Lisbon Cruises
Stretched across its seven trademark hills overlooking the River Tagus estuary, Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital city of Lisbon, is a cinematic collection of cobbled alleyways, pastel-coloured buildings, ancient ruins and white-domed cathedrals. The city was decimated by an earthquake in 1755, and modern Lisbon has been shaped by that eventful day. The Pombaline architecture that now defines the city represents some of the first seismically-protected buildings in Europe.
The city’s bridges include the Ponte 25 de Abril – similar to the Golden Gate in San Francisco – and the Ponte Vasco da Gama, which includes over 11km of viaducts.[ReadMoreMob] Lisbon’s many fascinating museums, include the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, the National Museum of Contemporary Art, the National Coach Museum and the Carmo Archaeological [ReadMoreDesk]Museum.
Lisbon is also a shopper’s paradise, with the Centro Commercial Colombo – the biggest shopping mall on the Iberian peninsula – and the elegant Avenidas Novas, full of upmarket shops. Alternatively, there bargains to be had in the local flea market, Campo de Santa Clara. Don't miss the chance to sample iconic egg tarts at Pasteis de Belém too.
Top Experiences
Fado Music
Fado is the traditional folk music popular in Lisbon. Devised in around the 19th century, this mournful yet beguiling musical expression is an integral part of Portuguese culture and was recently added to the UNESCO’s list of World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. During a visit to the Portuguese capital, you can listen to and enjoy this musical style, a combination of soulful voice and melodic guitars.
Lisbon's Maritime History
Built in 1515 as a fortress to guard the entrance to Lisbon's harbour, the Belém Tower was the starting point for many of the voyages of discovery, and for the sailors it was the last sight of their homeland. Today it is one of the Portuguese capital's most famous monuments, which serves as a symbol of the city's rich history, and is UNESCO-listed World Heritage listed.
Pasteis de Belém
The Casa Pasteis de Belém is the traditional home of the delicious Pastel de Nata, the staple food of the sweet-toothed Portuguese. The namesake pastries consist of paper-thin layers of buttery crisp pastry, filled with a rich, yet balanced, custard of sugar and egg. Be sure to sample some of these delicious pastries while in Lisbon.
Cruises to Lisbon
Ancient Adriatic with Venice • T2203A
- An unforgettable journey along the Adriatic coastline
- Chance for a gondola ride in Venice
- Explore fascinating history and culture in Croatia
Canaries & Portugal with Funchal Flower Parade • L2211
- Witness a fusion of floral colour on this springtime cruise
- Explore Madeira’s lush landscapes and tropical gardens
- Delight in the maritime history of La Coruña and Lisbon
Vistas & Volcanoes of Azores & Madeira • S2217
- Dramatic volcanic landscapes
- Whale spotting from Horta
- Tropical blooms in Madeira
Rediscovering the Roman Legacy • T2224
- Explore the Colosseum in Rome
- Visit the Temple of Antas from Cagliari
- Tour to Pompeii from Naples
Pilgrimage to Northern Spain • T2225
- Tour to Santiago de Compostela from El Ferrol
- Discover the origins of Flamenco in Seville
- Visit Bilbao’s Guggenheim museum from Getxo
Vistas & Volcanoes of Azores & Madeira • T2227
- Spot Sperm Whales from Horta
- See dramatic volcanic landscapes in Ponta Delgada
- Take a flower safari tour in Madeira with a local enthusiast
Ancient walls of the Med with Malta • T2229
- Delve into history & culture of the Med
- Explore the fortified Castello district in Cagliari
- In Melilla visit the fortified Spanish exclave
Morocco & Moorish Seville • M2231
- Visit the imperial cities of Marrakech & Rabat
- Trek the Atlas Mountains
- Explore Moorish architecture at the Alcazar Palace
- NB: This cruise will be sailing on board Balmoral
Discover Portugal with Madeira • S2230
- Explore the colourful gardens in Madeira
- Visit Porto to experience traditional Port wine
- In Lisbon discover a host of historical monuments
Islands of Cape Verde • T2230A
- Experience the spectacular beauty of glorious islands
- Enjoy an authentic taste of Cape Verde
- Discover volcanic landscapes and natural wonders
