Moving up the coast, the next stop is the storied town of Sagres and nearby Cape St. Vincent. This dramatic southwestern tip of Portugal was considered the edge of the known world. Here, Prince Henry established his School of Navigation, which became a hub for the world’s greatest navigators and cartographers, including Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan. Visit the Sagres Fortress, where the ruins of the school are located, and enjoy panoramic views of the rugged cliffs and the vast Atlantic Ocean. The nearby lighthouse at Cape St. Vincent, one of the most powerful in Europe, offers a glimpse into the past when sailors navigated by its light.

As the tour progresses to Lisbon, the capital city’s rich maritime history unfolds. Lisbon’s Belém district is particularly significant, home to the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. These monuments commemorate the voyages of discovery and the explorers who embarked on epic journeys from the nearby docks. Visit the Monument to the Discoveries, which further emphasizes the city’s proud history as a launch pad for voyages to India, Africa, and Brazil. Explore the Maritime Museum to see maps, models, and artifacts that tell the story of Portugal’s seafaring past. Take a walk along the Tagus River and imagine the bustling activity that once filled the port.

Traveling north from Lisbon, the tour reaches Coimbra, which, during the height of Portugal’s maritime exploits, served as the country’s capital. Here, the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe, became a significant center for the study of the sciences, including astronomy and navigation, which supported the explorers’ efforts. Visit the historic university, including its magnificent Joanina Library, and the Royal Palace, which now houses the university’s administrative offices. The city’s rich academic heritage and medieval architecture offer a glimpse into the intellectual environment that fueled the Age of Discoveries.

The final destination is Porto, where the legacy of exploration is intertwined with the trade of port wine, which was shipped around the world from its banks. Porto’s historic center, the Ribeira district, and the Douro River evoke the bustling activity of a city that was integral to trade and navigation. Stroll through the narrow streets of the Ribeira district, visit the historic Stock Exchange Palace, and explore the port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia across the river. Here, the wealth brought back from the colonies built the grand cityscapes that continue to draw admiration. Take a boat tour along the Douro River to appreciate the city’s scenic beauty and its historical significance as a major port.