Monday, October 7, 2024 This was our last full day in Portugal. The Douro Elegance set sail early, and the soft morning sunlight, combined with partially cloudy skies, cast captivating patterns on the riverside landscape. After arriving at Folgosa Pier, we disembarked for our excursion to Vila Real. —— Cruising […]
Sunday, October 6, 2024 This morning was stress-free and relaxing. The Duoro Elegance departed from the port of Barc d’Alva heading westward down-river around 8:30 a.m. We were still in our room when the ship passed through the Pocinho Lock, which lowered us 40 feet. We breakfasted later than usual,
Saturday, October 5, 2024 We departed the ship early this morning at 8 a.m. for the two-hour drive to Salamanca. Although the weather forecast hadn’t called for it, we experienced a bit of rain. Shortly, we crossed into Spain and into a different time zone. About halfway through our scenic
Friday, October 4, 2024 At 9 a.m., we departed by motor coach for Lamego. As we left, we enjoyed lovely views of Régua and its surroundings, followed by scenic landscape as we ascended from the Douro River into the rolling hills and pastoral countryside. —— Régua to Lamego Landscape ——
Thursday, October 3, 2024 This morning, we disembarked from the MS Douro Elegance and set off by bus toward the historic city of Guimarães. Unfortunately, John M. wasn’t feeling well, so he decided to remain on board, allowing him to enjoy the cruise as the ship moved upriver and through
Wednesday, October 2, 2024 Today, I woke up early, took a shower, and grabbed coffee and a pastry from the Coffee Station on Level 1. Jane showered and enjoyed a cup of tea in the room before we made our way to the ship’s restaurant for breakfast. At 8:45 AM,
Tuesday, October 1, 2024 Today was our travel day from Lisbon to Porto, with some sightseeing along the way. We woke up early to have our luggage outside the door by 6:30 am for pick-up and transfer. Afterward, we headed downstairs to enjoy our final buffet breakfast at Dom Pedro.
Monday, September 30, 2024 After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the hotel buffet, we met up with John and Nancy, along with our fellow Smithsonian Journey adventurers, in the hotel lobby. We then boarded a large, modern tour bus parked alongside the hotel. Jane and I quickly claimed the front
Sunday, September 29, 2024 Today, our Smithsonian Journeys tour, Portrait of Portugal, began. After a lovely Dom Pedro breakfast buffet, we 43 tourers met in the lobby and then, were bused to our first stop, the Jeronimos (or Hieronymites) Monastery near the Tagus River. This 16th century monastery was orginally
Saturday, September 28, 2024 Nancy and John had arranged this morning’s activity before our departure from the U.S., a food tour of Libson organized by Devour Tours. We were eager to participate by walking around several Lisbon neighborhoods and sampling victuals at seven local family-owned eateries while also devouring a
Friday, September 27, 2024 Nancy had arranged today’s adventure before departing the U.S., a visit to the town of Evora with a stop at a cork production facility along the way. While preparing to leave, Jane and I enjoyed a nice morning view of Lisbon from our room window and
Thursday, September 26, 2024 Today, we left Madrid for Lisbon, Portugal. We woke up early, tidied up the apartment, and John arranged for a Bolt ride that picked us up on the Santa de Ana Plaza and took us to Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD). The traffic was heavy but we arrived
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 Today, we ventured from Madrid to the popular town of Segovia via public transportation. We started by walking to the nearest metro station, Sol, where John purchased tickets via a kiosk. An attendant helped him purchase a discounted package of 10 tickets (we used four each
Tuesday, September 24, 2024 This morning, after having issues trying to purchase tickets online for the Prado Musuem (Museo Nacional del Prado), we decided to just walk there (about 12 mintues) to purchase tickets. At the ticket office window, I decided to purchase a “guide book” with my ticket. It
Monday, September 23, 2024 This morning was the first unregimented day of our trip so we slept relatively late and relaxed with coffee and a leisurely breakfast while we enjoyed the nice rental apartment and the sounds and sights from the plaza below us. John and Nancy had arranged to