Enticing Douro (Smithsonian Journeys)

Welcome to Lisbon, a city of sunlit hills and sea breezes, where terracotta rooftops and azulejo tiles shimmer along the Tagus River. Settle into your hotel and let the rhythm of fado and the scent of ocean air begin to weave their spell.

Trace the path of Portugal’s explorers through the heart of Lisbon. From the ornate splendor of Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery to the Discoveries Monument along the riverfront, the city reveals its proud seafaring past. Indulge in a warm Pastel de Belém–a taste of tradition as timeless as the voyage itself.

Venture into the misty peaks of Sintra, where royal palaces and lush forests create a dreamscape of beauty and myth. Wander through Pena Palace, its colorful turrets rising from the hills like something from a storybook, and feel the same enchantment that once inspired poets and kings alike.

Depart Lisbon for the historic town of Tomar, where the Convent of Christ stands as a masterpiece of centuries-old devotion and design. Then continue north to Porto, where the Douro River shimmers beneath bridges and tiled façades. As evening falls, embark your ship and watch the city glow as your voyage through Portugal begins.