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Lisbon, Portugal

May 10 (Saturday) - Lisbon, Portugal (7:00-5:00)

Booked April 23

                        The One Thing You Don't Want to Miss
Don't miss the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, or Jeronimo's Monastery. Commissioned in 1501 after Vasco da Gama's return from his voyage, this remarkable monastery is a beautiful and unique example of Manueline architecture.
                        Other Fun Things to Do
Explore the streets of Lisbon from Rossio Square to the main thoroughfare, the Avenida da Liberdade. Visit the monastery and the Maritime Museum, which houses miniature boats and original maps chronicling the history of navigation from the Middle Ages to today.
Visit Sintra, considered one of the most beautiful palaces in Portugal. It was once the summer residence of Portuguese kings and aristocrats.
Walk through the charming village of Fatima, where numerous sightings of the blessed Virgin Mary have been reported.
                        Get a Taste of Local Flavor
While you're in Portugal, be sure to try the fantastic Portuguese breads. They make a delicious accompaniment for seafood stews and soups.

Lisbon, Portugal’s bright capital, spreads along the north bank of the River Tagus, which meets the ocean here. One of the few European capitals with both a river and a coastline, Lisbon has Praça do Comércio square as its main meeting area. The city has always been ready to welcome new visitors and to bid a fond farewell to those departing, something that was never more true than when saying goodbye to sailors at the time of the great Portuguese maritime discoveries.

This is why there are many important Manueline monuments shining in the light of Lisbon and its surrounding region, such as the Torre de Belém and the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. The modern leisure area of the Parque das Nações proves that Lisbon still maintains its close links with the river today.

Here, for example, you will find the distinctive mark of Álvaro Siza Vieira on one of the buildings that hosted the last world exposition of the 20th century, dedicated to the theme of the oceans. In contrast to this, do not miss the picturesque mediaeval quarters of Alfama and Mouraria, above which stands the castle. This castle, matched by Bairro Alto on the other hill, leads down to the downtown city centre known as the Baixa pombalina.

Lisbon is also at the centre of a region rich in diversity. Just outside the city are the seaside resort of Estoril and the romantic hills of the Serra de Sintra, where the perfect bond between palaces and nature led to the area being classified as a world heritage site. It is the sea, the climate and the stunning nature that give this region its peculiar energy.

Its many parks and nature reserves encourage visitors to spend time in the open air, enjoying the peace and quiet of a round of golf or the adrenaline buzz of surfing. Perhaps this is why Lisbon is a city that is full of life. Here people have an exuberant party spirit, doing things spontaneously for the sheer pleasure of spending time in the company of others.

To end your day you could experience the traditional and relaxed atmosphere of a Fado House. Or, if you’ve still got enough energy left, pop into the various discos along the banks of the river and dance until the early hours. In fact why not stay up until dawn and take in the day-break on the banks of the River Tagus, before enjoying a well-earned sleep?

Fatima

Fatima On Your Own Transfer - LS07
This tour is designed to allow you to visit the famous Village of Fatima on your own schedule. On the 13th May 1917, three young shepherds were tending their sheep at Cova da Iria, when the sky suddenly lit up: the virgin appeared before them in an oak tree, and spoke Her message, which was repeated insistently and gravely at each appearance on the 13th day of each subsequent six months. It was a call to peace. It was particularly apt since Europe had then been in war for three years. You will have approximately 2.5 hours at leisure to pray, reflect and explore the shrine on your own.
Note: The walking in Fatima is at the guests' discretion over even surfaces. A dress code is enforced in the basilica. Short pants and tank tops are not acceptable. A Guide will be on the coach to/from Lisbon to answer any questions. The drive between Lisbon and Fatima is approximately 2 hours each way, dependent upon traffic conditions. Lunch is not included in this tour; therefore, it is suggested to have local currency with you. If guests should miss the return coach, transportation back to the vessel is their own responsibility and at their own expense.

RCL Excursions

Lisbon, Portugal

We wanted a unique travel experience, not just another "typical" tourist destination... and we found a very special place in Lisbon. Rooted in the past with time-weathered buildings and cobblestone streets, Lisbon is rich in charm and history. Lisbon faces the ocean, unusual for European cities, and is called "the City of the Seven Hills." Lisbon is certainly fun to explore varied neighborhoods, recently experiencing a renaissance.

Alfama, the oldest neighborhood, traces back to the Moors, now reached by the famous Tram, #28. More than the single stop, we hopped on and off that roundabout trolley touring our way through Lisbon. Part of another historic hill district, Bairro Alta, now hosts a hip nightlife, with offerings from many local eateries and drinking establishments.

And then there is Belem, graced with grand architecture, so grand that Belem Tower, built in 1515, reigns as a most famous, well-visited landmark... does the U.S. have anything of such ageless beauty to compare? In the end, we chose to spend most of our time in the "lower town," otherwise known as Baixa -- historically, as well as presently -- the heart of Lisbon.

Baixa is bound together with a series of squares and was rebuilt in 1755 after a disastrous earthquake. Interestingly, Baixa can be considered Europe's first example of urban planning. Designed in a large, rectangular shape, the district is replete with neoclassical buildings throughout. Streets are named after traditional crafts and businesses -- Rua da Prata (Silversmiths' Street) and Rua dos Sapateiros (Cobblers' Street), among others.

Originally, the area was government and commercial and, today, consists mostly of galleries, restaurants, tourist fare and work-a-day city commerce. Baixa's most important square, the Rossio, houses one of the most eccentric structures on its western end. The Elevador de Santa Justa was built in 1902 as an almost-copy of the Eiffel Tower. We rose in a giant elevator up through the latticework metal tower to appreciate beautiful panoramic views of Alfama and Barrio Alta.

New Yorkers are fond of the saying, "What is morning without a good cup of coffee?" Lisbon is mecca for coffee drinkers. Every café serves pastry -- croissants and rolls as well as the most popular Portuguese custard tart. Coffee is strong bica (espresso) or milky galao (latte) and universally delicious.

In Rossio, we visited Café Nicola. Tied to the past by its 1929 art deco façade, Café Nicola remains now, as then, Lisbon's literary and political meeting point. An even older café, Pastelaria Suica, invited us to sit outside on the terrace and indulge in the festive atmosphere and people-watching.

The grandest building in Rossio Square is Teatro Nacional Dona Maria II. What an interesting history... strange, really, and similarly as strange as other historical buildings in Lisbon. Teatro was built on the ruins of Palacio dos Estaus, burned down after housing the court of the Holy Inquisition.

Today, Teatro, is more than just a concert hall, and includes a theater, studios and is a proud home for community activities.

Continuing on through Rossio we emerged onto Restauradores. This large square commemorates Portugal's liberation in 1640 from 60 years of Spanish rule. Don't miss the Foz Palace, standing on the west side of the square. Originally built as an estate of the Marquis of Foz, the building interiors and furnishings were inspired by Versailles. Just check ahead, as special permission is needed to visit.

Next door to the Foz is another art deco gem, the Eden Cinema. The German filmmaker Wim Wenders used the cinema's lavish interiors in his movie Until the End of the World. Not a movie buff? The 1929 interiors can still be viewed today; the Eden is now a hotel.

The Rossio and Restauradores Squares, in particular, are surrounded by interesting places to stay. If modern Lisbon is your choice, then Internacional Design overlooking Rossio is perfect. Only four-years-old, The Design is fun and funky. Every floor has a different theme -- this is not your usual hotel.

If you want to embrace historic Lisbon, enjoy the Heritage Avenida Liberdade. Remodeled from an 18th century townhouse, the interiors are complemented with hand-painted tiles and antique furnishings. Laid-back and graceful, the hotel has a particularly lovely touch -- tea, shortbread and port wine are offered daily to visitors.

Lisbon is often overlooked for its ever-popular European cousins, but is a quirky, unique find. We found the bleached-out limestone buildings, old world mystique and most appealing laid-back charm, a wonderful addition to our list of never ending quests to experience the world