At the beginning of our tour along the Tagus River, we will pass by the majestic Belém Tower, one of Lisbon's most iconic monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built between 1514 and 1520, this Manueline-style tower was erected to defend the mouth of the Tagus and protect Lisbon from potential invasions. With its stunning architecture, you can admire the intricate stone carvings, such as the intertwined ropes, armillary spheres, and crosses of the Order of Christ—symbols of Portugal's maritime power. Beyond its defensive role, Belém Tower also served as a lighthouse, a customs post, and even a prison. It was also a departure point for the great maritime expeditions of the Age of Discoveries. As we pass by, imagine Portuguese navigators like Vasco da Gama setting sail into the unknown.