Began our day following breakfast with a city tour of Lisbon. Were taken by the lovely Maria as our guide, to the oldest part of Lisbon, from which the city developed. Passed the elevator that was built to take people from the lower part of Lisbon to the upper part, as the city is built in a series of seven hills.
Continued down to the water passed the old railroad station and several beautiful squares before arriving at Edward the Vll park. This is a beautiful green area that stands at the top of the hill, and continues down. The top has a statue that signifies the taking over to a democratic government following a coup.
Next we went to the water and saw beautiful Belem tower. A historic palace that use to be surrounded by water. On to the Monument of Discovery, built to honor all the Portuguese explorers and those who sent them.
After some maneuvering several miles, wound up basically across the street at the Jeronimos Monastery to view their beautiful church where Vasco des Gamos is buried .
Following the church tour we headed to the coast and the town of Sintra. On the way we saw where the river Tegus meets the Atlantic Ocean. Driving along the ocean, this area is known as the Portugal Riviera. Passed through Estoril, where Ian Fleming supposedly began writing the 007 books while he was following a spy who was a womanizer. Who knew???
On to Cascais, a beautiful resort town on the Atlantic. Had a delicious Portuguese lunch (grilled chicken or sea bass), walked down to the sea, before returning to some side street shopping, and eventually back to the bus. Such a pretty town.
Following Cascais, we drove to Sintra and the gorgeous Royal Palace. This building contains tiling from the 16th century. After a tour with Maria, had a little time to walk this lovely town where Lord Byron summered and wrote some of his most famous poetry.
Back to Lisbon, said goodbye to Maria, and had a delicious “pillow “ pastry from Derek.
Met for a delicious dinner off the beautiful main square, had a drink on our hotel’s beautiful rooftop bar, and off to bed. Tomorrow is a busy day as we move back to Spain, and the city of Seville.