This guide is your passport to experiencing the best of Lisbon and its surroundings during the summer months. Whether you're exploring ancient monasteries, paddleboarding in crystal-clear waters, lounging on golden beaches, diving into the rich world of museums, or savoring local culinary delights, Lisbon offers a treasure trove of things to do that promise refreshment and cultural enrichment.

Nestled among rolling hills and the scenic coastline, Portugal's capital is not only a hub of historic charm and lively streets but also a gateway to stunning natural landscapes and pristine beaches. I am sharing things to do in Lisbon and the surrounding area.

These destinations are all accessible by train or a short car ride, and offer the perfect blend of leisure and exploration, ensuring your Lisbon summer is filled with unforgettable moments and cool escapes from the heat.

Let’s dive into a curated list of must-do activities that promise to keep you cool while soaking in Lisbon's rich culture and breathtaking landscapes.

Discover the Grandeur of Jerónimos Monastery

Begin your adventure in the historic Belém district, where the Jerónimos Monastery stands as a testament to Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. This architectural masterpiece, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a marvel of Manueline decoration, a unique Portuguese style that blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish influences.

As you wander through its cloisters, you'll be enveloped in a serene coolness, a welcome respite from the summer heat. The monastery is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s a journey through Portugal's maritime glory, hosting the tombs of Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões.

Tickets & Tours: Get Your Guide | Viator

Explore Lisbon's Rich Museum Scene

The array of museums in Lisbon offers something for every interest, from ancient art and history to modern and contemporary movements. As you traverse the city from one museum to another, you'll find that each visit enriches your understanding of Portugal's complex tapestry of cultures and eras, all while keeping you comfortably cool.

Museu Nacional do Azulejo

One cannot talk about Portuguese culture without mentioning its iconic azulejos (ceramic tiles), and the Museu Nacional do Azulejo is dedicated to this art form. Housed in the former Convent of Madre de Deus, the museum displays an exquisite collection of tiles dating from the 15th century to the present day.

The evolution of azulejo art is beautifully laid out, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship and creativity that define Portuguese tilework. The cool, quiet halls of the museum offer a respite from the summer sun, allowing visitors to leisurely appreciate the stunning displays.

I did the Tiles and Tales Tile Workshop and Private Tour which includes a ticket to the National Tile Museum and had a BLAST painting my own tile!

Gulbenkian Museum:

A cultural treasure trove, the Gulbenkian Museum houses an eclectic collection ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern paintings. The museum's serene gardens provide a cool, shady retreat to ponder over the artworks and enjoy a peaceful moment away from the city's hustle and bustle.

MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology

For those with a penchant for modern and contemporary art, architecture, and technology, the MAAT is a must-visit. Situated along the banks of the Tagus River, its striking building is a piece of art in itself, featuring a futuristic design that seamlessly blends into the riverscape.

Inside, the museum hosts a dynamic array of exhibitions that encourage reflection on current societal and technological issues. The cool, spacious interiors of MAAT provide a stimulating environment to explore new perspectives and innovations.

Outside, Mr. Misadventures and I did plenty of sunrise AND sunset shoots here. The building is a great photo subject!

Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga

The National Museum of Ancient Art, or Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, is Portugal's answer to those with a taste for the classical. It houses the most significant public collection of Portuguese art from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, including paintings, sculptures, metalworks, and textiles.

Notable works include The Panels of Saint Vincent by Nuno Gonçalves and The Temptations of St. Anthony by Hieronymus Bosch. The museum's rooms are a cool haven, where the richness of Portugal’s artistic heritage can be enjoyed in contemplative quietude.

Museu Coleção Berardo

Located in the cultural center of Belém, the Museu Coleção Berardo is a contemporary art museum that features an impressive collection of modern and postmodern art. From Picasso and Warhol to Portuguese contemporary artists, the museum offers a comprehensive overview of the major art movements of the 20th and 21st centuries.

The air-conditioned galleries provide a refreshing environment to explore the works of some of the most influential artists of our time.

Oceanário de Lisboa:

Dive into the underwater world at one of the largest aquariums in Europe. The Oceanário de Lisboa offers a mesmerizing experience with its vast tanks teeming with colorful marine life, including sharks, rays, and playful penguins. It's an educational and refreshing escape that captivates both young and old.

I love a good museum and this one is amazing!

Tickets & Tours: Get Your Guide | Viator

Discovering Lisbon's Coastal Gems: Beaches to Visit

Lisbon's summer allure is its proximity to some of Portugal's most beautiful beaches. The Lisbon coastline and its surroundings boast a variety of sandy retreats, each with its unique character. Here's a guide to additional beaches that promise sun, surf, and sand, providing the perfect seaside escape during the warm summer months.

Praia de Galápos

Praia de Galápos, nestled within the Serra da Arrábida, is a hidden gem that boasts some of the clearest and calmest waters in Portugal. Its sheltered location makes it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling, away from the bustling crowds.

The beach’s fine white sands and surrounding lush greenery create a picturesque setting for a day of relaxation and sunbathing. Remember to bring your sunscreen and a good book!

Praia do Tamariz

Located in Estoril, just a short train ride from Lisbon, Praia do Tamariz is not only convenient but also a favorite among both locals and visitors. Its picturesque setting, complete with a castle overlooking the beach, makes it a charming spot for a day under the sun.

The beach is well-equipped with amenities, including sunbeds, umbrellas, and a variety of bars and restaurants, making it ideal for a comfortable and relaxing day by the sea.

Praia da Adraga

For those willing to venture a bit further from Lisbon, Praia da Adraga, located in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, is a must-visit. Its rugged cliffs and natural beauty make it one of the most scenic beaches in the Lisbon area. The beach is a bit more secluded, offering a peaceful atmosphere for those looking to escape the more crowded spots.

The powerful waves here also attract surfers and bodyboarders, adding a lively vibe to its otherwise tranquil setting.

Praia de Carcavelos

As one of the largest and most popular beaches close to Lisbon, Praia de Carcavelos offers plenty of space for everyone, from sunbathers to sports enthusiasts. The beach is well-known for its excellent conditions for surfing, making it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced surfers.

With a wide promenade, numerous cafes and restaurants, and vibrant beach bars, Carcavelos provides a lively beach day experience with all the conveniences at hand.

Praia das Maçãs

Praia das Maçãs is a delightful beach located at the end of the historic Tram Line 28, which runs from Sintra. The journey to the beach is an experience in itself, offering picturesque views of the Sintra countryside. Once there, you'll find a wide sandy beach, a saltwater swimming pool, and a selection of seafood restaurants along the promenade.

The beach is well-suited for families, with gentle waves and plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.

Praia do Guincho

Famed for its wild beauty and powerful waves, Praia do Guincho is a haven for windsurfers, kitesurfers, and surfers. Located near Cascais, this beach is surrounded by the dramatic landscape of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, offering breathtaking views and a sense of adventure.

The wind conditions here can be strong, making it less ideal for swimming but perfect for adrenaline-packed water sports.

Paddleboarding Adventures Near Lisbon

Speaking of water sports each of these locations not only adds variety to your paddleboarding adventures but also allows you to explore the diverse landscapes and seascapes that make the Lisbon area so captivating.

So, grab your board and set off to discover these magnificent spots. Each paddle stroke promises new sights, sounds, and the invigorating feel of the sea breeze, making your summer in Lisbon an unforgettable adventure on the water.

My experience paddleboarding in Portugal got me hooked on this activity and I have picked up my own paddlingboarding equipment! A vacation adventure can turn into a new passion!

Cascais and Guincho Beach

A short train ride from Lisbon, the picturesque town of Cascais is not only known for its charming streets and luxurious villas but also for its fantastic watersports conditions. Guincho Beach, situated on the outskirts of Cascais, is renowned for its strong winds and waves, making it an exhilarating spot for paddleboarding, especially if you're looking to challenge yourself a bit more.

The dramatic coastline and the power of the Atlantic Ocean provide a thrilling backdrop for an unforgettable paddleboarding experience.

Tagus River

For a different perspective of Lisbon, why not explore its heart via the Tagus River? Paddleboarding on the Tagus offers a unique vantage point of the city’s monuments, bridges, and historical landmarks.

The waters here are generally calmer, making it suitable for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed experience. An early morning or late afternoon paddle provides not only cooler temperatures but also magical views as the sun sets or rises over the cityscape.

Sesimbra

Another gem within reach of Lisbon is Sesimbra, a coastal town known for its calm, clear waters and beautiful natural surroundings. The area around Sesimbra is protected, resulting in rich marine life and excellent water clarity, ideal for paddleboarding.

Whether you're gliding over the water or taking breaks to snorkel, Sesimbra offers a tranquil escape where the sea's beauty can be appreciated up close. It’s also a great spot for paddleboard beginners, with several schools offering lessons and guided tours.

Costa da Caparica

Stretching south of Lisbon, the Costa da Caparica boasts miles of sandy beaches that are a haven for surfers and paddleboarders alike. The expansive coastline offers plenty of space for everyone, with various spots catering to different skill levels. The waters here can range from calm to challenging, providing a good mix for paddleboarding enthusiasts.

After a day on the water, the beachfront cafes and bars offer the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the sunset over the Atlantic.

Unwind in Lisbon's Green Spaces

Lisbon, with its vibrant culture and historic charm, also boasts beautiful parks and gardens. These green spaces offer a peaceful escape from the bustling city streets, providing both locals and visitors with a chance to unwind, enjoy nature, and soak up the sunny ambiance of Portugal's capital.

Jardim Botânico da Ajuda

The Jardim Botânico da Ajuda is not just a park but the oldest botanical garden in Portugal, offering a fascinating journey through centuries-old trees, rare plant species, and historical statues. Established in the 18th century as part of Ajuda National Palace, the garden was designed to educate princes in the natural sciences.

Today, it serves as a living museum where visitors can marvel at its collection of over 5,000 plant species, arranged in terraces adorned with baroque fountains and statues. It's a tranquil sanctuary where history and botany intertwine.

Quinta das Conchas e dos Lilases

Quinta das Conchas e dos Lilases combines extensive green areas with a rich historical background. This park, one of the largest in Lisbon, encompasses over 24 hectares of lush landscapes, including a large pond, diverse flora, and leisure facilities.

It's a popular spot for family outings, offering ample space for picnics, sports, and relaxation. The park's history dates back to the 16th century, and it features a mix of natural and designed elements, creating a harmonious environment for visitors to enjoy.

Monsanto Forest Park

Seeking a respite from the urban buzz? Monsanto Forest Park, often referred to as Lisbon's “lungs,” offers a vast expanse of greenery where you can hike, bike, or simply enjoy a picnic with stunning views over the city.

Estufa Fria

Discover the tranquil beauty of Estufa Fria, a lush botanical garden nestled in Eduardo VII Park. It's a serene oasis where you can wander among exotic plants, waterfalls, and streams, providing a cool retreat from the summer heat.

Celebrating the Saint Anthony Festival in Lisbon

If you are visiting Lisbon in June you do not want to miss the vibrant celebrations of the Saint Anthony Festival, a tribute to the city's patron saint, Saint Anthony of Padua. Known locally as the Festas de Santo António, this festival transforms the little neighborhoods of the city. It's a time when the warm summer air is filled with the sounds of laughter, music, and the collective cheer of Lisboetas and visitors alike.

The Heart of the Celebration

The festivities officially kick off on the night of June 12th, leading into Saint Anthony's Day on June 13th. However, the entire month is peppered with events and activities celebrating Portuguese culture and heritage. The historical neighborhoods of Alfama, Mouraria, and Bairro Alto become the epicenters of the celebration, adorned with streamers, balloons, and colorful lights, creating a festive atmosphere that's infectious.

My family is Portuguese and I loved going to Saint Anthony's festas in California!

A Gastronomic Delight

One of the highlights of the Saint Anthony Festival is the gastronomy. The festival is synonymous with the tradition of grilling sardines (sardinhas assadas), served on a slice of bread with a side of salad and enjoyed in the communal spirit of the festas.

Alongside this, you'll find stalls selling caldo verde (kale soup), bifanas (pork sandwiches), and a variety of sweet treats like the beloved pastéis de nata (custard tarts). The smell of grilling sardines becomes the signature scent of Lisbon in June, drawing food lovers from all corners to partake in this culinary tradition.

Sweetening Your Lisbon Summer

It's HOT in Lisbon in the summer and one of my favorite ways to cool off is ice cream. The people of Lisbon actually lean more towards gelatos than ice creams, but there are plenty of spots where you can find both.

Gelato Davvero

Praised for its authentic Italian gelato, Gelato Davvero stands out with its rich flavors and creamy textures. They have several locations across the city, including the scenic riverside area. This gelateria offers a wide range of flavors from classic chocolate and vanilla to more unique options like fig, ricotta, and even port wine. The quality of ingredients and the passion behind each scoop make Davvero a must-visit for any gelato aficionado.

Santini

A household name in Lisbon and beyond, Santini has been serving its legendary ice cream since 1949. The brand's longevity speaks to the quality and taste of its offerings. With a variety of flavors that mix traditional recipes with new, inventive ones, Santini's ice cream is a blend of history and innovation. Their cherry, passion fruit, and raspberry flavors are particularly refreshing during the hot summer months, offering a burst of natural taste with every lick.

Nannarella

Nannarella is another gem in Lisbon's ice cream scene, known for its authentic Italian gelato made fresh daily. Located near São Bento, this quaint spot draws crowds willing to queue for its sumptuous flavors. From classic pistachio and hazelnut to seasonal specials like mango and strawberry, Nannarella's gelato is a creamy, dreamy escape from the summer heat. The commitment to quality and authenticity makes it a standout in the city's culinary landscape.

Mú

For those seeking innovative and unique ice cream flavors, Mú is the place to be. This artisanal ice cream parlor experiments with unexpected combinations, such as olive oil and basil or chocolate and chili, alongside more traditional favorites. Mú's commitment to natural ingredients and inventive pairings makes each visit a delightful surprise. Their cozy shops provide a cool refuge, where the friendly staff are happy to let you sample the day's offerings.

Amorino

Amorino brings a touch of artistic flair to the ice cream experience, with beautifully crafted gelato roses that are as stunning to look at as they are to eat. This international chain has a strong presence in Lisbon, offering a wide range of flavors made from organic ingredients. The ability to combine multiple flavors in one cone means you can create your own personalized treat. Don't miss their sorbets, made with real fruit, for a refreshing and dairy-free option.

Iced Coffee in Lisbon: A Refreshing Summer Indulgence

As the mercury rises, the city's coffee culture adapts, offering delightful twists on traditional brews to beat the summer heat. Mostly. If you want a “café com gelo” in a very traditional coffee shop you will get an espresso with a glass of ice. You mix the two, and you've got your iced coffee.

There is also the mazagran, a cold, sweetened coffee drink that originated in Algeria. It's basically a lemonade with espresso! The Portuguese versions use espresso and lemon, and sometimes mint and rum.

To get a “real” iced coffee drink that you would normally see in the United States, you will need to go to more modern coffee shops like Jeronymo Café or Cophenhagen Labs. From classic iced espressos to more inventive concoctions like cold brews infused with local spices or citrus zest, these coffee shops serve up invigorating options that are perfect for cooling down.

Lisbon in the summer is a vibrant tapestry of cultural richness, breathtaking landscapes, and gastronomic delights. Whether you’re exploring the cool interiors of historic monuments or museums, embracing the water on a paddleboard, relaxing at the beach, or savoring local flavors, the city offers countless ways to enjoy its charm while staying chilled!

Read more about how to order coffee in Lisbon.

So, pack your bags, grab your sunglasses, and prepare for an unforgettable summer adventure in Lisbon.

How about you? Have you been to Lisbon in the summer? Do you have additional things to do or tips for beating the summer hear? Do tell!

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After an amazing day adventuring en route to Siena and the truly adventurous Context Tour in the city full of a cast of characters (more on that coming up in a separate post!), we once again left Florence and headed to do more exploring in the rural hills of Tuscany.

We wandered a bit with Mr. Misadventures taking photo after photo of the Tuscan countryside.

Eventually, our stomachs dictated a stop and we stumbled upon San Quirico d'Orcia, a very, very sleepy town, in fact as we drove around it [twice] we weren't even sure it was inhabited!

Thank god, we were starving, and persistent, as we were about to have a meal of a lifetime!

We parked our car in front of some serious signs that made me wonder whether it would be there when we returned (although I wasn't sure who exactly was going to take it away, as we hadn't seen a soul)! We walked down a narrow street in front of a beautiful church and started searching for restaurants.

See…abandoned!

We turned the corner and found La Bottega de Cacio, a very unassuming location that was well-designed and full of light (as someone who likes to take food photos, that is always a huge score in my book!).

We walked in and asked if they were serving lunch and the lady of the house nodded her headed, seated us, and handed us a menu.

And then we saw it.

A truffle menu.

That's right. Three courses of truffle-centered dishes.

Come to mama.

My previous experience with truffles was limited. I’d had a pathetic omelet with truffles in La Drôme, France. And of course, the amazing truffle sandwich I had just experienced a few days earlier at Procacci.

Earlier in the year, I had read Langdon Cook's The Mushroom Hunters and knew Italian truffles were prized as some of the best in the world, particularly the white.

I didn't know what kind of truffles would be served in the truffle menu, but it didn't matter. They could have been purple with pink dots, I was getting that menu.

I didn't even have to ask the hubby, he was all in!

We ordered (deciding to just have 2 out of the 3 items) and selected wine and waited in anticipation.

The first course arrived. Boar carpaccio covered with (white, squee!) truffles. There were truffles for days!

What does truffle taste like? Hmm, hard to describe. Personally, I think of it as if garlic and a very pungent mushroom had sex, the result would be a truffle, but that is just me!

While we were still marveling about the first course, the second arrived. It was a very simple pasta loaded with shaved truffles and black pepper.

At this point, I am just beside myself with happiness, maybe that is an effect of truffles, but I am not sure. There was probably barely perceptible humming going on.

Mr. Misadventures and I barely spoke except to say how amazing it tasted. That and the fact we were glad we had not ordered the third course….steak with truffles on top…we were stuffed and satiated with the two courses and happy, happy clams.

We rolled out of there and back to our (still there) car and continued on our way. The taste of truffle lingers on the tongue and in the mouth for a very long time. For the next 8 hours, I tasted truffle in my mouth, as if there was food in my mouth at that very moment, I have to say it is an odd sensation.

We drove along nearly deserted roads taking in the rolling hills and gorgeous clouds.

The simplest building, farm, house, or plot of land beckoned for us and we imagined what retirement in this place would be like.

Under the Tuscan clouds.

Every photograph of the landscape looks painted by the hands of some higher being, it is remarkably beautiful.

I don't think I can ever get tired of that view, but I won't bore you with any more shots of green, green fields, blue, blue skies, and fluffy clouds! We wandered for hours and eventually started making our way to Montalcino.

Our plan was to explore the fort in the town. And climb up for more incredible views of the countryside and that of the town itself.

After visiting, we walked through the town and as we were doing so it began raining so we ducked into a bar for a Spritz. Even drinking alcohol couldn't kill the taste of the truffle!

The rain disappeared; the sun came back out to brighten the sky and we followed the Tuscan clouds back to Florence.

I promised no more Tuscan under the cloud photos, but how can you resist this?

How about you? Have you visited the Tuscan countryside? Is it on your bucket list?

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Many of the photos were taken by Mr. Misadventures and you can find his full Tuscany portfolio (and many other spots we have traveled to) on his site, Sel & Poivre Photography.

We didn't spend every day in Florence, although I could have done a food tour every day! Instead, we used it as a home base to explore the Tuscan countryside. As usual, Mr. Misadventures had plenty of photo spots scoped out and I just enjoyed the ride. We left Florence one morning to take a very long side trip to Siena.

The trip between Florence and Siena is 90 minutes on the highway. Siena was our ultimate destination for the afternoon, as we were joining a Context Travel tour. We didn’t plan on taking the highway so our trip between the two cities took six hours.

Six hours of views like this:

And this:

And this:

We eventually began winding our way into the hills of the Chianti region where beautiful vineyards lined the slopes.

We arrived in the little [tiny] town of Volpaia and walked around the Castello di Volpaia winery a bit just ogling the grounds!

We stopped into the Bioenoteca Volpaia store and tasted some of their organic wines around lunchtime and then decided to stop at a little cantina next door called Bar Ucci run by Mama Paola.

Paola didn't speak a word of English but there is an international language when it comes to the love of good food!

We sat outside and ordered a Caprese salad which was delicious – to me, that dish is the epitome of simple Tuscan food. Nothing fancy about it, just extremely fresh ingredients, and no sauces to hide behind, the ingredients speak for themselves.

I had lasagna, simply made, and delicious.

I had hesitated between that and boar stew, but as we were eating outside under the sun, I thought it would be too heavy, although lasagna is not exactly light! When I saw a man behind Mr. Misadventures being served stew, I had total food envy and I am [obviously] still thinking about it!

After saying goodbye to Paola, we continued on our way, direction Siena and taking in more of the amazing Tuscany. To say this area is breathtaking is an understatement; everywhere you look is a perfect painting.

It was our first taste of Italy outside a major city, but it will definitely not be our last. We loved the countryside and Tuscany so much we are considering walking part of the 1200-year-old pilgrim path, called Via Francigena Toscana, it is an absolutely remarkable way to see Italy! There is another area of Italy that I am dying to visit and in particular hike through. I have friends that have been hiking in Cinque Terre and they all rave about it! It seems that wherever you travel to in Italy there is plenty to see once you get out of town!

How about you? Have you ever been to the Tuscan countryside? If not, is it on your bucket list?

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Sometime after 2014, they changed their name from Obika to Obica. Luckily if you search for Obika Florence you will end up with the right search results and website for Ociba Florence! I have no idea why they did the change, but if you look closely at the menu in the 5th photo down you will see that it was Obika!

Obica Mozzarella Bar Florence (there are other locations around the world including LA and NYC) is absolutely gorgeous! Part of the restaurant is in an amazing courtyard with a stone floor that was very cool on a hot day. I never went into the main part of the restaurant (since the terrace is in the front) but from what I saw, it is equally beautiful. It is a minimalist design with lots of natural light, glass, iron, and light wood. I guess it is quite similar to how my own house is so I felt at home!

As pleasing to the eye as it was, I could not wait to devour the Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP. This type of mozzarella is a protected regional product from Southern Italy. In the U.S. (at least in the San Francisco Bay Area) we don't get a huge variety when it comes to mozzarella di bufala (or buffalo as we call it), but there are different varietals and at Obika you can try them all. There is the Paestum with a very delicate taste, Volturno with a much stronger taste, Affumicata which is naturally smoked, and what most people see in restaurants here, deliciously creamy Burrata.

Our choice (and it was hard to choose!) was Burrata Pomodorini served with Datterini tomatoes and basil pesto.

If you have never had this cheese, you need to put it on your “things to eat before you die” list. Buffalo milk has higher fat content (about twice the fat of cow milk) which makes it a lot creamier. It is heartier, saltier, and more full-flavored than regular mozzarella cheeses and if you have the opportunity to try some, do it! It is pretty rare stuff in the U.S.

I am not sure if they were catering to foreigners (Adrienne said that the restaurant is extremely popular with the locals, the reason why we went for lunch instead of dinner, as it is notoriously busy and hard to get into at night) but the bread was delicious! As I mentioned in my Florence for Foodies tour post, most bread in Italy is not salted and as I am a bit of a salt fiend, I don't love it. However, with the bread at Obica, I wanted to eat the whole basket!

I definitely would have loved to have tried all four of the mozzarella, but we decided to order other items on the menu as well. Generally speaking, I am not a huge fan of pizza, but the ones I do like are in Italy. I decided that this was going to be my best shot at a really good pizza since the cheese was so amazing so I ordered Prosciutto Bazzone with premium dry-cured ham from Tuscany and Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP. Simple and delicious. The saltiness of the ham with the creaminess of the cheese was a perfect combination.

One of the reasons that I loved this restaurant is that it is a Slow Food partner. That means they have made a commitment to support and protect local foods and the artisans that produce them. Little details like the pizzas being prepared with PETRA flour from Molino Quaglia, stone ground with the local soft wheat. As well as a focus on high quality like the fact that their dough is left to rise slowly for at least 48 hours. All these things produce exceptional cuisine.

Being part of the Slow Food community, Obica also uses seafood that is sustainably fished, so the Scialatielli di Gragnano ‘Pasta Gentile’ with tuna belly filets, tomatoes, capers, pine nuts and rocket that Mr. Misadventures ordered could be eaten with a clear conscious!

The other thing that I found to be fantastico! Amazing! And surprising. At Obika they do not use ANY garlic or onions! I do appreciate these two items, but eaten raw they give me a migraine and sometimes if it is just overused it will make me sick as well, so this was like a risk-free zone, one that I have never seen before!

What a treat and one of the best meals we had on our trip. Incredibly friendly staff, aesthetically pleasing decor, and darn delicious food, when you are on vacation, can you really ask for more?

If you'd like to visit Obika Mozzarella Bar Florence now known as Obica Mozzarella Bar Florence, it is located at Via de' Tornabuoni 16.

How about you? Have you tried buffalo mozzarella? Do you like it? How have you eaten it? Comment and share, I'd love to chat!

Our Florence for Foodies tour also included a stop at the sinful truffle store Procacci. We experience many typical Tuscan dinners while exploring the Tuscan countryside and always saved room for dessert, especially gelato!

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Walking into Procacci you are instantly enveloped in the deep musky smell that screams “truffles!”

And I don't know about you, but my mind goes, “Yes, please!”

During our first visit, we tasted the house specialty, Panini tartufati, a small sandwich with a special truffle cream. The recipe is top secret (they even have a sign that says so!).

I would define Procacci's as a wine bar, one that is loved by tourists and locals alike. In the afternoon it is super crowded with ladies having an afternoon out with their girlfriends, gossiping over a glass of wine or prosecco and little apertivo before heading home.

Procacci's is a Florentine institution run by the Antinori family, a very old wine family in the region. It is located on a very chic street amongst small boutiques and it feels very luxurious to sit inside and people watch.

Despite this feeling of richness and grandeur, there is nothing pretentious about the people that work there, they are friendly and helpful, even when you try to steal their recipes as Mr. Misadventures tried to do (despite the sign…ah the French!). The prices are very, very reasonable as well, which is surprising considering the neighborhood.

A couple of days later we were headed to lunch at Obika Mozzarella Bar (more on that spot soon) but were early, so we stopped in for a pre-lunch sandwich (truffle and salmon) and prosecco…doesn't everyone do that?

A bonus is that you can purchase truffle products to bring home and extend your trip. Anything with truffles is a powerful reminder of Tuscany and Mr. Misadventures and I bought several items to make our memories last longer.

If you'd like to visit Procacci Florence, it is located at Via Tornabuoni, 64/r.

How about you? Have you had truffles? How have you had them or would you like to have them? Do tell!

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Before even setting off for the Portuguese capital, I had experienced many of the small traditional pastries that you can in just about every guidebook in Hawaii and at Portuguese-American events in the San Francisco Bay Area.

For some reason, Pasteis de Nata seemed to court hushed tones amongst city experts and those in the know about Portuguese food. Their elevated status was intriguing to me. They were only pastries, how special could they be?

There was only one way to find out…

What is a Pasteis de Belem?

As I experienced first-hand in the charming town of Belem, Pasteis de Nata (singular is Pastel de Belem), or Portuguese ‘custard tarts’, are small, papery pastries filled with deliciously sweet and gooey egg custard. When seasoned with cinnamon and icing sugar, they are the ultimate accompaniment to a tiny but mighty cup of Portuguese coffee.

Pasteis de Nata are sold all over Lisbon but are most closely associated with Belem. In fact, the cafés near the Jerónimos Monastery are as popular as any other tourist attraction dotted around this historic Lisbon suburb.

Belem’s maze of traditionally tiled coffee shops is a mecca for cake and coffee fans, but Casa Pasteis de Belem is, by all means, the mothership. The café’s history is a compelling enough reason to visit.

Casa Pasteis de Belem has its roots in the liberal revolution of 1820 when all convents and monasteries in Portugal were shut down. By 1834, clergy and laborers had been expelled from ecclesiastical buildings, so many were facing destitution. Times were tough by all accounts, so in an attempt to supplement their income, a group of enterprising clerics in Belem offered to sell their pastries to the general store located next to the sugar cane refinery.

Around the same time, the architectural splendor of the Torre de Belém (Belem Tower) was attracting tourists who, over the years, had grown accustomed to dropping by to enjoy some of the monastery’s pastries.

In 1837, Casa Pasteis de Belem set up shop in the buildings joined to the sugar cane refinery, using the secret recipe from the monastery. To this day, the recipe is shrouded in mystery and is only passed on to trusted master confectioners who bake the pastries in the ‘secrets room’.

Getting to Belem:

Belem is located just 3.5 miles/6 km from Lisbon city center. To get to Lisbon from Belem, take tram 15 from Figueira Square or Comercio Square or if driving with Lisbon car hire, head north on Praca do Comércio in the direction of Av Infante Dom Henrique. Take a left turn at R. di Comércio. Then, take another left at R. Áurea.

You will then need to take a slight right turn at Praca do Comércio. From here, turn right at Av. Da Ribeira das Naus and continue in towards Cais do Sodré train station. From here head for Av. 24 de Julho and stay on Av. 24 de Julho. Next, take a slight left turn at Av. 24 de Julho and continue along Av. 24 de Julho.

Then travel towards Av. Da Índia/N6 and take a left turn to stay on this road. Next, turn right at Praca Afonso de Albuquerque and take a left turn to stay on this road. Keep to the left side of the road at the fork. Casa Pastéis de Belém is located on the left.

Address: Pastéis de Belém, Rua de Belem, 84

Where to find the best Pasteis de Nata (non-Belem version) in Lisbon

Pasteis de Nata are found all over the city and on every trip to Lisbon (I've been there now 3 times and spent 3 months there) I discover more!

• Eater has dedicated a whole guide to them!
• Manteigaria > Rua do Loreto 2
• Fábrica da Nata > 62 -68 Praça dos Restauradores
• Pastelaria Versailles > Av. da República 15-A
• Confeitaria Nacional > Praça da Figueira 18B
• Pastelaria Cristal > R. Buenos Aires 25A
• Aloma > Rua Francisco, Metrass 67, Campo de Ourique

Pasteis de Nata Recipes:

• Leites Culinaria
• Food52
• Tasting Table

Pastel de Nata Workshop

What if you could learn to make these little slices of heaven at home? Then yes, you would miss Lisbon and Portugal, but you would be armed with the tools to make Pasteis de Nata and I promise you, you would instantly feel better!

What better way to experience Lisbon than to take a cooking class, meet other pastry fans, and have a treat? I did this in Paris and have the fondest memories! My friend Cindy of Travel Bliss Now took the Pastel de Nata Workshop in Lisbon, I am super jealous and will do this on my NEXT trip – promise!

Pastel de Nata Cream!

I am a HUGE fan of Benamor, the Portuguese beauty line that makes delicious-smelling hand and body creams. Until recently my favorite scent was jacaranda whose trees you find in Lisbon, but Benamor just recently released a new scent, and you guess it…it's called Nata and smells just like warm Pastel de Nata! You can get it on their website or through Amazon! I bought some and I am LOVING it!

How about you? Have you tried Pastéis de Nata or Pastéis de Belém?

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Are you in love with Portugal like I am? Check out these posts:

• Exploring In and Around Lisbon
• Cruising Portugal Douro Valley
• How to Order Coffee in Portugal
• Codfish in Lisbon, a must-try!
• The Tradition of Bacalhau
• Costa Vicentina

The post Pasteis de Nata and Pasteis de Belem – A Taste of Heaven in Lisbon appeared first on Misadventures with Andi.

That was 100% my fault. So sorry, Florence. I was wrong. Florence IS for foodies!

Like we did in Kyoto, Mr. Misadventures and I requested a custom Context Travel tour, Florence for Foodies. And as usual, the Context Travel team and Adrienne, our guide, delivered an exceptional, food-focused experience.

At the end of our tour, what I came to understand was that the most important aspect of Tuscan food is simplicity. Everything is fresh, no need to label anything organic, all food is organic here! People shop for one day or two and visit small shops focused on a single product or category of products.

We met Adrienne in the Piazza della Repubblica right after we had enjoyed a delicious espresso and I drooled at the sweets display.

We began our food pilgrimage at Procacci, a beautiful truffle shop belonging to the Antinori wine family. We sampled (and then ordered more!) of their house specialty, Panini tartufati, a small sandwich with a special truffle cream. Just inhaling the air in this shop is pure heaven and the locals arrive in the late afternoon for a glass of prosecco and Panini tartufate as an apertivo.

We walked around with Adrienne pointing out a bit of history about some of the buildings (mostly owned by wine families in the area) and little unique elements such as the original “drive-thru” windows. The noblemen would drive up to the window for a glass of wine and then hit the road.

We stopped at a local bakery to sample a few Tuscan specialties, both sweet and savory. Most bread, except some focaccia, doesn’t have salt. The salt comes from the pecorino, prosciutto, and salami and is not needed in the bread.

The reason? Centuries before, the Pope charged a steep tax on salt, so the merchants evoked “Me ne frego” (“I don’t give a damn!”) and they did without. And they still do today.

Snacking on sweets called for a coffee to chase the sugar, we visited Café Giacosa, the café where Negroni cocktails were invented. A few years back the café was purchased by Roberto Cavalli, he tried to rename the café, but the Florentines protested as it had such a history and the name was reverted. We tried a lovely budino made with something like a patisserie cream mixed with rice.

What I loved about this spot (and all the places we went to were full of locals). At Giacosa, there were businessmen standing around eating their bowls of pasta, going back for seconds and quickly drinking down their espressos before heading back to work.

During our five days in Florence, we visited Café Giacosa quite a few times!

Mr. Misadventures and I use/eat a lot of olive oil, so Adrienne took us to the store where she buys hers, La Bottega dell’Olio, or as I like to call it, heaven! Different types of olive oil are used with different dishes, whether it is to dip into, put on top of pasta, or marinade, it is not one size fits all. We tasted several olive oils from regions all over Italy as well as balsamic vinegar, I never wanted to leave.

Last stop was a grocery store. More like the traiteurs I am familiar with in France. But it’s a store you can sit down and eat in as well.

Which we did. Of course, we did!

With pecorino, parmesan, prosciutto and salami toscano. Oh and wine.

The Grana Market is family-run run and the store that Adrienne goes to for its parmesan, after sampling some with balsamic vinegar drizzled on top, I understood why.

Just when I thought I could not eat anymore, we were done.

In reality, we spent three-plus hours on a fantastic food journey through the street of Florence with an exceptional guide, something I have come to expect from Context Travel.

This is not a regular tour, but I recommend that Context consider adding it! It is a great way to meet locals and see how they eat daily, really Florence is a wonderful town for Foodies! If food is not your main focus and you want a history-forward itinerary, look no further than this perfectly put-together 3 days in Florence itinerary that captures all the museum highlights.

How about you? Have you been to Florence? What was your favorite food item? If you haven't, what do you think you would like to try? Comment and share!

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The weather was supposed to be cloudy with sprinkles, but for the second day in a row, it was absolutely gorgeous and therefore a beautiful day for a walk. The last time I was in London was with Mr. Misadventures in May of 2009.

We stayed in the Piccadilly area lodging at The Dilly, a Starwood property (since we are loyal SPG members) which turned out to be a nice little area to spend my first weekend in London. It is made for gourmet foodies.

This trip as it turns out that Piccadilly is very close to the Pall Mall area where my office is, so I am staying at another Starwood property, the Park Lane Hotel, which is right across the street from Green Park and very convenient to where I met my docent for our first stop on the tour.

I actually walked past Fortnum and Mason the day before my tour and was dumbfounded by the fact that it was only a half-block from Le Meridien. During our trip every time Mr. Misadventures and I walked out of the hotel we turned left towards Piccadilly Circus and therefore completely missed this giant food mecca.

I am certain we must have passed by it on the last trip but we were likely having a deep discussion (planning our next meal no doubt) because I cannot believe I didn't see the ginormous building which houses the food purveyors that have been supplying the royal household since 1707.

This building is hard to miss!

Inside is a foodie's fantasy with little departments dedicated to sweets, pastries, teas, biscuits, coffees, and fresh food staples like cheeses, deli items, and meats. And since Fortnum and Mason started the concept of hamper it is a requirement that they sell all the supplies you would need for a lovely picnic in any one of London's parks. There is so much history around this one store that you could spend an entire tour there, but sadly we had to move on.

Our next stop was the oldest cheesemonger in London which opened in 1797, Paxton & Whitfield. Again, another location with quite a history. It was actually begun by Mr. Sam Cullen who became partners with Paxton & Whitfield, but I guess they muscled him out. They began supplying the royal household in 1850 and for some time became a regular grocery store during the World Wars when cheese became scarce.

The store is adorable and has a large variety of continental cheese, a focus the store turned to when cheese in London became an industrialized product (much like what happened with bread in France). Later they moved back to carrying a large selection of cheeses from the UK including Ireland and Wales. This part of the store is entirely native cheeses, who says the British don't have good cheese?

Our next stop was the Japan Center which for me was very much like the Japanese grocery store in Japantown in San Francisco and my very own Japanese Fish Market in Berkeley. The Japanese embassy is in the Piccadilly area and there are lots of Japanese restaurants in the area as well. Also, oddly enough, the only other two locations for Fortnum and Mason are in Tokyo!

The food in the Japanese store looked heavenly and when the tour ended an hour later I headed back here for some fresh gyoza, sashimi, and milk tea!

But before that, we crossed over from Piccadilly to SoHo, an area known for immigration. It started with the French who came to London in exile to escape religious persecution. Then many Italians arrived during the second wave of intense immigration.

There are a ton of French and Italian restaurants throughout the district in addition to many, many other varieties of food. In fact, Chinatown (the second one) butts right up to SoHo as well.

We visited The French House where some of the Free-French were exiled during World War II. It was a spot the Charles de Gaulle would often be found. It is tiny inside and while it may look like a pub, it is actually more of a wine bar.

We then moved on to Bar Italia. A 24-hour truly Italian coffee bar. I was excited upon seeing the spot as by sheer coincidence I had just finished watching the London episode of Anthony Bourdain's The Layover on the plane over. I had two episodes of the show to watch and did not even realize that one was in London.

In any case, in that episode, Anthony met a restauranteur friend, Fergus Henderson at this location for a coffee (see the photos from the show, image #3).

Inside looks exactly like an Italian coffee shop and all the people in there (except one waitress, the same who served Anthony coffee in The Layover episode) are Italian and there is no messing around, they are serious about their coffee and serve a mean prosecco! They ought to as they have been open since 1949.

We visited a few other places in the area with each location having its own unique history. I could spend weeks just in this one little area discovering all its secrets. The thing I like most about it is how all the cultures are mixed in so harmoniously, it is something that you rarely see in many cities.

Generally, you will see a Japantown or a Chinatown (and London does have these) that have only that one culture's shops and restaurants, but in SoHo all the regions are mixed and it is delightful!

Here is just one example. This French patisserie here in this spot since 1871 sits right next to a classic English pub. They co-exist tremendously. You can start your day with a croissant and an espresso and end it with fish and chips and an ale!

We ended at the entrance of Chinatown and I walked through it a bit heading back towards the Japan Center for lunch. The tour was great, a nice way to get to know a little part of the city, kill time when you are alone, and enjoy the magnificent weather.

A few tips:

• Unlike the food tours in Paris, there is no actual eating, so make sure you have a proper breakfast or lunch prior to your tour start.
• Try not to book a tour on Sunday that involves going into stores or restaurants, many are closed and you won't get to go inside.

The Gastronomic London tour is another fantastic Context Travel tour and I am so pleased to share my experiences with you because I would HIGHLY recommend this activity for you on your next trip to London (or if you live there, do it, you will discover areas of London that you aren’t familiar with, promise!). For more info on Context Travel Tours in London, visit their website.

London is not the only location where this amazing company operates tours. I say amazing as Context Travel is a company that practices and deeply believes in sustainability, they have even created the Context Travel Foundation for Sustainable Travel and operate as a certified B Corporation a relatively new kind of company that uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems.

These are extremely important initiatives to me and I am happy to promote and support Context Travel by spreading the word!

I really wanted to spend much more time exploring London. I have been there twice for business and would love to go back. I've got the perfect 2-day London itinerary from my friend Greta, so I'm all set, now I just need a plane ticket!

How about you? Have you been on a food tour while on vacation or a business trip? Tell me about it!

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The post Gastronomic London: Context Travel London Food Tour appeared first on Misadventures with Andi.

There are still many things to do in Sao Miguel at this time of year, but the best thing about visiting in the off-season is that you have the island to yourself! Unlike the summer months, the locals are not harried by tourists which makes them happier, the result? You will be too!

One of the most underrated and frankly, little-known island vacation destinations, Sao Miguel is a part of the stunning archipelago known as the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean. It is 2 hours off the coast of mainland Portugal (and direct flights 5 hours from the United States, either Boston or New York).

Also known as Europe’s Hawaii due to its lush vegetation and volcanic activity, Sao Miguel island is a surfer’s paradise with magical waves for beginners as well as pro surfers, volcanoes and waterfalls for nature lovers, and plenty of thermal pools and spas for relaxing.

The weather on the island is extremely unpredictable, especially in the winter months and you should be prepared for it to change several times a day as well as be completely different from one end of the island to the other. Here is what we did during our stay and what we recommend you do while visiting during the offseason.

Visit Farol do Arnel Lighthouse

Farol do Arnel lighthouse in Nordeste is a great location to enjoy a beautiful and calm sunrise or sunset. It is the oldest lighthouse on the island and in fact, the oldest in the Azores. During the winter there may be too much fog in the morning so you may be luckier at sunset. We visited twice, once in the late morning and once in the late afternoon.

To access the lighthouse, park in the car park off the EN1-1A at the top and take the narrow, winding road down on foot (we absolutely do not recommend driving down, especially with an unfamiliar rental car). The lighthouse is located halfway down and is only open on Wednesdays from 2-4 pm, but you can still walk to it and take some gorgeous pictures with the unending sea as the backdrop.

Or if you have a drone, you can get shots like this. By the way, there are many areas on the island where droning is allowed.

If you keep walking down to the bottom, you should be able to see a small village, or rather a very tiny fishing village. It is at sea level and a great spot for photography and watching the waves crash against the port and the coast. But remember, if you walk down…you have to walk all the way back up!

Also, note that you can get a great view of the Farol do Arnel Lighthouse from the Miradouro da Vista dos Barcos lookout or viewpoint from the EN1-1A 23 road.

More lighthouses to visit in Sao Miguel

Another great spot is the Santa Clara Lighthouse located on the cape of Ponta Delgada. It has a big red lantern that used to be a part of the old lighthouse of the Tower of Belem in Lisbon. With the crashing waves behind it on the horizon, the red lighthouse and the green scenery make for a beautiful picture.

São Miguel has one more gorgeous lighthouse that is a must-visit – the Ginetes Lighthouse or the Ponte da Ferraria Lighthouse. The historic building offers some of the most stunning views of the ocean, and if you walk down to the shore, you’ll be amazed by the geothermal spring that merges with the ocean water.

Winter weather for Sao Miguel, Azores provides you the opportunity to photograph the lighthouses with lots of drama! Crashing waves, fog or mist, gloomy clouds, it all sets a mood! Consider black and white photos too for even cooler shots!

Explore the Views

As you drive around the island and climb the volcanic peaks and mountains in Sao Miguel you will have plenty of opportunities to take in the viewpoints called miradouros. The government has done a fantastic job of reserving pullouts, small parking lots, and picnic areas all along the main road so that you can enjoy the spectacular views even in the winter!

In the offseason you may have to return multiple times to the same spot to finally see them, but once you do they are worth it! Here are some of our favorites.

Miradouro da Boca do Inferno

I am not sure that you can claim to have visited Sao Miguel if you don't visit the Miradouro da Boca do Inferno. No São Miguel itinerary. is complete without them and we visited several times. In the early morning, there was lots of fog and mist but we had the hiking trails (and the sky for droning) to ourselves.

In the late morning, the fog burned off, and we could see more of the beautiful lakes, but there were more people.

It is a very nice walk from the parking lot (Parque estacionamento Lagoa do Canário) past the Lagoa do Canário (that you can see through the trees) to the main footpath that leads to the views of Lagoa das Sete Cidades.

In the winter, I recommend hiking boots, something higher than your ankle as the hiking trails will be muddy.

Miradouro Da Vista Do Rei

The other breathtaking viewpoint is Miradouro Da Vista Do Rei (Viewpoint of the View of the King or King's View). From this location, you can see see the twin multi-colored lakes – the blue lake (Lagoa Azul) and the green lake (Lagoa Verde) – of Sete Cidades surrounded by the lush green crater.

Even though it was winter, we still got to see a glimpse of the famous Azores hydrangeas. I can't imagine what it is like in the spring!

Miradouro de Pico do Carvão

The Miradouro de Pico do Carvao is in the Sete Cidades region. You get a beautiful view of the Massif das Sete Cidades mountains as well as the north and south coast of the island.

From the EN1-1A, if you follow the M508 towards Lagoa do Canário you will run across fantastic aqueducts still intact.

There is also a hiking trail in this area called Rota do Pico do Carvão e Aqueduto (Pico do Carvao aqueduct route) that will take you along the aqueducts. It is 8 miles, so plan for that!

Miradouro Ponta do Sossego

This beautiful lookout near the village of Nordeste was one of my favorites. Not only does the view remind me of Hawaii, but there is a small botanical garden leading up to the viewpoint with tropical flowers to admire. And there are lots of picnic tables and barbecue pits to enjoy a family outing or a meal.

This spot is known for its spectacular sunrises. During the tourist season, it is a very popular spot. People will actually sleep in their cars to get a chance for a good spot to see the sun rise over the ocean.

Lagoa do Fogo

Lagoa do Fogo (Lake of Fire) is a volcanic lake near the center of the island that was created as a result of volcanic activity in the Agua de Pau area. 

There is a 4-mile out-and-back trail that starts near Vila Franca do Campo and finishes at the Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint which then continues along the edge of the lagoon.

Another viewpoint is a little off the beaten path on the way to Lagoa do Fogo, known for its sunsets, the Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa. The turn-off is along the road that many people take to visit Lagoa do Fogo and is hidden behind a row of radio masts which most people discount or ignore. In truth, it is well worth the diversion to see.

Visit a tea plantation 

Chá Gorreana is the biggest and most well-known tea plantation. It is also the only working tea plantation in Europe today. You can walk through their fields at no cost as it is part of a walking trail. In the winter it is more of a dirt road and you will need good boots.

If it is raining you can still Visit and view their production process. From picking the tea leaves to packaging. The company remains small-scale and they create flavorful teas while preserving the oxidants. Have a flight of tea in their tasting room or enjoy a cup of your favorite from their covered terrace and ignore the rain…we did!

You can also visit Fábrica de Chá do Porto Formoso, a second tea plantation that produces tea and showcases the ancient method of tea production of the 19th century. Guests can also taste several types of teas in their tea room or on the terrace when the weather permits. 

Visit a pineapple plantation

There are over 6,000 pineapple plantations on the island, but only a few are open to the public. You may not want to visit the plantations in the rain but you can still enjoy the pineapple drinks and treats. (Even if you don't visit a plantation all the local restaurants will have pineapple desserts!)

The most popular of them is Ananases A Arruda. With a history of over 100 years, the plantation can be visited free of charge and visitors can watch the entire process of pineapple cultivation. They also have free tastings and their special Pineapple Liqueur for sale. 

Another delightful spot is the Azorean Pineapply Plantation where you can visit the traditional pineapple greenhouses, enjoy pineapple delicacies in the bar, and try artisanal pineapple ice cream. 

Pineapples Santo António is also a historical landmark worth checking out. Along with pineapple liqueur, you can also find pineapple cookies here.

Visit the Cerâmica Vieira Factory

The art of Azorean tableware can be seen in the Cerâmica Vieira Factory which was founded in 1862 and has remained in the family for five generations (here is a little bit more history). It is a must-see where visitors can take in the process of making crockery on the potter’s wheel and the hand-made wall tiles with beautiful blue decorations.

It is said that the way the tableware is made has remained almost unchanged since the first settlers of the island. Here, the artisans dominate the production of these gorgeous sets. At Christmas time the factory makes figurines for nativity scenes as well. If you decorate your home with nativity scenes during the holidays, I encourage you to have a look.

It is the indoor perfect stop to do a little shopping (I never leave Portugal without some type of tile, I am a fan!) or to just get out of the rain!

Ribeira dos Caldeirões

On a day when it was just a bit drizzly, we visited Ribeira dos Caldeirões, a waterfall park with beautiful falls and streams. If you walk along the river, you can see several beautiful waterfalls along the way.

The park is a protected area, houses a lot of flora and fauna, and is a great place for exploration, including hiking, and swimming. Initially, the area had water mills built in the 16th century harboring centuries-old history of Azorean families that you read and learn about as you visit each part.

We tried to do part of the hiking trail but didn't get too far as conditions were a bit slippery, but we did enjoy the falls. Do note it is not really safe for unsupervised children (remember, other countries have different standards of safety). It can get quite slippery, so keep an eye out at all times!

Visiting waterfalls is a good overcast day activity as they photograph better when it is not too sunny. You don't need good weather to enjoy them.

Hot Springs on the island of Sao Miguel

One of the best things about visiting the Azores in the off-season is that when bad weather hits, whether it is raining or just overcast, it is the best time to visit the mineral hot springs, thermal baths, pools, and spas. I mean seriously, I could not imagine sitting in 100-degree water in the summer!

Furnas- Terra Nostra Park

Sao Miguel has several geothermal hot springs, and one of the most popular ones is in the town of Furnas in the Furnas Valley. It has a relaxing pool experience and the beautiful Terra Nostra garden to explore. Located in Terra Nostra Park, the pool is almost like a large pond surrounded by botanical gardens on all sides.

The hot springs are the size of an outdoor swimming pool. The water in the pool is warm to hot with a water temperature between 95-104 degrees and rich in minerals, especially iron which gives it an orange color. Keep in mind that the iron water can damage your swimwear and towels, so don’t wear anything too fancy.

There are other thermal baths in Furnas called Poça da Dona Beija that have 5 different thermal pools. To me, they look like giant hot tubs and it is very popular with families and groups.

Furnas Sao Miguel is also known for its local dish Cozido das Furnas, a stew that is slow-cooked underground by heat from volcanic rock. Watching the locals pull the pots in and out of the ground is a show in and of itself and each restaurant has an area where they cook their daily offerings. Families from the village can cook here as well.

It is the perfect comfort food after a trip to the hot springs, however, growing up as a Portuguese-American who was exposed to this stew, along with soupish, while growing up, it wasn't high on my list to experience as I already “knew” the meal. We did have a similar dish in Lisbon so Mr. Misadventures could have the experience.

Caldeira Velha

Classified as a natural monument, Caldeira Velha is a huge volcanic crater with a landscaped path that leads to lush tropical vegetation, waterfalls, and small pools filled with sulfurous water. It is an ideal place to relax and unwind. There are 4 pools with warm water and a waterfall at the end of the park.

The pool with the waterfall is not warm water which was a bit of a shock when I dipped my toe into the pool below the cascading water! I can see where this one would be popular in the summer! The park also has an Environmental Interpretation Centre to help visitors understand the various volcanic zones, phenomena, biodiversity, and geodiversity.

Termas das Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande

The spa complex of Termas das Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande dates back to the 19th century and holds a lot of Azorean history within its walls. The waters here were first used in the 17th century to cure illnesses.

The demand for spas with volcanic water kept increasing and thus a spa complex was built to cater to the needs. You can take advantage of rejuvenating baths, volcanic mud massages, and even soul immersion spa services.

Ponta da Ferraria

This thermal spring is not for the faint of heart! An underwater geothermal spring, Ponta da Ferraria emerges from the ocean and heats up the surrounding waters. Along with the deep blue sea and the dark basalt rocks, the atmosphere is of pure tranquility and calmness…but not in the winter!

The currents and the crashing waves can become dangerous in certain weather. Which was exactly what happened when we visited. But man, were the waves spectacular!

During milder weather, there are several ropes and ladders to help you stay afloat or sit and relax on the shore without venturing completely inside. The geothermal spring seeps into the ocean water and is usually around 64-82°F at low tide. The water from the spring can go as high as 141°F so be careful during the peak of low tide. When the Sao Miguel weather turns bad, warm up here!

What to bring to the thermal spas in Sao Miguel

• Bring the bare minimum with you. There is not a lot of space to put your things down. You can rent lockers in some places, which we did, but we didn’t find them or didn’t use them.
• Bring your own towel. Some thermal sources rent towels, but most do not. I recommend a quick-drying camp towel. They are super light and get the water off you fast.
• Bring flip-flops or water shoes, I wore my JBU by Jambu Ariel Water Ready shoes or something similar.
• Water bag for your cell phone.

Scenic Spots at the Seaside

Caloura

Located on the south of the island, Caloura has a great panoramic vista and a microclimate that makes for sunnier and less humid days. The fishing port is one of its main attractions. Visitors can swim in an artificial saltwater pool that leads to the sea.

The “famous” Bar Caloura is located here. It is a beautiful spot for a drink, but I would skip the food, I had better in many other places on the island. 

Porto Formoso

A little beach town near Ribeira Grande, Porto Formoso has a beautiful sandy beach and a natural mineral spring. Locals and tourists can soak in these potassium-rich spring waters for therapeutic mineral treatments.

Água d'Alto

Água d'Alto is considered the best beach in Sao Miguel and is a very popular area for family picnics and surfing.

Água de Pau

The small coastal town of Água de Pau has a rich architectural history. The several water fountains were once the main centers of community and fraternization. The town has a beautiful church, Igreja Matriz de Água de Pau, made with basalt rocks.

It also has a gorgeous chapel in white, blue, and turquoise. The Monte Santo viewpoint is a great way to take in the green parish and the deep blue sea all at once. 

Surfing in Sao Miguel

From a surfing perspective, Sao Miguel is a dream come true. The island has a constant swell that generates in the North Atlantic Ocean near Newfoundland and is a premium surfing island all year round, especially during the winter, followed by autumn and spring.

Some of the best surfing spots can be found on Mosteiros Beach in the west, Santa Bárbara, Monte Verde, and Santa Iria in the north of Ribeira Grande, and São Roque, Água d'Alto, Calhetas, Populo, Rabo de Peixe in the south. If you’re a novice, you can find some surf camps or surf hostels, or small hotels in the villages that have surfing guides to help you get on board.

Food & Drinks in Sao Miguel

I think there are 10x as many cows as people on the island, which means great beef and dairy! Try the queijo fresco as a starter with bread, and don’t forget the spicy (slightly) red sauce that goes with it. The butter is fantastic, and the yogurt too! There are plenty of beef stews, several steak options, and delicious beef dishes.

How can we forget seafood? It is an island in the middle of the Atlantic ocean, after all! There are lots of squid and octopus dishes, seafood and rice stews, grilled fresh fish, and shrimp. Heaven! We also ate sushi several times which was hit or miss.

I don’t know where the pigs are but there is a ton of chorizo found on the island. Made with pork meat, it is similar to Spanish chorizo, but has less paprika than its neighbor to the east, and tastes a bit smokier. And if you are into it (like Mr. Misadventures) try the blood sausage served on top of a pineapple.

Our favorite restaurant was O Silva (R. Direita de Cima 41, Ribeira Grande), where we ate twice. On our first trip, we had grilled squid, and on our second, the roasted octopus, both of which were excellent.

Soup is a big part of Portuguese culture, so don’t miss out on the soup of the day served at any restaurant. It is cheap, filling, and equally delicious!

If you aren't sure about the food, don't worry! The Hungry Whales have a fantastic food tour – and a fantastic reputation!

Renting a Car in Sao Miguel

When renting a car in Sao Miguel, go for the smallest car possible! The island roads are extremely narrow, the Azoreans aren’t the best drivers (or parkers) and in the city, it is sometimes impossible to navigate the tiny streets even in a small car.

In addition, get car insurance (so you will need to budget for that, basically take your rental price and double it) because scrapes on the outside of the car would not be unheard of given how much room you have to pass between cars. The mountainous roads are dangerous, with very sharp corners and you do not want to be on the wrong end of an accident.

Tips on exploring in Sao Miguel

Sao Miguel has several small towns that are worth visiting. If you want to get off the highway and explore, follow the “Acesso locale” signs. No matter where you’re going, beware of the tiny roads. Another notable thing is that people park wherever they want most of the time, so you might have to navigate a bit carefully.

Be careful when you walk in town

Be extremely careful when exiting buildings, stores, restaurants, bars, or anything in Sao Miguel. There are either no sidewalks or sidewalks that are 6 inches (if you are lucky!). If you step out without looking, you may end up being hit by a car.

Picnic Areas

There are beautiful picnic areas throughout the island with gorgeous views. If you are going to be out and about during the day, consider packing a lunch (or a sunset apero) and stopping at one of these “merendas” spots.

Guided Tours

If you don't feel comfortable renting a car, then there are plenty of guided tours that have half or full-day itineraries to take you to all the sites and spas. There may not be as many operating in the winter, but they are operating and we saw plenty.

I recommend the following:

• Ponta Delgada: Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo Tour
• São Miguel East: Full-Day Van Tour with Lunch

A little more about Sao Miguel

Sao Miguel is the largest island (290 square miles) of the Azores archipelago, one of 9 islands off the coast of Portugal. It is an autonomous region, meaning it can govern itself. Azoreans only claim to be Portuguese when there is a national or international fútbol (soccer) tournament, otherwise, they are quite proud and consider themselves Azorean and not Portuguese.

Besides surfing, the Azores are known for their whale watching and have plenty of whale-watching tours where you can see sperm whales (and bottlenose dolphins too). There are a lot of water sports and spelunking or caving etc. but you can't do any of it in the winter. So that is important to you, then make sure you plan your trip for spring, summer, or fall.

Sao Miguel Azores Weather Offseason

During our two weeks on the island, we had mostly rain, but not all day long kind of rain. It was tropical showers with temperatures in the 60s and humidity. There was usually a breeze and we had 4 days of sunshine. Even with that weather, we were able to do so much and it is totally worth it to have the island to ourselves!

A Few Things to Note about the Ponta Delgada Airport

The Sao Miguel airport is called Ponta Delgada (located in the largest city of the Azores) and is an international airport. Besides flights coming in from continental Europe (via Lisbon) there are flights to Sao Miguel Azores from the United States. Year-round the 2 airlines doing these direct flights from New York and Boston are Azores Airlines (SATA) and TAP Air Portugal.

In the summer, there is also a direct flight from Oakland California (read this fantastic book, The Tenth Island: Finding Joy, Beauty, and Unexpected Love in the Azores to learn why). Also in the summer, United Airlines flies direct.

• It is an outdoor airport, so there is no protection from rain or heavy winds.
• The planes load from the front and rear so pay attention to your seat number as it may be quicker to go from the back.
• Weather can definitely impact your trip with delays or cancellations, so consider a plan B all the time!

The one thing I would have changed about our stay

We rented an apartment for two weeks in the center of Ponta Delgada. Given that we ate out of town, shopped out of town, and visited outside of town, next time I would stay outside of the city in a smaller village or town.

Visiting the Azores in the winter is tricky, but the reward of having the Green Island (Ilha Verde) all to ourselves, the attention of the locals, low season rates, and a nature-lovers paradise to explore at our feet makes it very worth it the Misadventures family!

I would also return to Nossa Senhora da Paz in Vila Franca Do Campo because we visited at the end of a very long day and I didn't have the strength to walk up all those stairs, but the view from the bottom of the shrine of the was still fantastic!

How about you? Have you been to any island in the Azores? Do you want to? Do tell!

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Someone on Instagram had told me I would appreciate Lisbon because it was so much like San Francisco – I just couldn't believe how much it was like San Francisco. The hills, the cable cars, earthquakes, the overall size, a food market like the Ferry Building, their own Golden Gate Bridge (made by the same people who built the one in SF!). It was weird, a good weird, and Mr. Misadventures and I loved it!

Here are some of the highlights from our four days of exploring.

Tower of Belem

While scouting spots for sunrise photography (remember who I was traveling with!) we headed to Tower of Belem which was totally empty that early in the morning, perfect! We went back later with Viking as part of our city tour excursion when there was a lot more activity.

We would have loved to have gone up the hundreds of steps to the tower to see the surrounding view and took look down. (Next trip!) There are some beautiful wavy tiles at the base.

Beautiful tiles would be a theme throughout our entire trip in Portugal.

The Trams

We rode the trams several times. Not only to take photos but also because they are fun to ride! The best time is early morning when they are less crowded, what can I say, the world belongs to the early risers…

Tip:  Try to have exact change or coins. The drivers get grumpy when they have to make change. Unfortunately, the routes have different prices so do your best!

The Elevators

Because of the hilliness of the city, there are also trams (referred to as elevators) in some of the neighborhoods to help the residents climb the hills. We spent a lot of time around Bica because it was just above the food market (see below). It wasn't running, out for maintenance, so it gave us an opportunity to photograph it without it being in motion, plus the slope to the bottom offered a great view which Mr. Misadventures captured above.

Of course, that shot was also at 6 in the morning, otherwise, there are local residents (and tourists) climbing up and down the hill making it hard to get the hill, or the elevator, all by itself.

These elevators are really mostly used by locals in the residential neighborhoods and are “decorated” by local artists on an almost daily basis. Like the one above in Lavra. Totally empty in the middle of the day, great for capturing it without a lot of people riding in it.

The Market

The building that houses Lisbon's market has been cut in two. One side is the main market, restaurateurs/chefs purchase goods in the morning (we know, we were there at 6:30) as well as locals a little later. The other half of the building is an upscale food court where some of the city's best chefs have stands. There is a bar in the middle and the perimeter has all kinds of Portuguese cuisines as well as a sushi bar and hamburger joint.

We landed there on our first night and had an apéro with Iberian ham, sheep's cheese, and local beer (me) and wine (the hubby).

I have to say it was mainly locals and we had a good time people-watching. We went back another night for carry out.

The People

Everywhere we went in Lisbon, and in Portugal in general, we met super friendly, passionate people. It was awesome. Given that we were out and about in the very early morning hours, we also met our fair share of intoxicated people.

This is Natasha and her friend at the Bica Elevator. We were there to shoot sunrise photos, they were climbing up the hill returning from an all-nighter dancing and drinking. Natasha stopped to tell us about Madeira, one of the Portuguese islands where she is from. She is a very good ambassador for this part of her country. She told us all about it. How wonderful Portugal is, etc. She spoke perfect English (her companion as well).

She requested her photo multiple times, so Mr. Misadventures obliged – she was standing in his frame anyway, not much else he could do. After 30 minutes her friend convinced her to leave and we enjoyed a chuckle, Natasha had certainly made the start of our day quite colorful!

What I Missed/Didn't See

Santa Justa Lift – the lines are always crazy long to go on this Eiffel-inspired elevator. We ran out of early mornings to see how it is at sunrise.

Pastéis de Belém – even though we were so close the morning we went to Belem Tower. And we stopped right next store to the shop that produces this famous pastry while on our Viking tour, I cannot justify waiting in a long line to eat something that I can get all over the city. [Now I know that pastel de nata is different than Pastéis de Belém, but I am guessing not so different.]

Head's Up

Whenever you go to a restaurant, you will be served bread and olives. Don't eat them unless you want to pay for them. This was a mistake that Mr. Misadventures and I made our first lunch out in Lisbon. Good restaurants will state on the menu. Others will just serve you and unless you look at your bill closely, you'll pay for them without noticing.

I don't like the practice, but apparently, it is a known thing, we just didn't know. (Maybe if I had studied up on the 50 things you need to know before you visit Portugal, I would have been informed!)

We want to see more of Lisbon but also use it as a home base to explore more of the surrounding area on day trips. Here is a really good itinerary for 3 days in Lisbon if you are coming to Lisbon for a few days. We visited in the summer, but Lisbon in the winter is wonderful as well.

How about you? Have you been to Lisbon, what was your favorite part? If you haven't been, is it on your bucket list? Do tell!

Disclosure:  This is NOT a sponsored post, my 4 days in Lisbon, all expenses were paid by me. However, my flights to Lisbon were paid for by virtue of my sponsored trip with Viking River Cruises.

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Vine roots in Portugal's Douro Region grow deep.

Driving into the rock and soil taking hold as deep as 30 feet.

I imagine like most roots, they just need a little nurturing to grow back stronger than ever.

This trip to Portugal was like a little watering of my own vines. Awakening my heritage.

It was an unexpected outcome for my journey to Portugal.

I liked Lisbon.

I liked Porto.

I enjoyed cruising and exploring the Douro River. But I LOVED reconnecting with my Portuguese roots and learning much, much more about its history, its food, and its people.

There is tons of history to be explored, and I learned interesting tidbits that I find to be really fun.

Did you know:

– The James Bond novel Casino Royale was inspired by spending time in Lisbon’s Estoril Casino? Lisbon was the center of espionage during World War II and author Ian Fleming, who actually worked in intelligence for a time, stayed in Lisbon with his boss (who he modeled M after) on their way to the U.S.

– That India was bequeathed to England as part of Princess Catherine’s (or Portugal) dowry? And Princess Catherine introduced tea to the royal court. Tea is “cha” in Portuguese and when it was imported into England it was taxable, so it had a big “T” on it and became known as tea!

But enough about me and Portuguese fun facts! Let me tell you about my Viking River Cruises trip.

Viking River Cruises graciously invited me to experience one of their river cruises in Europe. As I previously mentioned, Mr. Misadventures and I had planned trips to Portugal in the past, but we ended up changing our minds and ended up in Kyoto and Tuscany.

So when we had the opportunity to select a river cruise, we very quickly decided on the Douro River allowing us to explore Lisbon, its second-largest city, Porto, and the Douro wine region.

What I Loved

The Boat

We sailed on the Hemming, a small boat with a capacity for 106 passengers and 26 crew. The boat was beautiful, spotless, and intimate.

Plenty of spots to enjoy a cup of wine or glass of port (we learned that a pre-lunch port is traditional in Portugal, when in Rome…) while taking in the Douro River.

The top deck had the perfect amount of space for sun worshippers and shade lovers. There was also a beautiful pool, an herb garden for Chef Carlo, and of course the requisite shuffleboard.

Of course, the captain has a great view as well!

We spent a lot of time in the salon pre-and-post meals, as well as during lectures and demonstrations. Or just to relax.

Our Room

The decor of the staterooms was bright, with light colors, and natural materials. Growing up I often wore flannel pajamas, most of the time made in Portugal. Not a lot of people know that Portugal produces great flannel. I was half-tempted to take the beautiful blue flannel blanket on our bed! The view of the wine terraces of Douro Valley was spectacular.

The bathroom had the best shower I have ever experienced on a cruise. Roomy enough, fully closing the door, great water pressure – practically unheard of on cruise boats! The francophile in me loved the L'Occitane bath products.

In the evening we wound down to an outstanding collection of free movies. Oh, and by the way, there is FREE wifi throughout the boat. You read that right. Free wifi!

The River

Still ruggedly wild and unspoiled, the Douro River is a hidden gem.

The centuries-old wine terraces of the Douro River are UNESCO world heritage sites. And while they are stunningly gorgeous, you get a deeper appreciation for them when you realize that nearly all the work is manual.

Passing by sleepy towns and beautiful houses makes you start fantasizing about never leaving.

The Staff

Viking Rivers Cruises isn't just a cruise line; it's your family for however long you are with them. Especially so with the Hemming because the entire crew is not only from Portugal but the Douro region. You cannot have a better advocate, a better guide, or a more gracious host than when you are in someone's backyard. The passion for this beautiful part of the country is instilled deep into each and every one of the team and it is not only inspiring but contagious!

I think it is a concept that should be replicated everywhere. Staff are happier because they are close to home, can see their families on a regular basis, even if it is only for a few hours, and they are proud to share their region.

Also, it was way cool to have a badass (sorry, not sorry) female lead. Captain Carolina Silva is the only female captain in the Viking fleet, a position she is holding at 26 years of age! In Portugal, women outnumber men seven to one, which means you're going to be seeing a lot more women in male-dominated roles. Girl Power!

I wish I can tell you more about Captain Silva, but she declined my interview request. I think she is on the shy side, except when it comes to the job. Mr. Misadventures saw her go toe-to-toe with a grumpy lock-keeper without blinking an eye. You go, girl!

Need something? Have a question? The team goes above and beyond to take care of all kinds of requests. I had a question about the origin of the pastel de nata pastry during an afternoon lecture. The next morning, this letter appeared in my room! It provides me with a book suggestion including the description, author, and its availability on Kindle.

The team is kind and thoughtful. One afternoon Mr. Misadventures and I decided to skip the afternoon excursion in lieu of poppy hunting (see more below). That evening, our amazing tour escort, Annabela, found us having a pre-dinner drink on the back deck and handed us the bag above. She said knowing we are foodies she didn't want us to miss out on the famous almonds from the town where the excursion had taken place. How wonderful is that?!

The Locks and Bridges

There are five locks that we went through as we journeyed upriver, which we then repeated when we cruised down. All five were built before Portugal entered the EU and they are quite efficient.

Portugal claims the deepest in Europe (Carrapatelo) which stands at a little over 113 feet. It is really impressive to watch the process of going up and down.

There are also countless bridges on the Douro River. Large, tall, concrete, wood, iron. For several of them, everything on the upper deck has to come down, including the captain's wheelhouse.

The captain in her convertible!

Any passengers on deck are told they will have to duck and for some bridges, it is too close for comfort and passengers have to watch from the back deck. The team is an efficient machine, they know what to do and do it fast and they are always ensuring the safety of the passengers throughout the whole process – it is impressive!

One of the bridges in Porto (there are 6) was built by Monsieur Gustave Eiffel. This bridge, Dom Luis the First in Porto was my favorite. Isn't it a beauty? It was built by an apprentice of that ingenious visionary who sparked a global frenzy for iron after revealing the Eiffel Tower during the World's Fair of 1889

The Wines and Ports

Wines, beer, and soft drinks are free during lunch and dinner on board any Viking River Cruises ship. And the servers are very generous pourers, if you don't pay attention, you could end up a little tipsy (I'm looking at you Mr. Misadventures….). In all seriousness, the wines (and ports) we had during the cruise were OUTSTANDING. I have new favorite wines.

Claudio, the maître d'hôtel, whose tough job it is to select from the hundreds of available wines in the region, truly is gifted in choosing one amazing wine after the other. It was a great introduction to wines I had zero familiarity with before the cruise.

Highlights of the Cruise

Porto

A real charmer, Porto (as well as Gaia across the river) is not only gorgeous but full of interesting things to do, see and eat. Mr. Misadventures and I would have extended our cruise just to stay here a few more days.

We did a city tour, an [free] excursion offered by Viking, but it was just a tease and we want to explore more!

If for nothing else there are two food items I must get my hands on: the Francesinha, a crazy twist on the Croque monsieur, and Dobrada Guisada Oporto, a Portuguese tripe dish that Porto is famous for.

Regua

On one of our last days, we stopped Regua for the day. Instead of the free excursion, Mr. Misadventures and I went to the market. It's one of our favorite things to do, a great way to experience local products and local people. We had a great time and although we only spoke a few words in Portuguese and most of the vendors spoke little English, the fact that we tried went a very long way.

The woman above could not stop smiling at us and helping us as much or as little as we needed while we purchased cherries and strawberries. The same goes for the bread seller, the cheese and sausage seller, olive seller, etc.

Our mission was to purchase the ingredients for a great picnic. When the Hemming landed back in Porto, instead of flying back to Lisbon, we decided to drive the side roads back to Lisbon. Our plan was to find a nice picnic spot for lunch to enjoy more of the countryside.

The Regua market was perfect!

Shopping makes you thirsty and as we walked back side streets to get back to the harbor, we stopped at a small local coffee shop to relax and take in the local scene. We ordered a galão, which is like a small latte. (P.S. I have a guide to ordering coffee in Portugal, in case you ever find yourself there.)

As we were finishing our last drops, the owner came back to check on us and share some of his traditional cakes he had created, on display in his shop. He spoke excellent English and said we could find him on Facebook. He was quite the businessman and a friendly host.

Barca d'Alva

That day we missed out on the almonds? We were poppy hunting. Mr. Misadventures LOVES poppies, it's the background of his website and a favorite subject for photos. We had been seeing them along the edge of the Douro and Mr. Misadventures wanted to capture them.

We debarked into Barca d'Alva and followed a road outside of town. We met up with an abandoned rail line which we hiked on until we were parallel to the river. All the poppies were closer to the water level, so Mr. Misadventures found a “path” closer to the water (pictured above) and I stayed on the rail line.

While he was getting the poppies under the olive trees (below), I was taking shots of the wild lavender (above). We love wildflowers! And with Barca d'Alva being so small and remote, there were tons of them all around.

Sandeman

One of our favorite free excursions was a trip to one of the Sandeman estates. The drive alone was breathtaking with beautiful views of the wine terraces and the river.

Sandeman has been producing ports and sherries since 1790 and is known around the world. We toured their facility and lovely grounds and ended our visit with a sample of two of their ports. The views are gorgeous and the ports are delicious!

Salamanca

We spent the day in Salamanca, Spain (another free excursion), and had tons of free time to walk around and check out the sites, like the Plaza Major. Of course, the first thing we did was head to the local market.

We bought Iberian ham sausage and cheese for our picnic. Then we had to have a pre-lunch snack to test out the product!

On the drive to and from Salamanca as well as the entire time walking around, we saw storks everywhere! I hadn't seen any since our trip to Strasbourg over a decade ago.

Optional Excursions

We arrived one day early and stayed three days later to spend extra time in Lisbon, so I'll be writing a separate post on our time in the city.

However, we also visited the city as an excursion with Viking. Plus I did an optional excursion to the National Tile Museum which was awesome. The museum is housed in an old monastery and besides the great displays and history of tile, the architecture is pretty cool.

During our visit, we got to paint our own tiles which was a total blast! The best part was bonding with two fantastic couples – Marvin & Joanne and Jim & Emily – who became our cruise buddies for the remainder of our trip.

My Lowlights

I'm calling this section MY lowlights because these are specific to me and my current experiences, they shouldn't impact your decision to book a Viking River Cruise – I HIGHLY recommend it, but no one person can love everything, that is not real!

Boat Cruising

One of the things I love most about ocean cruises is being rocked to sleep at night by the sea. I assumed the same would happen on the river. I was not aware that the river cruise boats don't cruise at night. Despite that fact, I slept like a baby, but I missed the motion.

Coaches

At this moment Mr. Misadventures and I are traveling the U.S. in a 40-foot RV coach. After being in the RV for six months we were very much looking forward to being off the RV and on a boat. The Douro River is beautiful but remote, so some of the places we visited required bus transportation. Viking has their own coaches which are amazing, but we personally were tired of being on a coach.

We had a nice balance of coaching, walking, and cruising so it wasn't terrible, but just the reality of our personal circumstances.

We had a FANTASTIC time. We fell deeply in love with Portugal. The crew was above and beyond and made the trip even better. The Hemming is a beautiful vessel. I would definitely recommend the Douro River trip.

I don't know what the experience is on a larger more established river on a larger boat. I can extrapolate that the Viking experience translates well to this scenario.

Viking now has two new ocean cruise boats and I am keen to see what that would be like considering their level of service and attention to detail, plus the boat would rock!

Thank you Viking River Cruise for inviting Mr. Misadventures and me to experience your brand, your boats, and your people.

Despite the fact this was a sponsored trip, all opinions (as always) remain my own.

Douro River in a Day Trip

If you are interested in the Douro River but don't want to do a week-long cruise, it is possible to do it on a day trip! There are several options and lengths available! Here are some popular day trip tours:

• Douro Valley Tour with Wine Tasting, Cruise and Lunch
• Full-Day Douro Wine Tour with Lunch and River Cruise
• Douro Valley Tour Including 3 Wineries

How about you? Have you been on Viking River Cruises? Have you been to Portugal? The Douro River? If not, do you want to? Do tell!

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Here are some “leftovers” from Florence that are too pretty to not share! Thanks to Mr. Misadventures who supplied plenty of them, his favorites can be found in the Tuscany portfolio on his site, Sel & Poivre Photography.

Florence is such a walking city and it is so easy to capture everyday life. Like laundry. Whenever I am hang drying clothes in our closet at home, my hubby will say, “what is this, Italy?” It's kind of a French thing, even though you see it all over Marseille as well. Whatever the origin, images like this make it hard to say it is a stereotype! We find it to be whimsical.

Every building has a story, like this old family castle turned into a museum. They kept the rings in which they would tie off the horses.

The shop and their displays are calling out to have their pictures taken. Like this candy display in the window of Caffè Gilli. We had coffee here a few times and I drooled over the sweets.

The store front of La Bottega Dell'Olio, the olive oil and balsamic vinegar store that we spent way too much money in!

We visited multiple places that afforded spectacular views of the city from many different angles. Like this one from the Villa Bardini gardens.

This was from either the Boboli Gardens or the Palazzo Pitti, I can't remember!

And another.

And another.

The Giardino delle Rose just below the Piazzale Michelangelo, both of which offer magnificent views of Florence. My friend Katie of Domestiphobia visited near this spot after an epic Tuscan farm dinner. And despite her food coma, she agreed it is stunning.

Mr. Misadventures has a photographic fascination with statues and he is always trying to capture them at interesting angles, like this lion in the courtyard between the Westin and St. Regis.

Or this lion near the Piazza del Duomo.

Of course, we visited the Duomo as well. We were there first thing when they opened, but it is already too late for good light for photography, but the hubby took an interesting photo nonetheless!

That's it for our trip to Florence. It was our second trip and we look forward to a third in the future. It is such a great home-base for exploring Tuscany and there is lots more to explore!

How about you? Do you have a favorite city you have explored multiple times? What keeps you going back? Have you been to Florence? Do you have spots I should visit?

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