Extended trip to Portugal
Jan 31st, 2023, 06:47 AM
#61
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Just catching up on your report. I love the Gulbenkian Museum. It's one of the highlights of our trip to Lisbon. And even though I am not a fan of contemporary art, I enjoyed their Modern art museum as well as the Founders Collection. I remember having drinks and a snack outdoors at the cafe. The grounds are very pretty, too.
Love your photos of Cascais! And your wine story!
Love your photos of Cascais! And your wine story!
Jan 31st, 2023, 10:55 PM
#63
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KarenWoo
It's one my wife's favorite travel stories, she has fun telling the story "remember the flat wine jugs...". Good memories.
Mlgb
I don't mention Uber because we don't use it, we use taxis - personal choice.
It's one my wife's favorite travel stories, she has fun telling the story "remember the flat wine jugs...". Good memories.
Mlgb
I don't mention Uber because we don't use it, we use taxis - personal choice.
Feb 1st, 2023, 08:23 PM
#65
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Cascata Real
The Cascata Real is located in Caxias ( on the Lisbon - Cascais train line), opposite the train station on the north side.
Cascata Real means Royal Waterfall and was part of the King's larger garden complex.
Today only a small portion remains along with some derelict buildings.
While they need repairs I found it interesting to see, we were the only ones visiting so we took the time to enjoy it.
Cascata Real
Cascata Real side view
Edge garden beside the Cascata Real
Cascata Real spindly palms
The Cascata Real is located in Caxias ( on the Lisbon - Cascais train line), opposite the train station on the north side.
Cascata Real means Royal Waterfall and was part of the King's larger garden complex.
Today only a small portion remains along with some derelict buildings.
While they need repairs I found it interesting to see, we were the only ones visiting so we took the time to enjoy it.
Cascata Real
Cascata Real side view
Edge garden beside the Cascata Real
Cascata Real spindly palms
Feb 2nd, 2023, 09:15 AM
#67
I only used public transit and my feet in Lisbon. However the morning of my departure there was a strike that shut the rail station I had intended to use to get back to the airport. Lodging host called Uber for me (you do need a working phone). I thought as this was a complete report on practical tips and many travelers do use Uber (some prefer it because of the tracking function and being charged to your loaded credit card), that it was worth mentioning that it works well in Lisbon. Driver said there is plenty of work for both taxis and Uber.
PS Wow is right!
PS Wow is right!
Last edited by mlgb; Feb 2nd, 2023 at 09:18 AM.
Feb 3rd, 2023, 11:30 AM
#69
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Palácio de Queluz
Queluz palace is one of my favorites.
Always enjoy visiting the palace and gardens.
I've been lucky that almost everytime I visit I have the place to myself.
Hope it doesn't get over run like Sintra.
It's one of the largest palaces in Portugal but not all areas of palace are open to visitors.
Note: opposite the palace is a building with the same color and similar styling, it's not part of the palace - it's an active military installation.
Queluz building and empty parking
Hall of mirrors ceiling
Hall of mirrors corner detail
Palace chandelier
Palace chandelier view from underneath
Colored glass chandelier
Music Hall
Tiled room
Royal red room
The King's chapel. The chapel is fairly dark however I was fortunate that lights were present for some work
The King and Queen chairs
King's chapel ceiling detail
Royal blue and gold
I wonder if the drinks taste better in the gold cups
One end of this creek was gated so that the water filled up to the tile walls. The King would swim or use little boats surrounded by the beautiful tiles
Neptune fountain
Palace garden fountain
Queluz palace is one of my favorites.
Always enjoy visiting the palace and gardens.
I've been lucky that almost everytime I visit I have the place to myself.
Hope it doesn't get over run like Sintra.
It's one of the largest palaces in Portugal but not all areas of palace are open to visitors.
Note: opposite the palace is a building with the same color and similar styling, it's not part of the palace - it's an active military installation.
Queluz building and empty parking
Hall of mirrors ceiling
Hall of mirrors corner detail
Palace chandelier
Palace chandelier view from underneath
Colored glass chandelier
Music Hall
Tiled room
Royal red room
The King's chapel. The chapel is fairly dark however I was fortunate that lights were present for some work
The King and Queen chairs
King's chapel ceiling detail
Royal blue and gold
I wonder if the drinks taste better in the gold cups
One end of this creek was gated so that the water filled up to the tile walls. The King would swim or use little boats surrounded by the beautiful tiles
Neptune fountain
Palace garden fountain
Feb 4th, 2023, 06:54 AM
#71
This has to be one of the most helpful posts I’ve seen. I have spent much time in this area pre pandemic. I will be going back in a few months and I don’t know what to expect so it’s nice to have this refresher thread. Thanks so much. You are covering a lot of bases.
Feb 4th, 2023, 07:18 AM
#72
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I just read in the Porugal News that the Vilamoura Marina won the 5 Gold Anchor accreditation, awarded to only the best marinas, it looks like you choose your “snow bird” location well. I’ve yet to visit Vilamoura but am enjoying your ongoing practical tips and trip report.
Feb 4th, 2023, 11:03 AM
#73
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KarenWoo
I use HDR ( high dinamic range) setting for fotos but the big difference is the extra light. I've visited the palace before and never seen such vivid colors in the King's chapel, it's usually dark.
The palace is in Queluz. It's on the Lisbon - Sintra train line, south of the train station.
We like to visit attractions in the morning on weekdays, usually there's less people and can enjoy without rushing. As we were leaving more visitors started arriving.
Ahotpoet
Thanks, I'm glad my report is helpful to other travellers.
Mirabel
I wasn't aware of Vilamoura's awards, thanks for letting me know.
We like the whole area around Vilamoura, it's flat, plenty of hotels, restaurants, rentals and a great beach for those long beach walks.So far it's our favorite.
I use HDR ( high dinamic range) setting for fotos but the big difference is the extra light. I've visited the palace before and never seen such vivid colors in the King's chapel, it's usually dark.
The palace is in Queluz. It's on the Lisbon - Sintra train line, south of the train station.
We like to visit attractions in the morning on weekdays, usually there's less people and can enjoy without rushing. As we were leaving more visitors started arriving.
Ahotpoet
Thanks, I'm glad my report is helpful to other travellers.
Mirabel
I wasn't aware of Vilamoura's awards, thanks for letting me know.
We like the whole area around Vilamoura, it's flat, plenty of hotels, restaurants, rentals and a great beach for those long beach walks.So far it's our favorite.
Feb 5th, 2023, 01:54 AM
#74
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São Martinho do Porto
We did a quick stop in São Martinho do Porto to check it out as possible future destination.
São Martinho do Porto has a protected bay with a long semi circular beach.
About half of the beach is townfront the other half is not built up and it has sand dunes and a boardwalk.
São Martinho do Porto boardwalk and bay/ocean
Boardwalk south view into sand dunes
Boardwalk north view into town
Beach townfront
We did a quick stop in São Martinho do Porto to check it out as possible future destination.
São Martinho do Porto has a protected bay with a long semi circular beach.
About half of the beach is townfront the other half is not built up and it has sand dunes and a boardwalk.
São Martinho do Porto boardwalk and bay/ocean
Boardwalk south view into sand dunes
Boardwalk north view into town
Beach townfront
Feb 8th, 2023, 01:29 AM
#75
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Pharmacy or para - pharmacy.
When is a pharmacy not a pharmacy? when it's a para pharmacy.
Went to the pharmacy to pickup medication and the attendant informed me that it's a para pharmacy and that I need to got to an actual pharmacy.
It looks the same, it has the green cross symbol but it's not a pharmacy.
Another lesson learned.
Para pharmacy not pharmacy
The translation is " medications that don't require prescription".
When is a pharmacy not a pharmacy? when it's a para pharmacy.
Went to the pharmacy to pickup medication and the attendant informed me that it's a para pharmacy and that I need to got to an actual pharmacy.
It looks the same, it has the green cross symbol but it's not a pharmacy.
Another lesson learned.
Para pharmacy not pharmacy
The translation is " medications that don't require prescription".
Feb 9th, 2023, 02:01 AM
#76
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Fátima
Fátima is one of the most important shrines in the world for the devoted and a tourist attraction for the rest, except for a person that decided to talk on his phone, everybody was respectful.
The church steeple has the gold crown normally associated with Our Lady of Fátima.
We stayed at a hotel across the street from the new church, it saved on a lot of walking.
Tip: on weekdays at 3.30pm mass in English is held at the little white chapel
Tip: if you want to do a knee pilgrimage, use kneepads
Fátima shrine. Notice the person doing a knee pilgrimage
Gallery, Pope's podium, gold crown on steeple
Religious panels inside the gallery
Fátima altar depicts Our Lady
The little white chapel is on the spot Our Lady appeared
To the left of the little white chapel is the Velório, where the faithful light candles and pray
To the left of the Velório is where candles can be purchased. The candles come in different sizes. Choose your candles and place the depicted amount on the little slots for the money. It's on the honor system.
The new church cement arms both reach and frame the old church.
The area between the two churches can accommodate one million people, I've seen it during the Procissão das Velas (candle procession), it's moving and impressive.
Water feature by the new church. I could hear the water water but couldn't see it, access is from underground
These are the hotels across the street from the new church, it really saved on a lot of walking
Next stop the Roman ruins at Conimbriga
Fátima is one of the most important shrines in the world for the devoted and a tourist attraction for the rest, except for a person that decided to talk on his phone, everybody was respectful.
The church steeple has the gold crown normally associated with Our Lady of Fátima.
We stayed at a hotel across the street from the new church, it saved on a lot of walking.
Tip: on weekdays at 3.30pm mass in English is held at the little white chapel
Tip: if you want to do a knee pilgrimage, use kneepads
Fátima shrine. Notice the person doing a knee pilgrimage
Gallery, Pope's podium, gold crown on steeple
Religious panels inside the gallery
Fátima altar depicts Our Lady
The little white chapel is on the spot Our Lady appeared
To the left of the little white chapel is the Velório, where the faithful light candles and pray
To the left of the Velório is where candles can be purchased. The candles come in different sizes. Choose your candles and place the depicted amount on the little slots for the money. It's on the honor system.
The new church cement arms both reach and frame the old church.
The area between the two churches can accommodate one million people, I've seen it during the Procissão das Velas (candle procession), it's moving and impressive.
Water feature by the new church. I could hear the water water but couldn't see it, access is from underground
These are the hotels across the street from the new church, it really saved on a lot of walking
Next stop the Roman ruins at Conimbriga
Last edited by aulop; Feb 9th, 2023 at 02:49 AM.
Feb 9th, 2023, 09:17 PM
#78
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Melnq8
The knee pilgrimage path at the shrine is about 400 meters, however I did see people doing it outside the shrine.
I only saw one person wearing kneepads, all others didn't have any protection, including a person doing the pilgrimage on their knees and elbows.
The knee pilgrimage path at the shrine is about 400 meters, however I did see people doing it outside the shrine.
I only saw one person wearing kneepads, all others didn't have any protection, including a person doing the pilgrimage on their knees and elbows.
Feb 10th, 2023, 09:29 PM
#79
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Conimbriga Roman ruins
Near the town of Condeixa the Roman ruins of Conimbriga are an interesting site to visit.
Most of the ruins date to 1BC, but the site itself is believed to be pre Roman.
Only a portion of the know site has been escavated ( about 20%).
The visible structures are incomplete, so you'll have to use your imagination to visualize the town in it's prime.
There's water tunnels, sewage disposal, fountains, living quarters, baths, forum, amphitheater, city defensive wall.
The house of fountains and it's mosaics are the best preserved.
Tip: visit immediately after rain fall. The wet stone look will make the colors on the mosaics more colorful, otherwise they're faded.
Conimbriga mosaics
Mosaics
Mosaics
Mosaics at fountain house
Pillars and ruins
One of two fountain houses
The best preserved fountain house under protective canopy
Fountain house
Mosaics
Minotaur labyrinth, I believe it to part of Greek mythology
Fountain house
Next stop Aveiro
Near the town of Condeixa the Roman ruins of Conimbriga are an interesting site to visit.
Most of the ruins date to 1BC, but the site itself is believed to be pre Roman.
Only a portion of the know site has been escavated ( about 20%).
The visible structures are incomplete, so you'll have to use your imagination to visualize the town in it's prime.
There's water tunnels, sewage disposal, fountains, living quarters, baths, forum, amphitheater, city defensive wall.
The house of fountains and it's mosaics are the best preserved.
Tip: visit immediately after rain fall. The wet stone look will make the colors on the mosaics more colorful, otherwise they're faded.
Conimbriga mosaics
Mosaics
Mosaics
Mosaics at fountain house
Pillars and ruins
One of two fountain houses
The best preserved fountain house under protective canopy
Fountain house
Mosaics
Minotaur labyrinth, I believe it to part of Greek mythology
Fountain house
Next stop Aveiro
Feb 10th, 2023, 09:31 PM
#80
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Very useful tips, thanks! Loved the details! And such amazing pictures!
How are you finding the Algarve coast? Any hotel recommendations? We are going to be there in May, looking to stay at the Hotel Oriental in Portimao and/or the Tivoli Carvoeiro.
Thoughts? Other options?
Also, how many days do you think a tourist needs in the Algarve region at the minimum? And is driving there from Lisbon a good option or should that be done by train too?
Thanks in advance!
How are you finding the Algarve coast? Any hotel recommendations? We are going to be there in May, looking to stay at the Hotel Oriental in Portimao and/or the Tivoli Carvoeiro.
Thoughts? Other options?
Also, how many days do you think a tourist needs in the Algarve region at the minimum? And is driving there from Lisbon a good option or should that be done by train too?
Thanks in advance!
Last edited by excited_confused; Feb 10th, 2023 at 09:54 PM.
