Inside Tours - DMC Portugal

  • PT
  • EN
  • FR
  • ES

What to do in Lisbon when arriving by cruise

Shore Excursions from Lisbon

  • Alfama and Mouraria – Visit the two oldest districts of Lisbon, where time seems to have stopped in medieval times. Go up and down stairs and winding streets, get lost in this city maze, retreat your steps when you end up in a blind alley. It’s all part of the experience.

    Ginjinha (Sour cherry liquor) – What started as a “grand parent” wonder cure for all kinds of maladies and illnesses, became the favorite drink for the people in Lisbon. You should not miss this stop, in Largo de São Domingos. Tip: don’t forget to ask your drink with the ginjas.

    Belém (Belém Tower and Monastery Unesco Sites) – Go back in time to the Age of Discoveries, and visit the site from where the Portuguese adventurers sailed into the unknown world, risking their lives in fragile wooden vessels, in search for fame and glory.

    Custard Tart (Pastéis de Nata) – In the early 1800s, most of the religious orders were extinct. Good for us, because one of the recipes of the time, from the Monastery nearby, was bought by a businessman and the Pastelaria de Belém opened in 1837. Don’t forget to sprinke your tarts with cinnamon and powder sugar.

    Enjoy the beautiful views from one of the many viewpoints – In Lisbon, being the city of the Seven Hills, there is no shortage of places with excellent views over the city. Not to miss: Graça, Nossa Senhora do Monte, São Pedro de Alcântara and Santa Catarina.

    Sintra village (45 mins drive or by train from Lisbon) – If there is one place to go outside of Lisbon, this is it. So close to the main urban area of Portugal, but at the same time something completely different. Two places not to miss: Palacio da Pena (picture below) and the Quinta da Regaleira.

    Fátima (1.30h drive from Lisbon) – Experience life as a pilgrim while visiting the Sanctuary of Fatima, one of the most important Christian Pilgrimage sites in the world with approximately 5 million visitors each year. Do not miss the Chapel of Apparitions.

    Tram 28 – Take a ride on the famous old yellow tram. This is the way to visit most of Lisbon in a fun way. Tip: if you want to get the best out of it (and be able to sit and not stand) take a taxi do Cemitério dos Prazeres in Campo de Ourique where the route starts.

  • Lisbon has 3 cruise ship terminals. Sometimes on the day of arrival the terminal is attributed to the cruise. So be aware that you can end up in any one of them.

    Lisbon Cruise Port – Jardim do Tabaco Quay: Pier close to the historical center; walkable distances to the main sites.
    How to get to city center: walk 10-15 mins to Praça do Comércio, from where you can access a Metro station or keep on walking to the city center on foot.

    Passenger Terminal of Santa Apolonia: Pier at the historical center, but further away from the previous terminal; walkable distances to the main sites.
    How to get to city center: walk 2 mins to Santa Apolónia Metro Station to take you to the city center. Or walk 15-20 minutes to Praça do Comércio.

    Cruise Terminal Rocha do Conde de Óbidos: To the west of central Lisbon. You will need a Taxi, Uber or the Tram 15 to get to the city center and the main sites. If you intend to walk to the city center, expect at least 30 minute walk to Praça do Comércio.

  • To make the best of your short time in Lisbon, the ideal way is to book a tour with a small group. With this, you have a better control of the limited time the cruise stays in Lisbon, and you can see the most in that period. Arrival back at the pier or the city center at the desired time is guaranteed.

    We can divide the tours in two types, regarding their duration: short (up to 4 or 5 hours long) or long (up to 8 or 9 hours). Our walking tours are made for groups of up to 9 people, with the meeting point in the city center. Our day tours are made in comfortable 9 seat vans, with the pick up at the arrival pier, the guide will be holding a sign with your name.

    If the cruise arrives in the morning and departs in the early afternoon, you can book a walking tour in the city center or a half day private tour in a 8 seat vehicle. In these tours it would be more of sightseeing with small stops along the way to see the main sites and attractions of the city of Lisbon or the surrounding areas.

    If the cruise ship departs late in the afternoon, there is the possibility to do some longer tours, combining some destinations like Sintra (including a visit to the famous Palacio da Pena), Fatima or the Arrabida Wine Region, together with a tour of Lisbon and Belém before finishing at the pier.

    Being private tours, it’s always possible to adapt and customize the route and schedules, according to your time of arrival and of departure. Add one stop that is not in the description, or take one stop because there isn’t enough time. Feel free to make any requests upon your booking.

  • Best of Lisbon – 3 hour Walking Tour
    Insider guides give you a great insight into Lisbon’s lifestyle, history and culture as well useful tips, visiting the major sites in central Lisbon. Districts we visit: Baixa – Chiado – Alfama. There is a regular departure at 10am four times a week. Included: custard tart; wine tasting with tapas. 

    Lisbon with Tastings – 4 hour Tour in a 8-seat van
    Visit the historic neighborhoods of Lisbon (Baixa, Alfama, Graça and Belém) tasting some of the typical snacks and sweets from Portugal: the Pastel de Belém (Custard Tart); Green wine & codfish cake; Porto wine, cheese & Marmelade.

    Fátima – 4 to 5-hour Tour in a 8-seat van
    Visit one of the main pilgrimage sites for Christianity in this half day tour. With time to visit the sanctuary and the Chapel of Apparitions. Depending on the day, even catch the Mass.

    Sintra and Cascais – 4 hour Tour in a 8-seat van
    If there is one circuit to make outside Lisbon, this should be at the top of the list. Visit Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stop for a picture in Cabo da Roca and enjoy the glamorous beach town of Cascais.

    Sintra and Pena Palace – 4 hour Tour in a 8-seat van
    If you just have time to visit one monument during your stop in Lisbon, this is the perfect option. Visit the romantic Pena Palace and Park (tickets included) and have some free time in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sintra.

    Total Lisbon Experience – 4 hour Experience Walk
    Visit the authentic and off the beaten track Lisbon, full of historic highlights, culinary delights and local interaction, while exploring the vibrant Mouraria, Carmo, Chiado and Cais do Sodré areas. Included: several tastings, river ferry crossing, sea food rice for lunch.

  • Sintra Cascais and Estoril with Pena Palace
    This is the tour to do if you already know Lisbon and want to go somewhere out of the city. Visit the romantic Pena Palace and Park (tickets included) and have some free time in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sintra. Stop at the Cabo da Roca and relax at the fishing and beach town of Cascais before returning to Lisbon.

    Belém and Sintra with Jerónimos Monastery and Pena Palace
    If you want to visit two of the best monuments you can see in Portugal, this is the tour to take. In the morning we visit the romantic Pena Palace and Park, and after a quick stop for lunch in Sintra old town we go to Belém and visit the wonderful Monastery of Jerónimos, before returning to the pier.

    Lisbon and Fatima Pilgrimage Town
    Combine two of the highlights of Portugal. Start the day feeling like a pilgrim in the Sanctuary of Fátima before returning to Lisbon, making a sightseeing tour of the main sites, before leaving the van behind for a walking tour in the city center with some food and wine tastings.

    Total Lisbon Tour
    If you only want to stay in Lisbon, this tour takes you from the West (Belém) to the East (Parque das Nações), getting a full perspective of the city, including going across the river, on the 25th April Bridge, to visit the statue of the Christ King. Includes tickets to the Monastery of Jerónimos and the traditional Pastel de Belém.

    Lisbon and Arrabida Wine Tour
    If you want to go more off the beaten track, visit a local family owned winery with some wine tasting with the extra of being in one of the best natural parks of Portugal, the Arrabida Mountains, with it’s stunning views, this is the best option. After lunch, we return to Lisbon where we do a short walking tour in the city center before returning back to the cruise.

Inside Lisbon