A Taste of Lisbon & Alenquer Wines

A city set on seven hills, the Portuguese capital of Lisbon has a history longer and richer than any other European city. Facing the river Tagus, connected by the stunning bridge that reminds us of San Francisco's Golden Gate, the charm of Lisbon exists in its strong links to the past. Its renovated palaces, magnificent churches and an impressive castle mirror the city's rich cultural heritage. The labyrinth of streets that crisscross the city's historical center with its tile covered buildings are unique in the world.

We invite you to join your fellow cruises two nights early, and discover this beautiful city and one of its nearby wine regions. Spend a day in the Portuguese DOC winemaking district of Alenquer and sample some of the wines that make this region special. This pre-cruise option includes two nights in a city center 5-star hotel, a welcome dinner and Fado performance, visit to a 17th century palace, and an excursion to an Alenquer winery with a tour, tasting and a wine-paired lunch hosted by one of the region's premier wine families. Your stay in Lisbon also includes a guided city tour and a private transfer to the ship on embarkation day.

Day 1 – Independent Arrival in Lisbon [D]

Guests arrive in Lisbon independently and transfer from the airport on their own to the hotel.

Accommodation for both nights will be at the 5-star Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa hotel. Located right on the Avenida da Liberdade, this recently renovated property sets the luxury standard in central Lisbon. With over 80 years of tradition and savoir-faire the hotel attracts artists and film stars from the nearby theater district even today. Rooms are elegant and comfortable and offer modern amenities. After checking into your room and some time to relax, you will meet your guide in the lobby for the short drive to Lisbon's Alfama district, considered the historical heart of Lisbon during its Moorish past. Tonight's welcome dinner will be at the Mesa de Frades Restaurant and will include an authentic Fado performance. The restaurant is located in a converted old chapel lined with 18th century tiles. Sit back and enjoy a traditional Portuguese meal served with local wines, accompanied by the bohemian music and lyrics of these talented guitarists and musicians.

Day 2 – Alenquer wine region[B, L]

Folllowing breakfast in the hotel’s restaurant,you will meet your guide in the hotel lobby and depart for the Alenquer wine region.

One your way to the Alenquer region, you will make a stop in Queluz for a private guided visit of its magnificent Queluz Palace & Gardens, reminiscent of Versailles. The royal estate was built in the 17th century as a manor house for King Pedro II, but was later enlarged and transformed into a graceful palace. Today it is well preserved and open to the public, and often accommodates state guests and dignitaries: former U.S. presidents Eisenhower, Carter, Reagan and Clinton all stayed or dined at the palace.

Today's final destination will be Chocapalha Wine Estate. Here you will enjoy a private tour, tasting and lunch at a wonderful and enchanting property that is not only for its architecture, but also for its history, beauty and wines. The vineyards of Chocapalha date back to the 16th century and were given to a Scotsman, Diogo Duff, who fought for King João VI and received both the land and the "Tower and Sword" insignia. The current owners Alice and Paulo Tavares da Silva bought the property in the mid-1980’s and made significant improvements, allowing this small family-owned winery to earn 90-point scores from Wine Spectator and 4 stars from Decanter. The wine tasting will be led by winemaker and daughter of the owners, Sandra Tavares da Silva, or a member of the oenology staff. Following the tasting, you will join the family for lunch at their charming house.

Day 3 –Historic Lisbon [B]

Highlight: City TOUR and TRANSFER TO THE SHIP

After breakfast in the hotel's restaurant, you will check out of your room and meet the group in the lobby and depart for a beautiful city tour of Lisbon. The tour includes visits to the Discovery Monuments and the XVI-century Belem Tower. You will visit the XVI-century Jeronimos Monastery, which exemplifies the Manueline style, a highly decorative form of architecture that emerged during the reign of Manuel I (1495-1521). The next stop will be at Antiga Confeitaria de Belém dating from early 19th century. This Lisbon fixture now serves 10,000 Pasteis de Belém (custard tarts) a day, a specialty made with a secret centuries-old recipe. End your morning with a private guided visit to the National Tile Museum, presenting five centuries of decorative ceramic tiles, or azulejos, tracing the history and production of the art form. Tile making is deeply embedded in Portugal's history and is a major component in the architecture and design of the country's most beautiful buildings.

Your tour ends as you arrive at the pier, where you will board the ship in time for lunch and the beginning of your next journey...Bon Voyage!

Registration Form

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Per Person Price: $1,335 Single Supplement: $290

Tour Includes: English-speaking guide, two nights hotel accommodations in a Superior room, hotel porterage upon arrival and departure, ground transportation, two buffet breakfasts, welcome dinner served with wine, Fado performance, winery tour and tasting, wine-paired lunch, city tour, entrance and tasting fees, bottled water on motor coach, and all local taxes.

Not Included: Airport transfer upon arrival, gratuities for guide and driver, and all items of personal nature.

Activity Level: There will be some walking on uneven surfaces to negotiate throughout the tour. The tour is available to wheelchair guests who have a collapsible wheelchair and are able to make their own way on and off the motor coach as well as have a companion to assist them.

Note: Times and providers are subject to change.

Travel Insurance: F&WT highly encourages protecting your travel investment in case of an emergency requiring you to cancel your trip. Your F&WT's Travel Advisor can assist you with procuring the appropriate coverage. Please make sure to read the cancellation policy on the registration form outlining our cancellation policy.