LISBON
Grit’n Glam at the end of the (old) world
One of the oldest cities in the world, Lisbon isn't shy about its long, rich past. Nestled across seven jaw-dropping hills overlooking Rio Tejo, the city boasts ancient ruins, white-domed cathedrals, traditional houses clinging to cobbled alleyways, and breathtaking views from every angle. Its strategic seaside position allowed Portugal to play a massive role in the Age of Discovery and, most importantly, develop a cuisine committed to creating thousands of different ways to cook bacalhau.
Whether you're yearning for culinary bites or historical delights, Lisbon is a must-visit for anyone with a fierce appetite. Explore what was once thought to be the farthest edge of the world, indulge in a cultural feast, and discover the untold stories reflected in the bright city lights.
Astral Appeal & Palaces in Sacred Sintra
A visit to Sintra opens the doors to a world of myths and legends. The town, UNESCO World Heritage Site, has several monuments and archeological remains. Explore its mystical past of moon worshippers and astral cults, see the extravagant palaces built centuries ago as royal summer retreats and feel like a monarch on a carriage ride into the city. You'll tour different castles and even indulge in a three-course meal in the Seteais Palace's dining hall before strolling through its elegant gardens.
The Grape Estate–Royal Residences & Wineries
Travel back in time while exploring Portugal's cinematic scenery, dramatic history, and flavorsome culture. Contrast the old and the new as you cross the countryside on your way to Marfa, the village where the Baroque art style was developed in the 17th century. See the palace and convent built to rival Rome's splendor and visit the estate King Carlos I gave one of his mistresses as a gift. At Quinta de Sant'Ana, now a private vineyard and winery, you'll taste the local wine in its old cellar.
Giving Me Life in Lisbon
Feel the pulse of the busy Baixa district walking through Praça da Figueira, then step into Rossio Square to find the city's beating heart. Continuing on to Praça do Comércio, you'll see one of the loveliest squares in Europe, and at Praça dos Restauradores, the obelisk built in observance of Portugal's liberation from Spain in 1640. For stunning panoramic views of the city, head to Bairro Alto. You'll view the iconic Baroque Church of São Roque and also get a break to explore at your own pace.
Lisbon Sips & Spirits in The Night
Lisbon
Step up to the streets, soak up the atmosphere, and spill down some bevvies on a spirited nighttime pub crawl. You’ll get a chocolate shot glass of Ginjinha — sour cherry liqueur that is a Lisbon staple — and visit a brewery where you’ll have your own beverage guru (bartender, but guru sounds way better) to get you acquainted with different flavors. Then, be the coolest new kid on the block — or forever-young adult — at Gelato Devvero to kick back local-flavored shots with ice cream.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Say saúde (that’s cheers in Portuguese) on a spirited crawl through Lisbon’s fabulous bar and pub scene
- Sip the famous Ginjinha in a chocolate shot glass just like the locals do
- Go to one of the city's top breweries, where your beverage guru will introduce you different flavors
- Kick back (or sip on) local-flavored shots with ice cream at Gelato Devvero
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Exclusive to Virgin Voyages
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Approximately 1 hour of walking on this Shore Thing
- A donation will be made on behalf of your Shore Thing booking to our environmental and social impact charity partners
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Let’s Look Up – Lisbon’s Architectural Landscape
Lisbon
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Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
Embark on a spatial odyssey into the must-see destinations for any architecture lover on a day that covers lunch at the Cultural Center of Belem (CCB), a tour to the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT), and a visit to the Gulbenkian Foundation. You’ll view Gare do Oriente’s neo-futurist railway, the gravity-defying Portugal Pavillion, works by the renowned architect Aires Mateus, the Lisbon Oceanarium — the most popular cultural attraction, beautiful gardens, posh houses, and more.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- See the neo-futuristic style of the Gare do Oriente railway and the gravity-defying Portugal Pavilion
- Visit the Lisbon Oceanarium, one of the top aquariums in the world and home to an on-site ecosystem
- Head over to the MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology for a specialized visit
- Have lunch at the monumental Cultural Center of Belém (CCB)
- See works along the river, a luxury residence on The Pinnacle List, and two top European foundations, including the Gulbenkian Foundation
- Exclusive to Virgin Voyages
- This Shore Thing is wheelchair accessible
- This Shore Thing requires a request for wheelchair accessible transportation — please contact Sailor Services at least 14 days prior to your sailing d
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Sailors should expect long periods of walking and standing
- Lunch is included
- A donation will be made on behalf of your Shore Thing booking to our environmental and social impact charity partners
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Pink Street & Sunsets Over Lisbon
Lisbon
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Virgin Select
This experience is exclusive to Virgin Voyages, additionally a donation will be made on behalf of your Shore Thing booking to our environmental and social impact charity partners.
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Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
Charge your batteries — internal and camera — and live like a local in one of Lisbon’s trendiest areas. Marvel at the sunset over Europe’s westernmost capital city, then head into trendy Bairro Alto, the city’s former Red Light District. Stroll down the iconic Pink Street, whose namesake provides an effervescent glow with every step, and make your way to one of its prime rooftop bars. Savor the local vibe, grab a cocktail, and make a toast to experiencing an authentic Lisbon night.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- See the sunset in Europe’s westernmost capital city
- Head to Bairro Alto, Lisbon’s former Red Light District turned into one of its trendiest neighborhoods
- Walk down Pink Street — it's literally painted pink — you make your way to one of the top rooftop bars in Lisbon
- Grab a cocktail and make a toast as you end your day experiencing a taste of the true Lisbon nightlife
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Sailors should expect to walk uphill and/or over uneven pavement
- Exclusive to Virgin Voyages
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Includes adult beverages
- Approximately 1 hour of walking on this Shore Thing
- A donation will be made on behalf of your Shore Thing booking to our environmental and social impact charity partners
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Throttles-n-Bottles
Lisbon
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Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
With a skilled driver at the wheel, feel the thrill and exhil-aration of off-roading through scenic Sintra, passing through hills, trails, and landmarks like the Palácio da Pena, a dazzling former-royal residence, and through winding streets to Penedo’s 17th-century church. In the village of Colares, you’ll quench your palate with regional fruits: grapes transformed into table wine. The final stops include the dramatic cliffs of Fojo da Adraga and Cabo da Roca — Europe’s westernmost point.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- With a skilled driver at the wheel of your well-equipped Jeep, head for the hills (of Sintra), off-roading through trails, forests, and scenic village
- Traveling the winding streets, view incredible landmarks including the dazzling Palácio da Pena and Penedo’s 17th-century church
- Arrive in the country village of Colares to sip some regional red and white wines
- Head to Fojo da Adraga, whose dramatic cliffs form around a wave crashing well
- Visit Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in continental Europe — often referred to as "the end of the world"
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- This Shore Thing is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- Sailors should be in good physical condition to participate
- Sailors prone to motion sickness should take precautions prior to this Shore Thing
- Closed-toed shoes are required
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
- This Shore Thing is considered 'daring' and not for the faint of heart. Sailors are reminded that they assume full risk and responsibility
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Tailgate Lisbon in a Tuk-Tuk
Lisbon
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Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
Take a break from convention and experience the contrast between old-world wonders and contemporary cool on a three-wheeled Tuk-Tuk. Moving through the narrow alleys in Alfama, the oldest area in the city, to the trendy Fado district, you’ll be surrounded by sights, sounds, and smells of Europe’s western city scene. Make sure to get some obligatory Tuk-Tuk shots as you pass by the Tagus River and taste the sweet pastel de nata, the irresistible Portuguese custard tart along the way.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- See Lisbon in a less conventional way by riding in a Tuk-Tuk (three-wheeled taxi) to explore old-world and contemporary wonders
- Drive through Alfama’s ancient alleys and into the hip Fado area to experience the sights, smells, and sounds that make up Europe’s western city scene
- Post some obligatory pics of the Tagus River and pastel de nata (traditional custard tart) on your sweet Tuk-Tuk ride
- 4 Sailors per Tuk-Tuk
- Visit the Church of São Roque, a Baroque masterpiece (which doesn’t need fixing)
- Enjoy free time to shop and explore independently
- This Shore Thing is wheelchair accessible for collapsible wheelchairs, as well as Sailors who can navigate a few steps on their own
- This Shore Thing requires a request for wheelchair accessible transportation — please contact Sailor Services at least 14 days prior to your sailing d
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Record-breaking shops
Lisbon’s 1732 Livraria Betrand is the world’s oldest operating bookstore.
Lisbon is the capital of contrasts. Home to a centuries-old bookstore and a famous custard tart whose recipe has never been written down, a walk down the city's winding streets can lead you to cheap young wines, dusty €1,000 bottles, impressive ruins, and striking modern buildings. With the residents keeping the local traditions alive at every corner (adorned with detailed graffiti murals), a visit to Lisbon is an open invitation to celebrate both its glorious past and the dazzling future ahead.
