Lisbon/Madeira

About the destination: Lisbon is known as the city of seven hills due to its location, the city spreads across steep hillsides that overlook the River Tagus. Romantic and cosmopolitan, the city presents its typical red roofs to the visitors that want to get to know its every inch. Lisbon surprises with its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere. The Portuguese capital offers lots of museums, libraries, a massive port, churches and palaces and stunning views of the River Tagus. Lisbon was once considered a poor and chaotic city. Currently it has experienced a resurgence in the style of the 14th and 15th centuries, when it was part of that vast empire stretching from Brazil to India. The reason for this was the World Expo held in 1998, a new bridge over the Tagus was built and the city's underground network was remodelled. The resurgence of the city then continued to host several matches during Euro 2004, also held there the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2005. Many of its most beautiful buildings date from the 14th and 15th centuries, especially the ones located in the Belem district. There are also many buildings from the 18th century, which are located mostly in the Baixa area of central Lisbon and were reconstructed almost completely after a devastating earthquake that hit the town in 1755. The historic centre of the city, standing on The Seven Hills, presents steep streets and picturesque alleys. On the west side of the city, there is Monsanto Forest Park, Lisbon’s lung, with an area of 10 km and one of the largest in Europe. The capital’s majestic port has 3 docks commonly used for several cruises and it is, currently, the busiest port on the European Atlantic coast. Lisbon is a city with centuries of history and with an ambitious attitude, marrying the historic with the modern, the traditional with the cutting edge. Strolling through the old quarters one can hear the traditional Fado sung and played in small restaurants in town. In the hilltop district of Bairro Alto, dozens of restaurants and bars line the narrow streets, with jazz, reggae, electronica filling the air and revellers partying until dawn. Nightclubs scattered all over town make fine use of old spaces, whether on riverside docks or tucked away in 18th-century mansions. Lisbon presents itself to the world as a cosmopolitan and lively city, with alternatives for every taste, especially in the summer months when its many bars, terraces and restaurants are crammed with people.

About the destination: When you arrive in Funchal, you're taken aback by its vastness. Houses upon houses rise from the sea, covering the entire natural amphitheatre that is Funchal. It's the main commercial, tourist and cultural hub of the island of Madeira. La Zona Velha, the city's old town, still maintains a vibrant local life of its own and is the most fashionable spot on the island. A wander through the narrow cobbled streets, with their intriguing little museums, shops and cafes, and a salty old port area, is a real treat. At night, the neighbourhood comes to life. The restaurants are chock-a-block and St. Mary Street becomes the gathering point for young folk ready for a good time. To appreciate the island's stunning flora, you don't need to leave Funchal. On the outskirts of the city, you'll find some magnificent gardens such as the Jardim Botânico, Quinta da Boa Vista, Palheiro Gardens and Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, accessible by cable car from Funchal centre. Some other interesting things to do and see include: The Mercado dos Lavradores, a vibrant market of fresh produce and crafts; the 15th-century cathedral; Quinta das Cruzes and the Adegas São Francisco wine cellars. There are plenty of reasons to love this bustling port city, which, despite its small size, has a lot to offer.