“Travel as therapy” engages resident Becky Vahedi during Portugal trip
A university study suggests traveling boosts health and slows down aging.
by Becky Vahedi
LW contributor
Anew university study suggests traveling boosts health and slows down aging. I find that encouraging as I am currently going through vacation withdrawal after returning from an 11 day comprehensive travel adventure through the beautiful country of Portugal.
This was my third European group trip in as many years and I have preferred to go with an experienced travel agent, Albina Figliomeni of Travels by Albina, to take care of all my needs, rather than handle the tedious, time consuming and often frustrating details of international travel.
My trip to Portugal began in the northern city of Porto and wound its way south, culminating in the Algarve. If you have never been to Portugal, I hope my adventure will entice you, and if you have already visited, I hope you will fondly reminisce and maybe revisit.
I traveled with a longtime friend and we caught a 6:30 a.m. flight out of LAX, connecting in Montreal, Canada, where we joined our travel advisor Albina and 11 Canadians, along with three additional US travelers— including two from Leisure World—for a total group of 16 seniors.
We arrived in Porto the following morning and were met by our local guide, Maria. After our luggage was loaded on the bus, we began by discovering Porto, home of famous Port wine, via pre-arranged tuktuk transportation. Our young and handsome driver provided details as we traveled and stopped at scenic points of interest. We checked in for a three night stay at the centrally located Hotel Turim and called it an early night.
Daily breakfasts were included to start each morning. Our local guide and bus driver were waiting to begin our journey. We were transported to Gondomar to visit a Filigree Museum and learn about the history and art of Portuguese jewelry making and observed local artisans at work in their home workshop. Very impressive. We also stopped for some free time in the walkable town of Guimaraes. I enjoyed a light lunch of bacalhau (codfish) and shopping. We had some really nice weather for outdoor eating.
Next, we arrived at Vila Nova de Gaia to visit the local port wine cellars of Cockburn’s, founded in 1815 and set on the picturesque Douro River. An informative tour of the facility and, of course, Port tasting, followed. Our group sampled three Port wines; white, tawny and vintage, each accompanied by their own unique chocolate pairing. Needless to say, many bottles were purchased to bring home or simply enjoy during the trip.
In the beautiful town of Pinhao, we enjoyed a leisurely boat tour on the Douro River. It was my first experience viewing river locks. There were several luxury river cruise ships docked along the river, getting ready for departure.
Another fun experience in the area was a scenic drive towards A Quinta, a noble house with land spread over 200 hectares of vineyards, olive and fruit trees, as well as a hotel named Rural Casa dos Viscandes da Varzea. We were hosted by the very interesting and somewhat eccentric Condessa Maria, who provided us with a hands-on cooking lesson in a typical kitchen from 1804. These interactive activities where we got to mix with the locals in their country and then share in the food we had prepared was so rewarding. The town of Alveiro, often called the Portuguese Venice, was another location we visited. We rode through the canals on one of the colorful barcos moliceiros. Lunch and shopping followed with local vendors before departing to Coimbra. Here we visited the library and University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in Europe.
Not part of the tour, but quite fortunately, we caught the end of two weddings taking place while we were on the grounds. Since there were plenty of stairs to climb during the excursion, we had some spectacular views of this central region of Portugal that could not be missed.
We spent one night in the city of Fatima and visited the Sanctuary, a Catholic pilgrimage site, before continuing in our southerly direction towards the stunning fishing village of Nazare, close to the sea. It is well known for its huge waves and surfing during the summer. We also found some of the traditionally dressed women of Nazare still wearing their colorful skirts of seven petticoats. What a breathtaking view of the beach below from atop the cliff, where I literally lost my hat due to the ocean breezes. A highlight of this day was when our group of 16 enjoyed a spectacular outdoor fish and seafood lunch on the terrace of O Casalinho, and of course more wine.
Before arriving at the capital, Lisbon, we visited the flowered town of Obidos. Our guide had the travel planned perfectly; after big lunches a nice bus drive would follow, where most of my travel buddies found themselves napping on the way. It is a good thing, because during our visit to the walled town of Obidos, which was once owned by the Queen of Portugal, we were treated to a much anticipated taste of Ginjinha. This is the local liqueur made from Morello (sour) cherries and ours was served in an edible chocolate cup. Very tasty.
We had nearly three days to explore Lisbon and our hotel was situated in the historic center. Highlights for me were the Tower of Belem, built in the 16th century, the changing of the guard at the presidential palace, eating a warm pastel de nata from the original—since 1837—Pasteis de Nata bakery, and celebrating my birthday in Lisbon with an evening of traditional Fado music and dinner.
Another memorable excursion was riding in reserved tuktuks along Alfama, one of Lisbon’s oldest streets. We were grateful for our very entertaining Brazilian driver and the romantic music he played for us while weaving through traffic and explaining the sites. Lisbon’s streets are very steep and cobblestoned, and while getting in and out of tuktuk’s was not always easy for the less limber, I would highly recommend this form of transportation to get the most out of the city. The famous trolleys are also an option, but almost always jam packed.
Our itinerary had included a visit to the highly Instagrammable Sintra Pena Palace. At the time there were many large wildfires raging in the mountains and the roads were closed off. Disappointing, but certainly understandable. However, after a stop at the Palacio Nacional de Sintra, we experienced another unexpected highlight. We were transported to a local restaurant for one of the most delicious meals of the trip. A local favorite of this area is roasted suckling pig. Beautifully presented, moist and tender on the inside with a crispy skin crust on the outside. Exceptional.
The visit to Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage site, included a very educational and entertaining tour of a working cork factory. Fun fact: Portugal is the largest producer of cork in the world. The group had time to purchase some good quality and useful gifts here.
Nearing the end of the trip, we headed toward the Algarve, but I can’t close without mentioning a favorite highlight as we stopped at a vineyard on the way and had another hands-on experience of harvesting grapes. We were given straw hats, buckets and clippers and a row of grapes to harvest. When our buckets were full, we enjoyed a bucha (snack) on tables set up in the vineyard. So much fun.
The last excursion and farewell lunch took place in Albufeira. We had a three hour boat ride on a gloriously sunny day along the coast of Albufeira to Bengil. The farewell lunch, after a champagne toast, was a sumptuous feast of seafood rice, an area favorite.
Thank you for allowing me to share this adventure with you. Whether you chose to book your own or prefer the convenience of small group travel as I do, please consider reaching out to a true professional, Albina, of Travels by Albina. I hear Italy calling my name.
Have you taken a trip you'd like to share?
Send an email to paulk@lwsb.com with the details.
A group photo in Porto, overlooking the Douro River.
Port tasting at Cockburn's in Gondomar, Portugal.
FUN FACT: Portugal is the largest producer of cork in the world.
