THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND LISBON PART III (Inc Portugal)
Jun 7th, 2006, 12:11 PM
#41
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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
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
Jun 7th, 2006, 12:51 PM
#42
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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!
Jun 7th, 2006, 12:57 PM
#43
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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.
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.
Jun 8th, 2006, 02:09 AM
#44
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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 Praça 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
Have I missed anything between the 12th June and 2nd July?
Matt
Jun 8th, 2006, 02:11 AM
#45
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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
http://www.tallshipslisboa.com/Default.aspx
Matt
Jun 8th, 2006, 03:18 AM
#47
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To Lily:
Jump the fire means "jump the fire". 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 "P. Figueira" 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 "golden gate like" bridge on your right side. Otherwise, you are going to the opposite direction
This is the meeting point: the Rua Augusta/Praça 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.
Jump the fire means "jump the fire". 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 "P. Figueira" 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 "golden gate like" bridge on your right side. Otherwise, you are going to the opposite direction
This is the meeting point: the Rua Augusta/Praça 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.
Jun 8th, 2006, 05:45 AM
#48
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Perfect! We will see you at the archway of Rua Augusta/Praça 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!
Jun 8th, 2006, 06:15 AM
#49
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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
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
Jun 8th, 2006, 07:40 AM
#51
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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.
Jun 8th, 2006, 07:46 AM
#52
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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
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
Jun 8th, 2006, 09:13 AM
#53
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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.
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.
Jun 8th, 2006, 11:46 AM
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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!
Jun 8th, 2006, 01:52 PM
#56
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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
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
Jun 8th, 2006, 06:41 PM
#57
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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 "near" 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 "see" all the external sites in Sintra.
Hope this info is helpful
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 "near" 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 "see" all the external sites in Sintra.
Hope this info is helpful
Jun 8th, 2006, 07:16 PM
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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.
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.
