Blogs from Lisbon, Lisbon & Tagus Valley, Portugal, Europe

We arrive in Lisbon at just before 8am. Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal, it is also the westernmost large city in Europe. Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, predating London, Paris and Rome. A traditional form of transport in Lisbon is the tram, they were introduced in the 19th century and imported from the USA. The distinctive yellow trams are one of the tourist icons of modern Lisbon. They are well suited to the steep hills and narrow streets. We are going on an organised trip to Obidos a picturesque village about 90 minutes away. We board the coach and make our way there. The guide tells us that she will be taking us to a little shop where we will be given a cherry liqueur in a chocolate cup. ... read more

Day 2! We were all a bit tired and jet lagged and slept in a bit. I woke up at 9am and went to a local coffee roaster Torra Roaster, owned by a Brazilian (who said everyone grows up drinking coffee, with family in the Industry and they ship out the good stuff leaving them Arabica). I got an Americano for Anne and I, very good coffee but wanted more, and Anne thought it was a bit strong. Anne and kids rolled out of bed and we all showered and got ready for another day. Cameron slept in the longest asking us what the rush was! The plan was to head downtown and start with Sao Jorge Castle, so we stocked up on water and found passes and jumped on a tram. A nice man who ... read more

We started out our day, after a delicious breakfast of course, with a tour of Lisbon. Our local guide Leonore was great! The first portion of the tour was just a bus ride through Lisbon, pointing out some of the squares and a little of the local history. Lisbon proper isd about 800,000 people. But it has a traditional suburban community outside the city of about another 2 million people, many of whom work in the city and commute at the end of the day. The city has been a major city for a very long time. It is the second oldest city in Europe – only Athens is older. It’s early days included about 500 years of of rule by the Moors. The heyday of Lisbon is in the 15th and 16th centuries when world ... read more

TOUR 2 – Great Iberian Tour – FRI, 03 JUN 2022 – Day 4: "Visit Lisbon. Evening transfer. In the morning we will have a sightseeing tour with a local guide. We will visit the tra­ditional neighbourhoods including the Belem district, which is the birthplace of the great Portuguese navigators who sailed the oceans in the Fifteenth Century. We will have a look around the Monument of the Discoveries, Belem Tower, and the beautiful Jeronimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the free afternoon when you are free to explore the city at your own leisure. In the late afternoon, we will have a transfer to the Restauradores Square, a public square with plenty of restaurants and cafes. We suggest you ride the Elevador Da Gloria funicular that takes you to the viewpoint of San ... read more

Lisbon, Portugal Monday, March 28, 2022 LAND. This is the longest we’ve ever gone without disembarking the ship. We were hesitant as far as our walking capabilities, but we prevailed. Just one foot in front of the other, without tripping. Well….we had a few trips! We took our time exiting the ship because the line was QUITE LONG for those flying home. LONG. Only about 300 stayed on board for Barcelona – where we shall arrive next week (I think). I can’t even remember what day or time it is. I know we lose another hour tonight. This may be the last one, but don’t quote me. Like I said – I’m out of it. First things first. We have to find a FedEx so we can send out “wet signatures” to our broker. High Finance, ... read more