History, great food, and beautiful scenery are just the beginning of your experience on a Mediterranean cruise to Portugal. Located on the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal is a friendly, low-key cruise destination with a casual vibe and fantastic coastline. Destinations on a Portugal cruise include Lisbon and Funchal, the capital of the Portuguese island of Madeira.  
 
Lisbon is known for its Manueline architecture. This lavish design native to Portugal, is best observed when touring monuments and exploring medieval alleyways. One fine example is the Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to 1514 that commemorates the expedition of explorer Vasco da Gama. The climb to the top of the tower offers spectacular views of the river and city. For those looking for more a leisurely travel experience, Lisbon offers spectacular scenic views from its famous seven hills, with vantage points to admire the city’s horizon.  
 
Funchal, the capital of Madeira features botanical gardens with an abundance of variety and colour. In Funchal, cable cars are a popular mode of transportation to the hilltop town of Monte. After a day of exploring the historic old town, the Monte Toboggans, and the cable car, return to your cruise ship and enjoy all of the on board amenities. 
 
Spending the afternoon in a restaurant admiring the coastline and enjoying the culinary delights of Portugal is a lovely way to experience the local culture during a Portugal cruise. Freshly baked bread, cheese, olives, chargrilled fish, and smoked meats accompanied by red wine, or crisp young white wine exemplify a typical simple and delicious meal which the Portuguese have perfected.  
 
Book your cruise to Portugal with MSC Cruises, and enjoy a world of natural beauty and a range of gastronomic delights that will make your holiday a truly memorable experience.