Lamego

We enjoyed a walking tour of the town of Lamego, a small but picturesque town rich in history.  A visit to the "Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies".  We marveled at the view from the top before descending down the 686 stairs that ended below at the town's, narrow winding streets.  See Peter (our favorite cruise director ) with the ladies.

Resende and Regua

This morning we passed through the largest lock of our journey and one of the largest in Europe.  We then traveled to the top of the hill to the "Capital of Cherries", the city of Resende.  The afternoon was spent cruising the lovely Douro Valley after a stop in Regua.  While cruising we were treated to an ice cream party.

Cradle of the Portuguese Nationality - Guimarães

This morning we enjoyed an excursion to Guimarães, one of the most historic towns in Portugal, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city of Guimarães is historically associated with the foundation and identity of the Portuguese nationality. Guimarães, among other settlements, precedes the foundation of Portugal and because of its role in the foundation of the country it is known as the "cradle of the Portuguese nationality". In 1128, major political and military events that would lead to the independence and the birth of a new nation took place in Guimarães. For this reason, in one of the old towers of the city's old wall it is written "Aqui nasceu Portugal" (Portugal was born here).

Porto Region

It was another beautiful day-cool in the mornings and warms up to 70's by mid-day. We joined our local guides to begin a panoramic tour of Porto, which traces it's origins all the way back to pre-Roman times.  The blue tiles are found throughout the city. After the City and Wine tour, we visited Graham port wine cellar for a tasting of Portugal's renowned fortified wine.  

Leaving Lisbon and Fatima

Today we bid farewell to the Tiara Park Hotel in Lisbon and make our way through Portugal's countryside towards Porto.  A stop in Fatima to visit the Sanctuary famous for the religious vision of the "Virgin of the Rosary" that three local children claimed to have seen in 1917.  Later arrival in Porto Portugal.  While in Fatima,  our ice cream connoisseur found time to try the local favorite.

Sintra and Another Fabulous Dinner

We boarded our motor coach this morning to travel to Sintra-set among the wooded hills of the Serra de Sintra-about 16 miles northwest of Lisbon.  It was the summer home of Moorish rulers and Portuguese kings.  A stop at the Palacios da Pena, then a return to the village for lunch and shopping.  The weather has been perfect-beautiful blue skies and 77
Degrees.

We had a pleasant evening with a warm breeze at the elegant Aura.  This restaurant is housed in a converted palace building and designed under enormous vaulted ceilings. It's an impressive setting. Being located near the river, it's no surprise that fish dishes are popular choices, cooked to perfection and presented with a contemporary flourish.

A Most Marvelous Supper by the Water

Dinner by the docks near the bridge at Doca Pexie.  This restaurant, whose Portuguese name means "Fish Dock," stands virtually under the Ponte do 25 de Abril. The best views of the Tagus River are from one of the tables upstairs. The fresh fish served here is among the best quality offered in the markets of Lisbon.

Arrival in Portugal

Greetings from Portugal!

We arrived to a beautiful sunny day in Lisboa (Lisbon).  Lisbon is the capital and the largest city of Portugal. It is the westernmost large city located in continental Europe, as well as its westernmost capital city and the only one along the Atlantic coast.  Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, and the oldest in Western Europe, predating other modern European capitals such as London, Paris and Rome by centuries.  


We took an afternoon stroll down Avendia da Liberdade (Liberty Avenue) with its outdoor cafés and vendors.  Its scenic qualities, hotels, shops, theatres and architecture turn it into an important tourist attraction of the city. Dinner was at the Restaurante Marisqueina- very good sole. The restaurant is located on a pedestrian square with boutique shops and street performers.  After dinner we went for a walk on the Plaza to cap the night off with some gelato.

Our Hotel, Hotel Tiara Park Atlantic Lisboa located  near the Edward VII Park and the Marquis de Pombal Square

Below: Lunch and shopping on Avenida de Liberdade

Lisbon tram with signature graffiti

Portugal and Spain

Yes, it’s that time again!  Time for another traveling adventure.  This time to Portugal and Spain (sometimes referred to as the Iberian Peninsula).  We will be traveling aboard the AmaWaterways, 106-passenger AmaVida, cruising the Douro River.  Historic ports, fishing villages and wine regions await us.  And for the finale we will be exploring the cultural gem of Madrid.  We leave this Friday, August 22.  And you can take this trip too (sort of) by following along right here as I post all kinds of exciting stuff from Portugal and Spain.

Stay tuned!

The Douro River just outside Porto pictured above.