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Portugal and Dubrovnik
  • Cathy Sertori
  • Cathy Sertori

Portugal and Dubrovnik

A 15-day adventure by Cathy Read more
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  • Trip start
    June 30, 2024
    Cathy SertoriPortugal and DubrovnikTraveler
    11

    27hours to Lisbon - out & about

    June 30, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Pete dropped us off at the airport and it was a smooth check in and bag drop.
    We met Mum and Amr who were already at the AMEX lounge and joined us for a celebratory champers to start the trip, while Jess and Ted had some dinner. Sadly, we just missed Paul and Tallie who got held up at check in and immigration with bad luck.
    First flight was over 14 hours to Dubai. After dinner and wine was served, we all slept relatively well. It was an easy flight connection in Dubai, the next flight around 8 hours to Lisbon. The flight felt longer as we didn’t really sleep much. We arrived into Lisbon and got a taxi to our Airbnb. Jess showered, the rest of us were eager for a walk before we did. Had a lovely walk getting our bearings walking to Comercio Square then wandering the gorgeous cobbled streets admiring plazas and streets. Busy for a Sunday arvo. We are back for a chill before dinner. We then wandered back to a restaurant we had discovered on our walk. All a bit tired and unsure of its exact location, then we found it. We enjoyed simple and easy choice of Portuguese or Italian food. Now back at the apartment via a special Portuguese tart patisserie. We are enjoying the sunset with a nightcap. We are all so ready to crash!    Read more

  • Cathy SertoriPortugal and DubrovnikTraveler

    Hitting the cobblestones running

    July 1, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ 🌙 20 °C

    Everyone had a great sleep. Amr was up and went for an early wander. Mum, Amr and I decided to go and have a coffee as Jess and Ted hadn’t woken. We found a lovely cafe Brasileira, that Mum and Amr had been to the last time they had visited 10 years ago! Such a pretty setting, overlooking a square and in the sunshine. Great coffee, croissants and granola! Meandered our way back to the apartment via shops and takeaway for Jess and Ted. We all then set off visiting a few shops and then took the metro to the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum that Amr had discovered. Gulbenkian was an art collector, he houses one of the world’s significant private art collections. He assembled an amazing selection of art (Rembrandt, Monet, Rubens, Renoir…), furniture, artefacts, rugs and statues from ancient Egypt, Turkey, China, Japan and France. It was in 10 rooms so not overwhelming. We caught the metro back to Pombal, walked down Liberdade (beautiful tree lined street) towards a cafe Padaria, Sao Roque. It was a 20min walk, up some steep steps and roads to stunning views. I can see how Mum and Amr can power along the Camino, we have done plenty of steps, over 8km today (Amr 13). The cafe wasn’t the hype I had read about, still a yummy snack and break before walking to Carmo Convent, an old church ruined in the earthquake. Rosie and Amr explored inside and Jess, Ted and I had a drink and relaxed in the square. We walked back to the apartment for downtime, Amr went via a coffee and the shops for supplies. We headed off to our booking at Pinoquio (recommended by Mum &Amr), they didn’t accept our booking so we had to queue and within 20 mins we had a table. Apart from a slight confusion as to how much food we’d ordered we had a fine Portuguese feast of paella, bbq meats and sides. We then walked via a Portuguese gelato bar to our cafe Brasilere for a night cap and fab music to end off this magical evening of family.Read more

  • Cathy SertoriPortugal and DubrovnikTraveler

    Cascais - a day trip to Riviera

    July 2, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    We were all up and about and headed to breakfast to our favourite cafe - Brasileria and had a yum breakfast feast with good coffee. We stopped via the apartment and sorted our gear and walked to the train station (10mins) where we got tickets to Cascais a town on the Portuguese riviera. It was a warmer day today (30 Celsius) and Mum and I weren’t feeling the best, me a sort throat (thanks Ted) and Mum just not 100%. We of course soldiered on! Cascais is a gorgeous seaside town. Jess led us to the citadel and then the castle. A lovely walk, albeit a bit hot. We then walked back to the beach where Mum and I relaxed while Ted and Jessica swam. Amr wandered the art district. Mum, Amr and I then moved to a seat overlooking the beach. When Jess and Ted had finished their beach sojourn and swim we went and had a lovely grilled chicken salad in the shade in a quiet square. We caught the train back to Lisbon and had some downtime before dinner. After some hustling by Amr to get us ready in time we were set. Amr had booked us in to a fab local restaurant Solar dos Presuntos that they had been to twice before. It was a 20 min walk from the apartment and didn’t disappoint. A delicious feast with a great vibe. Ted had the local pork speciality, Amr octopus, Mum grouper, Jess and I Portuguese steak. Mum had a dessert and we were all too full to help her out! We then wandered back to the apartment, no nightcap tonight as all too tired. Relaxing now before bed. Another perfect day.Read more

  • Cathy SertoriPortugal and DubrovnikTraveler
    2

    Go slow time in Lisbon

    July 3, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    A nice day where we didn’t have to be anywhere at any particular time. We went to our fav breaky place mixing it up with what we ordered and a great way to start the day. Jess left us to go shopping and Mum, Amr, Ted and I walked to Lisbon cathedral. It was only a 15 min walk, however by 10am it was warming up. We climbed to the balcony and saw the view, the museum and where the choir sings from. It was an austere cathedral with a beautiful stained glass window and painted ceiling. Ted and I then wandered to do some shopping and left Mum and Amr. We all met up back at the apartment for a relax. I went and had my hair blow dried, which was a treat. We then ventured to ride the local antique trams which are used as a form of transport in the narrow streets. Ted and Jess were hungry so we stopped and grabbed a snack on the way. We then hopped on the tram to an unknown destination and enjoyed seeing other areas and sites of Lisbon. After 20 mins we ended up at the final stop and caught it back again to the plaza we started at. Amr had spotted a wine and tapas place so we decided to have a pre dinner snack and drink there. An interesting place with a great decor and knowledgeable waiter. Back to the apartment for some Rumikub and down time. It’s light later here and we are enjoying the warmer weather and the breeze. Had a wonderful final dinner appropriately at Brasileria. We watched and listened to fabulous buskers as we ate out dinner. Jess and Ted headed back to the apartment and Mum, Amr and I had a night cap at the wine and tapas bar to celebrate a wonderful trip to Lisbon.Read more

  • Cathy SertoriPortugal and DubrovnikTraveler

    Lisbon to Porto via train

    July 4, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    We woke early as Amr’s phone had been “lost” and he was calling it, luckily Ted slept through, unfortunately the rest of us didn’t. Amr then went and had coffee and did some chores one of which was finding some contact lenses for Liv who didn’t have enough supplies! Hooray. We all caught an Uber to the train station, got coffee and supplies for the train trip and watched and waited for our train to appear. On board it was an easy trip, albeit late and we arrived an hour after our scheduled arrival. No dramas for us and we got two taxis to our Airbnb in old town and were greeted by our host. It was so hot we chilled for a bit and I had a lovely chat with Dad. Jess spotted a place for dinner about 10mins walk away. That place was booked out and we found another lovely place nearby and enjoyed a fine feast in a beautiful part of Porto. Wandered back to the apartment through the streets of this beautiful town and back to aircon and Rumikub. Happy days! Again.Read more

  • Cathy SertoriPortugal and DubrovnikTraveler
    1

    Old town Porto and surrounds

    July 5, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Amr checked out the surroundings while we all emerged at different times. We went and had breakfast with good coffee and food despite it being amidst the pigeons. Jess and Amr went to a famous bookstore inspiring JK Rowling, she had worked in this town. Mum, Ted and I went via the amazing train station filled with local train timetables and activity. We wandered down age old stairs to the bottom of the river and historic route with scenic views. Down by the water we wandered the streets and ended up back at the funicular up to the top. We then walked across the famous bridge to the Parc. Amazing views and trams crossing directly in front as we crossed the bridge. After a relaxed stop at a cafe overlooking the view we went back, collected our gear and went to the beautiful Atlantic back near where Melissa and Miguel (friends of Mum and Amr’s) live. We got the rock star table and enjoyed a snack and relax before Amr, Rosie and I headed to the house while Jess and Ted enjoyed the Atlantic ocean beach and a swim. Melissa and Miguel put on a fine feast assisted by their gorgeous kids. Home at the apartment and ready for a new adventure tomorrow!Read more

  • Cathy SertoriPortugal and DubrovnikTraveler
    2

    More old town & Porto wine district

    July 6, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Mum and Amr headed off for an early coffee and breaky while Jessica, Ted and I enjoyed a slower start. We walked to the Majestic Cafe, recommended by the Good Weekend travel writers. The place was beautiful and an art Noveau decor. The food sadly was a little pricey and overrated, thankfully our coffee was good! Ted however devoured his hamburger and coke. Jess headed off for a shop while Mum, Amr, Ted and I walked to the Church of the Clerics, with an ornate interior. Jess and Ted headed back to the apartment, Mum and Amr headed off to wander and visited some more churches and I strolled around the area and meandered back to the apartment after shopping. After some down time we made our way across the bridge and caught the gondola down to the opposite waterfront of Porto, the wine district. Jess, Ted and I wandered and had a drink at a waterfront bar, Ted teasing the pigeons while Mum and Amr explored the area. We had a good Italian meal on the waterfront before getting the gondola back up the hill. Another wonderful day!Read more

  • Cathy SertoriPortugal and DubrovnikTraveler

    Travel day- Porto 🇵🇹to Dubrovnik 🇭🇷

    July 7, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Packed up and left the Airbnb and got an Uber easily to the airport, again successfully fitting us and all our luggage. Had breaky at the airport and flew a short hour and 20 to Madrid. Another modern airport and longish and easy walk to the gate. As an aside for Rowan’s previous comment, we did lose Amr after a toilet stop. We were waiting for him until we tracked him down, already at the gate 😆. Flight to Dubrovnik is just under 3 hours. Landed and ran in to the USA Farrells. Only disappointment so far was the fact that Ted’s bag didn’t make it. Meant to arrive today (late writing this blog), still not here. Hopefully on the late flight. Ted has been so patient, surprisingly. A wonderful reunion with all the family together. We had 2 dinner sittings and we were the later sitting with the USA Farrells with our later flights. We all caught up together as the earlier group were still dining. Paul, Michael and I had a nightcap. A fabulous first night.Read more

  • Cathy SertoriPortugal and DubrovnikTraveler
    1

    Discovering Old Town Dubrovnik 🇭🇷

    July 8, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    After a lovely sleep we headed to breakfast which was a feast of everything and anything. So special to reunite with Liv and have her join us. Just missing our Pete. We met our guide Alberto at 9am for a 2 hour waking tour of Old Town. It is so spectacular and full of history and architecture. Our guide was wonderful, so knowledgeable and patient with our group of 21! We then parted ways. Tallie and I went for a wander and then ran into Dad and Tama having lunch and joined them. We then all migrated to the outdoor ocean pool and plunged into the Adriatic ocean! Glorious temperature (as opposed the Atlantic). Some wonderful chill time before dinner. A short stroll to dinner with yet again a magnificent view of the Adriatic and Old Town. Fresh feast of local fish, salads and food. For those who can’t help themselves, there was whiskey and cigars on offer at Michael and Lisi’s apartment. Lisi, Cami, Jess and I had a champers while the boys (Dad, Paul, Michael and Chad) enjoyed their whiskey nightcap. We have heard Ted’s bag has arrived.Read more

  • Cathy SertoriPortugal and DubrovnikTraveler
    2

    Adriatic sea adventures 🇭🇷

    July 9, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Some of us more ready than others for our boat odyssey boat adventure, those that shall be named and shamed were the whiskey drinkers (Dad, Paul, Michael and Chad) up until til 3.30am and impressively all on time for the boat tour pick up at 10am! What a wonderful trip on the Adriatic Sea and to the island of Miljet. A stopover for a swim, snorkel or SUP. Crystal clear water. Off for another short cruise to the restaurant on the island where the host and his whole family welcomed us with amazing fresh produce, service and pride with their array of food. The kids were patient as it was a longer than anticipated lunch. After dessert they all headed back to the boats to swim. A stunning day. All chilling now and a few going to meet for the soccer or have down time. Another perfect day! We are blessed. 😇Read more

  • Cathy SertoriPortugal and DubrovnikTraveler
    11

    Wine, shrine or down time 🇭🇷

    July 10, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    Mum, Amr, Michael and Lisi opted for a tour to Međugorje (a shrine) and Dad, Paul, Kristi, Chad and I opted for a wine and oyster tour. We drove through beautiful scenery hugging the coast to a beautiful boutique winery - Miloš and had tour of the cellar and sampled fine wines with local artisan cheese, bread and olive oil.
    We then headed to an historical town and boarded an old wooden boat to an oyster farm. We were shown how the oysters and mussels are farmed and then were given tasting samples of each. Fresh and delicious. We then made our way back by around 330pm and all headed for the Adriatic ocean for a swim. Alternatively, the hikers had a hot, steep hike on uneven rocks. Only 25 minutes up and down, however the hardest (definitely the hottest!!!) Mum and Lisi have done. After Mum and Amr’s many Caminos that is saying something! They had to travel to Bosnia 🇧🇦 and needed passports to cross the border. They enjoyed to a well deserved snack before the 2.5 hour drive back. The rest of the crew enjoyed some downtime wandering old town and swimming in the sea. Perfectly relaxed. Only drama today was Paul’s prescription sunglasses sank to the bottom of the Adriatic. He borrowed goggles and appeared to be swimming across the island in search of them when the lifeguard in one duck dive recovered them much to our amazement. We met at the Piano Bar at the hotel for sunset drinks and the kids stayed for dinner while the adults went to 360 restaurant on the stone city wall (a Michelin star restaurant that was highly recommended) and it didn’t disappoint. We had a perfect view for the fireworks celebrating the summer festival. We are grateful.    Read more

  • Cathy SertoriPortugal and DubrovnikTraveler
    1

    Cruising the Adriatic Sea 🌊

    July 11, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Another magic day on the water with our boats and almost the same crew from our Tuesday trip, such a lovely team. This time we took snacks so we could maximise our time in the water and eat on the boat. We went to a sandy beach on Lopud Island. We anchored and swam to the caves on the edge of the island. Beautiful limestone cliffs, purple coral and tiny fish. We then cruised by the port of Lopud and a Franciscan monastery, everywhere you looked it was stunning scenery. We then pulled up near some turquoise water and most of us swam to shore. Lovely shady spots under the pine and cypress trees. A short cruise back to port. Another successful boating adventure and as always much laughter and fun story telling and reminiscing. We had a longer walk to restaurant Sesame and all arrived hot and sweaty. Another delicious meal. Rosie, Amr, Paul, Michael, Jessica and I had nightcap overlooking a stunning crescent moon.Read more

  • Cathy SertoriPortugal and DubrovnikTraveler

    Kayaking 🛶 and an island 🏝️ visit

    July 12, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    The Burlingames (except Chad who had a sore arm) joined Jess, Ted, Cami, James and me on a kayaking adventure. We kayaked for 2 hours via Lokrum Island and to a cave where we had a swim and Ted, Charlie, Annie and George leapt off a steep rock cliff, around 5 metres! We then continued via the city wall back. A good workout! Mum, Amr, Liv, Jax and Sonny went to Lokrum island by ferry. It has a botanical garden, monastery and peacocks. They enjoyed the experience. Dad, Paul, Michael, Kristi and I then held our FFF meeting. We had dinner at Proto restaurant in Old Town, a fantastic seafood restaurant. A lot of us gathered back at the piano bar for a nightcap and Paul, Michael, Lisi and I continued the debrief and Paul and I had a debrief on the debrief!Read more

  • Cathy SertoriPortugal and DubrovnikTraveler
    2My view with Mum in the ocean
    2

    Day of relaxation 😎

    July 13, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Today there were no fixed activities and plans and everyone took advantage of that. Mum and Amr went to Old Town to finish off exploring. The Sertoris, Tallie and the boys got front row seats at the outdoor ocean pool and read, swam, relaxed and soaked up the view. Paul had lunch with Amr and then he and Mum joined us. Michael, Lisi, Cami and James went to sushi in town, followed by some shopping for Cami and Lisi. Cami and Lisi joined us by the pool. We opted for a casual dinner at the Piano / deck bar where we met early for Rumikub and others joined by 7pm. When it cooled down a little we enjoyed the half moon setting and drinks on the terrace- celebrating and grateful for a special family holiday.Read more

  • Cathy SertoriPortugal and DubrovnikTraveler
    Dubrovnik Cathedral
    Saint Ignatius church1

    Last morning in our paradise

    July 14, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Last morning in our paradise. Michael and Dad went to 7am Mass just out of town. Dad and the Burlingames departed at 9am. Michael, Mum, Amr and I went to 9am Mass at the Cathedral. It was a beautiful cathedral and the service was in Croatian. We then walked to St Ignatius church, beautiful architecture and paintings. We made it back for breakfast, soaking up the last of the view from the hotel. We said farewell to Michael, Lisi, Cami and James who are heading to Hvar. The rest of the crew were picked up and taken to the airport via a viewing spot, all heading to Dubai. The Farrells will stay for a few days and Rosie, Amr, the kids and I are heading on to Sydney. We have landed in Dubai and said farewell to Paul, Tallie, Jax and Sonny. Tired and waiting for our 2.15am departure for the 14 hour flight ✈️ after 2 buses, a rude man, and a train trip we are now waiting at the gate. What a special family reunion and European adventure. Amazingly no arguments and for the Farrells that’s saying something! A sensational, special and successful trip.Read more

    Trip end
    July 14, 2024
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