Lisbon vs. Porto: Which Best??!!

[bennybear]

Although not mentioned, if you see perceives aka gooseneck barnacles give them a try. They are really delicious and a real delicacy.  They can only be found in really rough waters and are dangerous and difficult to harvest.  In Canada you might get one to try at a really high end west coast restaurant.  But in Portugal they are more plentiful.  

 

The copper casseroles are amazing, cataplana,  

 

 

 

For those discussing visiting .Santiago de Compestela,  it is well worth it.  Take time to have a wonderful lunch in the Parador near the main entrance. 
 

 

 

Edited June 7, 2023 by bennybear

[TLCOhio]

On 6/6/2023 at 9:41 PM, bennybear said:

Although not mentioned, if you see perceives aka gooseneck barnacles give them a try. They are really delicious and a real delicacy.  They can only be found in really rough waters and are dangerous and difficult to harvest.  In Canada you might get one to try at a really high end west coast restaurant.  But in Portugal they are more plentiful.  For those discussing visiting .Santiago de Compestela,  it is well worth it.  Take time to have a wonderful lunch in the Parador near the main entrance. 

 

Super appreciate these great follow-ups and colorful visuals from bennybear.  Excellent fun and exciting dining options in Portugal.  Not sure if I am ready for ordering gooseneck barnacles.  Maybe they taste unique and wonderful.  But, I am more traditional and conventional with my seafood choices. See below.  

 

Fortunately, Portugal does well with the many dining options, especially in the seafood areas. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Kotor/Montenegro:  Various visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 51,399 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

 

From Portugal, here were a couple of my seafood delights enjoyed there.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

 

[bennybear]

3 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

 

Super appreciate these great follow-ups and colorful visuals from bennybear.  Excellent fun and exciting dining options in Portugal.  Not sure if I am ready for ordering gooseneck barnacles.  Maybe they taste unique and wonderful.  But, I am more traditional and conventional with my seafood choices. See below.  

 

Fortunately, Portugal does well with the many dining options, especially in the seafood areas. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Kotor/Montenegro:  Various visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 51,399 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

 

From Portugal, here were a couple of my seafood delights enjoyed there.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

 

 

I love traditional seafood, as you can see in the other photos.  I too wasn’t sure, and they’re wearing Kevlar, lol!  But they are really good!  

Edited June 8, 2023 by bennybear

[TLCOhio]

On 6/8/2023 at 12:03 PM, bennybear said:

I love traditional seafood, as you can see in the other photos.  I too wasn’t sure, and they’re wearing Kevlar, lol!  But they are really good!  

 

Excellent point for trying perceives, aka gooseneck barnacles.  Will do when we visit Portugal in the future.  My wife really wants to spend more time in Porto.  Appreciate these great comments and follow-ups from bennybear and others.  Keep it coming.    

 

From the Travel Section of the USA Today this morning, they had this headline: “4 spectacular (and cheap) European destinations” with these highlights focused for Portugal: “What I consider one of the best destinations in the world to travel. Portugal has it all: gastronomy, history, architecture, activities, beaches, nature, vineyards, etc. In short, a long list of many offers and activities that you can do in one place. Flights from New York, Washington D.C., Boston, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles and Seattle to cities like Lisbon or Porto can often be had for less than $499-$599 round trip. Be sure to visit, apart from its two main cities, Cascais, Sintra, Nazaré, Aveiro, Coimbra and Evora. Portuguese gastronomy has some delicacies that you must try, such as Pastéis de nata, octopus, bacalhau (salted cod), or duck rice.”

 

This experienced writer was making suggestions to sample Europe without doing the usually costly destinations, such as Amsterdam, London and Paris.

 

Full story at:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/columnist/2023/06/15/travel-europe-cheap-destinations/70307606007/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Dubrovnik!  Visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 49,737 views.    

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

[TLCOhio]

From Travel+Leisure magazine last month, they had this headline: “20 Beautiful Places to Visit in Portugal — From Fairy-tale Castles to Charming Beach Towns” with these highlights: “France and Spain have long taken center stage, with Portugal as a less-visited destination for in-the-know travelers. ”

 

Among the locations they spotlighted included some favorites from our visiting Portugal in 2017:

 

"One of the most beautiful places in Europe, Pena Palace is a hilltop Romanticist castle and the crown jewel of Sintra. Its candy-colored facade and sweeping terraces draw shutter-happy tourists from near and far. The stately interiors are filled with antiques, while the surrounding park provides tree-shaded pathways."

 

"One of the most-visited landmarks in Lisbon and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the late Gothic Manueline-style Jerónimos Monastery stands tall as an enduring symbol of power dating back to the Age of Discovery. The block-long complex continues to impress with its magnificent maritime details, cloisters, and tombs."

 

"Nazaré lures fearless surfers and attracts many curious tourists thanks to the larger-than-life swells that were the subject of the documentary '100 Foot Wave.'  The huge breaks mean you’re likely not going to paddle out, but it’s worth the drive to see the enormous waves crash into the rocks and grab lunch at one of the local restaurants."

 

We super enjoyed these three locations we were able to experience.  Now, we need to work our way down this list among these remaining seventeen places in Portugal.  Fun goal?  

 

Full story at:

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-places-to-visit-in-portugal-7489338

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast on the Silver Spirit.  Now at 33,541 views.  Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

[TLCOhio]

Just completed reading the book mentioned earlier called  "Conquerors" by New York Times bestselling author Roger Crowley.  This author shares important details for the emergence of Portugal around 1500 AD.  This small, poor nation rose up to experience a century of maritime supremacy thanks to the daring and navigational skill of its explorers.  And, the "aggressive", super-warrior ways exhibited to win and dominate in Africa, India, SE Asia, etc.  

 

Portugal’s discovery of a sea route to India, its campaign of imperial conquest over Muslim rulers and domination of the spice trade would forever disrupt the Mediterranean and build the first global economy.  "Globalization of Trade"??  Portugal did it most effectively, among the first!!  And, disrupted the role and power of Venice, etc.

 

The author details much about King Manuel “the Fortunate” and effective/ruthless Governor Afonso de Albuquerque, plus Vasco da Gama and more.  Much for this story is about Portugal’s ascent and drive to eradicate Islamic culture and establish a Christian empire in the Indian Ocean. The discovery of a route to India around the horn of Africa was not only a brilliant breakthrough in navigation but heralded a complete upset of the world order that brought huge wealth to Portugal. 

 

I completed this book after reading his interesting and highly-detailed Venice book chronicling that City-State's rise and slide downward.  

 

From the New York Times book review in 2016, they had this headline: “Conquerors: How Portugal Forged the First Global Empire” with these opening highlights: “Afonso de Albuquerque died 500 years ago, after spending a dozen years terrorizing coastal cities from Yemen to Malaysia. He enriched thousands of men and killed tens of thousands more. Despite never commanding more than a few dozen ships, he built one of the first modern intercontinental empires. And this was just the beginning: The next step, he said, was to sail up the Red Sea, destroy Mecca, Medina and the Prophet Muhammad’s body and liberate the Holy Land. The 18 years between December 1497, when Vasco da Gama rounded the Cape of Good Hope, and December 1515, when Albuquerque died off the Indian coast, were a pivotal point in history.”

 

Religion and political power?  Money and trade?  Is anything really new or different?  In preparing to visit India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, etc., for the first time in early 2024, all of this Portugal history links together well.  We think of the British as the major world power, but we forget about the earlier role played by Portugal, etc.  

 

From this review, it summarizes some other key points to understand and appreciate: "The biggest of these is surely how a handful of Europeans managed, for good and ill, to do so much.  Fighting — or more precisely ships, guns and ferocity — does seem to be what it came down to. Portuguese sailors learned to build ships that could plunge into the uncharted Atlantic in search of winds to carry them around Africa’s southern tip."

 

Full NY Times book review at:

https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/17/books/review/conquerors-how-portugal-forged-the-first-global-empire-by-roger-crowley.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Panama Canal? Early 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through Panama Canal.  Our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Now at 32,082 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

 

Here is another view of the cover of this interesting book detailing how Portugal created its global trading empire that fueled its power and wealth in the early 1500's.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see this visual larger/better!)

[cfkm1]

I got a chance to spend 2 days in Lisbon pre embarkation and disembarkation of my cruise in March. There is already so much thing to see and do in Lisbon. Visiting Pena Palace and Sintra  or Lisbon can easily occupy full day each.

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

On 6/24/2023 at 12:02 PM, cfkm1 said:

I got a chance to spend 2 days in Lisbon pre embarkation and disembarkation of my cruise in March. There is already so much thing to see and do in Lisbon. Visiting Pena Palace and Sintra  or Lisbon can easily occupy full day each.

 

 

 

Appreciate this nice follow-up with these two videos.  Brings back nice memories for both excellent locations.  Great sharing.  Keep it coming.    

 

From the Washington Post yesterday, they had this headline: “Once hailed for decriminalizing drugs, Portugal is now having doubts” with these highlights: “Addiction haunts the recesses of this ancient port city, as people with gaunt, clumsy hands lift crack pipes to lips, syringes to veins. Authorities are sealing off warren-like alleyways with iron bars and fencing in parks to halt the spread of encampments. A siege mentality is taking root in nearby enclaves of pricey condos and multimillion-euro homes.”

 

Although this reporting is not exactly, directly about "travel", it is interesting background as to current "conditions" and background for Portugal today.  Here is more: "Portugal decriminalized all drug use, including marijuana, cocaine and heroin, in an experiment that inspired similar efforts elsewhere, but now police are blaming a spike in the number of people who use drugs for a rise in crime. In one neighborhood, state-issued paraphernalia — powder-blue syringe caps, packets of citric acid for diluting heroin — litters sidewalks outside an elementary school.  'These days in Portugal, it is forbidden to smoke tobacco outside a school or a hospital. It is forbidden to advertise ice cream and sugar candies. And yet, it is allowed for [people] to be there, injecting drugs,' said Rui Moreira, Porto’s mayor. 'We’ve normalized it.' "

 

Full story by Anthony Faiola and Catarina Fernandes Martins at:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/07/07/portugal-drugs-decriminalization-heroin-crack/?utm_campaign=wp_post_most&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&wpisrc=nl_most

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

From late 2018, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East. Now at 21,918 views.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

[TLCOhio]

From the London/UK Independent, they had this headline: “Lisbon travel guide: Where to eat, drink, shop and stay in Portugal’s vivacious capital" with this sub-headline:  "With its sharp Atlantic light and sky-high miradouros, Lisbon is an instant heart-stealer making serious waves in food, drink, art and design.”

 

Here are some of author Kerry Walker's highlights: “No matter how often you return, you’ll always see Lisbon afresh. The Portuguese capital twinkles with exciting new openings – from boutique hotels and restaurants to roof terraces and bars, all with a pinch of historic soul and the wrappings of 21st-century cool. This is a place you sense, not see. These streets are full of poetry, with light bouncing off the piercing blue Tagus River and azulejo tiles, intricately cobbled calçadas and creamy white Manueline facades carved during the age of great explorers. Go beyond the tourist trail and you’ll soon find neighbourhoods full of life and laughter, fado and street art. It’s in the back alleys, where that unexpected cafe, leafy plaza or sunset miradouro (viewpoint) awaits, that you’ll fall hard Lisbon.”

 

For another angle on Lisbon, try this: "Lisbon is a high-rise city – but not because of its skyscrapers. Straddling seven hills, the Portuguese capital requires a lot of puff, with never-ending cobbled stairways, streets sweeping dramatically down to the glinting Tagus River and eyrie-like miradouros with 360-degree views of the castle-crowned cityscape rippling away to the Atlantic."

 

Full story at:

https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/europe/portugal/lisbon-city-guide-best-things-hotels-b2372610.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Summer 2019 Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska on Silver Muse, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  Many visuals, Our firsts in these scenic areas!  Now at 19,560 views. Live/blog: 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

[Host Bonjour]

Thank you Terry! 🙂

[TLCOhio]

From the Condé Nast Traveler magazine in late May,, they had this headline: “8 Lisbon Restaurants for Discovering the City's African Diaspora" with this sub-headline:  "From Cape Verdean food in São Bento to Mozambican crab curry in the Mouraria neighborhood.” 

 

Read these highlights by author Amara Amaryah: “The landscape of Portuguese gastronomy isn’t complete without a certain sautéed, peanut-coated, and lovingly seasoned African touch. Colorful traces of Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) Africa—which includes Guinea-Bissau, Angola, Cape Verde, Mozambique, Equatorial Guinea, and São Tomé e Príncipe—can be found across the country, as people from the former colonies have migrated to Portugal with their culinary secrets in tow. As with most diasporic traditions around the world, these immigrants have created spaces where a sense of home could be accessed through food—and they range from street-food stands to stylish restaurants, with Ankara print in the place of table cloths, and Afrobeat and Amapiano music spilling out onto the city streets.”

 

Yes, Portugal in its colonial prime had many African connections.  Plus, I would assume there are good range of India and other Asian ties as seen through the food options and variety available in Lisbon, etc.  Right?  Other food and cultural experiences from Lisbon to share?

 

Full story at:

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/lisbon-restaurants-for-discovering-the-citys-african-diaspora

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Early 2020, many visuals and details from New Zealand/South Pacific in going from Auckland to French Polynesia.  This includes Bora Bora, Fiji, NZ experiences, etc:  Live/blog:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2735732-live-terryohio-“new”-regatta-south-pacificnz-pix’s/

[TLCOhio]

From the Lonely Planet travel website in mid October, they had this headline: “Local Bites: the best places to eat and drink in Lisbon” with these highlights by writer Georgina Lawton: “The last six years or so have seen Lisbon become one of Europe’s most sought-after – and delicious – European destinations.   Once famed merely for its custard tarts (the famous pasteis de nata), Portugal’s gastronomy is finally being recognized on a world stage – and for good reason. Its capital city’s food is fresh, innovative and affordable.”

 

Here is more background: "Being on the coast ensures Lisbon is never short of freshly caught seafood. This is best enjoyed at a local tasca, laid-back restaurants that serve modern twists on Portuguese classics, and which are enjoying a resurgence right now.  Lunchtime might be the best way to eat at some of Lisbon’s more popular spots. Taberna Sal Grosso, a tightly packed cubby hole in Alfama with a chalkboard menu, is well known to both tourists and locals for its flavor-filled small plates. For seafood lovers, Ramiro, a famed three-story institution established in the 1950, serves clams, scarlet shrimp and crab weighed by the kilo."

 

Full story at:

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/food-recommendations-local-lisbon?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_8062489 campaign_TAP - October 28, 2023 [BiT %2B Lufthansa]&utm_usr=f541a9e649534cc2931bd57d58d8c2cac2bb8c5d298f722bad5b05cc8ad5ece2This

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Canada 2022/2023: Scenic visuals, details from Canada Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island).  Plus, new from Aug. 2023, exploring historic/charming Quebec City.    Visual/Info Summaries:

www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums

[TLCOhio]

From the Washington Post earlier this year, they had this headline in an article by famed travel guru Rick Steves: “Don’t skip Europe’s second cities" with this sub-headline:  "Unshackled by the obligation to be their country’s role model, second cities are free to just be themselves.”

 

Here are some of hits highlights: “Each European country has its marquee city that attracts the vast majority of travelers. And all too often, that tourist-pleasing destination is a traveler’s one and only stop.  I like to visit to the country’s 'second city.' I recommend cutting your visit a day short to make time for these cities.  In Portugal, visitors flock to Lisbon. But the second city of Porto — three hours north by train — is smaller and more manageable. Without taking anything away from Lisbon, the city has a delightful food scene and more than its share of diamond-in-the-rough architecture. And, as a plus for wine lovers, it’s known for port.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/tips/rick-steves-europe-second-cities/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 257,179 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/

[TLCOhio]

How do Porto and Lisbon compare for being friendly cities?  Both are "WINNERS" per this travel magazine's international Reader Choice Awards survey.  

 

From Condé Nast Traveler magazine two days ago, they had this headline: “10 Friendliest Cities in the World" with this sub-headline: "The bustling metropolises you loved most this year, from Oceania to Mexico.”

 

They asked questions about: Did an outgoing local go out of their way to give you directions? Easy to navigate? Get good vibes from the people around you?  They picked ten cities in the world with two of them being from Portugal.  

 

Here are their reporting highlights: “Lisbon is the perfect jumping off point for first-time visitors to Portugal, with enough coastal views, historic architecture, and pastéis de nata to fill an entire vacation. Its growing popularity means you’ll mingle with like-minded folks in one of Lisbon’s fado restaurants or coffee shops.”

 

For Porto, here is their summary: "Porto may be known for its wine and port, but oenophiles aren’t the only ones who have fallen in love with this cozy northern city. Aside from booze, Portugal’s second city has some of the best scenery in the country—and some of the happiest locals, too. After maxing out your credit card at the city’s coolest galleries and chocolate shops, plop yourself down at a sidewalk cafe and smile at everyone who walks past (we guarantee they’ll all smile back)."

 

Full story at:

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/2015-08-14the-2015-friendliest-and-unfriendliest-cities-in-the-world?utm_source=nl&utm_brand=cnt&utm_mailing=CNT_Daily_PM_112223&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_medium=email&bxid=5db3f99524c17c23c34ecf3e&cndid=6657468&hasha=e1ca3019f9f535a4b98389997c63b892&hashb=7daf2541a0de702392cfe60ed513a5c2d1d23598&hashc=f541a9e649534cc2931bd57d58d8c2cac2bb8c5d298f722bad5b05cc8ad5ece2&esrc=IDCONDENAST_REGGATE&utm_term=CNT_Daily

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio 

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 249,449 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

[TLCOhio]

Nearby to Portugal's capital, here is a profile for a fun, scenic location we visited on a day-trip from Lisbon in 2017.  

 

From the London/UK Sunday Times this weekend, they have this headline: “The Portuguese town where you can watch top surfers ride 100ft-waves” with these highlights by writer William Thomson: “You might expect the world’s biggest waves to be somewhere wild, brutal, inhospitable — the Southern Ocean perhaps, or a windswept island in the Arctic.  But no. Just over an hour’s drive from Portugal’s cosmopolitan capital, Lisbon, you can sit on the rooftop of an ancient fortress, sipping delicious coffee while gazing down at superstar surfers risking life and limb to ride the biggest wave on our planet. Welcome to Nazare.”

 

Here is more:  "Even when the waves aren’t thumping, Nazare is a fantastic place to visit. I’ve been coming here for ten years, all through the year, with each season bringing something special to the mix. In the summer the town is full of Portuguese holidaymakers who flock to the beaches and bars in the main town to the south of the big wave spot."

 

Full story at:

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/how-to-see-the-worlds-biggest-wave-and-its-daring-surfers-an-hour-from-lisbon-2vv8dht8r

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 246,637 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

[TLCOhio]

From Travel+Leisure magazine late last month, they had this headline: “50 Best Places to Travel in 2024" with this portion of their sub-headline:  "For Moments on the Water.”

 

Here are some of their reporting highlights as to why a high ranking for Douro River, Portugal: “As recently as a decade ago, almost nobody was talking about wine tourism in Portugal. These days, 'you have to see the Douro River,' said Sheree M. Mitchell, a T+L A-List advisor. 'It’s non-negotiable.' Cruises are an affordable option, and lines are expanding their presence on the river, which cuts across Spain and Northern Portugal before reaching the Atlantic in the city of Porto. Tauck, a favorite among T+L readers, unveiled the Andorinha in 2021, which will sail 33 wine-country itineraries in 2024. Another T+L reader favorite, Viking, will have four ships on the Douro in the year ahead.   AmaWaterways recently announced a special November 2024 departure that will 'explore the history of the Black and African diaspora in Lisbon and along Portugal's stunning Douro River.' " 

 

Full story at:

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-places-to-go-2024-8385979

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Canada 2022/2023: Scenic visuals, details from Canada Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island).  Plus, new from Aug. 2023, exploring historic/charming Quebec City.    Visual/Info Summaries:

www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums

[TLCOhio]

From the London/UK Telegraph two days ago, they had this headline: “The 50 winners and losers of travel in 2023” with these highlights for Portugal as a winner: “Lisbon was named by the UK Post Office as the cheapest city break in Europe, while the Algarve and Porto also picked up wins at the World Travel Awards. For an affordable city break, there’s never been a better time to go.”

 

Being popular is good news.  Right?  Positive for Lisbon and Porto!!

 

Full story at:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travel-truths/winners-losers-travel-holidays/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!  Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture.  This posting is now at 109,194 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

[shavdog]

We booked the transatlantic 11/24 Lisbon/Florida on Celebrity Equinox....I keep  seeing Douro Valley mentioned...can someone give me a overview of that sidetrip...we are planning on flying over 10 days in advance and would like to tour to coast and any other sidetrips of interest...thanks...Craig

[TLCOhio]

3 hours ago, shavdog said:

We booked the transatlantic 11/24 Lisbon/Florida on Celebrity Equinox....I keep  seeing Douro Valley mentioned...can someone give me a overview of that sidetrip...we are planning on flying over 10 days in advance and would like to tour to coast and any other sidetrips of interest...thanks...Craig

 

Do not know exactly what Celebrity (or another company) might be offering as a "side trip".  But as background, many river cruises go up the Douro River valley with a variety of stops at wineries producing their famous Porto wine, etc.  These sailing also offer a variety of different historic and other charming locations,, villages, etc., along this scenic route.  

 

It's great that you are going to fly into Portugal ten days in advance.  Many, many excellent options to see, do and enjoy for Lisbon, nearby, etc., etc.  We had five days in advance of our cruise that sailed out of Lisbon, going up the the Atlantic Coast with stops in Porto, Spain and France.  

 

Does this help a little?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast on the Silver Spirit.  Now at 34,289 views.  Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

[shavdog]

Yes it does help...we are just getting started...the sidetrip wouild not be sponsored by Celebrity...we would be doing it on our own...maybe rent a car in Porto and go for a drive and wing it...

[TLCOhio]

On 1/1/2024 at 4:56 PM, shavdog said:

Yes it does help...we are just getting started...the sidetrip wouild not be sponsored by Celebrity...we would be doing it on our own...maybe rent a car in Porto and go for a drive and wing it...

 

Winging it??  That's possible, maybe.  While I have done driving in London, Paris, Rome, etc., there are "trade-offs" to consider for driving in Europe, larger cities, etc.  The GPS technology can help.  There are also benefit to consider with a skilled private guide who can explain much as to what you are seeing and doing.  Also, who knows the best routes, where to park, etc.??  

 

Portugal is wonderful, but navigating and getting the background for what you are seeing/experiencing can be another question.  Lots of options!!  Much depends on your budget, what you most desired to see and do, etc.  Good luck with your research and planning.   

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 249,946 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

[TLCOhio]

From the London/UK Sunday Times today, they had this headline: “The city that’s at its most wonderful — and coat-free — in winter" with this sub-headline:  "Cheap bars, alfresco food, less tourists and longer hours of daylight make Lisbon shine even brighter in the cold months.”

 

Here are some of the highlights written by Jane Mulkerrins: “With its mild climate and still relatively low cost of living, it’s not hard to see why up to 20,000 digital nomads from the US, UK, Brazil and other countries have decamped to Portugal’s capital in the past four years, encouraged by generous visa schemes. Alfama, the picturesque area below Sao Jorge Castle and one of the oldest neighbourhoods, is one area that has boomed in response.”

 

A nice variety of options, tips, etc., are outlined in this profile.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-city-thats-at-its-most-wonderful-and-coat-free-in-winter-7b3wm8j69

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 248,212 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

[TLCOhio]

From the London/UK Telegraph this weekend, they had this headline: “Step aside Turkey – Portugal is the best-value European destination this summer" with this sub-headline:  "An annual holiday-price report has singled out Portugal for a good value break, with France and Italy performing poorly.” 

 

Here are some of their reporting highlights: “For the last two years we have been heralding Turkey as the best-value destination for a summer holiday in Europe. No longer. Step forward instead, Portugal. According to the latest Post Office Annual Holiday Costs Barometer, which compares the price of a shopping basket of holiday essentials in 40 destinations around the world, the Algarve now has the lowest prices in Europe.”

 

The the cost of hotels and flights are not included for this annual survey, so it is hard to make overall comparisons.  However, it is generally good news for Portugal and tourists.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/portugal/portugal-summer-holiday-low-cost/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

India to Singaore 2024: Live/Blog with many visuals, including “Golden Triangle”, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2992045-live-terryohio-india-to-signapore-silver-moon-rising-pix’s/

 

Or, as an alternative use this five-term Google search

Live Terry/Ohio India Silver Moon

to find it with the full title of “Live, Terry/Ohio, India to Signapore, Silver Moon Rising, Pix’s!”