Lisbon Cruises
Overlooking the River Tagus, Portugal’s capital city offers an abundance of maritime highlights, including the iconic Ponte de Abril Suspension Bridge, and the UNESCO-listed Belém Tower, which served as an embarkation and disembarkation point for Vasco de Gama and other Portuguese explorers. The delicious pastéis de nata are also not to be missed when visiting Lisbon, particularly when sampled at the original bakery, which opened in 1837.
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
Cultural Adriatic Discovery • S2412
- Marvel at waterfalls in Croatia's Krka National Park
- Cruise the fjord-like waters of the Bay of Kotor
- Immerse yourself in the local way of life
Dubrovnik to Southampton • S2412B
- Discover the cascading waterfalls of Krka National Park
- Prepare and sample local Croatian cuisine
- Uncover centuries old history in La Goulette and Cartagena
Volcanic Islands of the Azores & Madeira • S2417
- View the volcanic 'Sete Cidades' crater lakes in the Azores
- Admire the blue hydrangeas in full bloom in the Azores
- Spot sperm whales and other marine life with ORCA representatives
Portugal's Islands in Search of the Meteor Shower • L2424
- Discover the natural wonders of the Azores
- Join ORCA to search for marine life from Balmoral
- See the Perseid Meteor Shower and hydrangeas in bloom
Spain, Portugal & the Spectacular Bird Migration • T2420
- See the large number of birds migrating across the Strait of Gibraltar
- Encounter the Barbary Apes on the Rock of Gibraltar
- Explore Oporto's picturesque riverfront Ribeira District
Exploring the Colourful Adriatic • T2423
- Enjoy two days in Croatia and explore Diocletian's Palace
- Cruise along the fjord-like Bay of Kotor aboard Bolette
- Visit Sicily, home to the still active volcano Mount Etna
Natural Wonders & Wildlife of the Azores & Madeira • T2425
- Relax in the soothing Hot Springs in the Furnas Valley
- Spot marine life from the decks of Bolette with ORCA conservationists
- View the stunning Crater Lakes of Sete Cidades
Winter Warmth in the Canaries • S2426
- Visit the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva Forest in Madeira
- Tour a botanical garden with a local orchid expert
- Experience the beauty of La Gomera's Garajonay National Park
Winter Warmth in the Canaries & Cape Verde • T2427
- Explore the cultural islands of the Cape Verdes
- Discover the volcanic landscapes of La Palma and Tenerife
- Learn of the world's most famous explorers in Lisbon