Extend your journey into Lisbon on our optional land package as part of your Portugal river cruise. Modern-day Lisbon is a gorgeous blend of colorful old quarters, lively squares and cafés, cobblestone streets and chic boutiques and galleries
Architectural Must-Sees
Designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites and two of the “Seven Wonders of Portugal,” both Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery are must-see landmarks – which is of course why we have included them on your Lisbon city tour. The iconic Belém Tower, sometimes referred to as the Tower of St. Vincent (he is featured as a sculptured stone motif on its exterior), was built in 1515 and was the first and last glimpse many sailors had of Lisbon before departing (or arriving) for the New World. You will also taste a typical Portuguese pastry, Pastéis de Belém, a sweet treat made with egg, milk, sugar and puff pastry, with a history connected to the nearby monastery.
Built in 1515, the Jerónimos Monastery is a prominent example of the Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline architectural style, with high-arched ceilings, stained glass windows and a beautiful golden limestone cloister – which some consider among the most gorgeous in the world. Ornately carved designs of animals, nautical, religious themes and even sea monsters will wow and amaze.
The Castle of São Jorge is a Moorish castle overlooking Lisbon’s historical center. Likely built around the 6th century, this castle was listed as a national monument in 1910 to commemorate its historical importance. Throughout its history, it was fortified by the Romans, Visigoths and Moors before becoming the Royal Palace in the 14th century.
Honoring Figures of History
Across from the Jerónimos Monastery, the Discoveries Monument is a more recent addition, built in 1960. Another icon of discovery, the monument is one of the most popularly photographed sights and your guide will lead you there as part of your included excursion. It commemorates such notable explorers as Ferdinand Magellan and Pedro Alvares Cabral (he discovered Brazil) and Vasco da Gama (the first European to discover the sea route to India)—along with the era’s important kings, poets, monks, crusaders, cartographers and its one female – Queen Felipa of Lancaster.
Additional Tours
With fascinating sites nearby, our land packages do not always focus on the city where your hotel is located. During your 3-night Lisbon land package, you will also venture to Serra de Sintra, one of the loveliest mountain villages in Portugal and a favorite summer residence of the Portuguese royal family for more than 500 years. Long an inspiration for artists and poets, Lord Byron called it “perhaps the most delightful village in Europe.” High up on a rocky peak you will tour Pena Palace, a wonderful fairytale castle dating back to Portugal’s Romantic period. Be sure your camera is charged to capture this colorful architectural feat!
The morning you embark your beautiful river cruise ship, you will be taken on a final tour just for guests who have reserved our Lisbon land package. You will be driven to Tomar where you will take in the Castle and Convent of the Order of Christ – the third UNESCO World Heritage Site included in this package and a brilliant work of 12th to 16th-century architecture.
What’s Included in Your Land Package
- Three nights at a world-class 4- or 5-star hotel in Lisbon located near the major sites
- Daily breakfast at the hotel
- Guided excursions, including a Lisbon city tour, tasting of Pasteis de Belem, excursion to Serra de Sintra, Pena Palace and Tomar Castle
- Convenient transfers between your hotel and river cruise ship
- The services of one of our wonderful Cruise Managers throughout your river cruise and land journey.
Explore Lisbon as the sea navigators from the Age of Discovery once did by extending your journey before or after our Portugal river cruises.