Lisbon: Sailing Yacht Tour with Drinks & Cheese Tasting

Summary

Lisbon’s riverside icons from a yacht with wine and stories

You’ll drift past Lisbon’s landmarks on a sleek sailing yacht with a small group and two local guides who actually chat with you — not at you. Expect Portuguese cheese, chilled wine or beer, and unexpected laughter as you glide under bridges and past towers. It feels less like a tour and more like being let in on Lisbon’s secret side for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that bridge?” our captain grinned, pointing at the 25th of April Bridge as we drifted out from the marina. “It shakes when trains pass — but don’t worry, we’re safer down here.” I laughed, not sure if he was joking or just proud. The first thing that hit me was how different Lisbon looks from the water — all those yellow trams and tiled hills seem quieter from a distance. There was a salty breeze and someone nearby uncorked a bottle of vinho branco, which honestly set the mood better than any playlist could.

We sailed past Praça do Comércio and the Monument to the Discoveries, and our guide (Ana) started sharing little bits about explorers and shipyards — but not in that rehearsed way you sometimes get. She pointed at the Belém Tower right as sunlight bounced off its stone walls. I tried some queijo amanteigado (that creamy Portuguese cheese they serve on this Lisbon sailing tour) and it’s still stuck in my head — rich, a bit grassy, nothing like supermarket stuff back home. The wine helped too, obviously.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much with strangers on a boat. At one point Ana tried to teach us how to say “Panteão Nacional” properly — I failed miserably, which got everyone going. Kids were waving from the shore near Alfama; even the crew seemed genuinely happy to be out there instead of just “working.” There was this moment under Cristo Rei where everything went quiet except for the water slapping against the hull. You know those seconds you want to bottle up? That was one of them.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lisbon sailing tour with drinks and snacks

• Board luxury sailing yacht
• Receive safety briefing from crew
• Sail past Discoveries Monument
• Pass Belem Tower
• View 25th April Bridge
• See National Sanctuary of Christ the King
• Pass Bairro Alto and Chiado
• View St Jorge Castle and Cathedral
• See Alfama district
• Pass Commerce Square
• View Old Shipyards and National Pantheon
• Enjoy drinks and Portuguese appetizers
• Receive personalized guided explanations

Top questions

How long is the Lisbon sailing tour?

The sailing cruise lasts approximately 2 hours along Lisbon’s riverfront.

What sights do you see on this yacht tour?

You’ll pass by Belém Tower, Monument to the Discoveries, 25th of April Bridge, Christ the King statue, Commerce Square, National Pantheon, Alfama district and more.

Are drinks included on the Lisbon sailing tour?

Yes, each guest gets two drinks—choose from Portuguese wine, beer, juice or soft drinks.

Is there food served during the cruise?

You’ll be served typical Portuguese appetizers like regional cheese and chouriço sausage during the tour.

Is there a guide on board?

Yes, there are always two crew members: your captain and a multilingual guide who shares stories along the way.

Can children join this Lisbon yacht experience?

Yes—infants can ride in strollers or sit on an adult’s lap; it’s suitable for all ages.

What languages are tours offered in?

Tours are guided in English, French, Spanish or Portuguese depending on your preference.

Does this include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at the marina for boarding.

What’s included

Your ticket covers two drinks per person (Portuguese wine or other options), guided commentary in several languages by your onboard crew of two (captain plus host), plus regional appetizers like creamy Portuguese cheese—all while sailing past major sights such as Belém Tower and Christ the King statue aboard one of Lisbon’s top-quality yachts.