Cruise Offer

Optional Private Excursions

Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!

Cannes - Half Day Tour - 4 hours

Cannes Shore Excursion. You will visit the glamourous Cannes, famous for the Cannes Film Festival.
 

9.00 am or 2:00 pm: Be met at your boat and drive to Cannes.

Once a small fishing village, Cannes is now a glamorous and expensive seaside town considered to be one of the social hubs of Europe. During the festival, fans can see actors, celebrities, and directors up close and in person on the famous steps of the Palais des Festivals at the end of La Croisette. You can check out the beauty and architecture of Le Suquet, with its cobbled streets and breathtaking views, or sit at street side tables and enjoy the favoured hobby of people watching up and down the lovely marina.

Your guide will escort you to visit the city main points of interest:

Old town— The usual narrow winding streets filled with restaurants and souvenir shops. The view from the castle ruins at the top is excellent.

Covered Market (Marché Forville)— For a spectacular eating and viewing food experience, no other market in Cannes beats this for scale and variety. The market itself is at the west end of rue Meynardiers, one of the Cote's best gourmand streets.

Palais des Festivals— Down La Croisette is the famous Palais des Festivals, where stars of the screen gather and watch films screened during the festival. Irresistible not to pose for a photograph on the 22 steps leading up to the entrance.

Port— Admire the yachts of the rich and possibly famous - though true mega-yachts will be found at the International Yacht Club down the coast in Antibes.

La Croisette— Cannes catwalk beside the sea, it is the center of the city's tourist activity and known for its luxury hotels and boutique shops. 

1:00 pm or 6:00 pm: return to Nice.
Tour Duration: 4 hours.

Tour can operate: Any Day

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.

Physical Activity Level: Moderate.

Included:
Deluxe minivan that can carry up to 6 passengers
Professional English-speaking guide-driver who will chauffeur you on your sightseeing-tour and is licensed to guide and accompany you on walking tours as well as into museums and monuments.
24-hour assistance available during your stay
All taxes

Not Included:
Tips
Lunch or dinner

Optional Private Excursions

Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!

Malaga: Artistic Half Day City Tour

We will visit the Picasso museum, Church of Santiago, Plaza de la Merced, Picasso House, Larios street, Roman theatre, Pasaje Chinitas and finally taste some of Malaga’s sweet wines.

4 hours tour
Morning or afternoon tour
No wheelchair
Light physical activity
Pick up and drop off at the Port

Included: Guided Tour; Entrance Fees

Not Included: Any meals, Taxis or other services not specified

Inhabited for more than 2,000 years by different Mediterranean civilizations, Málaga is today a city which combines tradition and modernity. Stretching below the watchful eye of the Castle of Gibralfaro is a lively and bustling city crammed with beautiful corners, such as the Alameda Principal, the gardens of Puerta Oscura and Pedro Luis Alonso, the Park, and the beach promenade.
Historic Málaga offers countless spots and corners full of local colour. The Merced square, dominated by the Monument to Torrijos and where the house in which the famous painter Pablo Ruiz Picasso was born is situated. A tour of the historic quarter must take in the busy Pasaje de Chinitas, the old streets of the former jewish quarter and calle Larios, the old town's main thoroughfare.
Established in 1490, Santiago is Málaga's oldest church and it was built on the site of a former mosque. Only the central entrance in the Mudéjar style remains of the original façade. The square tower in the same style was conceived as a separate minaret and was attached to the church in the 16th century. From Calle Granada, a beautiful Almohad sebka (a grid of rhombuses) cloth can be seen in one of its sections. Pablo Ruiz Picasso, the brilliant painter who revolutionised 20th century art, was baptised here in 1881.
Pablo Picasso, the most important painter of the 20th century, was born in 1881 at number 15 Plaza de la Merced. Declared a Historic/Artistic Monument of National Interest in 1983, Casa Picasso began by occupying the first floor and now occupies the entire building. The property nestles in the architectural complex known as Casas de Campos (Rural Houses) where Don José Ruiz Blasco and Maria Picasso, Pablo Ruiz Picasso's parents, lived.  
Málaga's Roman Theatre is one of the remaining symbols of Roman Hispania in the city. In addition to the theatre itself, it has a modern interpretation centre where new technologies present the life and customs of the time. The Theatre has also been returned to its original use and different types of shows take place inside.
 
Buenavista Palace houses a permanent collection showing eight decades of work by Pablo Picasso, who was born in Málaga in 1881. The collection conveys the rigor and creativity of an artist who is essential to understand the history of Western art. Further, temporary exhibitions delve into the artistic context, while the program of activities proposes many ways to enjoy the arts. The collection features 233 works that cover 80 years of the painter's work, from 1892 to 1972. 
In the centre stands the Cathedral (16th-18th centuries), also known as “la Manquita” because of its unfinished right tower. This temple, beautifully executed in the Renaissance style, preserves an interesting series of chapels which contain fine examples of Andalusian images. In the old town, other prominent churches are Santiago (15th-18th centuries), with a beautiful Mudejar tower and Sagrado Corazón.

Malaga: Ronda Full Day Excursion

A drive through the rugged Serrania de Ronda will bring you to a broad open plateau surrounded on all sides by jagged mountains. Ronda stands on an enormous outcrop of rock. The centre of town is split by a Bridge built in the 18^th century. Wander across the bridge and you are in La Ciudad (old town) inhabited in old days by groups of marauding bandits. During the course of the day you will also see the town’s impressive Cathedral, the Bullring, San Juan Bosco House and the Mondragón Palace.

9 hours tour
Morning tour
No wheelchair
Light physical activity
Pick up and drop off at the Port 

Included: Transportation by Deluxe Vehicle; Guided Tour; Entrance Fees

Not Included: Any meals or other services not specified

This town in the Málaga region sits on either side of the Tajo del Ronda, a narrow gorge more than 150 metres deep. Celts, Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs all inhabited these lands, which were reconquered by the Catholic Monarchs. The historic quarter, reminiscent of the Arab age and with a medieval layout is scattered to the south of the Guadalevín, while more modern Ronda, the part which sprang up after the 16th century, unfolds to the north of the course of this river.
The major religious work is Santa María la Mayor, where Arab and Christian features combine. On the site of an old Roman temple, the Arabs built the Main Mosque of Ronda in the 13th century. Preserved from this period are the mihrab arch, decorated with stucco, and the minaret, transformed into a belltower.
The House of the Moorish King, meanwhile, boasts Gothic-Mudejar decoration and some hanging gardens, declared to be an Artistic Garden.
The civil architecture of Ronda is reflected in its ancestral homes and aristocratic small palaces such as the Palaces of Mondragón and of the Marquis of Salvatierra. The Mondragón palace was for centuries the residence of Muslim and Christian kings, and today it houses the city's Archaeological Museum.
The San Juan Bosco House is a modernist palace built at the beginning of the 20th century. It is located at the Tajo's edge, at the heart of the historical city quarter of Ronda. It It has got a nice courtyard, decorated with arab style ceramics and a very complete collection of regional ceramics.It is also advisable to see its 19th century tapestries and its walnut furniture.
The gardens are very interesting, due to its placement, being one authentical balcony on to the Serrania.
Three bridges span the ravine measuring more than 100 metres in depth and lead to the other side of the city. The Arab bridge was built in the 14th century and gave access to the Old Outskirts. The so-called old bridge is comprised of a single arch measuring some 10 metres across. But most emblematic of all is the New Bridge, a colossal feat of engineering which joins the neighbourhoods of Mercadillo and Ciudad. And the bullring one of the oldest in Spain and most emblematic for the famous “goyescas” bullfight.

Malaga: Granada Full Day Excursion

Climbing up into the mountains that surround Malaga, we make our way toward the famed city of Granada. At the foot of the Sierra Nevada lies Granada, a city steeped in history of the ancient Moors. Once inside the great Fortress and Palace of the Alhambra, you will feel as if you have been transported into another century as you wander through the Lion's Court and the Room of Secrets. Lovely views over the Albaicin old district, declared World Heritage Site and the Sacromonte, which houses Spain's largest
congregation of gypsies. Then we walk through the exquisitely beautiful Generalife Gardens filled with fountains and flowers.

8 hours tour
Morning tour
No wheelchair
Moderate physical activity
Pick up and drop off at the Port

Included: Transportation by Deluxe Vehicle; Guided Tour; Entrance Fees

Not Included: Any meals or other services not specified

At the foot of Sierra Nevada,
between the Darro and Genil rivers, lies one of the most interesting cities
in eastern Andalusia. Because it was the last city reconquered by the Catholic
Monarchs in 1492, Granada has an unmistakable Arab flavour. Fountains, viewpoints
and Cármenes, the villas surrounded by gardens typical of the city, add to Granada's
unforgettable charm. Not in vain was one of its oldest districts, the Albaicín,
declared a World Heritage Site, together with the Alhambra and the Generalife.

 

The Alhambra's reddish hills
house the old Alcazaba and the Nazarite Royal Palaces. This artistic gem of
Arab Granada, built between the 13th and the 15th centuries, is composed of
many rooms linked by courtyards, gardens and fountains. Its delicate execution
is evident in such places as the courtyards of Arrayanes and Leones, and in
the Salón de los Embajadores or the Sala de las Dos Hermanas. The Generalife
gardens, the summer residence of the Nazarite Monarchs, is also located on this
hill, along with the Palace of Carlos V, a Renaissance-style building.

 

The Albaicín quarter, with
a deep Arab flavour, is located on another one of the city's hills and can be
seen from the Alhambra. Narrow and steep streets are filled with cármenes (traditional
villas with gardens), old mosques on top of which churches have been erected
(San Salvador, San Bartolomé and San José), and little squares like San Nicolás
and San Cristóbal. Both these spots enjoy great views over the Alhambra and
the peaks of Sierra Nevada.

Malaga: Cultural Half Day City Tour

First settled by the seafaring Phoenicians because of its natural harbour, and later conquered by the Arabs, it finally fell into the Spanish hands in 1487. Overlooking the central part of the city one can see the Gibralfaro Castle, originally Phoenician, and later rebuilt by the Arabs. In the centre of the city we will find the Atarazanas Market, the Sagrado Corazon Church, the old Jewish quarter, the Ben Gabirol Jewish Center, the City Hall, Malaga' s Park and the Bullring.

4 hours tour
Morning or afternoon tour
No wheelchair
Light physical activity
Pick up and drop off at the Port

Included: Transportation by Deluxe Vehicle; Guided Tour; Entrance Fees

Not Included: Any meals or other services not specified

The Castle of Gibralfaro (14th century), joined to the Citadel by a stretch of wall, gives the best views of the city, which opens out onto the sea with the port and the promenade of La Farola, one of the major leisure areas in the city. At the foot of Gibralfaro is the bullring (known as "La Malagueta") and the historic quarter of the city.
One of Malaga's architectural gems is the Atarazanas Market. The main entrance, an imposing horseshoe archway in off-white marble, is in fact the only remaining part of what was once a grand seven-arched shipyard (Ataranzas in arabic). From shipyard to market, Atarazanas underwent many transformations. Following the fall of the city to the Catholics in 1487, a convent was set up there, afterwards the building was turned into a huge military fort for storing weapons. Later, it became a hospital and even housed a medical school.
 
The Sagrado Corazón Church is located in the Plaza de San Ignacio de Loyola. It is a neo- gothic building constructed in 1920, according to the architectural plans of Fernando Guerrero Strachan, who was commissioned by the Jesuits. It has a basilica, divided into three naves. 
Historic Málaga offers countless spots and corners full of local colour. The façade of the City Hall, from the early 20th century, can be admired. A tour of the historic quarter must take in the old streets of the former jewish quarter, the Ben Gabirol Jewish Center in a House-Tower from the 17th century. The famous Hebrew poet and Jewish philosopher Solomon Ibn Gabirol was born in Malaga. The Juderia or Jewish Quarter was in the eastern part of the city (Postigo de San Agustín, Granada, Santiago, Alcazabilla and Zegrí streets and the Plaza de la Judería), the Synagogue was situated in part of the area where is located nowadays the Bodega el Pimpi Bar Restaurant, and the communal cemetery was on the slopes of Gibralfaro.
Located between the Alameda Principal and the Paseo de España, which runs parallel to Guadiaro Quay, the Malaga's Park extends from the Plaza de General Torrijos to Plaza de la Marina. It is made up of three walkways, each 800 metres long and ten metres wide; one is on the north side and the other two are to the south of the 25 metre-wide central thoroughfare for vehicles, a continuation of the Alameda Principal. It covers an area of 30,000 square metres if we count the rose garden surrounded by orange and cypress trees next to the City Council building and the gardens called Jardines de Puerta Oscura.

Optional Private Excursions

Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!

Tangier City Visit - 4 Hours

Meet your Car and Guide at the port of Tangier near the gangway.

Duration : 4 hours.

Points of Interest : Cape Spartel, Caves of the Oracle of Herakles, Souks, the Medina...

PRICES INCLUDE: Private circle trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle - according to family or group size - from Tangier’s Port. Private guided sightseeing excursion and all related entrance fees as listed in the itinerary. An English-speaking Licensed National Guide throughout. Light refreshment.
 
PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE:
Medical or accident insurance outside of the vehicle. Gratuities to guides and driver. Any expenditure of a personal nature. Bottled or gaseous water en-route, nor anything not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
 
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT TRAVELERS BRING:
Hygienic ‘wipes;’ camera and ziplock bags for sensitive lenses; sunglasses, sunscreen.

Tetouan and Chaouen - 12 Hours

Meet your Car and Guide at the port Tangier near the gangway.

Duration : Approximately 12 hours.

Points of Interest : Tetouan : Mellah (Jewish quarter), Hassan II Square, the traditional walled Medina, the Museum of Moroccan Art, the Handicrafts School, Bab el Oukla ...

Chaouen : El Masjid El Andalous , Square of Ouatta el Hamman, the Palace El Makhzen, the medina ...


PRICES INCLUDE: Private circle trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle - according to family or group size - from Tangier’s Port. Private guided sightseeing excursion and all related entrance fees as listed in the itinerary. An English-speaking Licensed National Guide throughout. Light refreshment.
 
PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE: medical or accident insurance outside of the vehicle. Gratuities to guides and driver. Any expenditure of a personal nature. Bottled or gaseous water en-route, nor anything not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
 
IT IS RECOMMENDED TRAVELERS BRING WITH THEM: hygienic ‘wipes;’ camera and ziplock bags for sensitive lenses; sunglasses, sunscreen.

Tetouan City Visit - 6 Hours

Meet your Car and Guide at the port Tangier near the gangway. Transfer to the city of Tetouan for a day trip.

Duration : Approximately 6 hours.

Points of Interest : Tetouan :
Mellah (Jewish quarter), Hassan II Square, the traditional walled Medina, the Museum of Moroccan Art, the Handicrafts School, Bab el Oukla ...

PRICES INCLUDE:
Private circle trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle - according to family or group size - from Tangier’s Port. Private guided sightseeing excursion and all related entrance fees as listed in the itinerary. An English-speaking Licensed National Guide throughout. Light refreshment.
 
PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE:
Medical or accident insurance outside of the vehicle. Gratuities to guides and driver. Any expenditure of a personal nature. Bottled or gaseous water en-route, nor anything not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
 
IT IS RECOMMENDED TRAVELERS BRING WITH THEM: 
Hygienic ‘wipes;’ camera and ziplock bags for sensitive lenses; sunglasses, sunscreen.

Optional Private Excursions

Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!

Lisbon: Artistic Half Day City Tour

Visit the Jeronimo’s Monastery of Manueline architecture, the Monument of Discoveries, the Belen Tower, Baixa quarter, the National tile museum and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceiçao Velha,
 
4 hours tour
Morning or afternoon tour
No wheelchair
Light physical activity
Pick up and drop off at the Port

Included: Transportation by Deluxe Vehicle; Guided Tour; Entrance Fees

Not Included: Any meals or other services not specified

The Jerónimos Monastery, masterpiece of the Manueline style and a tribute to the king that welcomed and protected the Jews that fled from Spain and then expelled them in 1496. The Monument to the Discoveries where you will have the opportunity to see the faces of Jewish men that participated actively in the Portuguese Golden Age of the Discoveries.
 
The Monument to the Discoveries celebrates the Portuguese who took part in the Age of Discovery. It is located on the estuary of the Tagus river. The monument consists of a 52 metre-high slab of concrete, carved into the shape of the prow of a caravel with its sails unfurled.
 
Belém Tower is a fortified tower located in the Belém district of Lisbon. It was built in the early 16th century in the Portuguese late gothic style, the manueline, and is one of the symbols of the city.
 
The Commerce Square with the beautiful façade of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceiçao Velha. The Church’s greatest highlight is its Manueline Portal representing Our Lady of Mercy, which was part of the ancient Misericórdia Church, featuring a tympanum with the images of the king D. Manuel the 1st, the Queen D. Leonor (sister of King Manuel and founder of the Order of Mercy) and Pope Leo X, the Rossio square and the gothic revival elevator de Santa Justa. The heart of the city is the Baixa or city centre; this area is being considered for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
The Museu Nacional do Azulejo or National tile museum is renowned for not only for its Azulejo (tile) collection but also for its location. Azulejo is a cherished Portuguese tradition that has enjoyed uninterrupted production for five centuries. Azulejo is glazed, ceramic tilework that is usually blue. It is a major component of Portuguese architecture and is found throughout the country on ceilings, floors, walls of churches, palaces, and homes. This museum occupies the ancient Convent of Madre de Deus (Mother of God), built in 1509 by Queen D. Leonor, and adjoining buildings including Saint Antony’s Chapel and a church noted for its Baroque style.

Lisbon: Historical Half Day City Tour

Visit the Saint George’s Castle with a magnificent view over the city, the medieval and old Jewish quarter of Alfama, the Church of Sao Domingos, the Cathedral and the Shaaré Tikvá synagogue if available.

4 hours tour
Morning or afternoon tour
No wheelchair
Light physical activity
Pick up and drop off at the Port
 

Included: Transportation by Deluxe Vehicle; Guided Tour; Entrance Fees

Not Included: Any meals or other services not specified

 
The castle of Sao George is located on one of the seven hills of Lisbon, to the east of the Baixa. In the context of the Christian Reconquista the castle and the city of Lisbon were retaken from the Moors by King Alfonso Henriques with the help of Northern European crusaders taking part on the Second Crusade. The castle was dedicated to Saint George in the late 14^th century by King John I.
 
Lisbon's ancient cathedral was built by Portugal's first king on the site of an old mosque in 1150 for the city's first bishop, the English crusader Gilbert of Hastings. From outside (with two bell towers and a splendid rose window) it resembles a medieval fortress, while inside it appears predominantly Romanesque, with a Gothic choir and ambulatory.
 
Jewish people were the advisors of Kings and Queens, doctors and even some of the explorers, geographers and mathematicians. The tour will start with a general introduction to the Jewish presence of the city, followed by a nice walk in the city centre passing by the site of the 1506 Jewish Massacre near the Church of Sao Domingos and the most well preserved Alfama Jewish and medieval Quarter. Alfama is a village within a city still made up of narrow streets, tiny squares, churches, and whitewashed houses with tile panels and wrought-iron balconies adorned with pots of flowers, drying laundry, and caged birds. 
 
With the abolition of the Inquisition in 1821, families of Sephardic Jews decided to return to Portugal. Most of these Jews were merchants from Morocco and Gibraltar. These were people with a cultural level greatly above average. They could read, speak and write in liturgical Hebrew, Arabic, English and Hakitia, the Moroccan judeo-hispanic dialect.
 
We will continue our tour with a visit to the only Synagogue of Lisbon (Shaaré Tikvá), passing by the Commerce Square, the place where thousands of Jews were forced to be baptized in the 15th century.

Lisbon: Half Day Excursion to Sintra, Cascais & Estoril

Visit the pretty and charming village of Sintra, former residence of the Portuguese Kings and aristocracy
with the National Palace and continue to the fishing village of Cascais and the famous cosmopolitan town of Estoril.

5 hours tour
Morning tour
No wheelchair
Light physical activity
Pick up and drop off at the Port

Included: Transportation by Deluxe Vehicle; Guided Tour; Entrance Fees

Not Included: Any meals or other services not specified

 

Sintra is one of the most
delightful places to be found in Portugal. With its extensive range of green
bills with its crags - the Serra de Sintra - so picturesquely situated and offering
stupendous views of the coastline with its impressive beauty, Sintra is indeed
"a garden of the earthly paradise". The artistic heritage of the Old Town, described
by Byron as "the most pleasing in Europe", also include valuable archaeological
remains, particularly from the Roman period, ancient manor houses, churches
of personalised artistic value and characteristic villages.

 

The National Palace is consisting
of various bodies built during the course of successive epochs on the so-called
"Chão da Oliva", the Paço da Vila de Sintra is one of the most important examples
of regal architecture in Portugal and for that reason is classified as a National
Monument. This gradual multiplication of buildings, with different styles, is
largely responsible for the enigmatic enchantment of this ancient palace, dominated
by great twin chimneys atop the kitchen that constitute as authentic ex-libris
of Sintra.

 

Cascais was a small fishing
port throughout early history as it lies protected from nature's elements at
the mouth of the Rio Tejo. When in 1870 the King, Luís I, chose to convert the
17th Century building of the Citadela into his summer residence Cascais soon
became a very fashionable town and aristocratic palaces and mansions followed.
The Citadel or Fort of Cascais is a 16th century fortress built to protect the
Bay of Cascais. Today, Cascais now boasts smart new Marina with lovely yachts.

 

Just outside the town is
the famous Boca do Inferno in which the sea on rougher days hammers into the
rock and creates a booming noise and a spectacular spray thus creating its name
which in English means "mouth of hell".

 

Estoril town was really
created from the curious needs of the two World Wars. It became a prime location
for European royal exiles forced to leave their own countries. It has been the
residence of King Umberto II of Italy, Juan de Bourbon of Spain, Karl Hapsburg
of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and King Carol of Rumania. The many modest yet
architecturally interesting mansions still remain to indicate their royal owners.
At its height its visitors referred to Estoril as the "Portuguese Riviera".
A Casino with wide surrounding avenues and spacious gardens, a golf course,
all of which soon appeared and then flanked by large hotels and impressive private
homes.

Lisbon: Full Day to Sintra, Cascais & Estoril

Visit the pretty and charming village of Sintra, former residence of the Portuguese Kings and aristocracy with the beautiful Pena Palace, drive to Boca do Inferno, and continue to the fishing village of Cascais and the famous cosmopolitan town of Estoril.

8 hour tour
Morning tour
No wheelchair
Moderate physical activity
Pick up and drop off at the Port 

Included: Transportation by Deluxe Vehicle; Guided Tour; Entrance Fees

Not Included: Any meals or other services not specified

Sintra is one of the most delightful places to be found in Portugal. With its extensive range of green bills with its crags - the Serra de Sintra - so picturesquely situated and offering stupendous views of the coastline with its impressive beauty, Sintra is indeed "a garden of the earthly paradise". The artistic heritage of the Old Town, described by Byron as "the most pleasing in Europe", also include valuable archaeological remains, particularly from the Roman period, ancient manor houses, churches of personalized artistic value and characteristic villages.

It will be time to visit to one of the highlights of the day: the Pena Palace. Driving around the mountain passing by amazing chalets and aristocratic residences you will reach the 19th century Pena Palace in the most incredible combination of architectural styles, colors and shapes that you will find in Portugal.

Cascais was a small fishing port throughout early history as it lies protected from nature’s elements at the mouth of the Rio Tejo. When in 1870 the King, Luís I, chose to convert the 17th Century building of the Citadela into his summer residence Cascais soon became a very fashionable town and aristocratic palaces and mansions followed. The Citadel or Fort of Cascais is a 16th century fortress built to protect the Bay of Cascais. Today, Cascais now boasts smart new Marina with lovely yachts.
Just outside the town is the famous Boca do Inferno in which the sea on rougher days hammers into the rock and creates a booming noise and a spectacular spray, thus creating its name which in English means "mouth of hell".

Estoril town was really created from the curious needs of the two World Wars. It became a prime location for European royal exiles forced to leave their own countries. It has been the residence of King Umberto II of Italy, Juan de Bourbon of Spain, Karl Hapsburg of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and King Carol of Rumania. The many modest yet architecturally interesting mansions still remain to indicate their royal owners. At its height its visitors referred to Estoril as the “Portuguese Riviera”. A Casino with wide surrounding avenues and spacious gardens, a golf course, all of which soon appeared and then flanked by large hotels and impressive private homes.

Lisbon: An Exploration of Lisbon - 8 Hours

Lying north of the River Tagus estuary and stretching over seven hills, Portugal's capital city has much to offer.  Receive a warm welcome at the port by your private guide and driver and from here commence your engaging tour of Lisbon.

Explore the Belem district with its magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, an extraordinary example of Portugal's 'Manueline' style of architecture. Once populated by monks, the UNESCO-listed monastery was commissioned by King Manuel I to celebrate Vasco da Gama's discovery of a sea route to India in 1498. Time permitting, visit Torre de Belém (Belém Tower), one of Lisbon's most iconic buildings and symbolic of Portugal's great Age of Expansion.

Next, it's time for a refreshment stop, where you may wish to sample the famous and scrumptious Pastéis de Belém (custard tarts). From here you return to you cruise ship.

Highlights:

• Discover the beautiful Belem district with its magnificent Jeronimos Monastery
• Behold the priceless treasures on display at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and try the exquisite pasteis de nata local pastries

Tour Duration: 8 Hours

Tour Can Operate: Morning / Afternoon

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local guide for 8 hours
• Entrance fees to all sights and museums
  All taxes

Exclusions:

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Lisbon: Queluz, Sintra and Estoril – 8 hours

Venture outside of Lisbon to explore Queluz, Sintra and Estoril during your private shore excursion. Take the short driver to the sumptuous 18th-century Queluz Palace, where you can admire the magnificent formal gardens and azulejo-lined canals.

Afterwards visit Sintra, the summer retreat of Portuguese monarchs and Moorish emirs before them. Today, this town, nestling on the north side of the Sintra Mountain, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stroll through the town where charming streets are filled with fine handicraft shops. You then descend to Guincho beach for a fabulous view of Cape Rock, the westernmost point of the European continent and continuing to the resort town of Estoril on the scenic coastal road with fantastic views, en route back to your cruise ship.


Highlights:

• Explore Queluz Palace, the summer residence of the Portugese Royal Family
• Take a short drive to Sintra, the summer retreat of Portuguese monarchs and a UNESCO Word Heritage Site

Tour Duration: 8 Hours

Tour Can Operate: Morning / Afternoon

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local guide for 8 hours
• Entrance fees to all sights and museums
• All taxes
   

Exclusions:

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities