Port of Lisbon, Portugal

Cascais

Our cruise excursion started off in Cascais, a breezy coastal town that instantly set the tone for what could’ve been the perfect day. Cascais has that classic sun-drenched European vibe—palm trees, charming old buildings, and a beach that looked like it belonged on a postcard.

We made the most of our short stop: grabbed a couple of cold beers, found a spot by the beach, and soaked in the view. A group of volleyball players were mid-game, and we could’ve watched them for hours.

But just as we were starting to truly relax, it was time to go. The excursion clock was ticking, and before we knew it, we were back on the bus, heading inland to our next destination: Sintra.

Sintra

We took the bus to Sintra, a charming town that felt like something out of a fairytale. The moment we stepped off the bus, we were struck by the town's whimsical beauty—pastel-colored palaces, winding cobblestone streets, and lush green hills all around us. It was like walking into a storybook.

Sintra is packed with history and charm, from the colorful Pena Palace perched high above, to the romantic Quinta da Regaleira with its hidden tunnels and mysterious Initiation Well. Everywhere we looked, there was something beautiful and unique to take in. The town itself had such an old-world charm that we could have easily spent hours just wandering, getting lost among its cafes, shops, and gardens.

But here's the catch: we were on a tight schedule. Since it was a cruise excursion, everything was on the clock. We felt rushed, constantly watching the time, and didn’t get to explore as freely as we would’ve liked. There was so much more we wanted to see and soak in—Sintra deserves a slow stroll, not a sprint.

Even so, it left a lasting impression. We loved Sintra and would absolutely go back—this time on our own terms. If you’re planning to visit, give yourself time to wander, breathe, and take it all in. Trust us, it’s worth it.

Cabo da Roca

Our final stop was Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. The cliffs and ocean views were absolutely breathtaking. Standing there, you feel like you’re on the edge of the world. Unfortunately, we barely had time to take it in—we squeezed in a bathroom break and snapped a couple of photos before literally running for the bus (yes, we were the last ones back).

Looking back, each destination was unforgettable in its own way. But the biggest takeaway? These places aren’t meant to be rushed. Next time, we’ll skip the tight itinerary and explore at our own pace—with more time, more moments, and zero sprinting to the bus.

We created YouTube video of Bourdeaux, Lisbon, and Porto. Here you will see a bit of our journey through the port of Lisbon: