration of this historic city. It’s a rare chance to see Lisbon in a new light—through its legends, its flavors, and its very soul.

You can check availability for your dates here: