We arrived at Casa Esteves, the home of the parents of our travelling companion Maria late Monday afternoon and have settled in so well it feels like we're already living like the locals. I've already eaten way more pastries than I should and enjoyed eating more fresh fish than I normally would, and of course there's plenty of tasty local wine fresh from her father's favourite farmyard supply to sample.

It helps that we have use of a local car, and are travelling with a couple with comprehensive local knowledge of what to see and do. The best bakery, local cafe and fish market, and of course the best places to plan for and venture to during our time here.

Tomorrow we are driving to Obidos, Tomar and Nazare where we plan to stay the night, returning to Casa Esteves via Fatima. That takes us to the weekend when we're planning to explore more of the local shops, then it's off to Porto to taste the original and best port.

I can already see why so many people plan to be here in Summer, the beaches are beautiful and the local scenery is so picturesque I want to spend as much time outside as I can, although from what I hear of the summertime crowds I'm glad we're here before peak season.