Holiday Gastro, Eno & Steeped in The Arts Destinations ..

[Alexandria Profile]

Karakoolaide,

Thank you so much.

Yes, Galicia is quite extraordinary,
especially the coast, the hamlets,
the cuisine, the wines, and the
historic Celtic monuments and
lighthouses.

The Wines you have spoken of
are not Galician. The Valle de Duero:

There are 2 wine designations: The
Ribera del Duero, which produces some of
the best red wines in the world and
this is in Castilla León, Valladolid. The
home of Vega Sicila and Pingus ..

Then there is The Duoro, in Portugal on
the frontier of Salamanca. They are
red wine producing and coming up with some
amazingly good reds.

Galician wines are predominately
White wine producing and renowned
for the Albariño Grape, of Cambados
and the O`Rosal, southern Rias Baixas.

Ribera Sacra, Ourense is red wine producing.
And have recently won some major wine challenges
in E.U. Capital cities.

Galicia, Valdeorras in Eastern Galicia is also
predominately White wine producing. The Godello
grape and Ourense is a big Ribiero White wine
producer ..

Have a lovely day !

[Alexandria Profile]

Tuesday 4th June ..

Galicia, Excursions Mini Cruceros Costero Por Las Rias ..
Galicia Excursions Mini Cruises on the Inlets, Straits & Bays ..


We started out in O´Grove, and headed to the Island of
Salvora, and its tiny islands Vionta and Con de Noro, which
is a National Park and Sanctuary, Illas Atlánticas in the Ria Arousa.

Lunch was aboard the cruise, and typically Galician,
veered to the daily catch, and other Galician Fish
and Seafood Specialities.

The views of the sea, and the islands are absolutely
breathtakingly extraordinary.

The Islands of Sagres & the town of Aguiño, are
monumental and quite enchanting.

We also went to a Fish and Shellfish Auction !
This was amazing.

Have a lovely day.

[Amyw Profile]

Member 461 what is the name of your touring company please

[Renee Profile]

What a wonderful day you've had Member 461! I will look up some of those places.

[Alexandria Profile]

Renée,

Thank you for visiting ..

Yes, perhaps going to
the Library and / or a bookshop
that specialises in Spanish
Travel to Galicia.

These are not exactly the most
common itineraries however,
we receive requests for a wide
variety of "Circuits" which are
basically 8 days and 7 nights for
Galicia, and the majority of these
clients are Spanish from Barcelona
who have never been to Galicia or
if they have, they had been to Santiago
de Compostela, Pontevedra City and A Coruña
City.

The 1st group this season were predominately
from London and Edimburgh via recommendation,
and the trip was
to the Cities listed above.

Have a lovely weekend just ahead.

[Alexandria Profile]

Wednesday 5th & Thursday 6th June ..

On the 4th, we set off on a cruise from
The Port of O´Grove, for Cabo de Cruz on the
Isle of Boiro, most famous for its wild fresh fish.
This island was renowned for invasions from the
Vikings !

Then, on Thursday, we spent the day in
Santiago de Compostela, and travelled north,
on the Atlantic Coast on a mini cruise ship,
more of a 1st class ferry like vessel in style.

On Friday the 7th, we had a thorough city tour
of Pontevedra renowned for its architecture,
tapas bars, restaurants and the Spanish Art of
Civil War Expressionism 1936 - 1939.

Returning to Thursday the 6th ..

Lunch was at the Parador of Santiago,
which was originally a hospital built in
1499.

Quite a full morning and an extraordinary
lunch and wine pairings.

Free afternoon for shopping, walking,
sitting at outdoor cafés etcetra ..

Dinner was light at a bustling
town bistro known for its regional
tapas and renowned pulpo a la feira,
octopus with smoked paprika and
Cachuelos ( Galician Potatoes )
served on a wooden board.
Melt is mouth tenderness !
And a side order of
Pimientos de Padron, a
piquant tiny Green fresh chili
pepper sautéed in Evoo !
From the village of Padrón.

Have a lovely weekend.

[Alexandria Profile]

Saturday the 7th - Vigo, Islas Ciés & Islas ( Islands ) of San Simon ..

Early this morning we departed from Vigo, in
southern Rias Baixas,
for the achipielago of one of the most panoramic
zones of this
región, for the 3 Islands of Ciés.
Pronounced: Sees ..

The isle of Rodas is considered one of the most beautiful
and unlittered beaches on the Peninsula. This island
inspired Jules Verne to write the 2,000 Legends under
The Sea ( if I recall, this is the name of the book ).

The weather was a bit chilly, and not quite beach
weather, however, amazingly extraordinary for a stroll.

The National Park Maritimo Terrestre das Ilas Atlantico, The Maritime
Lands of the Atlantic Isles Nature Reserve, is a sanctuary of
protected native species of birds, aquatic and land animals of
all types.

Lunch was aboard the cruise ferry ..

Back to the hotel for free time now.

The hotel is a four star Spa, so many of us
are booked for a massage or a jacuzzi etcetra.

Tonite our last dinner shall be voted upon.

Have a nice weekend.

[Alexandria Profile]

Sunday 9th June. ( 1.25 am )

I shall be off to Portugal
on Sunday afternoon.

Shall be in Portugal
for 2 weeks !

Quite excited and
now I am off to relax
and rest.

Have a wonderful weekend.

[Alexandria Profile]

Sunday 9th June ..

Just arrived in Lisbon, Portugal, a little while ago ..


This "circuit " trip of 7 days, 6 nights is called:
Portugal Turisico y Lisboa. Touristic Portugal &
Lisbon ..

The complete package, begins on the 10th, Monday.

Day 1 ) Lisbon Monumental .. The Belem, Plaza del Rossio,
Plaza de Los Restauradores, la iglesia de Los Jerónimos,
all very emblematic and dynamic.

Dinner with live " Fado " music ..

Day 2) Sintra and Óbidos ..
The Castle of Dos Mouros, the Medieval villages
of Unesco worth, and the Murallas ( the fortress
walls of Óbisos which are a true jewel. )

Day 3 ) Fátima & Nazaré ..

Day 4) The National Park of Las Naciones.
(The Nations)

Day 5) Casçais & Free Day in Lisbon which
includes a choice of Michelin Restaurants,
both by: Multi Michelin Starred Jose Avillez.
He has several restaurants, and a stunner
in Barrio Chiada, downtown Lisbon and one
also in Casçais, Port of Casçais.

Day 6) Sevilla ..
La Cathedral of Giralda, La Triana,
Flamenco Live, at a
Tapas Bar & Restaurant for dinner.

Day 7 ) Breakfast and the group´s
Departure.

More to follow on this unique excursión.

Have a lovely Sunday.

[Renee Profile]

Portugal Turisico y Lisboa will be an amazing excursion for everyone Member 461! There will be some wonderful sights to see and places to visit!

[Alexandria Profile]

Renée,

Yes, Portugal is a fascinating and
highly versatile country in reference
to topgraphy, agricultural, life style,
history, geography and monumentally
too.

All my best wishes for a lovely week
ahead.

[Alexandria Profile]

Sunday 9th June 2019.

Firstly, I flew from Vigo, Galicia
to Lisbon, Portugal on Sunday, the
9th after lunch.
It is a mere 30 minute flight.

I stayed with my dear at
a Pousada de Portugal,
which is similar to the
Parador Network of Spain.
www.pousadas.pt
Click English.

The Hotel Pestana Palace,
is situated in a late XIX
century Palatial building,
in a residential zone of Lisbon.

It had been wonderful to
spend some private time
together during peak
Tourism Season.
My dear flew over from
Barcelona to join me on
this excursión.

The hotel has amazing gardens,
an unforgettable Spa Garden,
and a gym which we enjoyed on
Monday morning before our Group
arrived from Zamora.

We had a light dinner at the
Valle Flor at the Hotel.

Have
a lovely evening and
week ahead.

[Alexandria Profile]

Sakkarin,

11th June. Tuesday 11am.

Café Break.

On the post of the 10th, I meant to
say, unfortunately the weather,
though not bad by any means,
it is a bit chilly for Jacuzzi
outdoors. Perfect, for
a touristic stroll of the
City by the Bridge.
Quite impressive !

We opted for the Gym,
which we adore for stair
Master and Cycling.

Sakkarin,

It seems the technicalities
of the Fórum, need a revisión
or Check Up.

Thank you in advance.

[Alexandria Profile]

11th Tuesday June.


Sintra ..

Sintra, was an artistocratic,
monarchic small
city, approx 30 km from
Lisbon. Now, a Unesco,
Patrimony City, it houses
the amazingly extraordinary
QUINTA DA REGALEIRA
PALACE, which is a definite
jewel and the National Park
DE SINTRA and the Castle,
CASTELO DOS MOUROS.

Lunch shall be in Sintra today,
at the Pestana Beloura Golf Resort,
3 Km. from the city centre of Sintra.

After lunch, we shall be heading over
to the Village of Óbidos, which is one
of the most beautiful Portuguese Medieval
towns most renowned or its Castle, CASTILLO
DE ÓBIDOS.

The amazing gardens are another reason
worthwhile to visit.

Have a lovely day.

[Renee Profile]

Member 461, I'm following your wonderful journey every day. I've been looking at pictures of the magnificent Hotel Pestana Palace. When I stayed on the Algarve with family, we visited castles. I love to explore them and learn about the history.

[Alexandria Profile]

The 11th, June, Tuesday Evening 23.20.

Renée,

Wow !
How wonderful ..

Yes, we are true history
buffs.

The Iberian Peninsula,
both Portugal and Spain,
have uncountable
Castles,
Palaces, Renaissance
Masterpieces, Unesco Architecture,
National Parks, Islettes,
and of course, The Navigators
and The Conquerors of lands across the
seven seas ..

Wednesday:

We are taking the Coach, to
The Sancutary of Fátima
and Nazaré ..
located in the región of
Leiria. 120 Km. north
of Lisbon and Nazaré
is one of the oldest fishing
villages, 58 Km. from
Fatima.

We will also visit the
Sanctuary of Nossa Señora
Nazaré.

The destination for lunch:
The Pousada Ourem, 12 km.
from Fatima.

Very traditional cuisine of this
zone and amazing views of the
Plains and Hills ..

The gastro eno part of this
"circuit" shall be written from
hand written notes at the weekend.

Late, and must be up at 6.00am.
Breakfast is at 7am.

Have a lovely evening.

[Alexandria Profile]

Wednesday, the 12th Lunch.

Pousada Conde de Ourém
Castelos, Portugal
(12 km. from Fatima )

Firstly, my dear and I
started off with Ecological or
Organic Montallo from their
Estate (owned and operated
by The Pousada Hotel &
Restaurant ).

Montallo is a Medieval
Portuguese Wine called:
Palhete, a red wine from the
Vinha da Malhada Red Grape
from Ecological pure vineyards.

I had the freshly caught Mussels
called Mexilhao Meia Coucha Com Vinho,
prepared in White wine.

The main, was also quite light,
Mozambique Grilled Red Prawns.

My dear had the freshly caught Lolla,
the Squid Salad and for his main,
he had the Baby Roast Lamb chops.

The dessert was an assortment
of fresh fruits from the King´s
Forest and local goat cheeses.

Truly extraordinary and the views of
The King´s Forest and the plains
were incredibly beautiful.

Off to coast to Nazare,
and then, back to Lisbon.

Have a lovely day.

[Alexandria Profile]

13th Thursday June ..

Today´s excursión to
The Parque de Las Naciones,
The Park of Nations, included
an unforgettable morning at
The Oceanario which is
an extraordinary experience
filled with the world of
marine flora and marine fauna.

Lunch was with an amazing Two
Michelin starred Chef, Jose Avillez,
who studied under Adrià, Berasategui,
Arzak, Joan Roca, amongst others.

After lunch, was a free afternoon to
shop, explore the city centre on
foot and / or enjoy the Hotel Spa,
or relax on an outdoor terrace.

A light bite or two, with an exploration of
of the outdoor cafés and Portuguese
Wines, Cocktails and relaxing under
the stars close to the Sea ..

Have a lovely evening.

[Renee Profile]

I'm still following your wonderful journey Member 461! I would have loved the Oceanario. I took my two boys to the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco when they were small. There were beautiful fish there of all sizes and lovely colours.

[Alexandria Profile]

Renée,

Thank you for following
my daily tour and travel
adventures.

Yes, it was quite magnificant.

I am quite a fan of the
world of marine life,
flora and fauna ..

Have a lovely evening.