P&O Cruises | Lisbon Cruises | Cruises to Lisbon

About Lisbon

Some of the best views of the Portuguese capital come as your ship cruises along the Tagus River. You pass the Belem Tower and the impressive Monument to the Discoveries with its statue of Henry the Navigator before arriving at the Lisbon cruise terminal.

Although small for a European capital, this city does sprawl a little so you would do best to concentrate on three districts - Baixa, Bairro Alto and Alfama, each with its own distinctive style, making Lisbon cruises a must see.

Baixa has busy streets of inviting shops, cafés and restaurants while Alfama is the atmospheric old town with narrow cobblestone streets, medieval and Moorish-style buildings, wrought-iron balconies with trailing flowers and a mix of small shops and bars. Bairro Alto is another historic district with narrow streets and is a steep climb from Baixa so look out for the 100-year-old lift (Elevador do Carmo) near Rossio Square. With such a variety of destinations to explore, cruises to Lisbon bring to your holiday a balance of both modern and historical grounds.

Shore excursions in Lisbon

Please note: The shore excursions listed are typical for this port. The full programme of shore excursions available for your cruise will be displayed on Cruise Personaliser at least 12 weeks prior to departure.

A Taste of Lisbon - Small Group Tour

Duration: 4 hours

Join a small group to discover some of the delightful tastes Lisbon has to offer.

Hop aboard your minibus and head to the Belem Quarter, and the famous ‘Pasteis de Belém’. Mentioned in every guide to Lisbon, this delightful bakery is the traditional home of the delicious Pastel de Nata. Indulge your taste buds with one of these delicious custard tarts, accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee.

Continue to the charming neighbourhoods of Bairro Alto and Chiado, where you’ll embark on a short guided walking tour. As you wind your way along the narrow streets your knowledgeable guide will enlighten you with interesting facts about the city. Pause at a viewpoint to capture wonderful photos of the Castle of S Jorge, the Cathedral and the Old Town.

Your next stop is Cervejaria Trindade. This popular restaurant is delightfully decorated with colourful tiles from the 1800’s. It started out as a convent’s dining area, before later becoming one of Lisbon’s first beer houses in 1836. Enjoy a refreshing local beer and some typical Portuguese tapas.

Your final stop is a traditional pastry shop of Portuguese sweet treats, Casa dos Ovos Moles em Lisboa. Here, you’ll have the chance to sample the popular Ovos Moles, a tasty sweet local delicacy.

To round off your tour, you’ll take a short ride down to the city centre on the popular Eiffel elevator of Santa Justa.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by minibus, elevator and on foot. There is approximately 1 hour of walking on this tour, as well as a few steps to negotiate.

City Drive and Oceanarium

Duration: 4 hours

Visit the largest indoor aquarium in Europe, followed by a panoramic drive of the city.

Lisbon is a city of major contrasts, being an old world city and at the same time a modern capital, with fine examples of contemporary architecture.

Parque das Nações is the most modern part of the city and the former site of the Expo 98 world exhibition, which was hosted by Portugal. The centrepiece of the exhibition was the Oceanarium, which today remains one of the world’s largest aquariums.

Upon arrival, you’ll have free time to explore the Oceanarium and the surrounding gardens at your leisure. A huge central tank allows you observe global life in the world’s oceans, whilst 4 additional tanks recreate the coastal habitats of the Antarctic, Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans. There are over 15,000 animals from 200 different species, including sharks, rays and barracudas. An enormous panel of 54,000 hand-painted ceramic tiles also shows elements of marine fauna.

Having experienced modern Lisbon, enjoy a panoramic drive across the central and old part of this lively city. Sit back and relax as you pass through areas such as Liberty Avenue, Pombal, Rossio and Black Horse Square.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Signs inside the Aquarium are in Portuguese and English. The visit to the Aquarium will last approximately 2¼ hours, during which walking and standing is required, as well as negotiating some steps. Flash photography is prohibited inside the Aquarium.

Estádio da Luz - FC Benfica

Duration: 3½ hours

An unforgettable treat for football lovers and a unique opportunity to gain access behind the scenes at one of the most famous stadiums in Europe.

Estádio da Luz translates as the ‘Stadium of Light’ and is home to FC Benfica, one of the 3 main football clubs of Portugal. Its symbol is forever linked to the history of Portuguese football.

At the entrance of the stadium you’ll see the statue of Eusébio, the most famous Portuguese football player of all time and still an idol for all Benfica fans today. You’ll also see 2 models representing the legendary old stadium and the modern one built for the Euro Cup of 2004.

You’ll visit the executive boxes, the visitors’ dressing room, the pressroom, the players’ tunnel, benches and coaching area, and at every turn there are fantastic photo opportunities as you follow in the footsteps of some of the great players like Figo, Ronaldo, Beckham, Rooney, to name but a few, who played here during the European Cup in 2004.

The emblem of Benfica is an eagle and the stadium has their own called Victoria. Whilst she is not on view every day, before a home match she is always there at the start circling the stadium.

The visit ends with a walk around the pitch and some free time to explore the souvenir shop. Enjoy a panoramic drive through Lisbon’s city centre on your return to the ship.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately 1½ hours’ total walking and there are steps are to be negotiated in the stadium. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended.

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Estoril Beach

Duration: 4 hours

Spend some time relaxing at one of Lisbon’s popular beaches.

What better way to spend your day than to head to the wonderful golden sands of Estoril Beach, known for its calm waters and fine sands. Estoril is a very picturesque area, so why not take a dip in the glorious warm waters of the Atlantic or just sit back, relax and soak up the sun.

Enjoy a stroll along the seaside promenade, where you will find a selection of shops, bars and restaurants as well as the renowned Casino and its gardens.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach. It is unguided and exclusive of lunch and entrance fees. Sun beds, sun umbrellas and changing facilities are available for hire (payable direct). Please note that the beach may be crowded during the summer months.

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Jeep Safari

Duration: 5 hours

Head off the beaten track and into the hills and villages and see some spectacular scenery and typical country villages.

After a short briefing, you’ll head off in your 4 wheel drive 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 westernmost 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 Ulgueira and on to the Peninha viewpoint where the astonishing view over the south coast line of Cascais can be seen. A stop will be made en route to enjoy a light picnic snack of Portuguese delicacies. 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.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by 4 wheel drive 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. It is advisable to take a light jacket with you as the temperature along the coastline can be cool. This tour involves walking over steps, uneven ground and inclines. Flat walking shoes are advised.

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