Lisbon
Famous for its pastel buildings, café culture, and Fado music, Lisbon is a beautiful coastal city. And it's friendly on the pocket with cheap accommodations and attractions costing lesser than other Western European cities. Lisbon very effortlessly combines traditional heritage with modern culture. With great weather all year round, Lisbon serves as a great place to just sit back and relax on the beach with cheap but tasty local wines and gorgeous Atlantic Ocean.Cheapest Month To Fly: October 2017 from New DelhiMust Visit: Palace of Ajuda, Belem Tower, Palace of the Marquises of Fronteira, Rua Augusta Church and Sao Jorge Castle.Must Eat: Pastel De Nata (Egg Custard Tarts), Bacalhau (Cod Fish), Polvo A Lagareiro (Boiled and Roasted Whole Octopus) and Sopa De Cacao (Shark Soup).Must Do: See the sun rise over Almafa from Sao Pedro De Alacantara Miradouro; Shop for antiques and pottery at Fiera Da Ladra; Listen to the traditional Faso at Tasca Bela; Take a sightseeing tour on a tuk tuk; Have a cup of 'Uma Bica', traditional Portuguese espresso; Cruise through the town on the historic Tram 28.Approximate Cost for a day: Attractions – Rs. 500; Food – Rs. 1300; Inter-city travel via public transport – Rs. 200; Accommodation – Average cost for 1 night – Rs. 2000 on double occupancy.
Porto
Day 11This was sort of that underdog destination of our trip which we had included but were unsure of even after getting there. However, Portugal seemed to be an ultimate surprise. It offered the perfect blend of sunshine and hilly terrains and the old worldly charm of a small city.There are no points for guessing that we went for a Wine Cellar tour on our second day in Porto.Now they say, Porto Wine is like Women, the older the better. And we didn't have an argument there. We were sold.
Evora
At the end of the day, you will be invited to participate in a peddy-paper activity through the streets of Évora. Dinner and accommodation in Pousada de Juventude.
Faro
I had the best vacation ever But, I would never go to Portugal again because the cobble stoned narrow streets have me rapt in a daze, And because the the Chapel of Bones, the very well preserved Old Towns and the old “end of the world”, Sagres took me centuries back in time. It was truly mesmerizing to hear the stories of the sailor’s from the locals.I would never go to Portugal again because it is so very difficult to leave the historical Old Towns and Gorgeous Beaches and to bid goodbye to the amazing locals (who are very very hospitable and helpful) and to accept the fact that there is no other place like Portugal,to realize you will miss the awesome beauty and vibes of Algarve.“I would never go back to Portugal because the Homecoming is Awful!!! ” (Although I come back to a place like Amsterdam).
Coimbra
-Because The University Of Coimbra is one of the oldest universities operating. It not only makes Coimbra an ultra-cosmopolitan town but also the one with the youngest population and thus very happening. It has the reputation of hosting some of the biggest student parties globally.
Braga
A town further north of Porto, at about an hour distance is well connected by train as well as bus. Lovely city center and an even lovelier church sitting atop a hill in the outskirts of the town. Take a bus from the city center to Bom Jesus do Monte church. You would have to climb a few steps covered with bright green moss but you’d see, it’s totally worth it.
Castelo Branco
Afterwards, you will visit Castelo de Vide, known as "Sintra of Alentejo" for its charm and splendor, one of the most romantic locations in the Alentejo region. During lunch, you will taste the typical Alentejo sweet; sericaia with plum, with an abundant use of eggs and cinnamon. Some say that sericaia came from India and others from Brazil – what is known for sure is that this recipe was implemented in Alentejo by the skilled hands of the nuns of Elvas and Vila Viçosa convents, both claiming the rights of importation. Some gave the name Sericaia and others Serica, being that the tradition is more linked to Elvas, where the sweet is decorated with the famous plums of the region.
Alfama
Alfama is the oldest district in Lisbon. It is an architectural beauty lined with the rich history of the place. From here you can see that big orange & red fireball rising over the water, right next to the Alfama skyline silhouette made up the churches, bell towers and the maroon clay rooftops, while dispersing its amber light on the tiles that line the buildings. Some call it a photographers dream place, I call it an everlasting memory of that Lisbon trip, it is well worth the early rise, specially combined with your breakfast being served as the sun makes it journey up on a hot summer morning.
Albufeira
We also called in to visit Albufeira for a couple of hours; this was everything we had always believed of the Algarve, busy, crowded and full of family fun. The one thing we did notice and appreciated was that there was a moving walkway to the beach, so very good for those with mobility difficulties, however this was not really our cup of tea, and once you had seen one souvenir shop you had seen them all (we lost count of how many there were just in our short stroll).
Estoi
EstoiEstoi is approx 10 km form the coast and is a pretty little town, we stayed near here and drove through regularly, we stopped a few times for a drink at the cafe by the church. This is the perfect place to sit and feel a part of real Portugal. It is quiet and not rushed, small and not spoilt. Sit with the old men and women on the benches and just watch the world go by, you really would not believe you are on the Algarve.
Olhão
With its working fishing port and harbour lined with restaurants and cafes all selling fresh seafood with many local specialties.
Tavira
TaviraTavira is yet another amazing fishing town on the Algarve that has not succumbed to mass tourism.We sat by the river Gilão and watched as men were in there moving stones and trying to catch something, we never managed to work out what they were catching but it was interesting to see such traditional methods. (We later found out it was clams)There is the seven arch bridge, reportedly Roman in origin that spans the river.
Sintra
1 | Lisbon + FARO + SevilleOne of my favorite cities in Europe, Lisbon, is bursting with culture, great food, incredibly charming streets -the list goes on and on- there’s so much to see and taste within the city you’ll be hard-pressed to pick your favorites. Not far away, the UNESCO town of Sintra is a beautiful and worthy day trip. Take a 3 hour train south to Faro, in the Algarve region world-renowned for it’s food and positively stunning seaside (ranked with some of the best beaches in the world). Carry on by bus to Seville for an immersion into a world of tapas, sangria and flamenco. Don’t miss Giralda Tower and Plaza de Espana.
Cascais
Beautiful, lively little town with an enticing beach
Sagres
Centuries back when people did not know about America, this was called as the “End of the World”. Since this is the last point in a Village called Sagres in Portugal. We booked a Jeep tour from Sagres Discovery which included Hotel pickup and drop, an off road experience, a visit to the Lighthouse,Cape St Vincent and a secret spot to watch the Sunset along the Atlantic ocean. Near the lighthouse, there are a few German stalls selling sausages and one of them is named as “Last Sausage before America”!! ;P
Carcavelos
This is the beach which sees good food & wine besides beautiful sundowners!
