Drive to the Atlantic Coast, Cabo da Roca and Sintra - Start the morning with a lecture on the history of Portugal by a university professor. Later, transfer to Sintra to explore the "Palacio Nacional da ViIa." The main building dates from the 14th century, and the wings were added in the 16th century. The interior contains remarkable decorations with 16th and 17th century tiles. Later we drive to the most Western point of Continental Europe "Cabo da Roca" with beautiful Azulejos (blue) tiles, are the finest example of this Mudejar technique. Next, we ride to Cascais where we had free time to discover this beautiful fisherman town. Our local expert guide will gave an introduction to the town. Cascais features beautiful narrow streets filled with shops, cafes and artist studios and maybe sight some movie stars who have homes here. Lunch on our own in Sintra. Return to Lisbon and enjoy some free time to explore the city and walk around the hotel to see the many small side streets filled with cafes and shops. Maybe, sit and soak up the Lisbon atmosphere. Fado experience. We went for dinner in a traditional Fado House. Had a chance to listen to traditional Portuguese song and music. After our dinner and Fado show enjoy a drive of Lisbon by night. We will drive along the most beautiful illuminated avenues and monuments in the city.
My Observations
We have a full first day. Welcome meeting. Lecture on history of Lisbon and Portugal. Have to hurry – gotta a bus to catch to Sintra – to visit Palacio Nacional da ViIa. The time on the Portuguese roads show that although Portugal & Spain are close on a map of the Iberian Peninsula, homes, buildings and much more is different. Just like each of us – a bit different.
Since lunch is on our own, we join Lou & Ned at the Café Paris and catch up on things that happened since our first meeting a year ago in Italy.
After lunch, we get a guided tour through the palace. It is undergoing some restoration. Always interesting to see how they perform some of the special needed tasks to bring back things to original state. Sometimes people think they should look – older. But, since the country is known for their colorful tiles, original we find is very bright. We enjoy learning more about the place and the history.
We board the bus and now off to the coast to visit the most eastern part of Portugal, which coincidentally, the most Eastern part of Europe - Cabo da Roca. This place is a park made on a “big rock.” We find though there are some much too adventurous, who cross the fence that is there to limit going “over the edge,” which a few tourists have done. The drop is straight down either landing on giant boulders or the ocean. Either way, I don’t think taking the chance for that “once in a lifetime” selfie, is or was worth the consequences.
We continue driving along the coast seeing some very nice homes that are close to the water. Maybe some too close in the past and find that a big storm will remove some of the sand used to steady the building foundation. Since most of the area is now a park, those buildings are being removed, or repurposed into restaurants. Tourism is very important to the Portuguese economy.
One stop was to the village/city of Cascais. It is the place to see and be seen. Wonderful, beautiful place. I could stay here for a long while and just – watch the waves (-:
We then continue driving until we return to Lisbon. We have dinner and a Fado show. My highlight of the day. I have watched Fado singers online, but never in person. It was worth the opportunity. Fado or fate. I met my fate – a wonderful day.
Here are internet links for highlights:
Cabo da Roca http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabo_da_Roca
Sintra http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/723
Azulejos Tiles http://zibbygarnett.org/Jane-Wallis-Azulejos Rpt
Cascais http://www.lonelyplanet.com/portugal/lisbon/cascais/
Palacio Nacional da ViIa http://www.sintraromantica.net/national-palace-of-sintra
Fado http://paginas.fe.up.pt/~fado/eng/index-eng.html
Photo 1. Helena Baltazar, our full tour guide, is a storehouse of knowledge. She seemed to provide answers before we could even ask the question – wow!
Photo 2. Our daily schedule is generally posted in the hotel lobby area. Great to be able to see, as well as hear about possible adjustments to travel.
Photo 3. Here is schedule for another tour company – Gate 1. I would try to compare what was offered. Without actual travel experience with both, hard to assess experience and enjoyment (-:
Click here for today's online photo album.
https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day15Of2727Oct14MondayLisbon
