Itinerary
July 4th - Arrive in Lisbon, Portugal. Take private transport to Sintra.
After checking in, anyone who is jet lagged can enjoy a nice dinner, a shower, and head to bed. For the rest of us, perhaps you'll be inspired by this Youtube Video. I'm heading out after dark to feel all the magical spirits hanging around Sintra at night.
July 5th - We will spend the morning at the most beautiful palace in Iberia, el Palácio da Pena. We can find lunch at the adjacent gardens or at the Moorish Castle, a medieval fortress built in 800 by the North African Moors, who ruled the region until the 15th century. After enjoying the amazing views, and traversing the walls, towers and battlements. We finish our day enjoying the Quinta da Regaleira, a historical estate from the early 1900's, full of whimsical architecture and secret underground features.
July 6th - We begin at the National Palace in the center of Old Town. This was Portugal's most used royal palace, continually in use from the 15th century until the fall of the monarchy in 1920. We will grab a couple of taxis and head to the Sintra's least visited attraction, the Palácio de Monserrate. It's a bit off the beaten path, and it gets skipped by day trippers despite being the most visually striking building in Sintra. Nestled in the forested hills of Serra de Sintra, Monserrate's fine lattice carvings and geometric patterns create the atmosphere of a luxurious Middle Eastern setting. Its gardens, however, are classically English. We can't miss the ruins of the chapel that are intertwined with the ancient forests. I'm going to try to find a tuk-tuk or Uber that will bring me to watch the sunset in Cabo do Roca. It's the western most point in Europe and has a lovely lighthouse.
July 7th - Take a couple Bolts to Lisbon and check into our next lodging. Head to the Jerónimos Monastery, built 500 years ago. It's where kings and famous explorers, namely Vasco de Gama are buried. Next, let's check out the National Palace de Belém, built in 1559. We need tickets ahead to see the exquisite interiors. Then, we head to a 200-year-old bakery, Pastéis de Belém. It is one of Lisbon's truly historic pastry shops, best known for their iconic pastel de Belém. After, we visit the National Coach Museum, a great museum with the history of the Portuguese Royal carriages. Highly rated exhibit! Then catch the metro to Estação Fluvial Sul. There we board a Party Cruise boat with a DJ and Open Bar for a 2 hour sunset cruise on the river.
July 8th - Alfama neighborhood is the most beautiful in Lisbon. Get up early and ride the famous Tram 28 (tourist trap) with Lynne, or meet her at the viewpoint da Senhora do Monte for a walk down the hill. We'll be treated to viewpoints all along the way, stopping at St. George's Castle, a medieval castle with exceptional views, the Monastery of Sao Vicente de Fora, which made it through the great earthquake. Next we will visit the National Pantheon, an iconic monument and resting place of Portugal's iconic figures. This attraction took nearly 300 years to complete. The huge dome is architecturally astounding. This not-to-miss building serves as a testament to the nation's rich cultural heritage.
From there, we’ll whisp through Saint Estevao church, and catch the viewpoints from there, and onto the viewpoints Portas do Sol, Santa Luzia. Then we will pass through Lisbon's Cathedral, the church of St. Anthony, Immaculate Conception and the Casa dos Bicos. If you're interested, we could catch a Fado show this evening.
July 9th - This might be a nice day to split up. The boys may want to go fishing, to the Hard Rock Cafe, or maybe do a Stadium Tour.
For the others, there's a flea market across from the Pantheon on Wednesday that we can check out. I'd like to go to the Carmo Ruins, Elevador de Santa Justa, the ever lively Rossio Square to shop and people watch. The noteworthy Lisbon Money Museum is close by. The late afternoon, we can check out Praça do Comércio. Grab a bite and eat on the steps of Cais das Colunas. Then go to the Lisbon Story Center to learn about Lisbon's story in 60 minutes.
July 10th - Free day
Lynne would like to do a day trip to the Shrine of the Lady of Fatima. I have left lots of choices on the day tab (click on the right) for day trips if you are not interested in that. If you have something else in mind, please share it and invite others.
Scott and Brock are going to a concert, leaving at 4pm to arrive by 5pm for the shows.
July 11th - Bus to Albufeira
Finally we get to rest! We take a 2:45h bus ride south to Albufeira. The resort town was once a low key fishing village but now it's full of luxe hotels, glitzy marinas, bars, restaurants and clubs open all night. These next 3 days, you're on your own... but I'll have a plan you can join in on!
Check into hotel, walk around Old Town, check out the beach clubs into the night.
July 12th -
- Option 1 - Hang at the beach or pool. Walk around the shops. Explore Old Town more.
- Option 2 - if you partied too hard the last 2 nights: sleep until the afternoon. Maybe try Parasailing ($32). Book the night before for afternoon the next day.
- Option 3 - Check out the Albufeira Fishing Charters.
- Option 4 - Lynne = Historical Algarve ($68) Tour. The tour leaves at 9am. Returns at 5pm.
- Twilight Golfing. Perfect day for it. We have to reserve early! Let me know who is going.
- Another night socializing on the "Strip" or the beach.
July 13th - Our last day in Albufeira.
Great day to get souvenirs, enjoy the beach, take a fishing trip, or go on some hikes.
- Lynne's going to leave from ($45 - will sell out) Albufeira Marina and check out the Algarve caves located near Benagil and secret beaches, watching dolphins along the way. Swim stop. Back by 1pm. Relax by the pool.
- It's Lynne's birthday. That evening, I'd like to take a Bolt to SAND CITY, in Lagoa. It's where FIESA is held. (International Sand Sculpture Festival) and it's the biggest sand sculpture exhibit in the world. Each year is different but over 60 professional artists come and make and create over 120 works of art. I'd like to go toward sunset (12€) to see them illuminated, and possibly have a nice dinner nearby (Brasserie Rosal is highly rated).
July 14th - Travel back to Lisbon and fly home...
It would be best to book late afternoon or evening flights.
Lynne: Romantic Road trip with your newly retired hubby!
(and sorry, the rest of you can't come…
no matter how romantic you think you are!)