Lisbon vs. Porto: Which Best??!!

[downsmead]

WTerry - thank you very much. We are off to Portugal in June. Our first purely land trip / holiday in a long while. We fly into Porto and I have a couple of guide books and about 10 sites bookmarked on my iPad. I have booked a ‘free’ walking tour for the first morning, the tips (at our discretion) are the payment. It means that they bear no responsibility for you on the trip!! We have three days in Porto taking the train along the duoro, staying 2 nights at each of Regua and Pinhao. Train back to Porto for a few more nights then a train down to Lisbon.

We called into Lisbon on a cruise last October and am keen to see more of it at a leisurely pace this time. 

Its funny but for cruises I have trips planned and booked for most ports months in advance but this trip we are just going with the flow 😂.

Edited March 24, 2019 by downsmead

[TLCOhio]

25 minutes ago, Got2Cruise said:

We can always count on Terry for helpful articles and photographs. Taking the Uniworld Lisbon to Porto Cruise in July. Thanks! 

 

Appreciate these very kind comments and this follow-up from Got2Cruise.  Good luck with your upcoming "adventure" in charming Portugal.  In order to help build your excitement and share with others, below are some of the visuals from my live/blog to document why Porto created such "love" in our hearts towards this historic town.  Don't be shy with any and all questions.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

SE Asia/Mekong River, Etc.!  Live/blog from early 2018, first adventure through SE Asia, stops in Hong Kong and Bangkok, before exploring all over Vietnam and Cambodia, seven days sailing on the Mekong River. Now at 45,179 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2591474

 

Here are three of my initial visual samples from visiting Porto on June 15, 2017. Loved doing a small-craft sailing along their historic town areas near where Port wines are stored and sold. Plus, seeing the famed tile designs inside their rail station, etc. Will have more pictures to prove why Porto was so super special with its architecture, iron balconies, etc.:

 

 

 

Here is some more Porto "eye candy" examples for the style and architecture of this second largest city in Portugal. Like these arched steel bridges?:

 

 

 

Yes, we visited a Port wine warehouse and sampled two different kinds of their famed drink. Yes, it was super good and not too sweet. Very tasty!!:

 

[TLCOhio]

16 minutes ago, downsmead said:

WTerry - thank you very much. We are off to Portugal in June. Our first purely land trip / holiday in a long while. We fly into Porto and I have a couple of guide books and about 10 sites bookmarked on my iPad. I have booked a ‘free’ walking tour for the first morning, the tips (at our discretion) are the payment. It means that they bear no responsibility for you on the trip!! We have three days in Porto taking the train along the duoro, staying 2 nights at each of Regua and Pinhao. Train back to Porto for a few more nights then a train down to Lisbon.  We called into Lisbon on a cruise last October and am keen to see more of it at a leisurely pace this time. Its funny but for cruises I have trips planned and booked for most ports months in advance but this trip we are just going with the flow 😂.

 

Great follow-up above from this UK CC Board contributor.  "Going with the flow" has its advantages, too!!  Much depends on your personal style, travel interests, past experiences in these areas, etc.  Lots of factors to consider.  Nice that you a have a decent amount of time and flexibility for this part of Portugal.  Good luck with those travels.  Report back as to what you saw and enjoyed most during your travels. 

 

Below are some more visual samples from Porto.  Lots of great options to consider, including just walking around and soaking up the excellent "atmosphere"!!

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 44,629 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

 

We visited some amazing churches in Porto. Here are samples of their excellent design, style and religious approach.  First is the Igreja do Carmo and Igreja dos Carmelitas, at the corner of Praça de Carlos Alberto and Rua do Carmo.  These are two churches in Porto that stand almost side by side.  The two churches are separated by a very narrow (three feet wide) house that was inhabited until the 1980's. The house was built so that the two churches would not share a common wall and to prevent any relations between the nuns of Igreja dos Carmelitas and the monks of Igreja do Carmo.  The Igreja do Carmo was built between 1756 and 1768 in the rococo or late Baroque, style.  The Igreja do Carmo has a azulejo-covered exterior with the azulejos added in 1912. The tiles were made locally in Vila Nova de Gaia. They depict scenes of the founding of the Carmelite Order and Mount Carmel.  Both had amazing and dramatic interiors.  Well worth visiting!!:

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Here is another angle/view involving one of the famous Porto iron bridge, the city-scape in the background, etc.:

 

Here are some added Douro River scenes in and around Porto. First shows some of the colorful buildings near where many tour boats departed to travel this river. In the background at the left, you can one of the many large, arched bridges that cross this river. The second picture is a large residential structure with its balconies facing this river. The third visual shows how there are some sky cars traveling along this river area. The large roofs with the tile coverings are of the warehouses used to store barrels of port wines before it is later shipped out.:

 

 

 

Along the Douro River is this historic church, below is one of the oldest in Porto that we saw during our sailing along this famed waterway. It is named Igreja Matriz de Massarelos. It goes back to the 1700's and was was founded by a fishing guild (Brotherhood of Souls do Corpo Santo Massarelos).:

 

Shown is Jardim do Infante Dom Henrique. Or, in English, it is a monument to Prince Henry the Navigator. It is near where we boarded our boat to travel the Douro River. This statue represents so much of the great design and character with their public art and architecture!!:

 

Here is an example of an older-styled boat sailing the Douro River. It is styled to look like the ships that traveled this river carrying port wine barrels from the vineyards down to the Porto warehouses. In the background is one of these large warehouse structures that line this opposite side of the busy river.:

[TLCOhio]

Here are some additional samples from Porto.  As I have told many, we did not just "like" Porto. It was a super "LOVE AFFAIR" with this town, its character, style, churches, etc., during our one-day visit to Porto.

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Athens & Greece: Many visuals, details for a city with great history, culture and architecture.  Now at 29,693 views.

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Here is another exterior view for these two great churches, Igreja das Carmelitas (left) and Igreja do Carmo (right).  Dating to the 17th century, these classical facades front for interiors with lavish, gilded naves and spectacular interiors. On the side, you can see some of the blue tiles used to decorate this exterior side.:

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In addition to my earlier pictures for these two churches, below is another interior angle/view.:



 

This is one of the historic trolley cars near these two churches in Porto.:



 

As we walked through their main downtown area, this is an example of the unique design details seen on many of the buildings there in Porto.:



 

At Liberdade Square that is in front of the Porto City Hall, here is a view of the equestrian statue of King Pedro IV with some elegantly-styled buildings in the background.:



 

During our boat trip on the Douro River, we were getting ready to go under one of several large arch bridges. Shown is the bridge originally designed by some French guy named Eiffel. Yes, that Gustave Eiffel!! It is know as the Ponte Maria Pia. It was built in 1877 as a railway bridge. Thiswrought iron, double-hinged, crescent arch spanned 1,158 feet. At the time of its construction, it was the longest single-arched span in the world. It is no longer used, but is preserved for its historic significance. Plus, it looks great! It is often confused with the two-level Dom Luís I Bridge that was built nine years later and is about a half mile to the west. In the background is the newer concrete bridge used for rail traffic now.:



[TLCOhio]

Below are the final group of my key visuals from Porto.  What about "equal time" for Lisbon?  YES!  Will post "eye candy" from Portugal's capital to reflect its excellent history, culture, character, charm, architecture, etc.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Dubrovnik!  Nice visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic location. Over 44,723 views.    

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Here are a couple of additional pictures from our visit to the São Bento Railway Station. Most of the crowd in the earlier picture was our ship tour group. This rail station was completed in 1896 on the site of the old Benedictine Convent of São Bento da Avé Maria. The azulejos tile "paintings" reflect historical events in Portuguese history. This station is in a key central location facing the main Liberdade Square where their City Hall and equestrian statue of King Pedro IV are located.:

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This is Porto's Clérigos Church, a Baroque church with its tall bell tower, the Torre dos Clérigos. This church was completed in the 1750's. This tower was inspired by Tuscan campaniles and is 248 feet tall. This tower structure has become one of the key symbol of the city.:

 

In Portugal's famed Porto, here is a different angle from their main square of this King Peter IV statue in Liberdade Square. In the background is the tower for their City Hall.:

[TLCOhio]

For Lisbon, it's their time to shine and be in the spotlight.  This includes for the Jerónimos Monastery that we found to be totally fascinating.  It is a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome near the Tagus river in the parish of Belém.  Jerónimos was secularised in 1833 by state decree. The monastery is one of the most prominent examples of the Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline style of architecture. It was classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby Tower of Belém, in 1983.

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 244,812 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

Here is the start for sharing some visuals from charming and historic Lisbon. Loved our five days here!! These pictures provide more details, angles and aspects for the Jerónimos Monastery that we visited on a Sunday when their morning mass was being observed. The third picture shows the tomb of famed explorer Vasco da Gama that is located in this church area.:

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Within the Jerónimos Monastery, there is a two-story-high cloisters. Here is my wife, Penny, walking and talking with private guide, Jose, as we toured these highly-interesting cloisters areas.:

 

Nearby to the Jerónimos Monastery is the famed Belém Tower that was part of the protection system at the mouth of the Tagus River and a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon. It was completed in 1519.: 

 

At this entrance to the Lisbon harbor, here is the Monument of the Discoveries. It was completed in 1960. Located along the river where ships departed to explore and trade with India and Orient, the monument celebrates the Portuguese Age of Discovery or Exploration) during the peak 15th and 16th centuries when Portugal was so powerful and important. It features and celebrates personally the "Early Navigators".: 

 

[TLCOhio]

Here is round two of sharing from the sights and experiences from Lisbon.  Much to see and enjoy in the Capital of Portugal.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

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www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

From Lisbon's Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, here are a few visual samples. Its Middle East tiles, rugs, etc., were amazing here!! The third picture is one of about 120 different pieces by famed artist René Lalique who was a close personal friend of this collector. This museum also has interesting outdoor gardens and water features. Below are baby and mother turtles enjoying the sunny day.:

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One night we dined at the large market-style, "Time Out" dining location with a wide variety of options for food, drink and desserts. At this large location, second is a picture of a bakery location that makes the famed and wonderful custard treats for which Lisbon is known. Fun place to be that attracts lots of the "locals"!!:

 

 

At Lisbon's Rossio Square, here is one picture off one of these attractive fountains with such charming character and history. Also, great "wavy" pavement at this central location that is more of an oval shape than a "square". Love this setting and site that has the National Theatre on its north side. This has been the "nerve center" of Lisbon for six centuries. At its central point is a statue of Dom Pedro IV, the Emperor of Brazil.:

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Nearby is this statue and square called Prada dos Resauradores. This soaring obelisk was erected in 1886 to celebrate Portugal's liberation from Spain in 1640. The main Rossio rail station is right nearby to this historic site at the bottom of Avenida da Liberdade.:

 

Along Avenida da Liberdade. near our hotel was this monument to those who lost their lives in World War I. This wide and majestic boulevard was built 1879-82 in the style of the Champs-Elysees in Paris. We loved walking along this route, sampling the stylish architecture, enjoying food options, seeing interesting fountains and landscaping, etc. See the nice, colorful buildings in the background?:

 

In the colorful and historic Alfama district of Lisbon, here is one of the structures with various "festival" decorations being up as people prepared for the night food and drink activities here. It was a great time to be visiting Lisbon during this period and with these fun celebrations.:

[TLCOhio]

Now round three from Lisbon.  Sourced from three different cruise lines, here are their summaries regarding Lisbon. 

 

From Seabourn:  The great period of "the Discoveries" accounted for phenomenal wealth brought back from India, Africa and Brazil by the great Portuguese navigators. Gold, jewels, ivory, porcelain and spices helped finance grand new buildings and impressive monuments in Lisbon, the country's capital city. As you sail up the Tagus River, be on deck to admire Lisbon's panorama and see some of the great monuments lining the river. Lisbon is one of Europe's smallest capital cities but considered by many visitors to be one of the most likeable. Spread over a string of seven hills, the city offers a variety of faces, including a refreshing no-frills simplicity reflected in the people as they go unhurriedly through their day enjoying a hearty and delicious cuisine accompanied by the country's excellent wines.
Key Tips at: 
http://www.seabourn.com/assets/cruise-destinations/Seabourn-cruises-CondeNast-port-LIS_2.22.11.pdf

 

From Regent:  Legend states that Ulysses founded Lisbon, calling it Olisipo. Others claim that the name is Phoenician, but all agree it’s one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations. On All Saints’ Day in 1755 a devastating earthquake destroyed much of the city. The Baixa (Lower City) was rebuilt on neo-classical lines that still form the heart of the city. The elegant ‘City of Explorers’overlooks the River Tagus, and offers a number of distinctive neighborhoods to discover. Tour the Alfama, where the winding streets still retain much of their Moorish atmosphere. Stroll to Bairro Alto and hear the melodious sounds of Portugal’s Fado music. Nearby excursions transport you to the lavish 18th-century palace of Queluz and Sintra’s Royal Palace.

 

From HAL:  Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a wealth of sights, tastes and sounds. An ensemble of neighborhoods both old and new, it’s a city full of history, culture and tradition. After the devastating earthquake that struck in 1755, reconstruction began and the rebuilt Baixa area quickly became one of the city's busiest districts. From there, you can glance up at São Jorge Castle on one hill while in another direction you'll find Chiado, one of the trendiest and most elegant neighborhoods. The spirit of Lisbon can be encapsulated by the soulful musical genre, fado, which can best be enjoyed in the Alfama, the city's oldest neighborhood. Enter one of the area's old-school taverns and listen to passionate renditions of Fado Vadio, sung by amateurs, often after a round of aguardiente, an anise-flavored liquor.Visiting Lisbon, also known as the City of Seven Hills, requires some huffing and puffing but you can opt for touring around in a tuk tuk. Another fun option is to take one of the four elevators to access hilly neighborhoods: The Santa Justa vertical lift, an iron tower, can whisk you from downtown to Carmo for a visit to the historic Convento do Carmo or try the ultrasteep streetcar-type Elevador da Glória to get up to the botanical garden in no time.
 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling for "down under” wonders. Exciting visuals with key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 210,151 views.

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At the top part of Avenida da Liberdade is this statute of Marques de Pombal. Our hotel, that worked super well and had a great location, was named for this leader (who lived 1699-1782). He successfully guides the reconstruction of Lisbon after the famous and huge Nov. 1, 1755, earthquake. That disaster killed about 15,000 people and destroyed over twenty churches and so many other historic buildings in this capital city.:

 

When we did our sail-away from Lisbon, this was one of the views from the Silver Spirit. This visual angle included BOTH the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos and the Monument to the Discoveries. The later was built in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator. That Portugal "star" set his nation on the path to fame and fortune through world exploration. This monument is 170 feet tall. The Mosteiro dos Jeronimos goes back to the 15th century and was one of our top highlights in visiting Lisbon. Will post more visuals and background on this monastery that was partly built to celebrate the discoveries by explorer, Vasco da Gama.:

 

As we were waiting to enter the large Church of Santa Maria as a part of Mosteiro dos Jeronimos  that goes back to the 15th century, here was just a small sample of the decorative art/caring on the walls. Second is a priest at the door as visitors entered and exited this religious site. Since it was a Sunday when we visited and a full Mass was in process as we were there, that made this visit so much more moving and meaningful.:

 

 

Within this monastery, here is a sample of the excellent tile work artistry in its Refectory. This large room was the dining room for those at this monastery. Second is a visuals from the second floor of the two-level Cloister. Loved the delicate designs and styles with these artwork and religious designs.:

 

 

From Lisbon, here is an example of a typical street scene with one of the trolly cars traveling along its tracks. This narrow street is near the Prada do Comercio square that we enjoyed so much during our first day in Lisbon.:

 

This is a view of Castelo de Sao Jorge. This historic site goes back 1147 when King Afonso Henriques transformed this hill top citadel into the residence for Portugal's kings during these periods. Prior to that time, this site was the powerful location that the Moors used to control this region. This site was badly damaged during the 1755 earthquake, but it was restored by dictator Salazar in 1938.:

[TLCOhio]

Below is part four from Lisbon during our June 2017 trip.  This was at the start of our cruise going up the Atlantic Ocean to explore Porto,  NW Spain and many great stops in France, etc.  We finished our cruise in Rouen and then did added land exploring in northern France.   Why so many visuals from Lisbon?  It's their fault, not mine!!  This charming city has such a great range of history, culture, architecture, etc.  Not boring or bland in Lisbon. Do some of these pictures prove that point?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!  Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture.  This posting is now at 81,408 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

 

As a part of the "competition" among the key neighborhoods in Lisbon, all of the stops are pulled out to come up with the best costumes, songs, dances, moving set pieces, etc. It was a great, spectacular experience to be there and enjoy!! This event is televised and after this parade finished around midnight, then the REAL PARTY started. Lots of food, drinking, etc.!! In Lisbon, the next day is a holiday and people could stay up all night having fun! No, we did not stay up night. Had to rest up for a busy day-trip the next morning.:

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From visiting one of the Lisbon churches, here is a visual of the tiles and other religious design details. Unlike in France, the Catholic churches here are celebrated and decorated in a very "active" and highly-detailed manner.:

 

Along the Avenida da Liberdade, here is an example of just one "water feature" that decorates this multiple-lanes and tree-lined avenue. We had lunch at an outdoor location next to this park feature. Nice to have these sights and being under such tall shade trees.:

 

Can't help myself in wanting to share more from the colorful St. Anthony parade/festival. I used a high ISO level of 2500 to capture this image at a 1/60th of a second at f5.3. Thought these technical details would be of interest as night shooting of action shots is not always easy or perfect. Like the blue shoes?:

 

The older Alfama district of Lisbon is a must-see. Lots of narrow, interesting streets. So much history! On our first day, we saw lots here on a Tuk-Tuk tour. Do not miss this key neighborhood of Lisbon!! Like the tile work?  Occupying the tallest of Lisbon's hills, the district of Alfama has the spirit and feel of distant, past times. Largely spared in the 1755 earthquake, it is a maze of narrow streets and steep steps. There are many dark taverns, flower-laden iron balconies and small squares. The number 28 tram also makes its way through these ancient streets and hills.:

 

Inside of the Sé de Lisboa, this picture shows another angle/view reflecting the history and character of this Cathedral of Lisbon. Rated as the oldest building in Lisbon, the Romanesque lines of this Cathedral appear very austere. With castellated walls and arrow slits in the towers, it has the appearance of a fortress on the outside. Construction began on the cathedral in 1147, the same year that Lisbon was recaptured from the Moors. This Cathedral was built on the site of the Moorish main mosque. Lots of "real history" here!!:

 

This is the exterior for Lisbon's 17th century Church of Santa Engrácia. With its huge dome, it was designated the National Pantheon in 1966. Buried here are many of Portugal's presidents and cultural/music leaders. This includes Amalia Rodrigues, their famed fado singer.:

[TLCOhio]

Here is the next group from wonderful Lisbon.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 63,281 views:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

 

Here we are passing the historic Torre de Belém (Tower of Belém). It was originally designed in 1514 as a fortress and defensive point at the estuary's mouth. As the bank has pushed out over the years, it become less of an island military post and more of a distinctive site that has earned UNESCO world heritage status. Its stonework is a major attraction with ornate balconies, Manueline rope shapes, animals and shields. Each corner boasts a sentry post in the Moorish style.:

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Here are two visuals as we approached and passed under the 25 de Abril Bridge during our sail-away from Lisbon as we started our cruise. It connects Lisbon and the south bank of the Tagus River. It was inaugurated in 1966 and had a lower train platform added in 1999. Being a suspension bridge and with similar coloring, it is often compared to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. It was built by an American bridge company that did the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, but not the Golden Gate. With a total length of 7470 feet, it is the 27th largest suspension bridge in the world. Its lower deck is 230 feet above the water. Yes, it is tall and very impressive when crossing under this structure during a sail-away. The upper deck carries six car/truck lanes. Until 1974, the bridge was named Salazar Bridge. After the dictator's death, the name was changed to honor the Carnation Revolution that usher out that period of Portugal's history. In both pictures, you can see in the distance, the Sanctuary of Christ the King monument and shrine. It overlooks Lisbon and was inspired by the Christ the Redeemer statue of Rio de Janeiro. The large statue was erected to express gratitude because the Portuguese were spared the effects of World War II. It was completed in 1959.:

 

 

This is a little out of "order", but here are a few added, prime visuals from the parade in connection with the Saint Anthony celebrations. Are not the costumes and street action were very amazing??   Shown in one picture are just three of the 16 couple married that day in the Se Cathedral who received many gifts and all expenses covered. Yes, in the last picture, she is saying "HI!" to me and those here on Cruise Critic.:

 

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

 

SE Asia/Mekong River, Etc.!  Live/blog from early 2018, first adventure through SE Asia, stops in Hong Kong and Bangkok, before exploring all over Vietnam and Cambodia, seven days sailing on the Mekong River. Now at 45,179 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2591474

 

From our first full day in Lisbon, here are some more sampling of many sights in Lisbon. Do any of these bring back memories for those who have previously been to Lisbon? Like the sunny blue skies?  The final three visuals here are from Mosteiro dos Jeronimos.:

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The first and third of these various Lisbon visuals include the São Jorge Castle (at top right in the first picture and top middle in the third) that towers over the town. This structure dates back to Roman and Moor times. The second picture shows the Rua Augusta Arch, a triumphal, historical building and visitor attraction on the Praça do Comércio. It was built to commemorate the city's reconstruction after the 1755 earthquake.  The fourth picture shows inside their main Cathedral in Lisbon.  We rode around on a fun Tuk Tuk vehicle to see parts of hilly old town areas. Below in the final picture, you can see my wife with the driver who gave us an introductory sample of hilly Lisbon getting ready for its big festival.:

 

 

 

 

 

[frankdp]

Just an amazing presentation both in the imagery and description.  So glad to have found this thread in that we just booked a crossing originating in Lisbon.  Two full days pre-cruise to enjoy this intriguing city!   Thank you kind sir!

[TLCOhio]

1 hour ago, frankdp said:

Just an amazing presentation both in the imagery and description.  So glad to have found this thread in that we just booked a crossing originating in Lisbon.  Two full days pre-cruise to enjoy this intriguing city!   Thank you kind sir!

 

Appreciate so much your above kind comments and this follow-up. Still have a few more visuals and details to share.  Clearly with only two days there, you will have to research and consider which of these many options best fits your personal interests and priorities.  Let us know any added questions. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 244,932 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

[mskaufman]

Terry,

 

You are doing a great job of getting us pumped up for our trip in June, that includes both Lisbon and Porto.

 

Thanks/Mark

[TLCOhio]

21 hours ago, mskaufman said:

Terry,  You are doing a great job of getting us pumped up for our trip in June, that includes both Lisbon and Porto.   Thanks/Mark

 

Wonderful, Mark, to see your super nice follow-up.  Glad that the "excitement is building" for your upcoming trip in June.  Keep researching and planning!!  Let us know any added questions or info needs.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast.  Now at 27,841 views.  Many interesting pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

[mskaufman]

Terry, Do you have a site someplace where you have all of your pictures posted?  I tend to take about 300 pictures a day and am always interested in some good locations.  

 

Thanks again/Mark

[TLCOhio]

17 hours ago, mskaufman said:

Terry, Do you have a site someplace where you have all of your pictures posted?  I tend to take about 300 pictures a day and am always interested in some good locations.  Thanks again/Mark

 

Yes and No is the answer to your very good question.  Yes, all of my many travel and family pictures are centralize on my MacBook Pro laptop, plus, added back-ups kept on portable hard drives, at home and one in the off-site bank safety deposit box.  BUT, there is no board on the web with easy access and good organization for these various visuals.  

 

There are many, many postings and details on Cruise Critic, however, there is not some other handy Internet site.  Maybe I will get that one in the future??!!  In the past many of the pictures have been prepared for CC posting by having them uploaded to Photobucket.  That step, however, is not needed currently due to recent changes technically by the CC folks.  

 

Does this help?  Any added questions, comments, suggestions, etc.?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling for "down under” wonders. Exciting visuals with key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 210,474 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

[mskaufman]

Yes, I keep my pictures on an external hard drive and a second one that I keep in a different location.  I also make some web sites using Shutterfly.

[TLCOhio]

On 3/31/2019 at 8:28 PM, mskaufman said:

Yes, I keep my pictures on an external hard drive and a second one that I keep in a different location.  I also make some web sites using Shutterfly.

 

Sounds like you, also, have a great "plan" and strategy with your visuals.  Keep up the great sharing on these CC Boards.  

 

From the London/UK Telegraph this past week, they had this headline: “Taking the slow train through Portugal's beautiful Douro Valley”.   It is about more than just doing a train ride.  There are many different ideas and options to consider that are included in this profile.  

 

Here are some of the story's many highlights/details: “Sao Bento, agleam in the morning sun, may well be the world’s most becoming railway station. Porto’s secondary terminus pays glorious tribute to the city’s belle époque, its opera-house concourse walled from floor to lofty, elaborate ceiling with colourful hand-painted tiles.  Portugal’s trams are some of the oldest public service vehicles in operation in the world: many are approaching their centenary, and still going strong. Known locally as “eletricos”, 60 mahogany-benched vintage trams rattle through the streets of Porto and Lisbon, with another lonely survivor plying its trade on the vertiginous run from Sintra down to the seaside.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/portugal/articles/rail-journey-through-the-douro-valley/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Here are a couple of the visuals featured in the Telegraph story related to Sintra, near Lisbon.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

 

 

Here is one of their visuals featured that shows the colorful side of Porto.:

[downsmead]

I have really been into planning our trip in June. We arrive on the 5th June and plan to spend the 3 days we have in Porto before moving along the Duoro, looking around the city and visiting all the fabulous places Terry has posted pics of. We have 6 days along the river and then return to Porto for another 3 days. We are looking into travelling out to Braga, Foz and Guimares over that period. I have booked a couple of restuarants and have a few more in mind to visit. Then it is down to Lisbon for 4 days. We travelled to Sintra when we visited last October but didn't get to see the palace so am hoping to go there. 

I have just found out that there are some European football matches in and around 

Porto from the 5th to the 9th June but hopefully shouldn't impact us too much. 

[mskaufman]

Hopefully, when we return in July we will have lots of pictures to share.  Maybe even some video.  

[TLCOhio]

12 hours ago, mskaufman said:

Hopefully, when we return in July we will have lots of pictures to share.  Maybe even some video.  

 

Great follow-ups above and downsmead. Excellent sharing!!  Good luck to downsmead from the UK with your upcoming travels to Portugal.  When completed, come back and share your experiences here. 

 

From USAToday last month, they had this headline on a Rick Steves column/update: “What's new in Spain and Portugal for 2019”  with these highlights about Lisbon: “Portugal has fewer blockbuster sights than Spain and nowhere near the crowds. The only sight where you might have a crowd problem is the Monastery of Jéronimos at Belém, just outside Lisbon proper (buy a combo-ticket at Belém's Archaeology Museum to avoid the ticket line at the monastery).  Riding in most of Lisbon's classic trolley cars — a quintessential Portuguese experience — can also be frustratingly crowded (and plagued by pickpockets targeting tourists). A less-crowded option is trolley line #24E.   (Or, better yet, get your trolley experience in Porto, which has almost no crowds.)   On my last visit I realized that Lisbon's beloved Alfama quarter — its Visigothic birthplace and once-salty sailors' quarter — is salty no more (except with the sweat of cruise groups hiking its now-lifeless lanes). The new colorful zone to explore is the nearby Mouraria, the historic tangled quarter on the back side of the castle. This is where the Moors lived after the Reconquista (when Christian forces retook the city from the Muslims).”

 

Full story at:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2019/03/11/spain-portugal-attractions/3013067002/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!  Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture.  This posting is now at 81,682 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

 

Here is one of the visuals from Lisbon featured in this USAToday column by Rick Steves. There is focus and details in this story for the trolleys in the Portugal capital.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

[TLCOhio]

On 4/20/2019 at 2:07 PM, NiaGara-Buff said:

Thank you for sharing the pictures, Terry. They are gorgeous.

 

WOW!!  "Gorgeous" sounds very good.  Actually, the credit goes to Lisbon, Porto and Portugal for their wonderful design, architecture, etc.  

 

From the London/UK Times in this past week, they had this headline: “Portugal river cruise: Lisbon, Oporto and the Douro Valley”  with these highlights for a tour they were featuring for visiting: “Portugal's two greatest cities, admiring Lisbon's impressive Monastery of Jerónimos and its elegant squares, gardens and old town before you enjoy two excellent tours of Porto, including an introduction to its delicious iconic distilled wine. You will also take in the medieval walled city of Obidos, once ruled by the Moors, as well as Portugal's ancient capital, the learned cultural centre that is Coimbra.”.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/travel/experttraveller/tours/portugal-lisbon-porto-douro-valley

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

For latest live/blog, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

 

Here are two of the colorful visuals featured, including from Sintra and for a view in Lisbon.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

 

[iancal]

I do not really understand the question.  These two cities are completely different.  Not certain how they can be compared.

 

Our advice....spend several days in each, and environs, to get a good feel of their charms and their atmosphere.  One day will hardly do it.

[TLCOhio]

21 hours ago, iancal said:

I do not really understand the question.  These two cities are completely different.  Not certain how they can be compared.  Our advice....spend several days in each, and environs, to get a good feel of their charms and their atmosphere.  One day will hardly do it.

 

YES!!  Agree with iancal that it is wise, ideally, to spend several days in BOTH cities.  Some ports are "one-trick ponies" with limited options where it is easy to get off of the ship, walk around, see one or two attractions and go back to your cruise schedule.  BUT each of these cities have amazing history, architecture, culture, food, drink, etc., options.  The headline is partly a "writing technique" to draw attention to this important need to research and plan ahead in considering your many options in each of these two great cities.  

 

When we did our cruise up the Portugal, Spain and French coast (detailed below in the live/blog), we only had one day in Porto after having five days for Lisbon and nearby areas. Sure glad that we allowed enough time for the Lisbon area.  BUT, definitely needed more time to explore and experience wonderful and charming Porto.  Also in Porto, you have the added logistical needs in getting from the ship docking location to the main, heart of Porto.  Think about those many great options and potentials.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast.  Now at 28,065 views.  Many interesting pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358