Cruise and Maritime Voyages

Lying on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the River Tagus, Lisbon is the westernmost capital in Europe. It was from here that the great caravels set sail on their voyages of exploration and numerous monuments are a reminder Lisbon’s glorious maritime heyday. In 1775 a devastating earthquake all but levelled the city to the ground, and although relatively modern, the Portuguese capital has a quirky charm and much character. The steep, cobbled streets of the ancient Moorish Alfama district lead to wonderful viewpoints looking over the city. Further along the coast the elegant resorts of Cascais and Estoril stud Portugal’s own Riviera.

Sited on the estuary of the Rio Arade, Portimão, which started life a fishing village, is today the second largest town on Portugal’s Algarve. The popular port has a bustling harbour watched over by two castles. The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição is Portimão’s most historic building, though it was rebuilt after the earthquake in 1755, which destroyed much of the town.  The riverfront is a series of attractive squares lined with busy restaurants and cafes. In the pedestrian streets of Rua Diogo Tomé and Rua da Portades de São José shops sell lace, jewellery, ceramics and souvenirs.

A charming mix of both modern city and old town, La Coruña is capital of the Spanish province bearing the same name in the rugged and beautiful region of Galicia. The symbol of La Coruña, nicknamed the ‘Crystal City’ for the glass-fronted buildings along its attractive seafront promenade, is the 2nd century lighthouse Torre del Hercules. Beautiful old streets and squares are found in Ciudad Vieja. The heart of this old town is the colonnaded Maria Pita Square surrounded by delightful shops, cafes and restaurants.