Gil Machado

<h2>Highlights</h2>
<ul>
<li>Explore the rich history of Lisbon's cobbled Old Town as well as the vibrant, modern life of this extraordinary capital city</li>
<li>Visit spectacular landmarks such as Castelo de São Jorge, the Sé, and the Portas do Sol Belvedere</li>
<li>Discover how the city's remarkable architecture resulted from a massive rebuild after the Great Earthquake of 1755</li>
<li>Enjoy a day trip to the stunning Arrábida region, including Palmela Castle and a visit to a wine cellar</li>
<li>See dinosaur footprints in the Avelino quarry and the cliffs of Cape Espichel</li>
<li>The activity level is rated as EASY (see our definitions <a href="https://www.geoculturaworld.com/about/health-and-safety" target="_blank">here</a>)</li>
<li>The tour begins and ends in Lisbon</li>
</ul>
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<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Inhabited since pre-historic times, Lisbon has evolved through many civilisations and incarnations, with Roman, Visigoth, Moorish and Portuguese rule, making it a truly rich city.&nbsp; Our tour will explore so much of what makes it such a unique and fascinating destination.</p>
<p>The land itself has another tale to tell, as several geological events have left signatures across Lisbon, none more so than the earthquake and tsunami of 1755 which destroyed much of the city, killed tens of thousands and was felt as far away as Greenland.&nbsp; We will explore evidence of these scars and the rebuild that used revolutionary construction methods to protect against future earthquakes.</p>
<p>Our tour leader and expert was raised and lives in Lisbon, so is perfectly placed to guide us through Lisbon's distinct history and colourful culture as well as describing the tangible impact Lisbon's history has had on world culture, philosophy and religion.</p>
<p>We will also visit the beautiful coastal scenery and abundant vegetation of Arrábida Natural Park, where geology, and natural salt deposits in particular, controls the landscape, soils and perhaps even the flavour of local wines.</p>

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<h3>Tour Map</h3>
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<p><img title="T018 Itinerary Map" alt="T018 Itinerary Map" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T018%20LI%20Location%20Map.png"></p>
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<h3>Day 1 –&nbsp;Arrival in Lisbon and introductions</h3>
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<p><img title="The main square in Lisbon" alt="The main square in Lisbon" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T018%20Lisbon_main_square_36622604910%20-%2014.jpg" height="515" width="688"></p>
<p>Participants meet in the evening at the hotel for a welcome drink and introduction to the tour followed by a group meal.</p>
<p>Overnight in Lisbon. Group dinner.</p>
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<h3>Day 2 – Lisbon old town on foot: within the walls</h3>
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<p><img alt="" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T018%20Pillared%20Walkway.jpg"></p>
<p>The tour will spend the morning on a relaxed, 2km (1.6 mile) stroll through the old town of Lisbon, visiting important historical, cultural and scenic landmarks:</p>
<ul>
<li>St. Luzia Belvedere and the Portas do Sol Belvedere- the first stops will be at two adjacent overlooks of the old town that provide spectacular views of the city. Elements of the landscape – the river, fertile soils and building materials – demonstrate why the site was selected for settlement.</li>
<li>Roman/Moorish wall- the tour will visit several preserved stretches of the wall and see how it has been incorporated into the city as it grew. The building materials are mostly local Miocene sandstones and limestones, but several “exotic” stones were derived from other portions of the Roman empire.</li>
<li>Castelo de São Jorge (St. George Castle)- this magnificent structure dominates the skyline above Lisbon’s old town. The hill upon which the castle stands has been a fortified stronghold for millennia. The stones of the castle and adjacent cobbled streets tell a story of building and rebuilding from Roman times through Moorish occupation and on to the 20th century.</li>
<li>The Cathedral of Saint Mary Major (often called Lisbon Cathedral or simply the Sé)- this austere building with two massive belltowers and large rose window is the oldest church in the city, dating from 1150 AD. The tour will examine architectural aspects of this beautiful structure, the stone used in its construction and, if open on the day of the visit, archaeological finds of the old mosque that stood in the same place.</li>
<li>Igreja de Santo António de Lisboa (Church of St. Anthony)- A Roman Catholic church thought to be built on the site where Portugal’s Saint Anthony was born in 1195 AD. Largely destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, it was soon rebuilt in a Baroque-Rococo style.</li>
<li>The Museu de Lisboa Teatro Romano- this 1st century AD Roman theatre, situated on a hill overlooking the Tagus River, and the artifacts in the museum provide a glimpse into the life and culture of Roman Lisbon. The stones used in construction were derived from many parts of the empire.</li>
</ul>
<p>The walk will end with a late lunch at a historical restaurant built into part of the Moorish wall. The tour leader will provide numerous suggestions for afternoon activities, from further walks to visits to museums, as well as evening entertainment.</p>
<p>Overnight in Lisbon. Free afternoon and evening.</p>
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<h3>Day 3 – Lisbon old town on foot: water and the river</h3>
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<p>This morning’s excursion will slowly head west from the Alfama neighbourhood hear stories of sites that played critical parts in the history of Lisbon:</p>
<ul>
<li>Chafariz de Dentro (“Interior Fountain”) - this square, surrounded by houses, old cafes, and grocery shops, is located in the oldest and one of the most typical neighbourhoods in Lisbon. The tour will see several historical fountains, old thermal baths and explore how hydrogeology affected the city’s development. Deep-seated faults allow the circulation of meteoric water, which surfaces at mild temperatures (up to 34ºC). These springs were used as medicinal waters until the 1960s.</li>
<li>Chafariz d’El Rey (“The King’s Fountain”) - at this nearby site the group will learn about a famous painting of the square and see examples of how the water supply to the city evolved over the centuries.</li>
<li>The city walls and the entrance to the river- Lisbon has a series of three nested defensive stone-wall complexes built at different times. Those along the Tagus River are now mostly only visible in fragments embedded in buildings and open spaces.</li>
<li>Pombaline Docks – The city’s seafront was extended with debris from the All-Saints Day earthquake, and the shoreline continues to expand as it accumulates river sediment. A recent car park exposed a 19thC dock, built with premium Cretaceous limestones, 100m inland from the current shoreline.</li>
<li>Terreiro do Paço – this large open space is one of Lisbon’s most beautiful squares and was the centre of power of the Portuguese empire. It was the home of the Paço da Ribeira (royal palace) and its library of more than 70,000 volumes until it was destroyed by the 1755 earthquake, tsunami and fires. Artworks by Titian, Rubens and other masters as well as maps and archives of the early Portuguese navigators were lost.</li>
</ul>
<p>The walk will end with a late lunch at a historical restaurant with parts of a protective wall.</p>
<p>Overnight in Lisbon. Free afternoon and evening.</p>
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<h3>Day 4 – Arrábida: salt, wine and dinosaurs</h3>
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<p><img title="Azeitão Vinyard" alt="Azeitão Vinyard" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T018%20Veranda.jpg"></p>
<p>Today the tour will leave Lisbon and travel south on a day trip to a mountain range about a 40-minute drive south of the city. Stops will include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Palmela Castle- This site has stunning views over the Arrábida range and the Sado and Tejo estuaries and provides an opportunity to discuss the geology of the mountain range and the modern processes of estuary formation and evolution. The tour will also discuss the history of the castle itself. This <a href="https://www.travel-in-portugal.com/attractions/castelo-de-palmela.htm" target="_blank">link </a>provides a brief history of the castle since Roman times.</li>
<li>Visit to a wine cellar and lunch in the&nbsp;<span>Azeitão</span>&nbsp;area- this cluster of prettyand tranquil villages at the northern edge of the Parque Natural da Arrábida is known for its runny cheese (judged in 2014 to be one of the 50 great gastronomic products of the world) and fine, white Moscatel wine. The group will discuss the influence of geology on the terroir.</li>
<li>Sesimbra Castle and gypsum quarry- The Moorish castle, dating from the 9th century, stands over the fishing village of Sesimbra. A 230m (750 foot) climb to the belvedere offers a stunning view of the village and coastline. Time permitting, a nearby abandoned gypsum quarry can also be visited.</li>
<li>Dinosaur footprints in Avelino quarry- this abandoned quarry is now an open-air museum, with tracks of the Late Jurassic sauropod Parabrontopodus. The palaeogeology of the area will be discussed.</li>
<li>Cape Espichel- this windswept, rocky headland with its 18th century lighthouse is one of the most western points of Europe and has stunning views. The old sanctuary on the cliffs is dedicated to Our Lady of Mua who, according to the legend, was carried by a giant mule from the sea to the top of the cliffs and the mule tracks are still visible in the rocks (actually dinosaur tracks). Interested participants can take a steep walk down from the sanctuary (3km/ 2 mile round trip, 60m/ 200 foot elevation change) to see the tracks in the cliffs.</li>
</ul>
<p>The group will return to Lisbon in the late afternoon.</p>
<p>Overnight in Lisbon. Final group dinner.</p>
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<h3>Day 5 – Departure</h3>
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<p>Participants are free to travel onwards to discover more of Portugal or to return home.</p>
<p>Note: this provisional itinerary is subject to change as specific locations and accommodations release more information regarding access in the coming year.</p>
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<h3>Activity Level and Terrain</h3>
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<p>The activity level is rated as EASY, suitable for occasional walkers (see our definitions <a href="https://www.geoculturaworld.com/about/health-and-safety" target="_blank">here</a>). In Lisbon participants will travel on foot around the old town, mostly on cobblestone streets and pavement. Most streets will have mild inclination. Total walking distance in each morning will not exceed 2km (1.6 miles). Good, comfortable walking shoes are a necessity. Regular stops at relevant sites allow resting, and refreshments are available around town. Lunch will be hosted in historically-relevant restaurants with traditional Portuguese food and wine! Late afternoons and evenings will be free for participants to do their own exploration.</p>
<p>The tour will board a coach to visit the Arrábida area. At each site there will be some walking, with distances of up to 1km (0.8 mile). Some of the locations, such as castles, have cobblestone streets, but other sites, such as an abandoned gypsum quarry, are on unpaved paths that may be rough underfoot. Ankle-high hiking boots are recommended.</p>
<p>Lisbon and Arrábida enjoy Spring temperatures between 15-22ºC (59-72ºF) and are usually sunny. Light clothing is recommended with a warmer jacket for the evenings. Sunglasses and a hat are recommended for the day.</p>
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<h3>The Tour Includes/Excludes</h3>
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<h4>The Tour Includes:</h4>
<ul>
<li>A Tour Leader, who will be present for questions, comments, discussion and anecdotes throughout the tour.</li>
<li>A Tour Manager, who will attend to logistical matters and oversee the group’s health and safety.</li>
<li>All transportation costs from the start to the end of the tour.</li>
<li>All accommodation costs for the nights stated, all rooms double with no single supplement.</li>
<li>All breakfasts, lunches and two dinners (day 1 and day 4).&nbsp;</li>
<li>Entry fees, local guide fees and activity fees, where arranged as part of the tour.</li>
<li>A fully illustrated tour guide.</li>
</ul>
<h4>The Tour Excludes:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Extra or optional activities not described in the tour.</li>
<li>Personal expenditures, including bar bills, drinks with meals, laundry bills, souvenirs and the cost of meals on free evenings.</li>
<li>Transportation to the start venue or from the end venue of the tour.</li>
</ul>
<p>Participants are required to carry their own health and travel insurance in case of accident or unforeseen circumstances.</p>
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<h3>Alternate Activities</h3>
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<p>The tour leader will be happy to suggest activities and destinations for Individuals who prefer not to participate in certain parts of the tour.</p>
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<h3>Suggested Reading</h3>
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<p><a href="https://lisboaromana.pt/en/storytelling" target="_blank"><em>Lisboa Romana </em></a>(online stories in Portugese with English subtitles)<br><a href="https://www.golisbon.com/" target="_blank"><em>Go Lisbon</em> </a>(online Lisbon travel guide)<br><em><a href="https://www.google.com/books/edition/Lisbon/S07OPQAACAAJ?hl=en" target="_blank">What the Tourist Should See</a></em> (1925), Fernando Pessoa<br><a href="https://www.google.com/books/edition/Night_Train_To_Lisbon/0amfQ5czkY4C?hl=en" target="_blank"><em>Night Train to Lisbon</em></a> (2007), Pascal Mercier<br><em><a href="https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Year_of_the_Death_of_Ricardo_Reis/JZ2A_2KpOc4C?hl=en" target="_blank">The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis</a></em> (1984), José Saramago<br><em><a href="https://www.google.com/books/edition/Conquerors/P1oDBwAAQBAJ?hl=en&amp;gbpv=0" target="_blank">Conquerors: How Portugal Forged the First Global Empire</a></em> (2015), Richard Crowley<br><em><a href="https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Return_of_the_Caravels/5GWbqCdug08C?hl=en&amp;gbpv=0" target="_blank">The Return of the Caravels</a> </em>(2002), Antonio Lobo Antunes<br><em><a href="https://www.google.com/books/edition/A_Small_Death_in_Lisbon/LHo2DPes4BMC?hl=en&amp;gbpv=0" target="_blank">A Small Death in Lisbon</a></em> (1999), Robert Wilson</p>
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<h3>Accommodation</h3>
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<p>Nights 1 to 4: 4 star hotel, Lisbon</p>
<p>Note: If required for reasons beyond our control, GeoCultura reserves the right to substitute alternate accommodations of equal or higher quality.</p>
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<h3>Deposit and Payment Terms</h3>
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<p><strong>Deposit:</strong> A deposit of 10% of the tour price is due upon registration for a tour.</p>
<p><strong>Final payment:</strong> Full payment is due 60 days before a tour begins, or upon registration if within the 60-day window.</p>
<p><strong>Cancellation by participant:</strong> A participant may cancel a registration after securing a confirmed place on a tour for any reason. The following refund terms will apply:</p>
<ul>
<li>Greater than 60 days before tour begins: Any monies paid plus half of the deposit will be refunded</li>
<li>30 to 59 days before tour begins: 35% of tour price will be refunded</li>
<li>15 to 29 days before tour begins: 25% of tour price will be refunded</li>
<li>Within 14 days of tour or during the tour: No monies will be refunded</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Cancellation by GeoCultura:</strong> GeoCultura reserves the right to cancel any tour due to low enrolment, inability to run the tour or concerns about the safety, health or welfare of participants. If a tour is cancelled before it begins, all monies paid will be refunded (including any deposit).</p>
<p>Please refer to our <a href="https://www.geoculturaworld.com/terms-and-conditions" target="_blank">Terms and Conditions</a> page for additional details.</p>
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<h2>Gil Machado</h2>
<p><img title="Gil Machado" alt="Gil Machado" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/Gil%20Machado.png" height="255" width="214"></p>
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<p><span>Gil Machado resides in the greater Lisbon area, where he couples his geology background with his passion for history and archeology to expound upon the many ties between Portugal’s past and its physical setting. From early in his career, Gil has enjoyed leading geo-tours and other public science events.&nbsp;</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p><span><span>Gil is founder of a geological consulting company, Chronosurveys, as well as </span><span>a </span><span>researcher at the University of Lisbon. He has worked projects in Portugal and the Middle East, focusing on applied biostratigraphy, microfossil recovery, artificial intelligence and machine learning using stratigraphic data.</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p><span>Gil has had a love of geology since his teenage years. Combining this with the Portuguese way of life and a family makes a perfect match, while martial arts keep him physically and mentally fit!</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
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<div><img title="A bustling square in Lisbon" alt="A bustling square in Lisbon" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T018%20Bustling%20Square%20.jpg">
<p>The bustling Rua Augusta in Lisbon.</p>
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<div><img title="Colourful Lisbon" alt="Colourful Lisbon" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T018%20LB%20Cobbled%20Lisbon%20St%20KB.jpg">
<p>A colourful, cobbled Lisbon street.</p>
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<div><img title="Sesimbra Castle" alt="Sesimbra Castle" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T018%20Sesimbra%20Castle.jpg">
<p>Having been captured from by the King of Portugal in 1165, the Castelo de Sesimbra was retaken and destroyed by the Almohad Caliphate in 1191.</p>
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<div><img title="São Jorge Castle" alt="São Jorge Castle" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T018%20S%C3%A3o%20Jorge%20Castle%202.jpg">
<p>São Jorge Castle&nbsp;and the surrounding neighborhoods (Source: Massimo Catarinella).</p>
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<div><img title="Sé Cathedral" alt="Sé Cathedral" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T018%20LB%20Se%20Cathedral%20KB%20iStock.jpg">
<p>Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa, known as Sé Cathedral, behind one of the city's famous yellow trams.</p>
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<div><img title="View across Lisbon's old town" alt="View across Lisbon's old town" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T018%20Old%20town-4820579%20-%205.jpg">
<p>View across Lisbon's old town, with the towers of the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora and dome of the Panteão Nacional in the background.</p>
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<div><img title="The Praça do Comércio faces the Tagus River" alt="The Praça do Comércio faces the Tagus River" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T018%20Lisbon_main_square_36622604910%20-%2014.jpg">
<p>The Praça do Comércio faces the Tagus River. It is the site of the destroyed Royal Palace of Ribeira and is thus informally known as the Terreiro do Paço (Palace Yard) (Source: Deensel).</p>
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<div><img alt="" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T018%20Veranda.jpg">
<p>A vineyard in the Azeitão region.</p>
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<div><img title="Steep beds with dinosaur tracks at Pedreira do Avelino Natural Monument" alt="Steep beds with dinosaur tracks at Pedreira do Avelino Natural Monument" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T018%20Dinosaur%20tracks%20-%2020.jpg">
<p>Steep beds with dinosaur tracks at Pedreira do Avelino Natural Monument (Source: Gil Machado).</p>
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<div><img title="A view of the salt-influenced landscape surrounding Palmela Castle" alt="A view of the salt-influenced landscape surrounding Palmela Castle" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T018%20Palmela%20Landscape%20-%2021.jpg">
<p>A view of the salt-influenced landscape surrounding Palmela Castle (Source: Gil Machado).</p>
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<div><img title="Cape Espichel" alt="Cape Espichel" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T018%20Cape%20Espichel.jpg">
<p>Cape Espichel is a site which has attracted pilgrims and scientists over the centuries</p>
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<div><img title="Whimsical tiles" alt="Whimsical tiles" src="https://geocultura.arlo.co/content/img/T018%20Whimsical%20tile%20-%203.jpg">
<p>Whimsical tiles</p>
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NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS. Explore the influence of geology on the history of Lisbon and on the landscapes and wine terroir in the Arrábida area south of the city

Stone, Water and Quakes: A Geo-historical Tour of Old Town Lisbon and the Arrábida National Park