17-Night Portuguese Quest Voyage

Expressions of Portugal

Cidade Maravilhosa. Your marvelous journey begins in what is known as the Marvelous City. Rio de Janeiro may be widely known for Carnival, one of the biggest, most exciting festivals in the world, but there is so much more to this fascinating city beneath its highly celebratory surface. Start at the top, where the iconic Christ the Redeemer towers atop Corcovado Mountain and work your way down to famous beaches, infectious rhythms, and a breathtaking lush tropical landscape. A former sleepy fishing village now billed as Brazil’s St. Tropez, Buzios will charm you with its more than 20 beautiful beaches and upscale resort town chic. If it has a Brigitte Bardot vibe, that’s with good reason. It was relatively unknown until the glamorous movie star put it on the map in the ‘60s. Spend your time in or on the water, or strolling the trendy bars, fine restaurants, and charming cafés along Rua das Pedras.

After a decadent day at sea, it’s on to Salvador de Bahia, an energetic, vibrant city where you can see, hear, feel, and taste the rich Afro-Brazilian culture in the form of Capoeira, a mix of martial arts and dance, and delicious local dishes such as acarajé, bean and shrimp fritters. We stay late so you can explore Pelourinho, the city’s historic center, an architectural jewel with an array of opulent churches or browse the bustling Mercado Modelo.

Relax and reflect on your journey with six luxurious days at sea sipping drinks poolside, savoring fine dining, or enjoying rejuvenating treatments at Sanctum Spa. In Mindelo, known as the Riviera of Cape Verde, go to the top of Monte Verde for panoramic views of Porto Grande and visit the historic Torre de Belém, conveniently located next to the bustling fish market. Experience all that your boutique hotel at sea has to offer with two more days at sea, before docking for a late stay in Tenerife, the largest, most well-known of Spain's Canary Islands. Explore Santa Cruz and the very modern Auditorio de Tenerife, reminiscent of Australia’s Sydney Opera House. The beautiful Botanical Gardens boasts a collection of tropical and subtropical plants not normally found in this part of the world and you can’t miss the striking bell tower of  the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, the city’s oldest church. And on La Isla Bonita (the Pretty Island) of La Palma, you'll have no trouble discovering how it got this name. Admire the mosaic masterpiece of local artist Luis Morera at Plaza de la Glorieta, tour the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, and see traditional silk weaving at the Hilanderas workshop in El Paso.

The island capital of Portugal’s Madeira archipelago, Funchal, is known as a "garden by the sea," so be sure to enjoy its abundant and beautiful green spaces, such as the Botanical Gardens. After exploring the colorful mosaic of exotic plants, soar high above the city with a cable car ride up to Monte for breathtaking panoramic views. But the real fun comes on the traditional Madeira toboggan ride down in a wicker basket sledge. We spend Easter Sunday at sea, perfect for enjoying the day however you like best: with food, some fine drinks, or a little solitude. We end our extraordinary voyage in colorful Lisbon, one of the oldest cities in the world. Full of stories, delicious cuisine, and its trademark seven hills, there is much to explore. Visit the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, an incredible work of 16th century architecture and UNESCO World Heritage Site, or find somewhere to sip a refreshing glass of albariño (a coastal white wine) and listen to the hypnotic and enchanting fado, the music of the people that emerged from the heart of the city.