Wanderlust Wednesday: Portugal

If you’re looking for a vacation destination that includes friendly locals, affordable prices, a rich culture, a thriving urban scene, gorgeous seaside resort towns, exotic architecture, stunning castles, and fresh seafood – then Portugal is perfect for you! Perched on the Atlantic on the far edge of Europe, there is much to explore and several notable cities to include in your itinerary. Let’s take a look at all of the best places to visit on your trip to Portugal.

 

1. Lisbon

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal. This lively, hilly port city is full of charming neighborhoods, grand squares, fine art and amazing restaurants. You’ll want to admire the gorgeous views from both Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and Miradouro da Graça while you’re here. Start at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, then walk towards the nearby St. George Castle. On the way to the castle you’ll also pass the Graça church and monastery, where you’ll find Miroudro de Graça.

While in Lisbon, you should also make time to explore the historic Alfama district. This is one of the most authentic districts in all of Lisbon. You can explore on your own or join a walking tour with a local. Ask your Enchanted Travel agent to book this for you.

More can’t-miss areas of Lisbon include:

• The Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio)
• Cais das Colunas
• Rua Augusta Arch (Arco Triunfal da Rua Augusta)
• Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa)
• Rossio Square (Praça Dom Pedro IV)

 

2. Algarve

Algarve is located on Portugal’s sunny southern coast. It is one of the most scenic coastlines in the world, thanks to the natural erosion that created gorgeous beaches, cliffs, drops, pinnacles, and arches. Here you’ll find the simple fishing village of Salema. In addition, the historic “end of the road” of Cape Sagres, the party town of Lagos, and family-friendly Tavira.

One of the best examples of the natural and beautiful erosion in Algarve is at Ponta da Piedade. It is located West of the Lagos. The erosion here created gorgeous sea caves, arches, and pinnacles to admire and explore. It’s location also offers wonderful views of the coastline in both directions, making it a great spot for both sunset and sunrise.

Another great place to see in Algarve is Beangil Cave. This is one of the most famous places in the area. Unlike many of the sea caves on the coast, Benagil has only small entrances and are is not open to the sea. This creates a true cave experience unlike any other.

More can’t-miss areas of Algarve include:

• Três Irmãos Beach (Praia dos Tres Irmaos)
• Marinha Beach (Praia da Marinha)
• Falesia Beach (Praia de Falesia)
• Tres Castelos Beach (Praia dos Tres Castelos)
• Evaristor Beach (Praia do Evaristo)
• Albandeira Beach (Praia da Albandeira)
• Algar Seco

 

3. Sintra

Sintra is located just a short drive away from Lisbon. This charming little town is full of playfully colored buildings and small cafe-lined streets. It is a great place to people watch! In addition, the city itself is a UNESCO World-Heritage Site.

Some of the best places to see and things to do in Sintra include the Palacio Nacional de Sintra (The National Palace). It is located in the heart of old town and easily recognizable by its unique, conical chimneys.

More can’t-miss areas of Sintra include:

• Castelo dos Mouros
• Palacio da Pena
• Historic Town Centre

 

4. Cascais

Cascais is another town located near Lisbon. If you choose to take a day trip from Lisbon to Sintra, we suggest you make a stop in Cascais as well. You can follow the scenic road that runs along the rugged coast into the charming seaside town. Although it was once just a sleepy fishing village, it is now considered to be one of Lisbon’s most sophisticated destinations.

The most popular thing to do in Cascais is to explore it’s many beaches. The Marina in Cascais is also quite impressive, with room for over 650 boats. Make time to take a stroll along the marina to admire the impressive yachts. In addition, you cannot leave Cascais without sampling some of the very best fresh seafood in all of Europe. There are tons of amazing seafood restaurants all over the town.

More can’t-miss areas of Cascais include:

• Cidadela de Cascais
• Largo Luís de Camões
• Free museums

 

Other Cities in Portugal to Visit

While this list really only breaks the service of the best areas to visit in Portugal, there are plenty of other gorgeous towns to explore. These include:

• Évora
• Coimbra
• Nazaré
• Porto
• Duoro Valley
• Óbidos
• Fátima
• Alcobaça
• Batalha
• Tomar

Want to learn more about all that Portugal has to offer? Call us today in order to speak to one of our Europe Travel Specialists. You can reach us at 402-390-9291. In addition, you can get started here. 

 

New Zealand has been on my bucket list for a long time. I’m still kicking myself for choosing London over New Zealand for my travel abroad time in college (although London was an amazing experience too). Five of the most popular areas in New Zealand include Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown, and Wanaka. Below, we will walk you through each one with the top sites to see in each so you can stop wanderlusting and start packing!

 

Auckland

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, known for lively culture and nightlife plus plenty of activities for nature-lovers. Here you can go hiking on the volcanic island of Rangitoto or the Waitakere Ranges rainforest. Auckland is New Zealand’s only true metropolis and also the economic heart of the country. It is the point of arrival for most visitors to New Zealand.

Some of the standout sites in Auckland include One Trill Hill, which is the symbol of the city.  Take a hike through the walking trails lined with flower beds and large old trees. The slopes that make up the volcanic shape of the hill contain remnants of a pre-European era village.

Waiheke Island is the most popular of Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf islands. The island is home to many picturesque art galleries and cafes, plus white sand beaches and many trails winding along the coastline.

Auckland City Center is home to several striking examples of early architecture. The Ferry Building is a landmark on the harbor, as well as Auckland Town Hall and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. 

Puhoi is a small township that is an easy day trip from Auckland. It has kept much of its original early-settler character and has a timeless feel. It was founded in 1860 by immigrants from Bohemia (modern-day Czech Republic).

 

Wellington

New Zealand’s capital and main port city is Wellington. Home to Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum. Te Papa means “Our Place”. Inside you will find six floors of exhibitions, cafes and shops dedicated to New Zealand’s culture and environment.

Zealandia is one of New Zealand’s most unique sites. This urban eco-sanctuary is located just outside the city center. Tons of wildlife here including endanger species, plus several walking trails and a museum that documents the natural history of New Zealand

Princess Bay is located just outside the city center. The rocky and pooly beach here is great for swimming, picnicking, and of course, instagramming.

Matiu Island is an ideal destination for a day trip from Wellington. Here you’ll find many short hiking trails up to the highest point with great views across to the mainland.

Lastly, Wellington Waterfront is where you will find Queen’s Wharf and Frank Kitts Park. These two sites are are surrounded by beautiful buildings including the Civic Center and the Museum of New Zealand.

 

Christchurch

Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island, and the capital of the Canterbury region. New Regent Street and Victoria Street are two picturesque streets to wander through. Hagley Park is home to the Botanic Gardens, a golf course, and greenspace.

Other top sites in Christchurch include Riccarton Market, where you’ll find 300 vendors come together each Sunday, making it the biggest market in the country. Here you will find fresh veggies, plants, furniture, clothes, art, and second-hand goods.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens cannot be missed. Here you can explore the unique foliage and plants of New Zealand.

The Arts Center of Christchurch was once a bustling area of the city and the hub for arts and culture. However, the 2011 earthquake badly damaged a lot of the buildings. A commitment has been made to restore the Arts Center, scheduled for completion in 2019.

Sumner Beach is a coastal suburb of Christchurch. It is home to Shag Rock, a famous landmark that is visible along the road to Sumner.

 

Queenstown

The resort town of Queenstown is best known as the place where much of the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed. Outdoor enthusiasts visit Queenstown for kayaking, bungee jumping, white-water rafting, hiking, and skiing. Milford Sound is near Queenstown for those looking for a more relaxed adventure. Milford Sound is part of the Fiordland National Park World Heritage area. This part of the South Island is known for their pinot noir and has 75 wineries.

The view of Queenstown from Bob’s Peak on Ben Lomond Mountain is worth the 45-60 minute hike. Be aware that it is a pretty steep hike!

The Queenstown Gardens jut out into Lake Wakatipu, and you will find great views of the city and mountains here. In contrast to Bob’s Peak, the hike up the mountain here is more leisurely.

Another site to see in Queenstown is Skippers Canyon. The historic and scenic gorge spans almost 14 miles.

Lastly, Gibbston Valley is one of the closest wineries to Queenstown. The vineyards are perched on the rugged mountains near Kawarau Gorge. It is famous for Pinot Noir.

 

Wanaka

Lastly, Wanaka is an ideal place for fishing, hiking, skiing, wine-tasting or golfing. Situated on the clear waters of New Zealand, Wanaka is the fourth largest lake and is located just a short drive from Mount Aspiring National Park.

Rippon Vineyar is Wanaka’s oldest vineyard with beautiful lakeside views. It has been in the same family for five generations. Pinot Noir is the specialty here as well (it is the specialty of New Zealand in general).

The Roys Peak Hiking Trail offers panoramic views of Lake Wanaka  and Mount Aspiring. The trail is a 10-mile journey and takes about 5-6 hours through zigzagging routes to reach the 5177-foot summit.

While in Wanaka you should take a horse trekking tour in Cardrona Valley. The horse or bike tours will take you through the gold mining valleys and plateaus of New Zealand countryside.

Lastly, Mou Waho Island is a must-visit for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Take a scenic cruise across Lake Wanaka to reach the island, where you will find a secluded lake at the highest point.

 

To book your own adventure in New Zealand, call us at 402-390-9291. 

The Hawaiian island of Kauai is a beautiful destination with tons of opportunities to explore the island’s mysterious caves and grottos, try local cuisine, and marvel at the legendary Hawaiian sunsets.

Here are a few things you absolutely cannot miss if you visit the beautiful Hawaiian island of Kauai! 

 

Fern Grotto

Only accessible by boat (you can book a tour with Smith’s Kauai), Fern Grotto is one of Kauai’s most famous landmarks. It is located on the windward side of the island, which is known for being extraordinarily lush. Covered in an abundance of flourishing ferns, it’s easy to see why this lava rock grotto is an extremely popular spot for weddings and vow renewals.

While visitors are no longer permitted to climb up into the grotto due to new safety and environmental regulations in place, there is still an option to see the grotto by kayak for those seeking a little more adventure than the standard tour!

 

Waimea Canyon

Also known as “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, Waimea Canyon offers a striking view of plant life, rust-colored soil, and a towering waterfall. It takes about 20-minutes to drive to the top, and the trip is completely worth it. Waimea Canyon is known for its ever-changing views, depending on the clouds and time of day you make your visit.

 

Napali Coast

Seeing the Napali Coast by boat is probably the most memorable experience you can have in Kauai. We suggest booking a tour hosted by Captain Andy’s.

Altogether the tour is about six hours long, and approximately 80 miles roundtrip. Throughout the cruise, you’ll spot pods of spinner dolphins, snorkel the beautiful coral reef, and see the coast’s dramatic spires. This is a tour that definitely lives up to all of the hype, so be sure to make it a priority during your stay.

 

Mountain Tubing in Hanamaulu

One of the most unique excursions on the island of Kauai is the mountain tubing tour in Hanamaulu with Kauai Back Country. This tour is a “lazy river” of sorts that winds through the irrigation canals of old sugar plantations, which also means passing through tunnels that are almost 60 feet below ground! This activity lasts about two hours total, with unforgettable glimpses of the Lihue area. We would recommend this excursion to anyone and everyone looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure while you’re there.

 

Kalamaku Luau

Of course, the list wouldn’t be complete without detailing our favorite luau on the island. Even the locals will tell you that the Kalamaku Luau is a must! This luau is a bit different than a standard luau, with more of a  “Cirque du Soleil” vibe. The performance itself lasts about an hour and tells the story of how Kauai was first settled. You’ll get the chance to try Poi for the first time during this luau and highly recommend it to any foodies!

 

Enchanted Honeymoons Travel | Destination Travel | Best Packages

Of course, there is much more to see than these 5 sites in Kauai. However, these 5 make for a great adventure. Want to start planning your own trip to beautiful Kauai. Contact us today at (402) 390-9291 to book your next getaway or get started here.

 

Travel lovers – looking for a new book? We’ve got the ten best books to stow in your carry-on or place next to your bed in this list below. Read on!

 

1. “A Year in Provence” by Peter Mayle 

Peter Mayle is a British writer who loves to write about life in France. “A Year in Provence” is a nonfiction book detailing Mayle’s experience living in the south of France. Follow Mayle through his culinary adventures and cultural missteps. If you love this one, you’ll love his other works including “Toujours Provence” and “Encore Provence”.

 

2. “A Month in Siena” by Hisham Matar

Travel lovers who are dreaming of Italy should pick up Hisham Matar’s memoir on Siena. He recounts his month-long stay in the city and focuses on the art, specifically works from the Sienese School of Painting.

 

 

3. “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert

“Eat, Pray, Love” is a memoir that every travel lover should ready. This is especially true if you are planning a solo adventure. Author Gilbert discovers the world – and herself – during her journey through Italy, India and Bali.

 

4. “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed

“Wild” is another must-read for solo travelers. This book follows author Cheryl Strayed’s hike through the Pacific Crest Trail that winds through California, Oregon and Washington. This is the perfect book for travel lovers looking for a little extra push to get out and explore the United States on your own.

 

5. “The Good Girl’s Guide to Getting Lost” by Rachel Friedman

“The Good Girl’s Guide to Getting Lost” is a memoir of three continents, two friends and one unexpected adventure. The author details her experience buying a ticket to Ireland on a whim, where she forms an unlikely bond with a free-spirited Australian girl. Her journey also takes her to Australia and South America.

 

 

6. “Love With a Chance of Drowning” by Torre DeRoche

Author Torre DeRoche is a travel blogger, and while this book could be considered one of the many “chick travel love stories” out there, this one is something special. This beautifully written book, on the surface, is about overcoming the fear of the ocean to sail across the Pacific. Her scenery descriptions are top notch and it is powerful, vivid and moving.

 

7. “On the Road” by Jack Kerouac

This timeless travel novel was written in 1957 but its themes still resonate today. The story follows Sal as he leaves New York City to head west. What you’ll especially love about this story is that through all of his travel adventures, he becomes a better, stronger, and more confident person.

 

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Our ultimate goal is to make the destination wedding planning process as stress-free as possible. Planning your perfect honeymoon, destination wedding, romantic getaway or the perfect vacation of a lifetime has never been easier with Enchanted Honeymoons.

Contact us today to book your next getaway get started here. In addition, follow us on Instagram at @enchantedtravel_ and on Facebook for the latest travel news updates and stories.