Cruise from Lisbon Portugal Explore the Best of Portugal

Exploring the best of Portugal from Lisbon is a dream come true for many travelers. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, Portugal has something to offer for every interest.

The city of Lisbon itself is a treasure trove of history and architecture, with its picturesque Alfama neighborhood and historic Belem Tower.

Lisbon is also a great starting point for exploring the surrounding region, including the scenic coastlines of the Algarve and the picturesque Douro Valley.

Lisbon is a fantastic departure point for a cruise in Portugal, and here's what you need to know.

The Lisbon Cruise Terminal is located approximately 10 miles from Lisbon's International Airport, and travel time between the airport and the pier is approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

You can take a taxi or shuttle from the airport to the terminal, or you can rent a car and drive there yourself. The terminal is also accessible by public transportation, such as buses and trains.

The weather in Lisbon is mild, with average high temperatures ranging from 57°F (14°C) in January to 82°F (28°C) in July. The city experiences moderate humidity throughout the year, with an average of 80-85% relative humidity.

Here's a breakdown of the average high and low temperatures in Lisbon throughout the year:

Lisbon is a world-class port with endless options to enjoy activity-filled adventures or just exploring on your own.

You can visit world-class ports with excursions designed for every taste, from shopping to wine tasting, museums to thrilling outdoor adventures.

On a cruise from Lisbon, you'll have access to casual dining and al fresco drinks by the pool, as well as specialty gourmet restaurants.

Each day in port offers endless options to enjoy activity-filled adventures, or just relaxing on your own.

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Portugal is a treasure trove of enchanting culture, rich cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes. You'll indulge in the country's robust cuisine, celebrating the riches of the ocean and its lush countryside.

Lisbon, the hilly capital, boasts wonderful architecture, a romantic old quarter, superb museums, and a thriving culinary scene. The city's warm and welcoming people will make you feel right at home.

You can explore colorful markets, marvel at fairytale castles, and lounge on endless sandy beaches. The rugged Atlantic island of Madeira has its own charms, not least a beautifully preserved old city, Funchal, and some of the finest coastal walking in Europe.

Relax in the sunshine by the pool, or breathe in the sea air from the sanctuary of your own veranda. Choose The Retreat for the ultimate in luxurious living, with access to an exclusive restaurant, lounge, and sundeck.

The Douro Valley, where port wine vineyards snake along steep hillsides, is a must-visit destination. You can also explore the dramatic volcanic scenery of the Azores, or join a whale-watching excursion.

A cruise from Lisbon, Portugal, is a great way to experience the country's rich wine culture. You can visit the Douro Valley, where sinuous vineyards and silvery olive groves line the river banks.

In the Douro Valley, you can taste vintage ports, as well as the celebrated Mateus Rosé. The region's unique terroir and climate make it ideal for producing high-quality wines.

After a day of wine tasting, head to a Fado show to experience the soulful melodies of Portugal's traditional music. Fado is known for its hauntingly beautiful sound and melancholy lyrics, and its origin dates back to the 1820s.

If you're a wine enthusiast, a cruise to Portugal is a dream come true. From the port of Leixoes, you can visit the Douro Valley, where sinuous vineyards and silvery olive groves line the river banks.

The Douro Valley is particularly famous for its vintage ports and the celebrated Mateus Rosé. These wines are a must-try for any wine lover.

From Lisbon, you can explore the lush countryside of the south and sample floral Moscatel wines. These wines are a perfect representation of the region's unique flavor profile.

Madeira produces its own fortified wines from grapes ripened in the Atlantic sunshine. This unique climate gives Madeira's wines a distinct flavor that's worth trying.

If you want to experience the authentic sound of Portuguese music, a Fado show is a must-see. Fado originated in the 1820s and is known for its hauntingly beautiful sound and melancholy lyrics.

Attend a Fado show at a bar or restaurant in the Alfama District, where you'll often find soulful melodies performed by talented musicians.

A sunset is a breathtaking natural phenomenon that occurs when the sun disappears below the horizon, typically after a long day of wine tasting and cultural exploration.

The colors of a sunset are a result of the Earth's atmosphere scattering the sun's light, creating hues of orange, pink, and purple that are simply stunning.

As I've experienced on many a wine country evening, the warm tones of a sunset can evoke feelings of relaxation and contentment, making it the perfect time to unwind with a glass of fine wine.

The timing of a sunset can vary greatly depending on the location and time of year, but in the wine regions of Tuscany and Bordeaux, they often occur around 8-9 pm during the summer months.

Watching a sunset over a vineyard or a rolling hillside can be a truly unforgettable experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves wine and nature.

The Lisbon Port is a bustling hub of activity, and as a cruise passenger, you'll want to make the most of your time here.

Lisbon Port is located in the heart of the city, within walking distance of many popular attractions.

The port has a long history, dating back to the 15th century, and has been an important hub for trade and commerce ever since.

You can easily reach the port by taxi, Uber, or public transportation, including buses and metro lines.

Cruise ships typically dock at one of two main terminals: the Lisbon Cruise Terminal or the Vasco da Gama Terminal.

The Lisbon Cruise Terminal is the largest and most modern of the two, offering a range of amenities and services for passengers.

The Vasco da Gama Terminal is located on the other side of the port and offers a more intimate and personalized experience.

Both terminals offer stunning views of the city and the Tagus River.

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If you're planning a cruise from Lisbon, Portugal, you'll want to consider the various tour packages and services available to enhance your experience.

Some cruise lines offer pre-cruise hotel stays in Lisbon, allowing you to explore the city before embarking on your voyage.

You can also book shore excursions directly through your cruise line, which often include guided tours and transportation to and from the ship.

If you're looking for a unique and exciting way to explore the great outdoors, consider a river tour package. Many tour operators offer packages that include a guided boat tour down a scenic river, often with stops at picturesque towns and villages along the way.

Some of the most popular river tour packages include the Danube River tour, which spans over 2,000 miles through eight countries. The river flows through the heart of Europe, offering breathtaking views of rolling hills, castles, and historic cities.

River tours can be a great way to experience the local culture and cuisine of the areas you visit. For example, a tour of the Rhine River in Germany might include a visit to a local vineyard, where you can sample some of the region's famous wines.

Prices for river tour packages can vary greatly, depending on the length of the tour, the type of accommodations, and the level of luxury. On average, a 7-day river tour can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 per person.

Some tour operators offer special themed river tours, such as a wine-themed tour or a history-themed tour. These tours often include additional activities and experiences that are tailored to the specific theme of the tour.

In addition to the scenic views and cultural experiences, river tours often offer a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. Many tour operators offer comfortable and spacious boats, as well as amenities such as fine dining and live entertainment.

Sailing with Celebrity Cruises offers industry-leading standards for cruises, with destinations that span the globe.

You'll have access to casual dining and al fresco drinks by the pool, as well as specialty gourmet restaurants on board.

Their expertise means you'll get to know each destination in depth, with excursions designed for every taste.

Style and impeccable service await on a Celebrity cruise.

Each day in port offers endless options to enjoy activity-filled adventures, or just exploring on your own.

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How long is a typical River Cruise from Lisbon?

Most trips run between 11 and 14 days.

You'll spend about 3 nights in Lisbon before cruising the Douro River for 7-10 nights. Scenic and Emerald offer longer 14-day trips, while Travel Marvel has an 11-day option.

What's the weather like in Lisbon?

Lisbon stays pretty mild all year, with temperatures from 50°F to 85°F (10°C to 29°C).

In the Douro Valley, it gets warmer, especially in summer when it can hit 95°F (35°C).

When is the best time to visit?

Many travelers find spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) ideal, with nice temperatures and little rain.

One traveler on an APT cruise told us: "We went in September and had perfect weather - warm enough for the deck but cool enough for excursions."

How can I make the most of my time in Lisbon?

Your time in Lisbon includes visits to the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, São Jorge Castle, and the Monument to the Discoveries.

You'll take guided walks through the city's oldest neighborhoods, Baixa and Chiado. Many travelers really enjoy the side trip to Sintra to see the colorful Pena Palace.

What should I do to book my cruise?

Try to book 8-12 months before you want to travel, especially if you're planning to go during busy season (April-October).

September and October are particularly popular because of the grape harvest in the Douro Valley.

One traveler who went with Emerald Cruises shared this advice: "We booked 10 months ahead and were glad we did, as our preferred cabin category and dates were already filling up quickly."

Here are some key dates to keep in mind:

What can I expect on the cruise?

After Porto, you'll visit Régua, famous for its port wine, and Pinhão with its hillside vineyards.

The cruise continues to Vega de Terrón on the Spanish border and Barca d'Alva, the last Portuguese village along the river.

Travelers especially love visiting the fancy Mateus Palace, exploring the old village of Castelo Rodrigo, and spending time in Salamanca, Spain, known for its golden-colored buildings.