Porto, Portugal: Best things to see and do on your visit

Porto is undoubtedly one of the coolest cities in Portugal, not to mention Europe, and should not be missed. The second-largest city’s combination of historical charm, wine culture, friendly locals, and vibrant atmosphere makes it a truly special destination for travelers. We love Porto for many reasons. For one, it has the best wine in …

Day trip to Mafra Palace: is it worth visiting?

When you hear about palaces in Portugal, most think of Sintra and Pena Palace. It is the famous castle on the hill that (some say) inspired Disney’s castle. But if you want an alternative that is easier to get to, has fewer crowds, and is grander than Pena, we recommend Mafra Palace. This incredible 18th-century …

The Perfect 2-Week Itinerary for Portugal

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 …

A day in the Alfama District: Lisbon’s historic neighborhood

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. If you’re planning your time in Lisbon and want to make sure each neighborhood …

Águeda, Portugal: The colorful city of Umbrellas

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 …

A guide to the Convent of Christ in Tomar, Portugal

Located in the center of Portugal is the lovely town of Tomar. This medieval town is the perfect place to emmerce yourself in Portugal’s rich history. And what better way than to visit the Convent of Christ and the Tomar Castle. This vast monumental complex built in the late 12th century is now a UNESCO …

Exploring the Schist Villages of Central Portugal

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 …

Private tours and expert tour guides in Portugal

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. …

Journey to Évora: Ancient City of the world

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 …

Uncovering Conímbriga: Roaming the Ruins of a Roman City

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 …