Just got back from an incredible trip to Portugal with our multi generational group 82 years old down to 19 years old (did a Viking Cruise) that started in Lisbon for 4 nights. We used Lisbon Riders to do a day trip to Sintra and CASCAIS. They were fantastic with logistics. I almost did not do Pena Palace secondary to reported crowds but so glad I did. It was amazing!! I did not feel it was overly crowded (went on a Saturday- 6/8/24) doing it at 3pm so end of the day may be a better option. Highly recommend!! We all enjoyed everything we did and Viking did an excellent job with all their included excursions. We did the Lisbon extension as well for anyone looking into it. The best Viking cruise we have been on (have done 2 others) and my kids in their 20’s fit in well even though they were the youngest on board. Made lots a friends with the staff and other passengers. Learned so much history and culture being with Viking.
Posted by
Brooklyn, NY
4255 posts
Thanks for the report. We’ll be in Lisbon early October and wasn’t sure about Pena Palace. I’ve been reading about the crowds and was torn between going. Will look at Lisbon Riders and an afternoon visit.
Posted by
Colorado
28 posts
Was this a Viking River Cruise or Viking Ocean Cruise?
Posted by
OP
241 posts
River Cruise- 2 nights in Lisbon then bus to Porto to get on the boat (stop in Coimbra on the way for a tour and lunch) then 7 nights on boat cruising the Douro River. We also did 2 more nights in Lisbon (total of 4 nights) on the Viking extension. The included tours on this cruise everyday were longer and more involved than just a couple hours of a walking tour which we really liked. Very different than their other tours. Boat even had a small pool on top and only 102 people.
Posted by
North Carolina
108 posts
Thanks for the report! We’re doing this cruise in late October and are also doing 2 additional days in Lisbon. Our first Viking - we’re more RS tour folks. But as we age, the cruise idea is very appealing. What hotel did Viking have you in? We’re in the Corinthia; I know it’s very nice, but seems far out from the heart of the old town. Trying to decide now if we’ll stay there all 4 nights or look for something more central for the first two nights.
Posted by
near San Francisco
5364 posts
Will look at Lisbon Riders and an afternoon visit.
I went with Lisbon Riders to Pena Palace, late in the afternoon (4pm I think?) in October 2022. Lisbon Riders did an excellent job and I especially liked the stop at the westernmost point of continental Europe.
But the crowds inside the palace were maddening, shuffling along in single file at a snail's pace. I couldn't stand it and got out of line and apologized my way out of there.
The courtyards outside the Palace were much more pleasant.
Posted by
OP
241 posts
Priscilla- yes we stayed at the Corinthia. It was not a problem as lots of food places around and in the hotel. Metro stop (blue line) only 5 minutes walk away. Also Uber super cheap. If you are good with public transportation and Uber it was really easy to get into the main town. Hotel very nice including a super nice pool and spa if you like that kind of thing. Kind of nice to get away from the crowds in the evening. Also hotel has a free shuttle that runs every 30 minutes. I think you will really like the cruise.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6441 posts
Pena's website does suggest afternoon visits as being calmer/less busy. I think that definitely can be the case but just varies by the day and season. When we visited, I asked the employees if afternoons were less busy and was told sometimes. They said tickets for the entire day can be sold out and in that case, it just gets more and more crowded as the day goes on.
It appeared to us, in April 2023, much of Lisbon tourist ed areas and Porto, as well, were incredibly crowded. It wasn't really unique to Sintra and Pena.
Posted by
Atlanta
12 posts
Thanks for the report.
Looking at doing that same Viking cruise - just trying to figure out what time of year.
Wondering how late in the fall would be good???
With the 1 week cruises we usually do a week on our own RS style either before or after and will definitely look into Lisbon Riders.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6441 posts
I haven't done the Douro Viking cruise, but I've been in wine regions in the fall, gorgeous! We went to Portugal in April of 2023 and spent time on the Douro. It was quite nice, but I missed seeing grape vines covered in leaves and bunches of grapes. Our Rhine cruise was in September and we enjoyed seeing the vineyards.
Posted by
11569 posts
Glad to hear Viking has improved.