Today we were off to Herdade do Esporao a beautiful winery in the Alentejo. It was going to be an amazing day of learning, laughing, eating and drinking. A little bit of history - The winery was first established back in 1267. We were told that no wine was produced until the 1990's. They … Continue reading Herdade do Esporao – Winery
We left Lisbon around 9am and would be heading to Evora Portugal where we would stay 2 days. Most of us dozed as the coach motored along. After an hour or so we pulled up for our first break at Azulejos de Anita. We were going to learn more about how the tiles are made … Continue reading Lisbon to Evora via Setubal
Sitting here watching the devastating fires happening in Australia makes me realize how lucky I am. Im in my lounge room with the TV on, lap top on my lap, sun shining with a blue sky while others are on the beach or in boats shielding themselves from the smoke and flames. I have friends … Continue reading Goodby 2019 and Hello 2020
An early start to the day with breakfast and then off on our day trip to see the sights of Lisbon and beyond. Our first stop would be at Freedom Park - Parque da Liberdade. Back in 1903 it was renamed to King Edward VII a tribute to King Edward VII of the UK, who … Continue reading Lisbon and Beyond
Sunday arrived and our last breakfast aboard the Scenic Azure. We said our goodbyes to the staff and our friends who wouldn't be joining us on the land tour. A few tears were shed. We boarded our bus and were introduced to our guide Yolanda. There were 20 of us so we could spread out … Continue reading On Route to Lisbon via the Medieval City of Coimbra
Our last afternoon in Porto. We decided to just let our feet take us around Porto. Dark rain clouds were looming so we wore our rain jackets. It was also very cold. We came across a market selling local wares and this is where the rain started falling. Porto is very hilly with most streets … Continue reading An afternoon in Porto
Our last full day in Porto would be visiting Gondomar and a workshop and museum of Filigree. So, what is Filigree? "Filigree is intricate metalwork. Usually with very fine strands of gold or silver or both that is twisted then applied to a frame of various shapes, filling them with a delicate tracery. The foundry … Continue reading Filigree demonstration and workshop
The cruise was nearly over. We would be spending a whole day sailing back to Porto on the Douro River. We have been on other European cruises along the Rhine, Seine and Rhone and there was never a day where we just sailed. So what to do on a sail day? We could have … Continue reading Cork, Port Wine, Chocolate & Classical Music along the Douro River
As our coach climbed the hills of the Douro Valley, through the fog and the clouds, I had no idea of the steep drop at the edge of the road. Im not very good at heights so the fog was a blessing in disguise. Even when we arrived there was still a swirling … Continue reading Provesende – Portugal – A Treasure above the clouds
Our visit this morning would be to Castelo Rodrigo. This was a surprise as we were to have visited the Coa Valley. Apparently the dock for the Coa Valley was closed. Castelo Rodrigo is one of the historical hill top villages in Portugal. I hadn't heard of this place at all. Once I … Continue reading Castelo Rodrigo – The Secret Historic Village on the hill
Travel and Lifestyle with Bree 