Arrival in Portugal
13. september, Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C
Ola and Boa Tarde from Portugal! It was a long travel day beginning at 3am when our airport transfer from Samarkand failed to show up and it was the first day on the job for the young man on the deskLes mer
Sensational Sintra
14. september, Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
We booked a full day tour with 4 highlights of the area to get the most out of our time in the area. Our first stop was Sintra where we took some time to explore the town and get ourselves a cloudLes mer
Dante’s Well
14. september, Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C
Dante’s Well in Sintra is actually the Initiation Well at Quinta da Regaleira estate. It is a inverted 27 meter deep tower with a spiral staircase, serving as a symbolic descent into the earth. TheLes mer
Pena Palace & Gardens
14. september, Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C
The National Palace of Peña is whimsical, majestic, and truly unforgettable. It seems to be plucked straight from a storybook. Perched high on a hilltop in Sintra, its bold colours, sunset yellows,Les mer
Cabo da Roca
14. september, Portugal ⋅ 🌬 21 °C
Our last stop today was at Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. This dramatic and scenic spot is famous for its wild beauty and historic lighthouse. The drive from there back toLes mer
Free Day in Lisboa
15. september, Portugal ⋅ 🌙 18 °C
We met our group and guide last evening and today we got a 24 hour transit card and took the subway to Rossio Square and did a wee walk about. We saw the historic Sao Domingos Church, the Arc ofLes mer
A Surprise Visit to Obidos
16. september, Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
We left Lisbon in a private coach this morning destined for Coimbra. Zuzanna had mentioned that we would be making a surprise stop on the way. I do love surprises and this one did not disappoint. WeLes mer
Batalha
16. september, Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
Batalha, or the Saint Mary of Victory Monastery, built in the 14th century, ensured King Joao would succeed his father, even though he was illegitimate. It was built to commemorate the victory of theLes mer
Arrival to Coimbra
16. september, Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
We reached Coimbra, the medieval capital of Portugal, around 4:30pm and checked in to Hotel Astoria which is old but quaint and ideally located. Coimbra is home to the oldest Portuguese University andLes mer
Free Day to Explore Coimbra
17. september, Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
We started the day with a very interesting guided tour of the oldest section of the university, including the former royal palace, which is now part of the university administrative center. We alsoLes mer
Arrival in Porto
18. september, Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C
We took the train to Porto this morning. It was a comfortable and enjoyable ride and then we embarked on an orientation walk. I am not a fan of the city. There was so much construction that we wereLes mer
Free Day in Porto
19. september, Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
Determined to have a better day, we made our way to the Douro River and rented some bikes. We had a wonderful morning cycling the 22 km loop to the main beach and back. There were lots of picturesqueLes mer
Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It’s Off to Spain We Go
20. september, Spania ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
Gilles and I were treated to a business class ticket to Madrid today. It was only a 1 hour 15 minute flight but felt pretty special. We were even served a meal in that short time and our luggage cameLes mer
Out and About in Madrid
21. september, Spania ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
We had an amazing day in Madrid starting with an orientation walk led by Zuzanna which included a visit to the Royal Palace and Cathedral, the Latin Quarter, the Latino Market, the Plaza Mayor, andLes mer
Arrival in Granada
22. september, Spania ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
We were up with the birds this morning to catch our bus to Granada at 5:45 am and caught the sunrise en route. Andalusia, the Southern region of Spain, has the most olive groves, accounting for 80% ofLes mer
A Flamenco Show in the Sacromonte Caves
22. september, Spania ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C
We enjoyed a quick dinner at an Arabic Restaurant before heading out for evening entertainment. Gilles and I enjoyed a chicken tagine dish which brought back wonderful memories of our time in Morocco.Les mer
Alhambra
23. september, Spania ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C
This morning we enjoyed a guided visit of the Alhambra, a palace and fortress complex which is one of the greatest accomplishments of Islamic art and architecture. Our guide Ramon was interesting andLes mer
Generalife
23. september, Spania ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C
Generalife is a summer palace and country estate of the rulers of Granada known as Emirs. It is found uphill from the Alhambra Palace complex. The rulers enjoyed a simpler way of life when they wentLes mer
Hiking the Los Caharros Trail
23. september, Spania ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
Granada is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains which contain striking trails for hiking. We didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to explore the Los Cahorros Trail, a fan favouriteLes mer
Mezquita de Cordoba
24. september, Spania ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
Our final destination today was Seville but we made a very extraordinary stop in picturesque Cordoba for 4 hours en route to visit it’s most famous monument, the Mezquita de Cordoba (Mosque). WeLes mer
Picturesque Cordoba
24. september, Spania
When we arrived in Cordoba we crossed a bridge constructed in Roman times to access the city. After our visit to the Mezquita we had some free time to wander through the picturesque and charmingLes mer
Free Day in Seville
25. september, Spania ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Today was a free day to spend enjoying Seville and its Moorish influence. I will attempt to describe the main attractions we were able to visit, besides enjoying the delicious food. The MetropolLes mer
Alcazar
25. september, Spania ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
The Alcazar is the oldest royal palace in use in Europe. It was devised as a fortress to protect the Muslim authorities. The Palace is filled with intricate tile work, horseshoe arches and lushLes mer
Maria Luisa Park & Plaza de Espana
25. september, Spania ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
Torre Del Oro and Misc. Seville
25. september, Spania ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
Sometimes it is hard not to give in and play tourist!


























































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































