Lisbon, Portugal - Mediterranean Cruises

A maze of quaint cobbled streets, brightly painted houses, and overflowing flowerpots, Óbidos is picture perfect. In fact, so romantic is Óbidos, that in 1282 the entire town was given as a wedding present from King Dinis to his bride Isabel.

Encircled by medieval walls, Óbidos’ centrepiece is an imposing 12th century castle. This former fortress and royal palace was recently voted one of the ‘7 Wonders of Portugal.’ To help you get your bearings, you’ll embark on a short walking tour around some of the prettiest streets, passing the whitewashed church of Santa Maria.

Next, you’ll have free time to wander Óbidos at your own pace. Keen photographers are sure to love exploring the hidden corners, with each twist and turn revealing another photo opportunity.

For a spot of souvenir shopping, take a stroll along the town’s main street, Rua Direita. Here you’ll find an abundance of traditional shops selling all kinds of crafts and delicacies, from hand painted ‘azulejo’ tiles, to tasty local liqueurs. But perhaps you’d prefer to simply relax in one of the tiny street café’s, and soak up the charming atmosphere of this medieval town.

During your journey back to the ship, sit back and absorb the lovely views of the Portuguese countryside, before glimpsing the bustling city life of Lisbon’s main streets.


Awaiting tour info

The journey to Obidos is around 1¼ hours. This tour involves 2 hours of walking over flat, cobbled streets. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

A perfect combination. See the sights of the city centre and then sit back and enjoy a fascinating river cruise along the River Tagus, savouring light refreshments as you glide past an array of famous monuments.

A panoramic tour will show you Lisbon's renowned landmarks, including Pombal Square, Liberty Avenue, Black Horse Square and Rossio, the very heart of the city. See Baixa, the area rebuilt after the city's disastrous earthquake, and take in the spectacular scene from the viewpoint at King Edward VII Park.

Remember your camera, as you will want to capture the charm of Lisbon when viewed from the water. As your river cruise sets off, you will see the medieval part of the city. Cruise beneath the spectacular suspension bridge, reminiscent of the Golden Gate and photograph the monumental statue of Christ the King. The highlight of your tour will be a sail along the banks of the Belem area, where ancient caravels once set off on great voyages of discovery. The monuments here are spectacular - particularly when seen from the river and include the Monument to the Discoveries, the unique Belem Tower and the ornate, Gothic-style Jeronimos Monastery.


This excursion will operate by coach, boat and on foot. This tour involves very little walking. There are some steps to negotiate onto the boat. The river cruise duration is 1½ hours. The above itinerary may operate in reverse order.

This full day tour takes you to through the Tagus Plains and the bullfighting region of Vila Franca, before reaching Fatima, an international pilgrimage site.

According to local lore, three peasant children from a nearby village observed a ‘Lady of the Light’ hovering above a small oak tree at the Cova Da Iraia (the cove of peace). This was believed to be the blessed ‘Virgin Mary’ and after returning on the same day for over five months, a miracle was said to have been written in the sky in front of over 70,000 witnesses. Today, many people from around the world make the famous pilgrimage to Fatima in search of the miracles.

Visit the famous Basilica with its spectacular stained-glass windows and paintings. Inside the Basilica you will see the resting place of the legendary three peasant children, Lucia Santos and her two cousins, Jacinat and Francisco Marto, at the Chapel of Apparitions.

Take some free time and enjoy luncheon on your own then browse some of the local shops for souvenirs.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Comfortable non-slip shoes are recommended. There is approximately four hours of walking over flat ground on this tour.

With its many monuments, squares and avenues, Lisbon is a spectacular city to explore. You will stop at one of the most important riverside monuments, The Tower of Belem. A 16th century masterpiece dedicated to the discoveries and the church of Jeronimos Monastery.

Sintra was described by Lord Byron as 'Glorious Eden' for its dense and subtropical vegetation. You will have free time to explore the main square and the 15th century Royal Palace. There are local craft shops surrounding the square or just relax in one of the many cafés that spill out onto the pavements. Luncheon will be served in a local restaurant.

Heading into Cascais, you will have an opportunity to photograph the wonderful views over the bay at Praia Do Guincho. Discover the small houses that surround the bay dating back to the 20th century. You will have free time to browse the small picturesque streets to pick up a local souvenir before heading back towards Lisbon along the beautiful coastal road passing through Estoril. This has become a favourite beach resort for many over the past few years and is at the mouth of the Tagus River.

An excellent tour enabling you to visit a number of spectacular and historical sites all in one day.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately two hours of walking in total on the tour. Streets in Sintra are steep and cobbled.

Lisbon is the only European capital that is located nearby a rich and diverse bird and nature reserve. The Tagus Estuary is a wetland site of international importance and is specifically created to protect wintering, passage and the breeding populations of aquatic birds. The geography of the area also attracts a variety of non wetland birdlife.

The Tagus Estuary bird list includes more than 250 species that can be sighted. In the winter months you can spot up to 12,0000 waders at any one time and in the summer the Estuary is alive with breeding species. During migratory periods it is not unusual to observe at least 100 species in a day. The Estuary is abound with inter-tidal mud flats, salt pans, reed beds and cork oak woodlands which provide a wide biodiversity.

Your experienced Ornithologist guide has extensive knowledge of the birdlife of Iberia and the expertise to find those hard to find species.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour is not suitable for children. This tour involves walking over uneven and rough terrain which includes some steps. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. Optics and field guides are included; however guests may take their own if preferred. Please dress suitably for bird watching and take a backpack and bottle of water. The drive to the River Tagus Estuary is around 20 minutes. The bird watching will last approximately 3½ hours.

After a short briefing, you will head off in your 4x4 jeep to be taken on a journey through some of the best scenery outside of Lisbon.

Staying on road, your drive will take you to the popular seaside resort of Cascais, where a short stop will be made. From here, your journey will continue to Cape Roca, Europe’s most easterly point, to enjoy the lovely views across the Atlantic Ocean.

Serra Sintra is your next stop, as you go off road and travel inland along the centenary tree-lined tracks. You’ll pass by the picturesque village of Ulgeria and on to the Memoria viewpoint where the Palacio da Pena can be seen in a distance, crowning a peak on the other side of the hills. A stop will be made en route to enjoy a light picnic snack of Portuguese aperitifs. You’ll continue driving along leafy lanes, passing by typical country villages, and enter the Monserrate Road to admire views of Monserrate Palace, Seteais Palace and Quinta da Regaleira Estate.

Heading back on road, a short stop will be made at the picturesque village of Sintra, before returning to Lisbon.

ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by Jeep and on foot. This tour is not suitable for those with injuries or conditions which may be affected by the bumpy ride. Pregnant women and children may not participate.

A wonderful way to see the city of Lisbon without having to walk around the city. Have your camera at the ready as you enter the area of Belem and view the Presidential Palace, The Monastery of Jeronimos, Tower of Belem and the Monument of Discoveries.

Drive through the exclusive residential district where many of the foreign embassies are located and then see the impressive 18th Century stone aqueduct, 11 miles long, which until recently was used to bring fresh water into Lisbon. A stop will be taken at Belvedere to admire the panoramic view across the city.

Afterwards, drive down the famous avenue of Liberty to Rossio Square, to see the Santa Justa Elavator, designed by an apprentice of the famous Gustave Eiffel. Finally you will see the one of the most impressive squares in Lisbon the Praca co Comercio (Black Horse Square).

This is a great tour for those wishing to relax and enjoy a scenic tour of Lisbon.


This excursion will operate by coach. The order of highlights may vary. There are steps into the Belem Tower for those requiring toilet facilities.

Hailed by poets for the great beauty of its surrounding mountain range, Sintra Village is renowned for the view of the old Royal Palace, perched on the highest peak. One of Portugal’s oldest settlements, occupied by both Moors and monarchs, whose castles and palaces add charm to the village. Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace.

Make the most of a photography stop at the Praia do Guincho and capture the magnificent views and the most westerly point in Europe – Cabo da Roca.

Cascais, originally an old Portuguese fishing village, has now become a popular holiday resort. Set alongside the picturesque Bay of Cascais, lovely early 20th century homes mingle with modern buildings, creating a delightful atmosphere. You will have some free time to wander along the streets, enjoy the views or browse in the local shops.

The return drive will be along the Corniche bordering the River Tagus, passing by the well-known village of Estoril.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The streets of Sintra are steep and cobble-stoned, and care should be taken. Highlights may operate in reverse to that described above. Shops in Cascais are closed on Sundays and public holidays.

A scenic drive from the port will take you along the coastal road to Cascais. This popular holiday resort is set in the picturesque bay of Cascais and is an ideal place to while away a few hours.

Upon arrival, the time is yours to do as you please. Wander along the streets, enjoy the views or browse in the local shops. Cascais offers plenty of cafés if you wish to purchase refreshments or luncheon.

After your visit, you will meet at the designated time and place to rejoin the coach for the return drive to the port.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This is an unguided transfer exclusive of refreshments, meals or entrance fees. Please note meeting points and return times as coaches cannot be held for latecomers. The travel time is around 45 minutes each way, with around 2-2½; hours of free time in Cascais. There is a slight incline of around 100 metres to negotiate to and from the coach parking area. The level of walking is at guests' discretion. Shops may be closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays. Euros are accepted for purchases.

Perched proudly on the hill southeast of Sintra, the Palace of Queluz is a wonderful piece of architecture. Dating back to 1747, the Palace was once a country mansion built by the infant Dom Pedro, later to be known as Dom Pedro III, it was then re-named Queluz Palace.

The gardens have become a focal point of the Palace with Baroque fountains, statues and places of recreation. You will be able to walk around and enjoy these at your own leisure.

Before heading into Cascais, you will have an opportunity to stop and photograph the viewpoint of Praia Do Guncho and admire the views over the bay. Take time to explore the streets of this small picturesque town or just sit and relax in one of the local cafe's and treat yourself to a coffee.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended. There is no flash photography allowed within the Palace.

A ride on Lisbon’s most famous and typical form of transport – the tram – is an absolute must. With the added dimension of local waiters serving port wine and traditional pastries on board, this unique tram tour is an ever-popular option. To further enhance this Lisbon experience, you will step from ancient tram to modern coach as your tour is rounded off with a panoramic drive of the city’s most famous monuments.

At the famous Black Horse Square, step aboard the tram for a leisurely circuit through this seven-hilled metropolis. See many fascinating glimpses of the ‘old city’ and the Tagus, passing landmarks such as the Parliament, Cathedral and Santa Luzia Belvedere. At Estrela Square, say goodbye to your traditionally-dressed waiters as you step onto a coach for the second part of your tour.

As you stand before the impressive Gothic-Manueline-style Jeronimos Monastery, your guide will provide you with details of this imposing building. Nearby, you will be equally impressed by the lavishly-decorated Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries, which commemorate Henry the Navigator and Portugal’s incredible voyages of exploration.


This excursion will operate by coach and tram. Guests are advised there are some fairly high steps to be negotiated when boarding the tram.