Blog - Wandering Works for Us

Visiting The Batalha Monastery: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel June 10, 2024June 12, 2024Comments are Disabled

The Batalha Monastery (Mosteiro de Batalha) in central Portugal is a magnificent Dominican monastery and one of the finest examples of Late Gothic architecture in the country. The intricate stone carvings, soaring naves, and exquisite chapels showcase the pinnacle of Gothic style. It symbolizes this critical point in Portuguese history as it was built to commemorate …

Exploring the Schist Villages of Central Portugal

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel June 3, 2024June 10, 2024Comments are Disabled

In the center of Portugal, off the beaten path of the big cities, beaches and tourist spots, sits a pure treasure. The schist villages of Portugal dot the mountain sides and breathtaking landscapes of this region and are a great place to take a break from the normal tourist destinations. These historic villages were created …

Best things to do and see in Lisbon for two days

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel May 23, 2024July 19, 2024Comments are Disabled

Lisbon, or Lisboa, is one of the oldest cities in Europe and steeped in history, coastal beauty, delicious cuisine and a mild climate, which makes it the perfect place to explore in Europe. Plus, compared to other major European capitals, Lisbon offers exceptional value for accommodation, food, and attractions and the relaxed, laid-back Portuguese lifestyle …

Private tours and expert tour guides in Portugal

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel May 4, 2024May 4, 2024Comments are Disabled

Those of you planning to take that dream vacation to Portugal this year should consider taking a day or two to experience a private tour with an expert tour guide. Sounds kind of strange coming from us who love to wander around, yes? But sometimes, we enjoy a great tour, especially with a knowledgable guide. …

Epic sites and things to do in Sintra for a day

by Shelley RohmBlog, Portugal, travel April 27, 2024June 25, 2024Comments are Disabled

For those of you looking for day trips from Lisbon, Sintra is the perfect place to spend the day. There are loads of things to do in Sintra including palaces, castles, and historic charm. Located just a short drive from the vibrant city of Lisbon, Sintra emerges as a captivating tapestry of history, culture, and …

Your Travel Guide to Alcobaça and the Monastery

by Shelley RohmBlog, Portugal April 22, 2024May 15, 2024Comments are Disabled

Alcobaça is a charming little town located about 100km north of Lisbon and a perfect place to drop in on your way to Nazaré (15 km away) or Leira as you roam further north. It is mostly famous for the Monastery of Alcobaça but there is more to do in this little town. Alcobaça is …

Journey to Évora: Ancient City of the world

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel April 17, 2024June 3, 2024Comments are Disabled

Located 1 hour and 40 minutes outside of Lisbon in the heart of the Alentejo region is Évora, an incredibly well-preserved medieval city, one of the oldest cities in Portugal. Évora has one of the best-preserved and most atmospheric towns in Portugal, with winding narrow streets and historic monuments that make this an easy day …

From Panic to Relief: A story of kindness in Portugal

by Shelley RohmLiving in Portugal March 4, 2024April 2, 2024Comments are Disabled

Embark on a heartening journey as we recount an unexpected act of kindness in Portugal. Lost wallets, friendly strangers, and a genuine sense of community redefine our experience abroad. While we were standing in the beer isle in Lidl, an employee approached my wife and said “be careful of your phone.” He pointed to her …

Appreciating the Art of the Azulejos: Lisbon’s National Tile museum

by Shelley RohmPortugal, travel February 13, 2024March 16, 2024Comments are Disabled

Azulejos in Portugal are everywhere. Take a walk down any street and you will see a building decorated with these beautifully designed tiles. Sometimes the tiles are intricate patterns with one or two vibrant colours. Sometimes, there are landscapes and sea scapes. Each tile portrays the rich Portuguese culture and history and a great way …

Uncovering Conímbriga: Roaming the Ruins of a Roman City

by Shelley RohmBlog, Portugal, travel February 3, 2024February 3, 2024Comments are Disabled

Just outside of Coimbra, sits one of the most well-preserved Roman archaeological sites on the Iberian Peninsula, the Conímbriga Ruins. From intricately designed mosaic floors to remnants of residential quarters and public spaces, Conímbriga paints a vivid picture of daily life in a Roman city during the 1st and 2nd centuries. We were rather captivated …