virginiafish

Day 10: after a wonderful breakfast, we headed for Elvas and admired the huge aqueduct, drove up to the Forte for a great view. It was too windy to stay. Drove to Badajoz, went the Alcazaba, but the museum was closed. Debated going to Seville, or other towns in Spain. Our friend Joao, who took us on the tuk tuk tour in Lisbon, reached out after seeing my question regarding this on the Spain forum, and made some wonderful suggestions. We followed his advice, and are now in Monsaraz, at Monte Alerta, a rural tourisimo hotel which is a huge farmhouse that has been in Victoria’s family for 10 generations or more. We have the whole house to enjoy and, after a delicious dinner .2 of a mile away-Gato Preto, are in front of a lovely fire in one of the many living areas which awaited us at arrival. Dinner included a local specialty of a tomato soup with eggs that was delicious. Looking forward to a few nights here, as there is lots to explore. We can see the castle lit up in the distance.

virginiafish

Day 11: Joao’s advice was so correct for us! We enjoyed our time in this area. Visited the Vila Medieval de Monsaraz, walking in the village, looking in at the fantastic views, and visited the very well done, informative Museu Do Fresco, with a interesting display of the history of the town in addition to the famous fresco. Had a snack, awaiting to visit the House of the Inquisiton. After waiting and calling, found out it was closed for a “reform” day?!? Went to our car and beelined to Paco Ducal de Vila Viscosa, barely making it there by the start of the last tour (one cannot tour alone). They were gracious, and one of the guides waited for us and gave us a fabulous, private tour in English. It is a grand palace full of history and artwork, better than any we have seen, including Versailles. Lovely dinner at 100 Esquadria. Joao has pointed us in a good direction for tomorrow.

Melnq8

Gracious...that pretty much sums up our experience with the people of Portugal.

virginiafish

Day 12: we left Monsaraz, stopping to see more megaliths and headed to Setubal. On the way, we stopped at the Sao Pedro do Corval, an exhibition of the many potter’s works in the area. Another suggestion from Joao. We got to Setubal, checked into the Rio Art Hotel, well located to walk into the center of town, which we did, enjoying some desserts at cafes and strolling the lovely streets. Appreciated the beautiful church on the plaza and some roasted chestnuts. Returned to the car and drove along the coast towards Portinho da Arrabida. The views of the sea on the windy road were stunning. This was also Joao’s suggestion; he has been our ultimate advisor and so kind. We had a lovely dinner at Tasca da Avenida; the fish was so fresh!

virginiafish

Day 13: Our last full day was wonderful. Our guide recommended by Joao was Andreia https://www.otukdojoao.com/private-t...a-obidos-more/. She made our trip to Sintra and more possible, as we would not have found it enjoyable otherwise. It was seamless. She picked us up in Cascais, dropped us off at the entrance to Quinta da Regaleira Palace. We toured and she was right at the exit waiting for us. The same ease made our visit to Sintra National Palace a joy. Then, a lovely time with Andreia at a delicious pizza lunch where she shared, and we learned much about the area, life in Portugal, etc., After lunch, she made sure to show us the highlights of the coastline including Azenhas Do Mar, Cabo da Roca, and Guincho. After our tour, we met Rabbi Eli Rosenfeld to learn about the Jewish community in Cascais. We walked back to town along the oceanfront, watching the waves and people enjoying biking. Dinner at Hifen, which had interesting dishes we enjoyed.

virginiafish

Day 14: Andreia picked us up for the airport. Our hotel (Westlight) graciously made breakfast fixings ready early so we could pack some breakfast to go. We had been forewarned that negotiating the airport with poor signage could be a possibility. Much to our surprise, Andreia, who had maneuvered rush hour traffic so well, parked on 15 minute parking and whisked us off, getting us to the boarding area in a blink! Home now, and so gracious for a wonderful, healthy, trip and grateful to all who helped us plan this!

excited_confused

Thanks for the wonderful TR! Lots of useful information!

virginiafish

Well, dear Fodorites, I have tested positive for COVID... I think symptoms started a few nights before we left Portugal. Stay safe; we tried, but I guess there were slips...

virginiafish

p.s. some people have commented after seeing some of our pictures where we are wearing parkas or down jackets if we were cold. We were fine with the right clothing to layer up. In fact, some days we did not need jackets. I would not have liked to take this trip in tourist season! We had no, if any, lines with which to deal, flexibility, and not the heat that many complain about. Easy to get reservations, etc.

KarenWoo

I am so sorry to hear you have Covid. I hope you feel better soon. And I really enjoyed reading your trip report.

virginiafish

Thank you KarenWoo. A little better each day and no regrets. We needed to travel again.

excited_confused

Hope you are feeling better, wishing you a speedy recovery!

virginiafish

Thank you. Getting better each day and, thankfully, DH did not come down with it so far.