A marvelous, exceptional tour of Portugal, a land "kissed" by the Atlantic Ocean

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We depart from Lisbon towards the coast. From the bus stop then we see and do Estoril in Cascais Conle houses colorate.Proseguiamo then what is really a marvel of nature, the Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe. Next stage is Sintra, surrounded the park, we visit the old town, perched on a hill, then we enter the majestic Royal Palace. Will then continue to Obidos, the center is pedestrian only, the bus makes us go down to the parking lot, walking to the hotel Estalagem do Convento, Obidos is tiny but characteristic, everywhere small shops, bars and taverns, where you can enjoy the ginja, the typical cherry liqueur. The walls are well preserved.
Recall the coaches continue to Alcobaca and Obidos. Here the great monastery opens our eyes immediately. We enter the monastery, great, the story of Antonio, our guide, are fascinating, from the love of Pedro I and Ines de Castro, the intrigues of the court, the notes on the architecture of the time, the uses of the monks, this man is great! We come then to Nazareth, a village of fishermen. We stop first at the top, stroll through the stalls of dried fruit and strange seafood surrounded by wasps, we enjoy a wonderful view to the beach and the ocean. Lunch tasted Adsorbed: it is a typical Portuguese dish, with bread, seafood, shrimp and egg, all mixed together, a pap which is very simplistic to say delicious!
Coimbra new stage, we go to university, is to visit the historic library. Then cross the center of the city, the cathedral is closed, unfortunately, being a national holiday. Overnight at Tivoli.
We leave for Porto, unfortunately the weather worsens. Exploratory tour of the center and visit the Stock Exchange. Then we head to the other part of the city, Vila Nova de Gaia, to visit the winery Calem, already intoxicated by the smell of wine in barrels, tasted white and red wine, the head turns and it's raining outside! Out for lunch and a sun so we go to eat something quick at the Majestic, local renowned of the famous Via Santa Caterina. Let's go to the hotel (Hotel Vila Gale) and then cruise the Douro River, is a bit 'cold, but the view is wonderful, we go back before the river, passing under some of the Harbor Bridge and then navigate to the mouth, towards the sea, into the sunset, fabulous and romantic. Dinner at Chez Lapin, riverside restaurant.
The next day we are still in the harbor, take the train that will take us to Regua between the landscapes of the Douro Valley. The journey takes almost 2 hours, but it's worth, the bends of the river appearing and disappearing, as are the villages where the train stops. We go to the Quinta da Pacheco, a farm that produces wine cellar where you can sample and a Catalan cream that you can not tell! We make a stop in Amarante, beautiful church, a little 'disappointed in the village.
Departure from Porto, the weather worsens. We arrive at Batalha already pours. We visit the monastery of Santa Maria della Vittoria, and we feel damp. Fatima greets us again with rain and wind. The return to Lisbon is under a flood in the lower part of the city roads have become rivers.
Excellent trip organized by Turisanda to perfection, we were also lucky to have found fabulous companions and Antonio, the leader, educated and prepared, a great man!