Lisbon City of Spies Tour
Description
In the 2nd World War Lisbon swarmed with spies from the main sides in conflict. A Walking tour designed to find out how neutral Portugal provided the natural setting for conspiracy. Inside the city of Lisbon both the Allies and the Axis kept impressive diplomatic services: probably the only place in war-torn Europe where all sides were able to meet on equal grounds. Lisbon suddenly became a true “nest of spies” as mentioned in several period chronicles and the “plane to Lisbon”, as an escape route in the movie Casablanca, remains one of the best known examples. In this walking tour you will visit some of the sites related with the spy stories of: The most famous spy Hotels in Lisbon The refugees and the European fashion trends The lonely fight of the Portuguese consul in Bordeaux The most important WWII double agent: Garbo/Arabel The story of the real James Bond The Jewish gold and the tungsten traffic
Tour Options
Itinerary
the everlasting centre of power
the beginning of the Republic in Portugal
the Jewish gold and the tungsten traffic
the story of the real James Bond
the refugees and the European fashion trends
the most famous spy Hotels in Lisbon
the most important WWII double agent: Garbo/Arabel
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(62)
We had a great time with Jose learning about the spies and double spies and counter spies during this tour! He was really knowledgeable and answered our questions! Only feedback would be finding seating where possible if standing for longish periods of time, particularly for the older people on tour.
This was an outstanding and very informative tour. The walk wasn't difficult, and there was time to catch your breath along the way. Highly recommend if you're interested in WWII spy history.
I booked direct with them. Communications were clear. I knew exactly where to meet them. Not only did I learn many things I didn’t know about, but he took us to places I wouldn’t have gone into on my own. Lots of interesting stories. Not too much walking, a few steps to go up. Very personable.
José has a wealth of knowledge and we enjoyed learning about Portugal’s fascinating history. Thanks for a fun tour.
Check the weather and make sure you are wearing the right clothes. Also wear good walking shoes. Great walking tour!
It was an interesting tour packed with lots of information during the almost three hours. It was almost a bit too long. At times it was difficult to hear the guide given the big group of 16. The guide had good humor and an entertaining style.
This was possibly THE most informative walking tour I've ever taken! Jose was incredibly knowledgeable and detailed, and yet it was obvious he was only skimming the surface of what he knew. And he's a great storyteller -- really engaging! All in all, a wonderfully enjoyable afternoon!
Not just WW2 espionage, but also historical and cultural context that enhanced our entire trip. Jose was terrific, extremely knowledgeable with an engaging and (when appropriate) entertaining presentation.
Filipa is a very knowledgeable guide who tells fun and intriguing stories on the Lisbon: City of Spies tour. Getting a better understanding of a less well known part of WW2 from a Portuguese perspective is enlightening. Would also be fun/interesting to understand thoughts and opinions of Filipa and other tour leaders regarding European history and politics (20th century to present).
Our guide provided a fascinating and in-depth story about Lisbon during WWII and showed us the historical places where all the intrigue took place.
