Port Profiles | Portipedia

European cruises are like exquisite appetizers. Your ship gives you a taste of the delicious culture capitals, allowing you to decide which cities and countries are most intriguing and appealing. Each stop on the cruise ship’s itinerary is designed to provide convenient access to the primary attractions, but the cruise ship must maintain a schedule, limiting port calls to 10 hours, occasionally overnight.

For a fuller flavor of any European destination, a few extra days in one of the Continent’s great cities allows you to explore more and get a sense of the rhythms and personalities of the place. To take full advantage of the trip across the ocean, more and more experienced travelers are taking the extra time before or after their cruise, extending their stay in Europe to learn and enjoy a particular place.

Following are some quick descriptions of some of the favorite European cities where cruise travelers are choosing to spend a few extra days, find some favorite restaurants and soak in the local flavors.

A picturesque port city, Lisbon frequently shows up on lists of favorite cities to visit, and it’s easy to understand why. It’s small yet immensely charming, characterized by romantic cobblestone streets, mosaic sidewalks, rolling hills and pastel houses.

It’s also a diverse city, blending the several cultures that collected here when Portugal was a major colonial power. The oldest part of the city, the Alfama quarter, still retains its medieval feel.

But Lisbon is not stuck in just a relic. The city hosted the grand Expo ‘98 and was named European City of Culture in 1994.

Visitors can stroll through old, narrow neighborhoods and find themselves at art nouveau cafés, enjoy a scenic ride on an antique wooden streetcar, or take a steep ride up to Bairro Alto in a turn-of-the-century street elevator.

Must-see sites include Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, St. George’s’s Castle, and the impressive Museu Calouste Gulbenkian.

When In Lisbon - Lapa of Luxury, originally uploaded by Ralph Grizzle.

When embarking or disembarking your ship in Lisbon, Portugal, head up the hill away from the cruise ship docks into Lisbon’s most elegant suburb, the Lapa Quarter. There, you’ll find the Lapa Palace, a 19th-century Portuguese palace that was restored into an elegant Orient Express hotel.

A distinguished member of the Leading Hotels of the World, Lapa Palace features 109 beautiful guest rooms and suites, many dating back to 1870 but recently renovated.

If you’re not planning on staying in Lisbon for a few days before or after your cruise (and what a shame not to), then you can at least visit to stroll the grounds and enjoy tea service in the Rio Teja Bar. Afterward, it’s a short walk back to the ships, five to ten minutes, or to the airport, 25 minutes. Or hop on tram number 28 for a charming way to explore more of Lisbon.