Month: November 2025

Heading back to Lisbon to the Lumen Hotel

Our final day in Portugal began with a three-hour train ride from Porto back to Lisbon. It’s hard to believe how quickly this trip flew by! This time, instead of staying downtown, we booked a room at the Lumen Hotel & Light Show, located in a quieter residential area close to the airport — perfect for our morning flight the next day.

Lunch with a View (and a Turquoise Surprise!)

After checking in around noon, we decided to grab lunch at the hotel’s rooftop bar before heading out. The views were lovely, and it was the perfect spot to relax before our last afternoon of exploring. Scott ordered a hamburger, and when it arrived, we both burst out laughing — not only was it massive, but the bun was a bright neon turquoise! It tasted great (despite the color), and it’s definitely one of those quirky travel moments we won’t forget.

Strolling Through Lisbon’s Neighborhoods

From the Lumen Hotel, we set out on foot to explore the residential streets nearby, heading toward another scenic lookout point — Miradouro do Jardim do Torel. Along the way, we came across a monument honoring Sousa Martins, a 19th-century physician and pharmacist who is deeply revered in Portugal. Locals still leave offerings and tokens of gratitude at the base of his statue — everything from flowers and photos to handwritten notes — thanking him for healing or good fortune. It was such a touching and unexpected discovery in the middle of the city.

When we finally reached Miradouro do Jardim do Torel, it turned out to be a small, quiet lookout. There weren’t any cafés or bars like some of the other miradouros, but it did offer a peaceful view over the rooftops of Lisbon.

The Long Climb to Parque Eduardo VII

Next, we made our way toward Parque Eduardo VII, which ended up being quite the long hike — about 45 minutes uphill. But once we arrived, the effort was totally worth it. The park is one of Lisbon’s largest and most beautiful green spaces, stretching out in symmetrical gardens that lead the eye straight toward the Tagus River and the ocean beyond. At the top, there are two tall stone pillars and a central fountain — the perfect reward after the climb. It’s a favorite spot for both locals and tourists to relax, take in the view, or enjoy a picnic.

Lumen Hotel Lisbon

After our long hike, we returned back to the Lumen Hotel and our room was now available. The staff was excited to inform us that we had been upgraded. After just getting a suite in Porto, we were excited about our upgrade. Turns out they consider a room that overlooks the light show and upgrade. Either way, it was a nice room for a one night’s stay.

Dinner at The Butcher

That evening, we returned to the hotel to freshen up before heading out to dinner at The Butcher, a local steakhouse not far from our hotel. The food was phenomenal — we shared a perfectly cooked aged T-bone steak, and while the service wasn’t quite as polished as our experience at Mu Steakhouse in Porto, the flavors were out of this world. We finished off with a creamy Crème Brûlée paired with a glass of Port, a sweet way to end our last night in Portugal.

A Magical Light Show and Farewell

Back at the Lumen Hotel, we caught the evening light show, which illuminated the courtyard with colorful, synchronized lights and music. It was a beautiful, unexpected surprise — and a wonderful way to close out our final night in Lisbon.

Homeward Bound

The next morning, our flight wasn’t until 11 a.m., so we enjoyed a slow morning before heading to the airport. Unfortunately, we hit a bit of a hiccup — we didn’t realize we had digital passports, which meant we ended up in the wrong customs line with about 500 other travelers. After waiting nearly an hour and a half, we finally made it through.

The return flight itself was smooth — more legroom, upgraded meals, and a much more comfortable experience than our flight to Portugal. We flew Premium Economy and while the meals were considered “upgraded”, I couldn’t believe how much food they put on a tray! About an hour before we landed, they came by and offered us a snack – sliders. Strange. By the time we landed back home around 8 p.m., we were exhausted but so grateful for the experience (and the next day off to recover).

Final Thoughts

Our Portugal adventure was absolutely unforgettable — from Lisbon’s hills and historic streets to Porto’s riverside charm and incredible port wine. Every stop had its own story, flavor, and personality.

If you’ve never been to Portugal, put it at the top of your list. It’s a country full of heart, hospitality, and discovery — and it truly left its mark on us. Until the next journey — cheers from Boating Journey.

As always, thank you for following our journey! Please be sure to subscribe if you haven’t already and please subscribe to our YouTube channel (link below). Cheers, Scott and Ally

Facing our fear of heights for wine, views, and a little magic in Porto

Today’s adventure took Scott and I across one of the most iconic landmarks in Porto — the Ponte Luís I Bridge — and into the heart of the Port District, where cobblestone streets, hillside wineries, and riverfront charm awaited.

Crossing the Ponte Luís I Bridge

Our day began with a walk toward the famous bridge that connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia, home to the region’s historic port houses. Let me just say… this bridge is not for the faint of heart! It’s incredibly high, with trams zipping by as you make your way across. I did my best to avoid looking down — though I’m sure the views were breathtaking (at least that’s what everyone says!).

Then there was this couple in front of us, walking as slow as molasses! Between trying not to get hit by a tram and keeping my eyes straight ahead, I was pretty relieved when we finally made it to the other side.

Down to the Waterfront

Once we crossed, we took a winding side road that led us down to the waterfront district of Vila Nova de Gaia. The area is full of energy — boutique shops, wine cellars, local markets, and plenty of restaurants spilling out onto the promenade. We also discovered that there is a lower level on the bridge, that is much less scary to walk across, which we took on our way back.

We could have bi-passed the stairs and taken the Gaia cable car, but no thank you. But before we could explore too much, we had an appointment at 10:30 a.m. for our tour at Cockburn’s Port Lodge (pronounced “Coburn’s,” in case you’re wondering).

A Port Wine Experience at Cockburn’s

Getting to Cockburn’s Port House was no easy feat — it was a steep hike up the hill, winding through narrow cobblestone streets lined with old buildings and glimpses of the river below. By the time we reached the top, we were ready for a glass of wine (or three!). The moment we stepped inside, we were greeted by a beautiful, light-filled lobby filled with historic artifacts, old bottles, and displays that immediately set the tone for what was to come.

Our tour began right there in the lobby, where our guide shared the story of Cockburn’s and how the brand became one of the most recognized names in port. We then watched a short introductory movie that gave us a look into the winery’s long history and family roots before moving deeper into the cellars.

As we entered the main production area, we were stunned by the sheer scale of the operation. Cockburn’s is known as the largest working port lodge in Porto, and it certainly felt that way — massive oak barrels lined the cool, dimly lit cellars, each one aging port that would someday make its way around the world. Along the way, our guide explained why the winery is located in Porto rather than near the vineyards — the cooler coastal climate here allows the wine to mature more slowly and develop deeper, richer flavors.

We also stopped at the cooperage, where they still maintain the age-old tradition of crafting and repairing wooden casks by hand. It was fascinating to see the craftsmanship and precision that goes into every barrel.

Our tour ended in the elegant tasting room, where we enjoyed the 75-euro experience we had reserved in advance. For that, we were treated to an exclusive lineup of three exceptional vintage ports — Quinta dos Canais Vintage Port, Vintage 2007, and Vintage 2017 — each one richer and more complex than the last. The tasting was beautifully paired with a selection of local cheeses, creating the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. It was a luxurious and memorable way to cap off our visit to one of Porto’s most historic wineries.

Ramos Pinto and the Riverfront Markets

Afterward, we wandered further along the waterfront and decided to stop at another port house — Ramos Pinto. We sampled two white wines, two tino reds and three Port wines there, but honestly, the wines were just okay. The setting was lovely, though, and it was still fun to compare the styles between producers.

The waterfront itself was lively, with markets, street musicians, and plenty of outdoor cafés. It’s the kind of place where you could spend hours people-watching and sipping wine by the river.

Lunch at Pestana Vintage Porto

Eventually, we decided to head back across the lower level of the Ponte Luís I Bridge and return to the Porto side for lunch. We stopped at Pestana Vintage Porto, a charming spot right along the riverfront, and grabbed a quick sandwich to refuel.

A Missed Stop at the Harry Potter Bookstore

After lunch, we made our way uphill again toward the Livraria Lello, often called the “Harry Potter Bookstore” because of its magical architecture and connection to J.K. Rowling’s time in Porto. Unfortunately, it requires advance reservations, which I didn’t realize — so we had to admire it from the outside. Lesson learned for next time!

However, not all was lost, as we stumbled upon another gorgeous church Igreja do Carmo. We were able to climb a very narrow staircase up three floors, which was an apartment at one time for the priest.

Finally Trying Sardines

After a long day of wine tasting, we relaxed in our suite before dinner. If you recall, we bought sardines and octopus in Lisbon at one of the infamous Sardine shops. This was Scott’s first time having either and we must say, they were delicious! Unfortunately, we can’t find this quality of sardines in the states.

Dinner and Reflections

We wrapped up the day with dinner back at our hotel, Hotel Teatro, where we kept things simple with some delicious pasta and wine. It was the perfect way to unwind after a long day of exploring hills, bridges, and cellars.

The next day, we head back to Lisbon for our final day in Portugal — so stay tuned for the last vlog of this adventure!

As always, thank you for following our blog and YouTube channel (link down below). If you are not already subscribed, please do so and share your comments down below. You can also follow us on social @BoatingJourney #BoatingJourney.

Cheers, Scott and Ally

Heading to the Douro Valley

On day seven of our Portugal adventure, Scott and I set off on a day-long tour of the Douro Valley — the heart of Portugal’s wine country. We booked a semi-private tour through a Viator partner, joining six other travelers. Our guide, José (who proudly called himself “Vin Diesel”), picked us up bright and early from our hotel in Porto.

A Terrifying Seat and a Smoky Start

The moment I saw the van, I should’ve known my day was going to be… interesting. Somehow, I ended up in the middle front seat between Scott and José — hands down, the most terrifying seat in Portugal. We left Porto around 7:30 a.m., heading toward the Douro region. The drive started on the freeway, then a highway, and soon we were winding through tunnels and up into the mountains.

As we emerged from one tunnel, the scenery changed dramatically — smoky skies and hillsides dotted with wildfires in the distance. It was beautiful but also eerie. We stopped in a small village, Peso da Regua for a quick break at the local train station café before continuing deeper into the valley.

Cruising the Douro River

Our next stop was the Douro River, where we boarded a traditional river cruise for about an hour and a half. We picked up the boat in a very small marina where the Tavora River intersects with the Douro. The boat was a custom build just for cruising the Douro River.

Gliding between the terraced vineyards was breathtaking — a living postcard of Portugal. We passed by historic port wine estates, some thriving and others long-abandoned since the phylloxera outbreak that devastated vineyards in the 19th century. Seeing those empty estates and some crumbling buildings reminded us just how deep the roots of winemaking go in this valley. It was also interesting to see a Sunseeker Manhattan docked along the Douro river.

Off to Croft Winery

After our river cruise, we made our way to Croft Winery, one of the oldest port producers in the region. The tour was mostly outdoors, and it was a warm day, but the views and the experience made up for it.

We walked through the vineyards, learned about the port-making process, and tasted three exceptional ports while soaking in the panoramic scenery. The winery was beautiful, but it was almost 95 degrees and it was not air conditioned, so the wine tasting session was extremely warm.

Back in the van, it was time for another white-knuckle drive — this time up winding mountain roads to a scenic lookout. The view from the top was absolutely worth it: rolling vineyards, the glittering Douro below, and villages tucked into the hillsides.

After our tasting, we continued to another small family-run winery, Casa Dos Barros for lunch. It was quite the event — about ten tables of ten guests each, all enjoying lunch under the garden’s shade.

Lunch Among the Vines

The meal was delicious, paired with endless pours of white and red wine, followed by yet another port tasting in the cellar. Portugal clearly believes that too much port is never enough!

The Ride Home and Dinner in Porto

By 3:00 p.m., it was time to head back — and yes, another terrifying ride down those twisty mountain roads. José (a.k.a. “Vin Diesel”) kept one hand on the wheel and the other on his phone, which didn’t do much for my nerves. On top of that, our van did not have A/C so it was a pretty miserable ride home. Thankfully, we made it back safely — though, for reasons unknown, they dropped us off ten blocks from our hotel, leaving us to finish the journey on foot.

After a much-needed rest, we got ready for dinner at the oldest restaurant in Porto, Flor Dos Congregados where we had made reservations through The Fork. The restaurant had a cozy, old-world feel, and the food was fantastic — mostly. Our dinner started off with a couvert of bread and three different olives. Scott even tried his first olive and didn’t like it.

I ordered fish, and despite asking if it was bony (they swore it wasn’t), it turned out to be very bony. It looked lovely on the plate, but it could kill you by choking you to death. Scott, however, had a perfect beef dish, and we ended the night laughing about the day’s adventures over a glass of wine.

We wrapped up the evening walking back to our hotel and enjoying the sites of Porto at night.

Coming Up Next…

In our next blog, we’ll spend the entire day in Porto’s Port District, with a visit to the famous Cockburn’s Port House and a few final tastings before wrapping up our unforgettable time in Portugal.

As always, thank you for following our channel and boating blog. Please be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel (link below) and share your comments – we love hearing from you guys. Cheers, Scott and Ally