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Portugal
  • Samantha Vail Halfen
  • Samantha Vail Halfen

Portugal

Our first kid-free vacation and our first time going to Europe! Many thanks to Greg's dad and step-mom, Kris, for making this wonderful experience possible! We went to three separate regions in Portugal: Porto, The Algarve and Lisbon. Read more
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  • Trip start
    September 15, 2022
    Samantha Vail HalfenPortugalSamantha Vail Halfen

    SeaTac Airport

    September 15, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F

    At first we were stressed because our flight was cancelled due to a pilot strike at the Paris Airport, but luckily we were able to find another flight through Germany!

  • Samantha Vail HalfenPortugalSamantha Vail Halfen

    Frankfurt Airport

    September 16, 2022 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F

    We flew on Lufthansa airline to Frankfurt, Germany. Travel tip we learned here was to ask the canceling airline to check for flights on another airline and through a different hub!

  • Samantha Vail HalfenPortugalSamantha Vail Halfen
    Porto is the second largest city in Portugal and where the dessert wine Port comes from!
    Cobblestone streetsThe architecture is in a variety of orinate styles from neoclassical to French Beaux-artsTraditional Portuguese appetizer - delish!Francesinha is a popular Portuguese sandwich with egg & gravy!Greg found his favorite Portuguese beer 🍺

    Porto, Portugal

    September 16, 2022 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F

    The first city we visited in Portugal was Porto! What a beautiful city and culture. Our first European city did not disappoint. We stayed for 3 nights at the lovely Eurostars Das Artes in the heart of downtown. We wore comfy shoes and walked to all points of interest.

    We checked-in to out hotel in the evening and then walked around the city our first night there. I remember a complete feeling of awe at the ornate architecture and narrow cobblestone streets. Yummy smells of food and live music all around us. At the recommendations of the hostess, we tried out an authentic portuguese restaurant which was delicious. The dessert wine Port comes from Porto and so I of course had to try this and Greg found his favorite beer, Super Bock.    Read more

  • Samantha Vail HalfenPortugalSamantha Vail Halfen
    Pasteis de Nata, delicious Portuguese pastry from the bakery ManteigariaThe first monument we visited was St. Francis Church but no pictures allowed - built in 13th centuryStatue of Prince Henry the Navigator - in front of Bolsa PalacePalace of Bolsa - unfortunately we didn't get to go in, closed that day. :( Next time!The Porto Cathedral is one of the oldest monuments in the city - Roman Catholic ChurchRomanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture styles - inside Porto CathedralYou can attend church services everyday at this CathedralCourtyard at the cathederal - building began in 12th century and was finished in the 17thBeautiful tile and limestone is found in PortugalThe view from up on the wall of the CathedralOutside the Cathedral it looks like a fortressThe Bishop's house connected to the cathederal

    Porto, Portugal

    September 17, 2022 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F

    The first full day of sight seeing, we went into the town square where we saw many beautiful and ancient monuments.

    The Portuguese are very friendly and helpful. Most people speak some English which made it easier for us to get around. It's a very safe country and pretty affordable too. The euro is exchanged here which is equal to the dollar now. Most of the tourists are from Northern Europe and so we heard a lot of British accents, French, and German spoken.

    Portugal's history is deeply rooted in religion and the first momuments we visited were the St. Francis Church, Porto Cathederal and Bishop's House.    Read more

  • Samantha Vail HalfenPortugalSamantha Vail Halfen
    Inside the Bishop's palace
    Just a little house for the BishopThe sculpture of Mary and JesusPaintings in the Bishop's house by a local artistWe made our way down to the river districtLuis I Bridge over the Rio riverDining out on the riverfrontEven the train station is ornateAmerican symbolism at its finestWe were really impressed with this 1920s restaurant called The Majestic!Porto is known for its port wine and my favorite was the red tawny by Sandman

    Porto, Portugal

    September 17, 2022 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 79 °F

    Bishop's house continued because it was pretty amazing. Afterwards, we made our way down the cobblestone hill to the river district where there's lovely live music, shopping and plenty of amazing food choices. We ran into a couple Americans here because it was a popular spot but otherwise most of the tourists we saw were from Northern Europe.Read more

  • Samantha Vail HalfenPortugalSamantha Vail Halfen
    In front of the Town Hall in the city square - Avenida dos Aliados
    Portugal is a non-tipping culture making it even more affordable but we always tipped!Cobblestone maze path in the gardensgelato!J. K. Rolling lived in Porto '91-'93 while she was writing the Harry Potter series.Inside "The Harry Potter Bookstore" Livraria Lello where JK Rolling was said to frequent.Clerigos Tower is a 75-meter-tall bell tower we climbed the staircase to the topThere's a church inside of the tower and the bells started playing music while we were in here.The bells started playing, "Angels We Have Heard on High" we were in the chapel of the towerLooking out at the views from on top of the towerViews from the towerA park on top of a buildingPaying respects to the passing of Queen Elizabeth

    Porto, Porugal

    September 18, 2022 in Portugal ⋅ 🌙 63 °F

    On our last day in Porto we started out with a yummy traditional Portuguese breakfast and then made our way down to gardens I was a little underwhelmed by. A stadium was there and some great views of the river and city.

    Then we made our way to the "Harry Potter Bookstore" and it's said JK Rowling lived near here at the time she was writing the series.

    We climbed the clerics tower and admired views of the city.    Read more

  • Samantha Vail HalfenPortugalSamantha Vail Halfen

    The Algarve

    September 19, 2022 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F

    We said tchau to Porto and flew to Lisbon where we had a connecting flight to Faro. The Algarve is a costal beach town and makes up the southern region of the country and is known for it's beautiful beaches and limestone cliffs. We stayed in the city of Albufeira. On the day we got there we met with a super kind and helpful guide, John, to get all of our excursions in order.Read more

  • Samantha Vail HalfenPortugalSamantha Vail Halfen
    Algar de Benagil
    Lots of limestone archesThe Albufeira MarinaEnjoying the beach near our hotel Alfagar Alto da ColinaNot brave enough to go topless at the nude beach! ⛱️ 👀The pool at our hotelWe walked down to "the strip" and got caught in a thunderstorm.

    The Algarve

    September 20, 2022 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F

    On our first day in Albufeira we went on a catamaran ride to see the famous Benagil caves. No "Ola Bucket" for me this time and so I could really enjoy the ride. The trick we learned is to sit on the top deck in the back! Greg got out and swam for a bit.Read more

  • Samantha Vail HalfenPortugalSamantha Vail Halfen
    "Old Town"
    Golden sandy beaches and warm weather. The water was cold for me but a lot of people were swimming.Mediterranean food is so good for you!The view from our table

    The Algarve

    September 21, 2022 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F

    Our last day in Albufeira we went to "old town" which was amazing vacation spot on the beach. Looked at many shops, walked along the beach and found some cool shells, swam in the water, laid in the sun and enjoyed delicious Portuguese food with my love!Read more

  • Samantha Vail HalfenPortugalSamantha Vail Halfen
    There's a museum inside on the castle grounds where we saw artifacts from ancient times
    St. Jorge Castle dates back to the 8th century BC and first inhabitants in the 1st century.Since the 12th century the castle has served as a royal palace, military, now a national monument.Entrance to the castleWe climbed a huge hill to reach the castle and it was very hot out!Up on the wall looking out at the views of LisbonWith my prince ❤️Streets of downtown LisbonRomantic dinner and Fado show ❤️Traditional Portuguese Fado music

    Lisbon

    September 22, 2022 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    We took the train (another first for me) from the Algarve to our last destination, the enchanting Lisbon. Lisbon is the largest city in Portugal and the capital of the country.

    Our 17th century hotel was Heritage Av Liberdade in the historic center of downtown. This was my "glamor shots day" because I wore my princess dress to go see the St. Jorge Castle. We did a fun self guided tour and learned a lot about the history of the city. Then later that night we went to a Fado show. Fado is nostalgic Portuguese folk music and the singers were so beautiful!Read more

  • Samantha Vail HalfenPortugalSamantha Vail Halfen
    Belem (Bethlehem) Tower - 16th century served as a fortress for protecting Lisbon.
    Padrao dos Descobrimentos - sits on the Tagus river and celebrates "the age of exploration"Queen Philippa of Lancaster - mother of children who would be known for their educational pursuitsJeronimos Monastery 16th century- Order of St. Jerome and parish of Belem. Dedicated to virgin MaryThe Monastery was home to monks whose spiritual job was to help sailors and pray for the king.Inside Monastery- King Manuel I had built in 1502The montesary survived the 1755 earthquake which killed a third of the population.Tombs such as Vasco da Gama - early navigator16th century artwork depicting the crucifixionFamous poets, navigators and royalty are homed here in tombsWe went to a "car" museum and I found Cinderella's carriage!Sailboat race along the Tagus riverA beach we found on the other side of the river from our ferryThe Sanctuary of Christ the King 1959 - (inspired by Brazil's Christ the Redeemer statue)The April 25th Bridge designed by the same architect of Golden GateView of Lisbon from Almada (the otherside of the Tagus river)So fortunate to have this amazing time together with my love.

    Lisbon

    September 23, 2022 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F

    On our last day in Lisbon we got our very own private tour of the city and local hangouts with our awesome guide Alberto! We went and saw all the main monuments and then took a ferry to a "hidden beach spot" the locals go to for a getaway. Our stay was not long enough but we are so grateful to those who made these travels possible, and hope to return someday! We love Portugal 🇵🇹 ❤️!!Read more

  • Samantha Vail HalfenPortugalSamantha Vail Halfen

    Home

    September 24, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F

    When we arrived, we squeezed our kiddos! They were so happy and got really spoiled with love by their grandparents while had been away! Everyone had a great time and we are feeling reinvigorated to get back to work and our routines. Glad I'm documenting these travels as I know they will always remain with me. ❤️Read more

    Trip end
    September 24, 2022
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