Portugal has captured the imagination of American travelers, and the levels of tourism in the city were rising rapidly before the pandemic began. Even now, Portugal, and especially the cities of Porto and Lisbon, are bouncing back, welcoming growing crowds. Here are 10 tips to help you enjoy Lisbon. 1. When booking flights into Lisbon,…
This far into COVID, I think some of us are tiring of our own cooking and the drabness of our grocery shopping routines. So, a little inspiration from the Mercados Municipais Estefânia in Sintra, a small but popular food hall in town that offers fresh produce and a wide range of foodstuffs. It is a popular…
Lisbon is a city that captured my heart. On my first trip there earlier this year, I was impressed with its picturesque streetscapes, its rolling hills and vistas, its remarkable light, and its old world grandeur and beauty. At times, as a street car whizzed by, I was reminded of San Francisco. My favorite neighborhood…
Fado has never sounded so good! The plaintive vocals of this most traditional Portuguese music seem perfectly made for our times. So as we plan our Weekend in Portugal, a virtual trip to Portugal featuring Zoom events, tours and performances meant to offer guests an immersive experience of Portuguese food, wine, and culture, Fado seemed…
There is no sweet treat so distinctly Portuguese as the Pastel de Nata, a simple egg custard tart that has become a Portuguese favorite. The confection goes back over three centuries, to the active days of the historic Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon’s Belém district. The monks and nuns there used egg whites to starch their vestments….
As Portugal has become the new “it” destination, is it any wonder interest in Portuguese wines is on the rise? As the days get longer and the temperatures climb their way toward spring and summer, crisp and refreshing Vinho Verde is at the top of our list. Here are seven reasons why this delicious libation…
Lisbon is a city of great history and beauty, with a rich legacy of royalty and an exciting contemporary energy and street life. It is a constellation of interesting central neighborhoods, each with its own flavor and atmosphere. Staying nearby on the Sintra UnTour, you’ll have easy access to Lisbon and can find plenty of…
Sintra is our UnTours hometown for Central Portugal. It has so much atmosphere and plenty of things to see and do, but it also makes a perfect base for exploring the wider region. Here are just some of the excellent day trips within easy striking distance. Lisbon This capital city of Portugal has more than…
Sometimes compared to American blue music, the Fado song captures the essence of the Portuguese people more than any other music and offers a window into the country’s soul. This typically sad song is said to descend from African melodies, though there is no trace of the Fado song in African music nowadays. The music…