Portugal Recap

[just]

Since y'all are the best travel agents I've ever found, and this is at least the third place that you've helped me choose. A recap if you're interested.

My family (3 sisters and a brother) try to get together once a year, so this year we met in Portugal for a change. They flew from Ireland and London, I flew from Boston. I added a few extra days at the start just for me.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 1: Sintra
Arrive in Lisbon, Train directly to Sintra. Stayed at Sintra Boutique Hotel.
Very rainy, but took the bus on the regular route and did Palacio da Pena in the rain. It was actually pretty cool - very misty.
Lunch in Sintra and then back out to Castelo dos Mouros, which was a great walk. A quick nap before dinner.

Day 2: Sintra to Porto
Had to leave Sintra at 1pm to make my later train. Woke at 8 and it was pouring down, so went back to bed, got up in time to check out and have a lovely lunch before train back to Lisbon, and train to Porto
Checked in to Editory House Ribeira, headed for dinner and almost DIED on the hills in Porto. Makes for a great walk and view but damn it's hilly. Stopped off at a wine bar on the way home. 

Day 3: Porto, Food Tour
Used Taste Porto which was wonderful. Went to a traditional market for charcuterie and wine, went to the market for tinned fish (which was DELICIOUS) and wine, went to a bakery for a selection of baked goods, went for a traditional pork sandwich and wine, went for a port tasting with food pairings. I've done food tours in many places and this one was exceptional. The host was a little rushed at times - he's the owner and I think he was filling in, but he was incredible knowledgable.
Spent the rest of the day slowly wandering in the city, stopping at bars and wine bars, wonderful day

Day 4: Porto to Lisbon
Woke up to another downpour. Checked out and went for lunch on the river. Then caught my train to Lisbon.
Checked into Hotel Maxine and waited for one of my sisters to arrive. 
When she did, went for amazing tapas and turned in for the night

Day 5 - 9: Lisbon with Family
Rest of family arrived around 11 on Day 5 and we dropped off our bags at this amazing airbnb: www.airbnb.com/rooms/12471282
Spent the rest of the day wandering, ate at Time Out Lisbon, sat in outdoor wine bars, walked up an incredible amount of hills, they did a little shopping. Wonderful dinner at a tapas place close to our airbnb
Day 6: Brunch and more wandering, went to the Castle, walked up more hills, sat at more bars, ate more amazing food
Did the Santa Justa Lift, took a tram home. Sat on the amazing balcony. Ate at an amazing restaurant, found a wonderful Gin Bar.
Day 7: You guessed it, more walking up hills, more shopping, more eating, more drinking. Above all so much talking and laughing. Amazing last night with a good meal and found a bar/museum that blew our minds.
Day 8: Others flew home, and I spent the day listening to music and walking in the sun and sitting on the balcony while packing for my early flight home.

As always, y'all were incredibly helpful, so if I can return the favor, please let me know.

[Rainyday]

I looked at the pics before I read your post and knew you were all related!
Great pictures, what a fun trip.

[mambo123]

Sounds lovely! We head to Portugal in just a few hours. I had a colleague who mentioned how great the Porto food tour is.

[Pom]

Portugal is on my travel list! Sounds amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[mrshandy]

Wonderful trip! We were there last April and did Taste Porto as well (I think). Our food tour was so awesome as well. We really loved our guide. He was wonderful with our children (9 and 12).

I think we went to the same Gin Bar in Lisbon (unless there are multiple ones LOL). Was it in a big hall with other shops? So cool. I love Gin so it was an unexpected surprise.

Portugal is fabulous. So much good food and wine and beautiful sites and one of the more reasonably priced places in Europe. Everyone should go there.

[bex1973]

Sounds amazing!

[Saudade]

I loved Portugal. I went to Porto right before the world shutdown. The food was so amazing and your pics bring me right back. I'm glad you had such a good time!

[egishere]

Sounds awesome and that AirBNB is really nice!

[eb777888]

Those pictures are great! I've never been to Portugal, it's on our list. Thanks for sharing!

[mrsukyankee]

I'm going to Portugal with my H in September so I'm very happy to see the reviews.