The weather Gods must have been cheering for us! After weeks of gloomy rain, we landed in Lisbon, Portugal on a Tuesday morning to sunshine and blue skies. A big, heartfelt thank you to the person upstairs who is watching over us!

Unfortunately, our adventure didn’t begin with a breeze through Portugual’s immigration process. Instead, we found ourselves in a sea of weary travelers, shuffling forward for what felt like forever – ninety minutes, to be exact – while just four officials valiantly processed the crowd. Dozens of shiny new kiosks stood like silent sentinels, promising speed but delivering only disappointment. By the time our guide finally greeted us, we’d already had a crash course in patience—two hours’ worth!

Our Portugal adventure began with a thirty-minute drive from the airport, weaving past faded facades and shop fronts splashed with graffiti—a gritty introduction to the city’s urban side.

But the scene quickly changed as we arrived at the H10 Duque de Loulé, nestled in Lisbon’s vibrant heart. Just a hop from Praça Marquês de Pombal and the stylish Avenida da Liberdade, the hotel is located close to chic boutiques, sunny café terraces, and all the city’s must-see spots. Whether you are looking for the financial district, shopping, or a stroll through historic Baixa, it’s all right at your doorstep.

Our local Portugal team

Driver throughout the trip

• Traveling with Paulo Freire was a delight. As our driver, he navigated each route with skill and confidence.
• Beyond his driving, Paulo’s warmth shone through—he greeted us each morning with a new assortment of local pastries, sharing the flavors of every town.
• His personable nature, eloquence, and sharp wit made every conversation enjoyable, and his deep knowledge of the region enriched our experience at every stop.

Portugal Local Guides

• With winetourismspain.com at the helm, every stop introduced us to a new local guide – each one an excellent storyteller, historian, and treasure-hunter rolled into one.
• Their charm and eloquence made us feel instantly at home, while their deep knowledge uncovered secret spots and spun tales from the annals of both local lore and national history.
  • Lisbon – Luis Costa
  • Algarve – Margarite; regrettably do not have her last name
  • Evora – Marie Hélène Mendes
  • Aveiro – Paulo Anastácio
  • Porto – Alexandre Lima Ferreira

Next Blog Post …

Portugal – The Discovery