Thomas Cook What’s on Abroad: Fancy watching Cristiano Ronaldo on home turf?

Lisbon is a popular place at the best of times but why not have your trip to the Portuguese capital coincide with the opportunity to watch arguably the best player in the world on home turf?

A few years ago, to mention anyone but Lionel Messi when talking about the best player in the world was a cardinal offence and even though the Argentinean genius is still the top dog in most people’s eyes, there are many who would argue that Cristiano Ronaldo now occupies a level playing field.

Ronaldo is best known, of course, for his exploits with Real Madrid and formerly Manchester United but as much as both sides have relied on him in the past and present, he bears even more responsibility when wearing the Portuguese colours, which he will be against Russia in a World Cup qualifier early next month.

Even though there’s a long way to go in the qualifying campaign, it’s already a crucial clash for Ronaldo and company as they trail Russia by a point in the standings despite having played two more games, and are deadlocked with Israel on 11 points after six games.

If the prospect of catching Ronaldo in the flesh and the importance of the game isn’t reason enough to go along, the fact that it’s taking place in the beautiful Estadio Da Luz might help persuade you further as it is an arena that is truly worthy of ‘The Stadium of Light’ moniker.

And that’s just the football. Lisbon mightn’t be the biggest city in Europe but it’s certainly one of the most beautiful on the continent with plenty of sights to see, like the Jerónimos Monastery, the Lisbon Botanical Gardens, and Alfama, the city's oldest district.

At night, meanwhile, you can wander into Lisbon’s version of Temple Bar, Bairro Alto, except it’s warmer, more pleasant and less heaving with stag parties.

Sun, sea, sand and football. What more could you ask for?

If a trip to Lisbon to watch Ronaldo and company sounds up your street, Thomas Cook can look after you; just check out the details of the package on offer below.

Lisbon package deal:

3 Night Hotel B&B Thursday 6 June

3* Res Princesa Hotel Lisbon €449 per person in twin/double room

For more information on Thomas Cook package deals for other Grand Prix events, click here or call Thomas Cook Sport on (01) 514 0406.