Okay, to answer some <b>?s</b>

David: Viseu did once have a train service however the line was truncated ages ago and the terminus is now Sernada do Vouga. (Vitor is that right?) As Lobo says somewhere a good idea would be a drive to Regua and then catch the Linha do douro until Pocinho and back which is the most spectacular part of the route - according to those who know it.

Sarasara I think that is a great idea to combine with henryandcasper, who wanted to go to Adega das Gravatas. As do I again so let's get that arranged here. HenryandCasper what do you think?

Namaka, you can take the train from Oriente to Setubal - about 1 hour give or take changing at Pinhal Novo cost under 10 euros 2nd class. From the station catch a cab to wherever it is the dolphin tours go from. And we can sort somewhere to eat worry not.

Anyway, what have I missed?

Matt

Matt, We would love to go to Gravatas. We will bring a tie. I noticed from the pictures that they have steak and french fries( My kids favorites!) They will eat any kind of meat as long as I call it steak. My husband,Scott, and I will try to be adventurous but he is allergic to cod fish and I am allergic to shrimp. Don't worry about the kids they are pretty used to eating long dinners where the adults sit around drinking wine and I will bring cards if they get bored. I will e-mail you our contact info. We are very excited! We started packing today. It takes a long time to pack 5 people for 2 weeks in only carry on bags!

Matt,

Thanks for the info on how to get to Setubal. I will have to look into whether it may be cheaper to go with a tour with everything included.

And dinner? As I said before, any evening will be fine as we have a very flexible and laid back schedule.

Okay so today I'm waiting for Jen's call re tomorrow. Then there's Monday night - Lobo did you get Lily's email? I would suggest the same meeting place as with Barbara and Jim, under the archway at the top of Pra&ccedil;a do Commercio around 7.00pm. Then July 2nd is looking good - we just need HenryandCasper to confirm but with Sarasara saying yes obviously counting there with four persons, Lizzy and I, yourself and Gertrude that is eight with the high possibility of making 10 with Henryandcasper. So let us book that night at Gravatas. Don't forget the kipper ties!

Have I missed anything between the 12th June and 2nd July?

Matt

Please visit this link to the tall ships races which Lisbon hosts during July. It will make for some fantastic photo opportunities especially as they pass under Ponte 25 de Abril.

http://www.tallshipslisboa.com/Default.aspx

Matt

Yes, I did and I replied back. I suggested Pra&ccedil;a da Figueira, because is the terminal stop of tram #15, but archway of Rua Augusta/Pra&ccedil;a do Comercio is good.

To Lily:

Jump the fire means &quot;jump the fire&quot;. It's a purification ritual. It assures you guaranted good luck for a period of one year.

Yes, Penha Longa is not a walking distance to nowhere. If I were you, I'd drive to Lisbon, Belem area and park the car in a free car parking near Pasteis de Belem and Jeronimos Monastery. The car parking is free, but there is people helping you to park the car. It's a good policy to have one euro coin to give to him.

To return to Belem, either I drive you, or you may get a taxi, which is muuuucccchhhhhh less expensive than the taxi ride Lisbon/Penha Longa.

If you have some time available do not hesitate to come early to Belem because there is a lot to see. Later today I'll send you a map with my suggested car park and the interesting points of Belem area.

Around 6:30pm, take the tram number 15 (tram stop is 10 steps or so from the place where you should have the car parked). I guess the trams have &quot;P. Figueira&quot; displayed in the front. Stop when you see the Archway displayed in the pictures (see the link) or then go all to way to the end, and return back through Rua Augusta, a pedestrian's street. The archway is in the southern end of Rua Augusta. During the tram ride, you should have the river and the &quot;golden gate like&quot; bridge on your right side. Otherwise, you are going to the opposite direction :-)
This is the meeting point: the Rua Augusta/Pra&ccedil;a do Comercio Archway http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=327518

Note: from Penha Longa, turn right direction Estoril (opposite to Sintra), and from Estoril take the riverside road to Lisbon (river and trains should be on your right. This way you don't need to drive the car in Lisbon itself. I think it's impossible to get lost.

Perfect! We will see you at the archway of Rua Augusta/Pra&ccedil;a do Comercio around 7 p.m. Lobo, I will look forward to your map for the parking area as I am directionally challenged and need all the help I can get! :)

On Tuesday I was at Campo Pequeno and I took a few photographs of the newly restored Bull Ring. One can argue about the sport itself but the architecture is stunning and the building has undergone extensive restoration and conversion with a new commercial centre.

This is a side view:

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...land/cpeq1.jpg

Views of the park infront:

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...land/cpeq2.jpg

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...land/cpeq3.jpg

A view to the building:

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...land/cpeq4.jpg

Standing at the top of the new metro entrance:

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...land/cpeq5.jpg

and a bit closer: the easiest way to get here is by taking the metro from MArques de Pombal if you are in this area:

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...land/cpeq6.jpg

And finally a somewhat arty shot:

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...land/cpeq7.jpg

Surprisingly the park is not busy in the afternoon and on a hot sunny day is very pleasant with the shade. There are plenty of coffee shops in this area and it makes a nice couple of hours spent.

Matt

Matt and Lobo, We count as 5 for dinner. Myself, my husband,and 3 kids. thanks for planning it. Sara

I haven't yet been able to get through the previous 2 threads so perhaps this has been asked already, but can anyone recommend a 1/2 day Sintra tour and a hop-on/off bus Lisbon tour? Is the Sintra tour worth doing or should we take the train from Lisbon and do it ourselves? Thanks.

Lobo- Thanks for the information on Portugese 'acceptable attire' and gasoline.

Matt - I believe (at least accordiing to http://www.cp.pt) I can travel to from Nelas (which appears to be a bit southth of Viseu) to Vila Nova De Gaia.

I guess the big challenge will be getting from Viseu, where I can drop off the car, to Nelas where I can catch the train. Whew.... logistics, logistics !

On another subject - auto rental. I just found out the my credit card does provide what seems to be good coverage but I have to decline the Collision/Damage Waiver. I think I read somewhere here that this may actually be a problem with some rental companies. Any insights ?

Thanks everyone for your help and input !

David

David.

Sometimes the rates are given as inclusive or exclusive. That is with full or partial coverage or no coverage.
It is my understanding that to have the credit card coverage, it must me an exclusive rate. Because one must decline all agency coverage.

Except for Auto Europe, I havent't been able to find any other company that I have researched that gives prices this way.

I am not renting from Auto Europe as they are giving me a price twice what I am coming up with for other companies.

I used Carjet the last time. Someone on one of our posts said they contacted Carjet (they have pretty good prices) and did not have any luck having a price given with no insurance or maybe they said the person at Carjet did not or could not give them the bare bones price.

I am very interested to know how you make out.

Sherry

WOW. Gasoline is quite a bit more than last year, but I guess that is the way of things these days.

ttt

Carolynf, we are taking the train from Lisbon to Sintra and are doing it ourselves. However, Lisbonwalks has a tour to Sintra that is reasonbly priced. Beware; if you email them, don't expect a quick response. I had to email them a couple of times before I got a response and they still didn't answer all my ?'s. I am just going to contact them once I get there. Maybe it has something to do with the language barrier? Anyways, check them out!

Okay Lobo, have now spoken with Jen: here is the plan...

We'll meet as Cais do Sodre metro +/- 7.30 and then from there stroll up to Trindade for a meal. After Trindade we'll keep to the Bairo Alto (hopefully sneaking views to a TV for the football ;-)) and then finish the evening as we did last friday at Cafe Brasileira. Unfortunately I cannot arrange baby sitters so it'll be just me - I know I'm sorry that Lizzy is better company than I but beggars can't be choosers!

So speak with Mrs G and if not dinner then at least a drink and coffee in the late evening. What say you? speak tomorrow,

Matt

LilyE,

I guess I missed your post, about staying at Penha Longa. You are going to love it! See my trip report. Its true though, its not &quot;near&quot; anything, except a mall!( LOL)- ran in there to buy a european phone charger.

CarolynF - IMHO there are only 3 or 4 sites that shouldn't be missed in Sintra. The Nacional Palacio de Sintra is in the center of the town as are some shops and and a coiple of cafes to sit and have bica and pastry. You can take a taxi or a bus to the Palacio de Pena and my favorite, Quinta de Regaleiga is probably not walking distance from the town square. There is a trolley that takes you through Sintra for only 5E; the trip takes about 45 minutes. Sadly, there is no commentray, which would be a great addition. But, this is a nice way to rest for a few minutes and &quot;see&quot; all the external sites in Sintra.

Hope this info is helpful

Sher - you were so right! answering questions and posting info is like reliving the trip all over again! Wish we back there now.

Lyn. Well, you had to get sick and that is never any fun.

But just think how much insight you can give to the rest of us who still are about to undertake our excellent adventure.

I'm jealous -- can't help it. Wish we could vacation in Europe 2 or 3 times a year rather than once. Maybe in out next life...
I'm trying to get some more photos together, but it is slow going. We're going to Atlantic City for a couple of days, so I may have to continue when I return.

Matt, we'll join you by 10pm, after your diner. Do you know Pavilh&atilde;o Chin&ecirc;s? It's the temple of kitch style. If you don't know, you'll love it :-)

Okay L, call me when you arrive at the crime scene!

Matt

ladylyn915 - Did you still have your car when you were in Sintra? If so, did you find it difficult to find a place to park? I know most people suggest doing Sintra as a day trip from Lisbon after ditching the rental car, but I think it works best in our schedule to do it on the last day of the driving portion of the trip, before we get to Lisbon. I guess driving around Sintra is not advised, but can you park somewhere and then take the bus from one site to the next?

We did have the car. But I can tell you, after three days of very tiny one way streets, my husband was very happy to head for Evora. The weekend and daytime is the worst. When we went to Palacio de Seteais for dinner, the roads were deserted. With some patience you will find somewhere to park and its probably best if you want to see everything in one day.

Hi Isabel. Of course Lyn knows better than I because she was staying there.
But we parked the car near the train station and Pizza Hut in the lower town and took the bus everywhere.

I cannot remember the number of the bus, but if you look in Rick Steves Portugal book, it tells you exactly where to park. I cannot find my book at the moment. At least it did in the 2005 book.

Sher- Don't be so sure. I don't think Ieven knew there was a &quot;lower&quot; town vs what? upper I guess? Didn't know that. But I am very familiar with the train station and pizza hut sign. We laughed and laughed because every time we got turned around, we seemed to be back at the train station and pizza hut. We parked twice on the upper road behind and across from the Nacional Palacioe de Sintra.

Thank you for the tips re: Sintra tours. I think we will end up taking the train and doing it on our own.
Another question - we will be driving back to Lisbon from Lagos on a Thursday in August. Any ideas of a spot to stop on the way to Lisbon? Lunch, a quick look around - Evora? Is it even possible/worth it with only an hour or two?

Lobo and Matt,

What do you think? Should I just contact you when we arrive, or will that be too late to plan something for dinner?

I leave for Paris on Tues. I will have my lap-top so I will be on-line, if all goes ok with it.

You know where I'm staying. The apt. does not have it's own phone though. I have a cell phone, but will not know the number till I get over there and get a SIM card.

namaka

Yesterday morning saw the inaugaration of direct flights from Lisbon to Philadelphia: US Airways will be flying this route until 27th October this year and the first flight yesterday was made with a Boeing 757-200. Hopefully throughout the summer many of our American friends will be making use of this service, bringing them to Lisbon for the Lisbon Dining Club nights!

Matt

Namaka, don't stress. Between June 19 amd 30 we have a lot of opportunities to go out for dinner. Do you have my telephone number? please email me [email protected] and I'll reply with my telephone number. I think the same applies with Matt, but I'll let him speak by himself.
I have one suggestion: on 21st or 22nd, we can meet in &quot;A Brazileira&quot; for a coffee or a drink and set up the plan for a dinner on 24th. Does it sound good? We could go early (10-11pm) to let you take your children with you.
Matt, does it sound OK (Oll Korrect)

Lobo, sounds great. I just emailed you so I will be looking for your phone number to make sure I pack it with me.

Coffee or a drink beforehand sounds fine too.

I am renting a car for only a couple of days to re-visit my old home, school, etc. I will have it on the 24th if that helps.

Lyn. I only knew to look for the Pizza Hut because it was in the book. But it worked out fine for the parking. At least we got around easily.
I am going to be in New York from June 20 until June 27. Maybe we could squeeze in at least a phone call during that time. Part of the time I will be on Long Island and part of the time in Manhattan.
You can email me at [email protected] and I will give you my cell phone number.

Namaka. You and your family have a safe and wonderful time. I am glad you have your laptop. Maybe you can post about the apartment when you arrive. Then I will make reservations if you like it.
Sherry

Sherry, as long as the lap-top works, I definitely plan to post, so be prepared to hear from me.

And so we in Lisbon bid a fond farewell and bon voyage to Jen (Bailey) and Gregg. We had a very nice unplanned night with dinner at Trindade, strolling through Bairo Alto and beers in a Jazz cafe and ending up at some Kitsch chinese palace bar drinking Jasmine tea. It was a pleasure to host you both, many thanks for the present and each time I drink from it I will think of you. Look forward to trip report and photos, all the very best from Lizzy and I.

Matt

Nameka, have a great trip! and please let us know what the kids did and didn't like. Sara

sarasara, will do!

Jen and Gregg are very nice people. We wish them the best of luck. Joao&amp;Gert

So unfortunately I could not meet Lobo this afternoon and likewise not attend the CP cleberations but I took my daughter to the local coffee shop to watch England (and what a poor game it was.) To give you some idea of costs of drinks I paid 9 euros 50 for:

3 Keneckas (Phonetic spelling - pints of beer9
1 bica
1 bifana - steak sandwich.
1 Bottle water
1 packet of Malteesers
1 Kinder surprise egg.
And endless plates of tremosos - butter beans to go with the beer.

Local coffee shops offer much better value for money than tourist traps, as Jen and Greg discovered on their tour of Portugal.

Matt

My railway wanderings now have a dedicated thread:

PORTUGAL BY TRAIN.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34819673

I'll be adding further reports as and when I make the trips but I hope it inspires you to make use of some of the more scenic lines. Who knows, perhaps I'll join you on your trip.

Matt

All:

Greg and I are now back in the USA. It's hard to express just how great of time we had during our trip to Portugal. We found that the sights were amazing, the food delicious and, most importantly, that the people were very friendly and welcoming. I plan to start a trip report and post some photos in the next few days to share our experience with you.

I also want to extend a gigantic &quot;thank you&quot; to Matt and Lizzy and Joao and Gertrude. Greg and I appreciate your generosity and the time you spent with us during our trip. You helped make our trip very special.

Jen