I came across the Fodorite's forum by accident while planning for our trip (13 days till flight-yeah) and it has been the absolutely best help thanks to folks like you, Laurie and Lily. I owe you all a debt of gratitude. viamichelin is a great tool. I wish I had enough time for the train ride as we are both train buffs. Nice to know that when we return there will be other adventures waiting.

Yes, I had looked forward to the train too but unfortunately I would not have been able to tolerate the heat (probably as I'm Canadian!) but I would absolutely recommend it. Thanks for your nice comments about my trip report Laurie and Chincoteague. No Laurie, Ronald didn't tell us how foot stomping fits in with EU regulations but I know my husband was surprised that he didn't have to wash his foot before entering the vat although he certainly did after.

Have a great trip Chincoteague - I know you will enjoy it and I look forward to hearing your trip report when you get back.

First of all congratulations on your report. Despite being a fantastic thing to see, it was rather unfortunate to be in Porto on the Red Bull Air Race weekend because the it becomes almost impossible to walk on the riverside streets, not to mention the fact that you can't go on one of the cruises along de 6 bridges that link Porto and Gaia.

As lreynold1 said, the part of the Upper Douro (Alto Douro Vinhateiro in Portuguese) is the most beatifull of the region. However, I disagree that the only way to get there is by train. The best way to enjoy it it's by ship as there are parts of the valley that you can only see from the river. As there are ports in both Pinhão and Pocinho you can visit both villages. By ship you can also go to Barca d'Alva which is on the Eastern border with Spain. The best part of it, is that the cruise includes going up the river by ship, and down by train - or the other way around if you prefer - so you can compliment your journey with two stunning views of the Douro Valley.

Hi Lily,

I was in Portugal right after you and I'm glad I didn't encounter any 37 degree days!

I agree with your comment about Fatima. I haven't yet written about that part of my trip report but it was a disappointment. I didn't go out of my way to see it since it was between Tomar and Batalha. The older church was lovely.

Thanks for the report - lots of helpful info for my next trip.

Lily, may I ask you which apartment you booked in the Mare Salema? A or B? Which one do you consider the best?

bookmarking for future travel Spain and Portugal trip

does anyone have any info on the Grande Lago area?
we are thinking of taking a boat cruise there.
some town names are Monsaraz and Juromenha..

thanks

Myriam, we were in apartment A. I didn't see anything but the balcony of apartment B but could tell you that the balcony of apartment A is much more private. We really enjoyed Apartment A - it is quite charming, very clean, easy to cook and the view is wonderful.

Sorry jetsetj, I'm not familiar with that area. Anyone else have recommendations on this area?