Lisbon: Rising Star, Key UK News Tips, Ideas!

[TLCOhio]

From the London/UK Telegraph today, they have this headline: "19 reasons why Lisbon should be your next city break" with these opening highlights: "Lisbon rose nine places to 26th in the World’s Best Cities category at this year's Telegraph Travel Awards, voted for by more than 70,000 readers."

 

We are planning in June for our first visit to Portugal and Lisbon would be a our top target as we start a cruise north with various stops in Spain and France on the way to Rouen. This story has a number of top ideas and suggestions to sample and enjoy in and around Lisbon.

 

Among the other highlights are: "Last week saw three restaurants in Lisbon awarded their first Michelin star - LAB by Sergi Arola, Loco, and Alma - reinforcing Lisbon's growing culinary reputation. There are now six one-star establishments in the city and one - Belcanto - with two. Portugal’s national drink, port or porto, is in abundance in the city. The city still supports century-old wooden trams and iron funiculars that lurch up and down the narrow streets. The custard tarts at Pasteis de Belém are world-famous and that’s why queues for the sweet, rich, perfectly crisp treats often stretch along the pavement."

 

WOW!! These are only a few of the many options and potentials offered for Lisbon. Lots more are available in reading the full story. As I went through this article, the excitement really builds up and UP!!

 

Reactions and suggestions from others experienced from visiting Lisbon?

 

Full story at:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/portugal/lisbon/articles/why-your-next-city-break-should-be-lisbon/

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 219,339 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

[iancal]

We have been to Lisbon twice and very much enjoy it. But there is also much more. It is certainly deserving of more than a one day or a quick six hour tour. We have vacationed in the Algarve (Albufeira), toured by car. Also HIGHLY recommended is a trip to Porto and a land tour of the Douro Valley.

 

We found ourselves at a hard to reach B&B high up in the Douro Valley. Owners could not speak English but their hospitality was amazing. First thing first was a taste of the wine that they made. Later, we went into a dining room filled with 6 other couples from all over the world. The table was groaning with food, home made breads, etc, and endless wine. Just shows the power of the internet....this is where we booked it. We did not intend to go to Porto. We snagged a bargain basement one way flight from Canada so we just went.

 

One thing to be aware of... on a prior trip were not able to take our rental car from Spain to Portugal for some legal reason. So, we picked up in Toledo, dropped off in Seville, Spain. Bussed to Faro,Portugal (short trip), and picked up a rental car in Faro which we dropped in Lisbon.

 

People are incredibly friendly, more so than Spain, and we found the cost of travel very reasonable. We intend to go back and head north into the Pyrenees. So much to see...so little time.

Edited December 10, 2016 by iancal

[Morgans]

Faro on the southern coast is well worth a visit too - easy car hire and driving. Great scenery and beautiful coastal scenery along the Algarve, especially the further west you go. Recommend Faro, Lagos and Sagres, then north to Lisbon.

[Cornishpastyman1]

 

Reactions and suggestions from others experienced from visiting Lisbon?

 

Full story at:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/portugal/lisbon/articles/why-your-next-city-break-should-be-lisbon/

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 219,339 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

Hi Terry

 

This was our day there in 2013. We just got an all-day travel ticket (€6 then). I wasted so much time queuing for a very ordinary ride in the Santa Justa elevator that I was unable to go to the famous pasteis shop in Belem :mad: Hey ho, you can't win 'em all.

 

All the best for June, Tony

 

[YOUTUBE]z8KoKa6I7y0[/YOUTUBE] [YOUTUBE]zxEg6kwlF6Y[/YOUTUBE] [YOUTUBE]brr-bT0D7fQ[/YOUTUBE]

[TLCOhio]

Hi Terry. This was our day there in 2013. We just got an all-day travel ticket (€6 then). I wasted so much time queuing for a very ordinary ride in the Santa Justa elevator that I was unable to go to the famous pasteis shop in Belem :mad: Hey ho, you can't win 'em all. All the best for June, Tony

 

Morgans: Faro on the southern coast is well worth a visit too - easy car hire and driving. Great scenery and beautiful coastal scenery along the Algarve' date=' especially the further west you go. Recommend Faro, Lagos and Sagres, then north to Lisbon [/quote']

 

iancal: We have been to Lisbon twice and very much enjoy it. But there is also much more. It is certainly deserving of more than a one day or a quick six hour tour. We have vacationed in the Algarve (Albufeira)' date=' toured by car. Also [b']HIGHLY recommended is a trip to Porto[/b] and a land tour of the Douro Valley. We found ourselves at a hard to reach B&B high up in the Douro Valley. Owners could not speak English but their hospitality was amazing. First thing first was a taste of the wine that they made. Later, we went into a dining room filled with 6 other couples from all over the world. The table was groaning with food, home made breads, etc, and endless wine. Just shows the power of the internet....this is where we booked it. We did not intend to go to Porto. People are incredibly friendly, more so than Spain, and we found the cost of travel very reasonable. We intend to go back and head north into the Pyrenees. So much to see...so little time.

 

Appreciate so much these very nice follow-ups from Tony, Morgans and iancal!! Very helpful info and background. Nice videos from Tony.

 

Yes, the excitement is building for our "adventure" in June. After doing about three days in Lisbon, our cruise will head north with our first stop for a day in Porto. That location seems very interesting and unique, also!! Keep up the great sharing.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 164,027 views for this posting.

[Dom Peres]

F

 

Among the other highlights are: "Last week saw three restaurants in Lisbon awarded their first Michelin star - LAB by Sergi Arola, Loco, and Alma - reinforcing Lisbon's growing culinary reputation. There are now six one-star establishments in the city and one - Belcanto - with two. Portugal’s national drink, port or porto, is in abundance in the city. The custard tarts at Pasteis de Belém are world-famous and that’s why queues for the sweet, rich, perfectly crisp treats often stretch along the pavement."

 

][/b]

 

First mistake.

 

Food experience in Portugal has absolutely nothing to do with michelin stars restaurants.

[TLCOhio]

First mistake. Food experience in Portugal has absolutely nothing to do with michelin stars restaurants.

 

Appreciate this follow-up from a Lisbon resident. Any specific dining place in Lisbon that you suggest as very good, but not always getting the "ratings hype", etc.? Love to hear any and all insider tips and ideas for places that the "locals" super enjoy.

 

From the News newspapers in Australia yesterday, they have this headline: "Portugal: The world’s hottest destination" with these highlights: "2017 will be the year everyone wants to visit Portugal. It’s been popping up on list after list after list of the world’s hottest destinations for the new year, and it’s easy to see why. Warm weather, stunning beaches, historic cities and affordable prices make it a top choice."

 

Here is a little more on what they cite: "Parts of Lisbon, the capital, date back to the ninth century. You can explore the winding medieval streets of the Alfama neighbourhood, making your way to Castelo Sao Jorge. The city’s Moorish pinnacle offers spectacular views. The waterfront neighbourhood of Belem houses some of Lisbon’s most important monuments and museums, as well as a number of cafes that sell exceptional Portuguese tarts. Some of the city’s vintage trams have been in operation since World War II, and it’s a scenic and cheap way to find your bearings."

 

Lots of other potentials are listed for Lisbon and Portugal, plus many pictures and other attractive ideas to consider for this part of the world. Helps build our excitement for visiting there in June, 2017!!

 

Full story at:

http://www.news.com.au/news/portugal-the-worlds-hottest-destination-in-2017/news-story/0db3cd0bfcb46fd78721341b64b82992

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 46,553 views for these postings.

[TLCOhio]

Lots in the media out there about Lisbon and Portugal. Hope you don't mind, but here is more. From Forbes magazine, they have this headline: "Best Budget Travel Destinations For 2017" with these highlights: "Lisbon offers a good mix of museums, historic buildings, eclectic music and nightlife, and squares and cafés to watch the world go by. I fell in love with this city when I visited. It had this old, gritty feeling that gave it tons of character. Plus, it is much less than many other European destinations."

 

Plus, this same Forbes story shared: "Porto is the second biggest city in Portugal. With its affordable eating, accommodation and inexpensive museums and tours, it is a trending budget destination in Europe. Porto has a historic center that dates back to 300 BC, a Unesco World Heritage colorful riverside quarter and dramatic 12th-Century Romanesque cathedral churches and chapels. Stop by the Port Houses for a tipple or two as you meander the riverside and hilly streets filled with hipster bars and smoky cafes."

 

From Conde Nast Traveler magazine earlier this month on this top places for 2017, they have this headline for: "Portugal and the Azores" with these highlights: "Around the turn of the last century, critics around the world were predicting that Portugal, specifically its capital Lisbon, would become the world's next design capital. Then 2008 happened—and the global recession hit Portugal extra hard. Artists and architects either quit creating because of lack of financial support or left the country; major development projects were shelved. Then, thanks to progressive city planning initiatives that encouraged the arts and design, that bounce-back is at its height, evident in the groundbreaking architecture on every corner and abandoned factories turned into exhibition halls and artist collectives. The new Museum for Art, Architecture, and Technology opened on the banks of the Tagus River in October."

 

Also from the Salt Lake City Tribune and the AP, they headlined: "Pope Francis to mark Fatima centenary with May 2017 trip to Portugal". The details are about how: "three shepherd children said the Virgin Mary first appeared to them above an olive tree. The Portuguese president's office announced on its website that the pontiff will be in the small farming town on May 12 and 13, 2017. Francis will be the fourth pope to visit Fatima."

 

Full stories at:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/alexandratalty/2016/12/27/the-21-best-budget-travel-destinations-for-2017/#e8533715a1ee

http://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/the-best-places-to-travel-in-2017

http://www.sltrib.com/home/4717046-155/pope-francis-to-mark-fatima-centenary

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Lots of interesting and dramatic pictures can be seen from my latest live/blog at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

Now at 24,792 views for this reporting and visual sharing that includes Cape Town, all along the South Africa coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta area.

[groovechick]

Hi Terry,

some more tips for your visit to Lisbon.

The Alfama (Old Town) in Lisbon is very walkable (as is the main part of the city), but quite steep. There is not really a lot to see at San Jorge castle, apart from the structure itself and views from the ramparts. Look out for the traditional, blue-and-white-tile-clad buildings!

 

The trams are very picturesque, usually very crowded. I know you're a seasoned traveller but beware pickpockets on the trams and at the tram stops, they specifically target them because they know they are popular with tourists and packed full.

 

In addition to the custard tarts at Belem there is the Jeronimos Monastery and monument to Portuguese explorers. This area is out of the main city, along the river and there are fabulous views of the Tagus Bridge, especially if your ship sails beneath it.

 

Cascais is a very nice seaside resort just down the coast from Lisbon, a short train journey away (about 30 minutes) and Sintra is very historic (the Portuguese royal family's summer palace).

 

One word of warning - we were last in Lisbon 2 years ago and it had been hit very hard by the 2008 financial crash and recession (as have Spain and Italy). It may be recovering now, but in 2014 we found it very dirty, run down and neglected compared to previous visits. We were sad because it was our first visit with our kids and we wanted to show them the place we loved and had such great memories of.

Happy holidays!

[Dom Peres]

In addition to the custard tarts at Belem there is the Jeronimos Monastery and monument to Portuguese explorers.

This area is out of the main city, along the river and there are fabulous views of the Tagus Bridge, especially if your ship sails beneath it.

 

One word of warning - we were last in Lisbon 2 years ago and it had been hit very hard by the 2008 financial crash and recession (as have Spain and Italy). It may be recovering now, but in 2014 we found it very dirty, run down and neglected compared to previous visits. We were sad because it was our first visit with our kids and we wanted to show them the place we loved and had such great memories of.

Happy holidays!

 

Belém is not out of the main city... that doesn't even make any sense. Belém is IN Lisbon, it's just another part of the city of Lisbon. There aren't any outer areas. This is not the USA or the UK.

 

Regarding being dirty and neglected that depends on what you're saying - i can never understand why people talk about things without knowing everything. There were several strikes on the waste management sector in the last few years in the region and has nothing to do with the financial crash or recession, but politics. One in particular was in Christmas/New Year 2013/14, for about 15 days, of course, that was a big problem... probably you saw that or any other one. Lisbon is not an artificial thing for the benefit of tourists, and i hope, never will be.

Edited January 12, 2017 by Dom Peres

[Berwin]

Is someone going on the Silver Spirit June 14 ?

[dogs4fun]

Hi Terry

I was unable to go to the famous pasteis shop in Belem :mad: Hey ho, you can't win 'em all.

And those tarts are delicious, Tony! There was a queue each time we were there (love my sweets). BTW - per usual, your videos are great. :)

[TLCOhio]

Is someone going on the Silver Spirit June 14 ?

 

Yes!! Yes!! Appreciate all of these added postings. And, confirmed, we are doing an 11-day sailing from Lisbon to Rouen in mid June on the Silversea Silver Spirit. Lots of great port stops and opportunities to explore exciting parts of Bordeaux, Brittany, Spain, etc. Plus, nice time potentials before the cruise in Lisbon and later in France.

 

Keep up the great sharing for ideas and potentials as we put together our travel plans. Don't be shy. Love to hear much more for any and all of the many options in and around Brittany. Previously, we only seen a small port of that area of France.

 

Our port stops include: Oporto or Porto for this very historic, scenic city that is home to their famed port wines and is Portugal’s second largest city; La Coruna with much history here in this major Spanish port that has cultural background going back to the Celtics, Romans, Moors, etc.; Bilbao with much here centered around Frank Gehry’s dramatic Guggenheim museum and their historic medieval streets; St Jean De Luz, for accessing San Sebastian, its top-rated food, the elegant Belle Époque architecture, its Spanish royalty setting as their seaside summer resort, etc.; Le Verdon allowing much time for Bordeaux, sampling the top-rate wine chateau sights, famed architecture and history. This areas includes the world's most famous vineyards including Médoc, St-Emilion, Pomerol, Graves and Sauternes. La Pallice (La Rochelle), 8 am-11 pm. More Bordeaux options from here, including being able to see where Cognac and other specialities are produced. Belle-ile, the largest island off of the Brittany coast with a sampling of Breton coastline comprising of cliffs, creeks and beaches. Saint Malo/France with many nearby Brittany and Normandy options including Mont St. Michel, the WWII D-Day beaches, etc. St Peter Port, Guernsey, for an island with cobblestone streets, blooming floral displays and tiny churches along with a scenic harbor. Rouen/ after sailing up the Seine river, overnight in this port on the ship. Home of its famed Gothic Cathedral of Notre-Dame immortalized by Claude Monet’s paintings. Nearby to Monet’s Giverny home. Sound interesting? Added tips, suggestions, ideas, secrets?

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 220,251 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

[kazu]

Terry since you are going to be in Lisbon for several days, and if music is something you like, go to a genuine Fado show. (Not one of the tourist spots).

 

Fado was born in Lisbon and very much a part of their history.

[TLCOhio]

Terry since you are going to be in Lisbon for several days, and if music is something you like, go to a genuine Fado show. (Not one of the tourist spots). Fado was born in Lisbon and very much a part of their history.

 

Appreciate this great tip and urging for experiencing Fado in Lisbon. That encouraged me to do a little more research. From the Huffington Post, they have this headline: "5 Fado Facts (and the best places in Portugal to experience it)" with these highlights: "Fado is traditional folk music popular in the Lisbon area of Portugal. Melancholy by nature, the music includes instruments like guitars and mandolins with one Fadista singing poetic lyrics related to darker elements of love, death and sadness. The music may, however, occasionally include some humor."

 

Here are five facts this story cites about what they describe as Portugal’s beloved cultural music:

1. Fado’s roots can be traced back to the early 1800’s and originated in Portugal, but only appeared in Lisbon after 1830.

2. The word Fado comes from the Latin word fatum, from which the English word fate also comes from.

3. Fado was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage on November 27, 2011.

4. There are two types of Fado, one found in Lisbon, one in Coimbra. The style heard in Lisbon is the most popular, while in Coimbra, it is a more classic style.

5. If you’re in Coimbra and enjoying a Fado performance, cough as though you are clearing your throat. But if you’re in Lisbon, clap your hands.

 

Full story at:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pure-adventures-travel/5-fado-facts-and-the-best_b_3912860.html

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 207,639 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[kazu]

Appreciate this great tip and urging for experiencing Fado in Lisbon. That encouraged me to do a little more research. From the Huffington Post, they have this headline: "5 Fado Facts (and the best places in Portugal to experience it)" with these highlights: "Fado is traditional folk music popular in the Lisbon area of Portugal. Melancholy by nature, the music includes instruments like guitars and mandolins with one Fadista singing poetic lyrics related to darker elements of love, death and sadness. The music may, however, occasionally include some humor."

 

Here are five facts this story cites about what they describe as Portugal’s beloved cultural music:

1. Fado’s roots can be traced back to the early 1800’s and originated in Portugal, but only appeared in Lisbon after 1830.

2. The word Fado comes from the Latin word fatum, from which the English word fate also comes from.

3. Fado was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage on November 27, 2011.

4. There are two types of Fado, one found in Lisbon, one in Coimbra. The style heard in Lisbon is the most popular, while in Coimbra, it is a more classic style.

5. If you’re in Coimbra and enjoying a Fado performance, cough as though you are clearing your throat. But if you’re in Lisbon, clap your hands.

 

Full story at:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pure-adventures-travel/5-fado-facts-and-the-best_b_3912860.html

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 207,639 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

Well, the Huffington Post disagrees with what most believe the origin of Fado is.

 

Most, think it came from Lisbon sung to the sailors who were crossing the ocean by those they were leaving behind.

 

Whether it originated with gypsies or minstrels it's a part of the culture and worth going to.

 

Here's a link that you may find interesting from Portugal http://paginas.fe.up.pt/~fado/eng/index-eng.html

 

We are going to Sr. Fado when we are in Lisbon. It's run by two well known Fado performers, a small club (so a small show typically), but it attracts a lot of locals so hopefully we will enjoy it ;)

[TLCOhio]

Well, the Huffington Post disagrees with what most believe the origin of Fado is. Most, think it came from Lisbon sung to the sailors who were crossing the ocean by those they were leaving behind. Whether it originated with gypsies or minstrels it's a part of the culture and worth going to. Here's a link that you may find interesting from Portugal http://paginas.fe.up.pt/~fado/eng/index-eng.html

We are going to Sr. Fado when we are in Lisbon. It's run by two well known Fado performers, a small club (so a small show typically), but it attracts a lot of locals so hopefully we will enjoy it ;)

 

Appreciate this great, added background from Jacqui. WOW, you are a super experienced traveler. Jacqui does an excellent job sharing so much to be helpful for us and others in making our first visit to a historic and varied city such as Lisbon. Keep it coming!! Am also doing a late February Panama Canal, Ft. Lauderdale to San Francisco cruise. Much research to complete and do in preparation for BOTH trips.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

If Venice is one of your future desires or past favorites, look at this earlier posting for many options and visual samples this city that is so great for "walking around", personally seeing its great history and architecture. This posting is now at 64,783 views.

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

[Cornishpastyman1]

Keep up the great sharing for ideas and potentials as we put together our travel plans. Don't be shy. Love to hear much more for any and all of the many options in and around Brittany. Previously, we only seen a small port of that area of France.

 

Our port stops include: Oporto or Porto for this very historic, scenic city that is home to their famed port wines and is Portugal’s second largest city; La Coruna with much history here in this major Spanish port that has cultural background going back to the Celtics, Romans, Moors, etc.; Added tips, suggestions, ideas, secrets?

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Hi Terry, I've got these if it's any help. All the best, Tony

 

[YOUTUBE]4bZ2fhGQQjI[/YOUTUBE] [YOUTUBE]7-IqpTL-nDc[/YOUTUBE] [YOUTUBE]PNSzwenfqas[/YOUTUBE]

[kazu]

Appreciate this great, added background from Jacqui. WOW, you are a super experienced traveler. Jacqui does an excellent job sharing so much to be helpful for us and others in making our first visit to a historic and varied city such as Lisbon. Keep it coming!! Am also doing a late February Panama Canal, Ft. Lauderdale to San Francisco cruise. Much research to complete and do in preparation for BOTH trips.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

If Venice is one of your future desires or past favorites, look at this earlier posting for many options and visual samples this city that is so great for "walking around", personally seeing its great history and architecture. This posting is now at 64,783 views.

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

 

 

You are going to La Coruna? Just a stones throw from Santiago de Compostela. The third most important church in the world (at least, the Catholic world). We booked our next cruise because we were going to Vigo and could get there.

 

We are really looking forward to it and think it will be truly memorable.

 

Remember if you want to see the Church (or go to the service), the doors close at 11:30 a.m. At my last research.

 

We spent time in Northern Spain with the plan to get there, but it was so difficult that we opted to skip it regretfully, so happily we are going in April.

 

For your cruise to the Panama, if you are going to Guatemala, we used a private tour guide and if you are one to be inspired by a children's school (who would not be educated other than for this charity run place) it was a highlight for us. Once I found about it on the internet, I immediately emailed Carlos, our guide, and our roll call accumulated the needed supplies. the children are amazing and the tears in the teachers' eyes still bring tears to mine to this day. The rest of the tour was fabulous of course. But, this was truly our highlight. Ninos con Benedicion if I recall correctly.

 

Always nice to give back.

 

enjoy your planning :)

[TLCOhio]

You are going to La Coruna? Just a stones throw from Santiago de Compostela. The third most important church in the world (at least, the Catholic world). We booked our next cruise because we were going to Vigo and could get there. Remember if you want to see the Church (or go to the service), the doors close at 11:30 a.m. At my last research. We spent time in Northern Spain with the plan to get there, but it was so difficult that we opted to skip it regretfully, so happily we are going in April.

For your cruise to the Panama, if you are going to Guatemala, we used a private tour guide and if you are one to be inspired by a children's school (who would not be educated other than for this charity run place) it was a highlight for us. Once I found about it on the internet, I immediately emailed Carlos, our guide, and our roll call accumulated the needed supplies. the children are amazing and the tears in the teachers' eyes still bring tears to mine to this day. The rest of the tour was fabulous of course. But, this was truly our highlight. Ninos con Benedicion if I recall correctly. Always nice to give back. enjoy your planning :)

 

Cornishpastyman1: Hi Terry' date=' I've got these if it's any help. All the best, Tony [/quote']

 

Appreciate so much from Tony and kazu these added info items, etc. Very helpful!! Great suggestion for the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, plus these interesting videos. While I am not a Roman Catholic, that Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela does merit more research and consideration. Great idea for Guatemala. Will keep digging to evaluate these many options. Lots to figure out and do during the next few months. Keep it coming!!

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 167,505 views for this posting.

[TLCOhio]

Tony's videos make the point that I need to get in much better shape to do ALL of that walking, climbing those stairs, etc. Lots to see and do there in Portugal and Spain!!

 

Any videos for Bordeaux and Brittany? See it as tourist walking around helps prepare for all of the interesting architecture and history.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Super loved Dubrovnik!!! See more details and lots of great visual samples/examples at this link. Have had over 34,525 views on this posting and appreciate those who have tuned-in and dropped by.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

[TLCOhio]

Below is a visual for a couple books that I got recently from our local library and have been checking. Lots of nice pictures, details, options, etc. Much research to do for these four days in Lisbon, plus Porto, etc. Personally, it's nice to have today's books with more and better charts, graphics, visuals images, maps, building cut-aways, etc.

 

Other suggestions, ideas, tips, etc.??

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Lots of interesting and dramatic pictures can be seen from my latest live/blog at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

Now at 29,021 views for this reporting and visual sharing that includes Cape Town, all along the South Africa coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta area.

 

 

[groovechick]

Regarding being dirty and neglected that depends on what you're saying - i can never understand why people talk about things without knowing everything. There were several strikes on the waste management sector in the last few years in the region and has nothing to do with the financial crash or recession, but politics. One in particular was in Christmas/New Year 2013/14, for about 15 days, of course, that was a big problem... probably you saw that or any other one. Lisbon is not an artificial thing for the benefit of tourists, and i hope, never will be.

 

I KNOW Lisbon is not the UK or US. I've visited Lisbon several times, it's a city I love. I would not want it to be a city manufactured for tourists. I was there in summer 2014 when I said it was run down, and it was. I visited places (not all touristy) that I have visited before and they were clearly suffering from lack of maintenance and investment. It was residents of Lisbon who told me that they were finding life very hard after the financial crash and the local councils/government did not have any money to spend on the city's upkeep and the public infrastructure. It was not my assumption, it is/was a fact.

 

I KNOW Belem is part of the main city but, from a cruiser's point of view, it is further afield than the Alfama and other areas close to where the ships dock, and requires a taxi or public transport to get there.

[TLCOhio]

I KNOW Lisbon is not the UK or US. I've visited Lisbon several times, it's a city I love. I would not want it to be a city manufactured for tourists. I was there in summer 2014 when I said it was run down, and it was. I visited places (not all touristy) that I have visited before and they were clearly suffering from lack of maintenance and investment. It was residents of Lisbon who told me that they were finding life very hard after the financial crash and the local councils/government did not have any money to spend on the city's upkeep and the public infrastructure. It was not my assumption, it is/was a fact. I KNOW Belem is part of the main city but, from a cruiser's point of view, it is further afield than the Alfama and other areas close to where the ships dock, and requires a taxi or public transport to get there.

 

Appreciate above these excellent insights, background and tips from groovechick. This is all very helpful as we research and prepare for our first visit to Portugal. Keep up the great sharing!! From you and all experienced from being in Lisbon and Portugal.

 

From USA Today on Feb. 4, they have this headline of a column by famed author/traveler/TV host Rick Steves: "What's new in Spain and Portugal for 2017".

 

Here are some of the story highlights: "In Portugal, several new and improved museums are making sightseeing even more interesting for travelers. Lisbon's recently opened Aljube Museum of Resistance and Freedom covers the country's troubled mid-20th-century history. Once a prison that held political opponents of Portugal's longtime dictator António Salazar, the building now houses a well-presented, three-floor exhibit about the repressive regime, which endured from 1926 until 1974. At Lisbon's Museum of Ancient Art — covering the 15th and 16th centuries, a time when the Portuguese ruled the seas — a planned renovation should make this fine space even more inviting (but may cause disruptions or even closure in 2017). Extra crowds are expected this year at the Catholic pilgrimage site of Fátima, which celebrates the centennial of the Virgin Mary's apparition to three young villagers in 1917."

 

Even the Pope is traveling to Portugal this year in order to visit Fátima. In conclusion for both countries, Rick Steves concludes: "Much has changed since I first started visiting these countries decades ago. But even though Spain and Portugal are keeping up with 21st-century trends, their attractions are timeless."

 

Full story at:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2017/02/04/spain-portugal-new-attractions/97449548/

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 169,431 views for this posting.

 

 

From this USA Today Rick Steves column, here is one of the pictures featured. It is of a tuk-tuk in Lisbon. Looks like fun!! Anybody ridden in one and/or know the rough cost?:

 

[cpgrneyes]

Terry, I can offer a suggestion of a fabulous private tour in St. Peter's POrt on Guernsey. This was an unexpected highlight of our two week cruise in the British Isles last summer. We joined a group from CC on a tour with Annette Henry - https://annettehenrytours.gg/. We walked through the beautiful city, then went to the museum. The island was occupied by the ****es during WW2, and after they left, a boy started to collect things they left behind and he now runs the Museum. It is truly a must do on your cruise. Enjoy!

 

Cheryl