Valentine get-a-way

[The Patriot]

Valentine get-a-way

01-28-2011 05:33 AM

ShareThis Published:
Fri, 2011-01-28 13:25


Valentine get-a-way


feature_story_photo:
St. George's Castle in Lisbon. Courtesy of Castles.com






Valentine get-a-way

Heather Joy

Looking for a romantic holiday Valentine’s away from the chill of England? Pack your sunglasses and catch a flight from one of London’s major airports for Portugal.
Start in Porto, an industrious port city along the Atlantic coast, at the Porto Cathedral which looks more like a fortress than a place of worship as it sits overlooking the city. Its location offers views that stretch for miles out to the sea.
The riverside quarter of Ribeira includes trendy restaurants and bars. Visitors can catch one of the many boats that offer sightseeing cruises along the River Douro.
Art enthusiasts should visit the National Museum of Soares dos Reis, which houses a collection of decorative arts and the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art, which houses collections featuring works by Portuguese painters and sculptors.
Make a trip across the River Douro to Vila Nova de Gala. There tourists can visit lodges for a taste of port wine or go north to the port of Matosinhos for delicious seafood.
Vacationers will have plenty of accommodation choices in Porto like the luxurious Sheraton Porto Hotel and Spa or the budget Residencial Costa Do Sol Hotel. For those looking for something a little different stay one hour away at the country retreat Palace Hotel Do Bussaco, this converted palace located deep within the forest was once a royal hunting ground.
Travel south along the coast to popular Lisbon. Start in the parish of Belem, on the outskirts of Lisbon, and explore its many sights and museums. The quadrangular Tower of Belem marks the spot from where caravels once set out across the sea. Inside, visitors can browse a small collection of antiques or climb up to its ramparts for a panoramic view of the boats along the River Tagus.
Visit the Maritime Museum housed in a wing of Jeronimo’s Monastery. The museum holds large collections of 15th – through 19th- century sailing ships and naval uniforms alongside a variety of 20th-century vessels.
In the center of Lisbon visit the moated St. George’s Castle, which overlooks the city and features splendid grounds covered with olive, pin and cork trees, along with peacocks and swans.
Further south walk along the waterfront and yacht –filled harbor in Faro where another maritime museum explores the history of this waterside town. Faro’s sandy beaches are superb for water activities if it’s warm enough.
Stop at the orange-tree-lined square containing Bishop’s Palace and the Se (cathedral). The cathedral, built on the site of an ancient mosque and before that a Roman forum, contains a beautifully tiled chapel.
Also worth a visit is the Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo, with extensive array of gold and guilded décor. It is here you will find the unique Chapel of Bones. The chapel is lined with human skulls and bones of more than 1,000 monks.
In the evening, head to Rua do Prior in the heart of town to find dozens of cafes, pubs and dance clubs.


Have you been on a recent trip or explored an exciting local destination that you would like to share with others, send your photos and travel ideas to events@estripes.osd.mil.







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