Sintra, Tomar, & Lisbon Portugal

Travel Day - 30 September 2022 - Nashville to DC to Lisbon

A Lyft ride to the airport with a friendly driver named Larry who got me there on time. The plane departed for Washington, DC on schedule, but then an unexpected delay due to Hurricane Ian, which lasted for six hours but ended up being seven. Wandered around for a while and had a late lunch at &Pizza, which was decent for airport food and thankfully did not cause traveler’s diarrhea. After waiting at the gate for far too long, decided to sign up for Priority Pass and went to the Turkish Airlines Lounge. While it was a nice distraction, the lounge was crowded and not sure if the $32 USD experience paid for access plus the $99 USD yearly Priority Pass fee was worth it. Later, upgraded my Capital One credit card to the Venture X, which includes Priority Pass access, entry to Capital One Lounges, and the standard benefits of Visa Infinite Cards.

Sintra - 1 October - Landing in Lisbon, Trains, Metros and Checking Into the Guesthouse

Landed later in the morning in Lisbon. After going through passport control and getting stamped into the country, found a Vodafone kiosk and got a fifteen-day unlimited data sim card for the trip. It cost € 15 which is a pretty decent price for unlimited data.

Next, over to a cafe called My Bistro to get bearings straight and grab a bottle of water. After that, headed to the Areoporto metro station and bought a Viva viagem card, zapped with € 30 credit. Then, the Vermelho (red) line to the Oriente station, and accidentally purchased a ticket that wasn't needed.

Once the train platform to Sintra was found, waited for the train and hopped on. Arriving at Sintra train station, off the train and headed for the Chalet Saudade Guesthouse. The suite was amazing—a sitting room that could be used as a second bedroom and a balcony with an incredible view of Sintra and the ocean in the distance.

Once the room was ready, unpacked and took a shower. Then, to the Café Saudade where breakfast would be had during the stay. The food at the café was excellent. After a late lunch, back to the hotel and down to the garden, which was very nice.

Later that evening, a well-fed yellowish-orange cat sitting on the stone table out in the garden.

Sintra - 2 October - The Moorish Castle, Pena Palace, and Pastéis de Natas

Woke up early and got ready for the day. Went to the café and had a delicious breakfast that included a croissant, yogurt with fruit, ham and cheese, tea, and orange juice. After breakfast, headed to the ScotURB 434 bus stop at the train station and boarded the bus. Getting off at the Moorish Castle, a lovely stray cat greeted me and looked in the direction to go.

The castle had just opened for the day, so there weren't many people there. Walking around the outside walls of the old castle revealed some amazing views overlooking Sintra and into the sea. Then up to the Pena Palace, which is surrounded by an amazing nature park. Instead of taking the transfer bus up to the castle from the main entrance, walked up to the castle. It was a climb, but definitely worth it.

The castle was amazing, and the mythic artwork inside was breathtaking. After going through the castle, down to the gift shop for some cards and a bottle of water. Then, a stroll in the park surrounding the castle to the High Cross, which had yet another amazing view. There were a few people who had made the walk up to it.

Next, walking down to the valley of the lakes which was breathtakingly beautiful. Finally, on the bus and headed back to the historic city center. Found a Pastéis de Nata shop and got a box of six and a breaded chicken sandwich for lunch. Then, back to the hotel. Later that night, an evening stroll to Sintra. It was a nice walk!

Sintra and Cabo da Roca - 3 October - The Quinta da Regaleira and Cabo da Roca

Arrived at Quinta da Regaleira early and chatted with a couple from the US before being one of the first through the gate. Since tickets were already purchased, went straight to the pre-purchased ticket line and was first through, followed by a younger couple from Germany. We all made a beeline for the Well of Initiation, and on the way, another cat. Lucky to be the first person to enter the Well that morning and enjoyed amazing views from the top down. After that, walked through the tunnel to the outside where the sun greeted. At the exit, there was a small water fountain with a pool and stepping stones, but unfortunately, they're now too slippery to walk on. Then, strolling through the beautiful gardens, amused by the faces on the stone plant containers.

Next, down to the cafeteria for lunch, and then the gift shop to purchase some postcards. After visiting Quinta da Regaleira, walked back to the train station to catch the 403 bus to Cabo da Roca. The views from Cabo da Roca were absolutely astounding. It's the westernmost point in continental Europe, and gazing into the ocean from that viewpoint left me speechless. After taking in the views, the small gift shop for some cards and a magnet before hopping back on the bus to Sintra.

That evening, dinner at a fantastic restaurant called Metamorphosis, where a delicious eggplant dish was savored. Love eggplant! To drink, the usual sparkling water.

Sintra and Tomar - 4 October - Travel Day

Woke up at 6 a.m., packed bags, and checked out. Went to the café for breakfast where they offered a delicious breakfast quiche with ham. Then, headed to the train station to catch the next train to the Oriente station. Arrived in Tomar later in the afternoon. By the time the hotel was reached, the room was ready. Later that evening, a margarita pizza which was not what expected. The basil was dry and crumbly, like it had been shaken out of a bottle. Nevertheless, hungry and it filled me up. After that, planned the next day and stayed in for the night.

Tomar - 5 October - Convent do Cristo

Woke up this morning and headed down to the hotel’s breakfast area. After breakfast, back up to the room to get the messenger bag and headed to the Convent do Cristo. Walked up the Stairs of Saint James to the entrance of the convent and around it to where the main entrance is now, while they are doing restoration works to the Manueline window. Fortunately, one of the first four people at the convent before the tour busses showed up, so a pristine view of everything. The main church with the round nave area is amazing with the four columns, paintings on the walls, and ceiling. The statuary was also amazing. In the center of the columns, you can see where there used to be a stairway leading down long since covered over.

After exploring the convent, exited through the gift shop for more postcards for the collection. Then, the castle café for a pastéis de nata and a bottle of water. Then, walking back down the hill and wandering around. Eventually, a small restaurant, Tabernacle do Rio, where the daily dish was ordered—cod fish pasta. Very delicious. After lunch, a three-scoop Gelato and back to the hotel to relax in the evening.

Tomar - 6 October - Church of Santa Maria do Olival and Seven Hills National Park

Woke up in the morning, had breakfast, and then headed back up to the hotel room to wait til it was closer to the opening time for the church. Closer to the opening time, went to visit the Church of Santa Maria do Olival. Arrived at the church just before it opened and took some pictures of the bell tower. Once inside, amazed by the architecture and beauty of the church. Each alcove had a resting place and a statue. The alcove with the statue dedicated to Mary Magdalene was particularly breathtaking.

After spending some time at the church, went outside to take more photos. Then, walked down to the Seven Hills National Park and saw the Dom Infante Henrique statue. Unfortunately, the park itself was underwhelming. After leaving the park, back to the hotel to figure out where to have lunch. Ended up having a delicious veggie burger at Insensato Café and Livaria.

After lunch, sat in the park next to the Rio Nabão, and later on, walked up the main promenade to the Praça before heading back to the hotel for the evening.

Tomar and Lisbon - 7 October - Travel Day

Woke up and went down for breakfast as usual. After checking out of the hotel, headed to the train station. Luckily, the train was already there, so hopped on and found a good seat. Arrived in Lisbon later in the afternoon. Checked into the hotel, but the room was not ready yet. So, decided to have lunch at the hotel’s bistro. Mozzarella toast with basil and fries and a lemonade, which was absolutely delicious. After lunch, off to Bertrand’s, the oldest bookstore in operation, and bought a book in Portuguese to practice learning the language.

After returning to the hotel and getting the room key, settled in for a bit. Later on, headed to a restaurant called Kong for dinner. The food was excellent!

Lisbon - 8 October - Site-seeing adventures

Woke up at the usual time and went to the sister hotel for breakfast. Then, walked over to the Santa Justa lift, took some great photos without crowds, and walked down the street to get to Carmo Convent. At the top of the Santa Justa Lift, more great pictures before it got too crowded. Afterward, sat in the square, waited for the convent to open, and took photos while it was empty along with one other German tourist. Explored the ruins, taking pictures of everything, including the pet cat Carlotta. Went inside, saw the exhibitions and bought a pen and some postcards from the gift shop. Once finished at the convent, headed to the Baxia-chiado metro station, took the Azul (Blue) line to the São Sebastio station before heading to the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum. The museum was amazing, and also walked around the Estufa Fria gardens and enjoyed the lush plants in them. After that, back to the hotel, but they had just started cleaning the room, so a gelato instead.

Later, went to the hotel's restaurant, had a strawberry lemonade and then walked down Rua Augusta to the Praça do Comercio, turned around and walked back to the hotel. Rested a bit before going out for dinner. Went to Ramen Bambu and enjoyed a wonderful tofu Ramen with little spice before heading back to the hotel for the evening.

Lisbon - 9 October - The day of the tower, the Lisbon Marathon, and a late afternoon tram ride

Woke up and had breakfast. Then, took the green (verde) line to Cais do Sodre where the train for Algés was caught. From there, walked about 1 km to the Tower of Belém for some excellent photos. After that, walked along the promenade to the Monument to the Discoverers, which was also amazing to see before the tour busses arrived. Once pictures were taken there, walked back to the Belém train station and took the metro back up to Baxia-Chiado. Stopped by the hotel room for a quick shirt change and then walked down to the Praça do Comércio, only to find there was a marathon going on. So, Mil Sobres for lunch and another excellent Beyond Meat burger. After lunch, off to Bertrand’s Livaria for another book by Aristotle, this time translated into Portuguese.

Then, went to see Livaria Simao, but it was closed. However, on the stairs leading up to it, there was an awesome mural so took a photo. Later in the afternoon, back down to the Praça do Comércio to wait for the YellowBus Hills Tram. Due to the marathon being taken down, it didn't show up until later, but it was well worth the wait! The tram tour lasted an hour and went all around Lisbon. After that, back to the hotel to recharge before going to Organi Chiado for dinner.

Lisbon - 10 October - My rest day before my next Travel day and Rain ? ☔️

Woke up early, had breakfast, and then took a leisurely walk down Rua Augusta and all the way to Praça do Comercio. On the way back to the hotel, a quick stop at Mantegaria to grab a six pack of Pastéis de Natas—they were too delicious to resist! Once back, took some time to write and relax before heading back out to grab a King Burger from Kong and another Gelato. Finally, back to the hotel to rest.

Lisbon, DC, and Home - 11 October - Travel Day

Woke up early and got bags ready for the day. Then checked out, headed to the Baxia-Chiado station and took the Metro to the airport. After printing the boarding pass, went through security and waited for the gate announcement. Thirty minutes before boarding time, Lisbon Airport announced the gate number. Rushed through the exit passport control area and found out that any gate with a letter "A" requires a commuter bus to reach the plane as it is usually parked in a different area. Boarded the bus and headed to the plane. After getting off the bus and up the stairs, finally made it into the plane for an eight-hour and eleven-minute flight.

Upon arrival at IAD, took an airport commuter transportation to the US passport control area. Made use of the Global Entry line and was able to get a photo taken and a ticket printed. After handing the ticket over to the CBP person at the exit, a quick restroom stop before walking to the area where connecting flights had to go through TSA security. Although eligible for Pre-check, went through the regular lines as they were faster that day (virtually empty). Then boarded an airport train for the "C" gates and waited for the next flight from IAD home.

Finally, a Lyft ride back home.