3-day, 2-night itinerary
Prepare to be busy as you explore the many charms of Portugal’s capital city. Sometimes, however, even the best-laid plans are meant to be deviated from, so, before we begin our itinerary, here’s a recommendation: You will spot signs throughout the city for “miradouro,” meaning view. Wherever you see one, follow it and find yourself inspired for a moment by Lisbon’s exquisite beauty.
Day 1 Arrive Lisbon, explore Belém, overnight at Hotel Mundial
Day 2 In Lisbon, overnight at Hotel Mundial
Day 3 Daytrip to Sintra or Cascais, depart
To learn more, visit visitlisboa.com.
Hit the ground running — and early — for day one in Belém. Queue up for a Portuguese custard tart at Pastais de Belém. Your stomach will thank you and the sweet treat will fuel you for a day spent exploring the neighborhood, from the Torre de Belém to Jeronimos Monastery and the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology. As you wander, pop into any of the quaint area restaurants for lunch. Check into your accommodations at Hotel Mundial and enjoy dinner and drinks with a view on site.
Day two is for exploring the city center’s neighborhoods — Baixa, Alfama and Barrio Alto. There are many highlights throughout these areas, including Convento do Carmo, Elevador Santa Justa and Castel de Sao Jorge. Make time for lunch at TimeOut Market, a gourmet food market not to be missed. Peruse the many options and take your time. You also cannot miss finding a spot to taste Ginjinha, a sour cherry liqueur popular in Lisbon. For a stunning viewpoint in Alfama, venture to Miradouro de Santa Luzia. At night, find a restaurant in Alfama offering food and a Fado performance, before delving into the nightlife in Barrio Alto, especially along Pink Street.
Tough decision for day three: Would you prefer a daytrip to storybook Sintra or the seaside town of Cascais? Either way, you won’t be disappointed in your last day in the capital. Sintra offers Pena Palace and Moorish Castle, as well as Quinta da Regalara, while a quick 20-minute walk in Cascais takes you to the Boca do Inferno.
Rome has always been a destination for art, history and culture, but, until recently, true luxury hospitality in the Eternal City was surprisingly limited. Five-star hotels existed, but the selection was small, often traditional and rarely pushed the boundaries of modern luxury. That’s changing fast. In 2025, a wave of new openings, high-profile renovations and bold hospitality concepts redefines what it means to stay in Rome. According to Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, Rome’s hotel occupancy far exceeds the European average, and Rome responded by investing more than 450 million euros in the city’s hotels in 2024 to meet the growing demand for exceptional experiences. Last month, I attended the inaugural edition of RISE Rome, a premier event dedicated to the city’s luxury hospitality sector, to catch up on the latest updates and newest trends shaping the city. Here are highlights from some of the city’s top stays.
Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.
Hotel Healdsburg recently announced a lineup of new spring experiences to immerse guests in the beauty of Sonoma Wine Country.
Sun Moon Lake has long been the go-to place for Taiwanese families and friend groups to escape Taipei, Kaohsiung and other bustling cities with its fresh air, thick forests, clear water, misty sunrises and alpine views. Wyndham Sun Moon Lake, opened November 2024, provides international visitors with an even greater incentive to rent a car or take high-speed rail (TaiChung HRS) to explore this “best-kept secret” area.
This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.
The Standard welcomes its next European icon, The Standard, Brussels, this spring. Located in lieu of the former World Trade Center, The Standard, Brussels challenges the city’s conventional image through its 200 guestrooms and suites spread across 28 stories, a lounge, bar, three restaurants, and a garden.
Delta Air Lines and United Airlines recently made adjustments to memberships and entry rules for lounges in an attempt to prevent overcrowding. Delta’s Sky Clubs are now more exclusive, meaning certain cardmembers no longer have unlimited Sky Club access but rather an annual visit limit.
Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.
Spring is a wonderful time to visit Scottsdale, with April weather about 56–86 degrees Fahrenheit — not yet very hot, yet warm enough for swimming, biking and hiking. It is also the end of Scottsdale’s busy winter season, with hotels less crowded — and often less expensive, too. Spring is a season of fun under the sun in Scottsdale, with can’t-miss signature events, from cultural festivals and professional sporting competitions to collector car auctions and live music.
