Cruise and Maritime Voyages

Situated just north of the mouth of the River Douro, Leixoes is one of Portugal’s major seaports and a gateway to Oporto. Optional excursions feature the country’s second city that is known throughout the world as the home of the famous port wine. A boat trip on the River Douro gives a different view of the city where dark buildings seem to be stacked one on another along the narrow, labyrinthine streets. In Oporto’s São Bento Station traditional tile panels depict the history of Portugal. Oporto is home to the Museum of the Tram giving insight into this traditional and often preferred mode of transport.

One of the most modern towns in the Azores, Praia da Vitoria is a gateway to the island of Terceira. The town, which sits on a large bay on the island’s east coast, has a long, attractive sandy beach, a smart marina and a pleasant pedestrian shopping area. In its historic centre the narrow streets and alleys are lined with colourful old houses featuring the characteristic, often grated, sash windows.

Set in a magnificent natural amphitheatre overlooking a wide bay, Funchal is the delightful capital of the beautiful and dramatic island of Madeira. The harbour is right in the centre of town and as you approach the sight of whitewashed buildings with red tiled roofs tumbling down the verdant mountain is spectacular. A modern cable car soars above the bustling city to Monte, which is the start of Madeira’s famous wicker toboggan ride. Wicker baskets, embroidery and the famous Madeira wine are popular souvenirs from the striking island often described as the ‘floating garden of the Atlantic’.

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.