Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal’s capital on the Atlantic Ocean is comprised of several key districts built on seven hills. A good place to begin is the historic Alfama district, a maze of medieval streets and alleyways leading to a hilltop on which you will find the Castelo de São Jorge. One of Lisbon’s most popular attractions, the castle provides sweeping views over the city. Descend to the riverfront Baixa district to enjoy its shopping, restaurants and neoclassical architecture. The Bélem district is home to a pair of UNESCO World Heritage sites: Bélem Tower, celebrating the Age of Discovery, and Jerónimos Monastery, a prime example of ornate Manueline architecture. If time permits, the charming villages of Sintra and Cascais are only a short distance away, and many choose to make the pilgrimage from Lisbon to Fátima, where apparitions of the Virgin Mary appeared in 1917.