Discover two cornerstones of Portuguese culture—food and fado music—as you explore the idyllic Alfama and Mouraria neighborhoods. Follow a local guide through the labyrinthine streets, stopping to savor authentic Portuguese flavors and hear fascinating insights into the history and culture of fado along the way. With this newfound knowledge, you'll be able to fully immerse yourself in a mesmerizing live fado performance at one of Lisbon's top venues, appreciating every note all the more thanks to your newfound understanding of this soulful art form.

Begin your evening in Mouraria, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Lisbon and the place where fado was born. Your guide will lead you past the onetime home of fado pioneer Maria Severa and deep into the heart of this storied corner of Lisbon.

After this brief stroll, you’ll swing by a beautiful old jewelry atelier-turned-restaurant for a round of petiscos, Portugal's answer to tapas. Try a selection of 3 different flavors of croquettes washed down with a local beer.

Continuing down into the Alfama district, your guide will lead you to two of the most stunning miradouros, or viewpoints, in Lisbon for a once-in-a-lifetime photo op. From these vantage points, you'll have breathtaking views of the city as evening falls. Along the way, your guide will begin to unravel the fascinating origins of fado, enriching your appreciation for the show to come. You'll learn how fado was born in the streets and taverns of Lisbon, and how it evolved into the powerful and emotive music it is today.

However, you still have one more stop before the highly anticipated show. Drop by the home of a real Alfama resident and sample her delicious homemade ginjinha, a cherry-flavored liqueur that you can’t leave Portugal without trying. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the local community and get a glimpse into daily life in Alfama.

Last but certainly not least, you’ll settle in at one of Lisbon's renowned fado houses for a sumptuous three-course dinner featuring classic Portuguese dishes like garlic shrimp, salt cod, and slow-cooked pork cheek. As the soulful notes of fado music fill the room, you'll come to understand the Portuguese concept of saudade, a deep and melancholic longing that is an integral part of the fado tradition.