UNEXPECTED PORTUGAL
EXPERIENCED BY JULIE CALLAS
WHEN: September 2024
WHERE: Portugal
Portugal surprised me in ways I didn’t expect. Porto is not a city you just stroll through—you climb it. Two layers of hills, stairs, and cobblestone streets make your calves work, but the views and neighborhoods are worth every step. We wandered through the riverside Ribeira district, explored the higher historical center, and of course, stopped at Livraria Lello. The red staircase in that bookstore feels like stepping into a fairytale—and yes, it’s rumored to have inspired Hogwarts. Even if you’re not a Harry Potter fan, it’s mesmerizing.
After Porto, we hired a private transfer to Lisbon so we could see more of the country at our own pace. This allowed us to stop in Aveiro, with its canals and colorful moliceiro boats; then Costa Nova, to see the famous striped houses that were once fishing huts; Nazaré, a seaside town famous for huge waves, where we had one of the best meals of the entire trip—octopus served three ways; and Óbidos, a medieval walled town with narrow streets and a local cherry liqueur called ginja, served in little chocolate cups. In Sintra, the palace towers were even more stunning in person than in photos.
Lisbon itself was a highlight. Wandering through Alfama and Baixa with a Guru Tours guide gave the city’s history real context. I also found a tile-painting class, which was hands-on and unforgettable—those very tiles now hang in my kitchen, a daily reminder of the trip. We visited the National Tile Museum, strolled the streets, and soaked up the city’s energy, from fado
September was perfect: warm, manageable crowds, and a chance to experience Portugal without feeling rushed. The private transfer let us see more than just Lisbon and Porto, and the mix of city life, history, and small towns gave the trip texture. Portugal isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about the small moments that stick, whether it’s a glass of wine in a vineyard, the view from a hill in Porto, or the tiles you painted yourself. Contact Julie for totally customized travel planning.
THE INSIDE SCOOP
CULTURE // Deep history, vibrant local traditions, and approachable, proud people. From street art to wine cellars to centuries-old alleyways, Portugal feels alive in every corner.
CULINARY SCENE // Fresh, simple, and brilliant. Pastel de nata, grilled fish, local wines, and meals that surprise—like octopus three ways in Nazaré or ginja in chocolate cups in Óbidos. Meals are meant to be savored, not rushed.
BEST FOR // travelers who want culture, history, and personal experiences rather than just ticking off the tourist highlights.
COMPLIMENTARY VACATION CONSULTATION
Contact Julie to start planning your next getaway, and she’ll schedule a complimentary call to answer your questions, explore ideas, and walk you through how we design seamless, custom vacations. What sets us apart is that we work as one highly experienced team and are part of the world’s largest network of vetted travel providers, giving you unmatched access and peace of mind.