Portugal River Cruises 2023/2024

Portugal Travel Guide

Portugal River Cruises Things To Do

• 
  Park and National Palace of Pena

  This Romanticist castle is one of the most beautiful places you can find yourself. The castle is large, colorful, and has plenty of things to look at while you are walking through it inside. The 19th-century look stands out from the other structures in the area. It is a protected place of interest through UNESCO.   

  Best Time To Visit

  The best time to go see this attraction is at any time. You can go when the weather is nice, or even when it is not so nice. You will be inside for most of the time there, so it is easy for you to look at everything.  

   

  You Should Know

  It is recommended that you take a shuttle bus to the castle, as it can be quite the trip from the waterway. Go to the top of the castle and look over, because the views from the top are some of the most beautiful. Purchase tickets ahead of time if you want to skip the line and go through.  
• 
  Jeronimos Monastery

  This Monastery is still standing even though it was built in the past for those who wanted to practice religion. Monks would find themselves in this building from time to time. Used as a Chapter House and Cloister, the pieces of the past are still inside the building. You can cruise through the hallways on your own, or you can opt to have a guide walk you through and tell you more.   

  Best Time To Visit

  The best time to see this attraction is when it is raining out because mostly all of the monastery is inside. You can walk through the hallways regardless of what is happening outside.  

   

  You Should Know

  Bring a sweatshirt with you, the building is old and drafty. Purchase tickets in advance if you want to stop and see this because you might be in line for a while if you don't.  
• 
  Cabo da Roca

  This cape is perfect to look over the sides of the rocks, but you can also go down and feel the cool, clear water below. A lot of times, the cruises will flow right by this area, so you might notice a lot of the cruise ships while standing on the cliffside. It is a great point of interest for those who are coming through the area.   

  Best Time To Visit

  The best time to go to this attraction is when it is warmer and sunnier out. This is because the water is warmer during this time, and you can enjoy the cape more when it is warm.  

   

  You Should Know

  You shouldn't go full out swimming in the water but getting in the shore is ideal. There are no lifeguards and a lot of times, there might not be people, so you need to be careful. There are lighthouses you can check out while on the side of the cape.  
• 
  Santa Justa Lift

  Also known as the Carmo Lift, this elevator is one of the most looked after pieces of interest that is situated right at the end of Rua de Santa. It was built years ago, but it provides you with a way to get lifted up into the air, so you can see all of the area from high above. As a high tourist attraction, you can expect to share the elevator with a lot of other tourists.  

  Best Time To Visit

  The elevator is glass, so you can see through it, which means even in the rain, you can still be fine. However, when it is clear out is the best so you can better see the land below.  

   

  You Should Know

  If you are afraid of heights, then this might not be the best place to find yourself visiting. Make sure to buy a one-day ticket for this, because you get extras along with it. It is the best value.  
• 
  Belem Tower

  This is known officially as the Tower of Saint Vincent, and a place worth visiting if you want to come closer to religion. It is a 16th-century building that was built and continues to stand. It originally was a point of interest for those who are embarking or disembarking from the water. It has many of the original pieces inside, and outside of the building.  

  Best Time To Visit

  Many people who have seen this attraction recommend that you go during sunrise or sunset because this is one of the most beautiful times. Warmer weather, no rain, and during one of these times.   

   

  You Should Know

  You can walk to this area from many of the other attractions throughout the area. This makes it easy to get to. You can go inside the building; you don't have to just view the spot from the outside. You should wear comfortable, waterproof shoes, as the water does get up on the ground pretty high in this area.  
• 
  Livraria Lello

  This is one of the most beautiful and prolific bookstores that you can visit in the area. It is located in the civil parish of Cedofeita. It is one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal and one that you don't even have to buy anything in. Just visiting the store is worth the time spent inside. The beautiful ornate beauty inside is worth viewing.  

  Best Time To Visit

  You can go and visit this bookstore at any point in time. When the weather is wet and cool, you can find respite inside this bookstore.   

   

  You Should Know

  Make sure to look up while you are in the bookstore because this is where a lot of the beauty lies. There are both new and old books inside the store, so you can walk through the aisles to find something that interests you.  
• 
  Sao Bento Station

  This 20th-century railway station is a terminal in the civil parish of Cedofeita. You can find that the station is located right in the center of the historic Porto. If you are visiting this building, then make sure to visit the others around the same square. Used by royals and those of distinguished positions in the past, you can be a part of this history when you are walking through the streets.   

  Best Time To Visit

  You can go to this station at any point in time, though if it is not so nice outside, then it could be nice to visit this attraction and get out of the outside elements.  

   

  You Should Know

  The inside of the station looks like a museum or a place that houses art pieces when in fact, the train station is still running. There are also marketplace shops inside and outside of the station, so if you bring some cash with you, you can grab some local items.  
• 
  Carmo Convent

  The Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a former Catholic convent that you can walk inside and outside of. The beautiful medieval convent is one that was constructed with a lot of thought. There is a part of the convent that was destroyed during an earthquake that happened in 1755.   

  Best Time To Visit

  You can visit this at any time, but they do a light show at night time so if you show up during this time when it is a bit warmer out, it can be worth it to see it.  

   

  You Should Know

  The museum for the convent is small with just 5 smaller sized rooms so you don't need a lot of time to get through the area. There is a sound and light show, as mentioned above that is put on by Lisbon by Night.  

Portugal River Cruise Packages

Portugal River Cruises Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a Portugal River Cruise?

  A Portugal river cruise is a cruise you would take through Portugal and Spain. You will stop at various ports of interest. You can take time off the ship or take some time to do things while on the ship. Cruise down the rivers that all come together and meet one another. There are different ports you can depart and dock at, so this is important to look into if you are choosing where to embark from. 

• What’s Included on a Portugal River Cruise?

  You can find that your meals, cabins, and transfers are all included on the cruise ship. This is a hotel that you would be able to take to those ports of interest. You can do many things while on the ship and generally gifts and alcohol are the only things that are not covered while on the ship.

• What’s the Best River Cruise for a Portugal River Cruise?

  There are many cruise lines that are always running and available. However, not all can provide you with the specifics you want. Many who have taken these cruises recommend a number of specific cruises. Tauck River Cruises, Viking River Cruises, Crystal River Cruises, and Scenic River Cruises all provide competitive rates, differing cruising lengths, and more to make use of when you are looking to cruise down the river, see Portugal, and more. 

• How Much Do Portugal River Cruises Cost?

  Portugal river cruises can cost anywhere from $2,995 to $5,699 depending on the length of stay, the type of cabin you choose, and any extras you are going to add to your trip. You can customize the price based on the things you can remove and add on. Make sure to check out the extras of these cruises.