When TAP Air Portugal offered a layover without extra charge we added it to our itinerary; but we only added one full day. As such, the Lisbon stop is rushed and we'll take a full day guided tour of Lisbon and Sintra.
Vincent, our guide first delivers us to the Pena National Palace, summer residence of the monarchs of Portugal during the 19th century. Begun in 1838 on the site of a medieval monastery, it is a picturesque palace in the clouds overlooking the town of Sintra, and on a clear day visible from Lisbon. When we arrive it is in the clouds but shortly after they dissipate.
After the palace visit we tour the town of Sintra.
We pass by the westernmost point of Europe.
We have a great seafood lunch at
Mar do Guincho. The octopus is as tender as up north in Galicia. The green olives are incredible and the sea bass in Portuguese sauce divine.
There was a mix-up in the scheduling. We had ordered a half day in Sintra, lunch and a half day in Lisbon. Vincent was told the Sintra day experience which blew off the afternoon with a bunch of uninteresting stops.
Righted-around, we pass by key stops on the Lisbon waterfront and two cathedrals before returning to the hotel.
We have tired out the guide as has he us.
Happy hour in the concierge lounge and numerous glasses of champagne and hors d'oevres pass as dinner. After a Skype call to CJ's mom, we remand to the bar for an evening of creative drink tasting.
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