For the past few years, Portugal has ranked pretty high for tourism and vacations, especially among Americans (and Brits although they have been visiting Portugal for years). Portugal has a great deal to offer in terms of affordability, beauty, fantastic food, and the people are incredibly nice. Most people coming from North or South America …
The first time my wife and I visited Lisbon, our tutuk driver took us into Alfama. She asked if we had tried ginjinha yet. We had only been in the country about 24 hours and didn’t even know what ginjinha was. She parked the Tuktuk up on the sidewalk close to a small and very …
Read more “A day in the Alfama District: Lisbon’s historic neighborhood”
Águeda is not one of those well known towns that are visited by thousands of tourists every year. It sits quietly to the east of Aveiro, a quick drive or 30 minute train ride into the town where its narrow cobblestone streets and traditional architecture make it just as enchanting as other Portuguese towns. But …
Read more “Águeda, Portugal: The colorful city of Umbrellas”
Just a short train ride southwest of Porto is a beautiful coastal city known as a the Venice of Portugal. The city of Aveiro sits on the Atlantic Ocean where a network of canals wind their way through the city offering scenic views and fun boat rides. Aveiro is not so big as Porto or …
Read more “Aveiro Portugal: What to do and see on your day trip”
Tourism in Spain has been getting a lot of bad press lately. Most people are headed to the big cities such as Barcelona and Madrid where overcrowding and tourism protesting have become big. So why not visit a part of Spain that is a little less crowded, but has the charm of the old world …
Known as the “Cradle of Portugal,” Guimarães isn’t just another picturesque European town—it’s the birthplace of a nation, a living museum where medieval charm meets modern vibrancy. Unfortunately, Guimarães is ofter considered a city for a day trip from Porto. It’s combined with Braga and is a full day trip. Personally, I don’t think you …
Picture this: You’re standing on a bustling street, the aroma of wood-fired pizza wafting through the air, the sound of animated Italian conversations filling your ears, and the sight of Mount Vesuvius looming in the distance. Welcome to Naples, Italy, a city that will captivate your senses and steal your heart faster than you can …
Read more “Discovering Naples, Italy: What to see in the city”
Nestled in the heart of northern Portugal, Braga is a city that whispers tales of ancient Roman settlements, echoes with the peal of church bells, and dazzles visitors with its ornate baroque architecture. Often it is known as a day trip from Porto, but we think it deserves a few days of exploration on its …
Read more “What to see and do in Braga: Visiting Portugal’s gem”
Picture yourself stepping off a train into a fairy-tale town, where pastel-colored palaces peek through misty forests. Or imagine wandering through sun-drenched medieval streets, where history whispers from every weathered stone. These aren’t far-off fantasies – they’re the reality of day trips from Lisbon, the enchanting Portuguese capital. Some of the best day trips from …
Read more “12 Incredible Day trips from Lisbon by train or bus”
Welcome to the Emerald Isle, fellow wanderers! If you’re planning your first Irish adventure, look no further than the vibrant capital city of Dublin as your starting point. This charming metropolis, with its rich tapestry of history, culture, and modern allure, offers the perfect introduction to the wonders of Ireland. Why is Dublin the ideal …