Visitors to Segovia cannot help but be enthralled by the quaint streets, the shops and the impressive cathedral. Unfortunately, on this trip there was not time to take in the Alcazar, which looks like a fairy castle with its pointed turrets, but it gave a taster for the interested visitor who may wish to return for a closer inspection of this charming town.
The next day we were off for the drive to Oporto, in Portugal, the first of our two Portugese destinations. After our arrival the weather took a turn for the worse so we were glad to be inside a warm and inviting hotel.
We had an interesting guide on the coach the next day for our tour of Oporto. Founded in the 4th Century by the Romans, Oporto is the 2nd largest city in Portugal, which is a commercial city, famous for its Port Wines, Shoes, Leather goods and Gold and Silver.
Oporto sits astride a great gorge at the point where the River Douro enters the Atlantic. On the guided tour we were taken to one of the many Bodegas, Ramos Pinto, which specialise in the production of the famous Port Wines. Fortunately, we were able to sample both the red and white port wines that the company produces and given the opportunity to purchase some of the wine. Adriano Ramos Pinto founded the Ramos Pinto House in 1880 and his innovative and audacious marketing of his product soon raised some eyebrows at the time.
Along the shores of the river were several boats the type of which were used for the transportation of the Port Wines but which now only act as a reminder of times gone by.
The views of Oporto from across the river gave the impression of a very quaint city. However, on closer inspection you soon became aware of the dilapidated condition that so many of the buildings had fallen into. This was the historic riverside district called Ribeira, which is undergoing restoration and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After the trip to the Bodega we were taken to see a unique bookshop the interior and unusual staircase of which were absolutely amazing. Close by was an interesting church which was covered in blue and white tiles. Across the road from the church was a small park which contained some strange shaped trees which were apparently hit by a virus in 1940 and left them looking like they do today.
Obidos was our afternoon stop. Once the wedding present of a queen, the preserved medieval town of Óbidos lying 100 km north of Lisbon is without doubt one of Portugal's most classic walled settlements. Walking the ramparts, visitors can enjoy views of windmills, vineyards and surrounding farmlands. In the residential area below, narrow cobblestone streets are lined with whitewashed houses sporting terracotta roofs. Without the masses of visitors which I am sure this place attracts in the summer, we were able to enjoy the atmosphere of this historic place.
Our guide, the following morning took us on an excursion around Lisbon which took in, amongst many other things, the Belem Tower, which is one of Lisbon’s most famous buildings. The Torre de Belem is a beautiful and original monument, unrivalled in the whole world. Its harmonious and distinctive shape is sharply outlined against the sky and the water of the River Tagus, and was originally designed as a defensive fortress at the entrance to the river estuary.
Nearby was the Monument to the Discoveries, built in 1960 ,which pays homage to the men of yesterday and their exploits of the 16th Century, headed up by Henry the Navigator. A map in floor to the front of the monument depicts the lands that were conquered by the Portugese.
The following morning we picked up our guide for an excusion to Cascais and Estoril with its lovely beaches. Cascais was a very pleasant seaside town and we enjoyed a coffee and sit in the sun.
From there, a drive to the town of Sintra with is National Palace which features two enormous conical chimneys. We had time to explore the town before heading back to Lisborn.
Some of us chose to be dropped off for a visit to one of Lisbons many museums, whist others chose to explore the shops.
We left Lisbon the following morning having experienced a “Taste of Portugal”. Late afternoon we arrived at our last stop over, the town on Merida. Fortunately we just had time before the light failed to see some of the amazing Roman remains for which Merida is famous. The amphitheatre and Theatre are still in excellent condition. The theatre dates back to 16/15 BC. Seating in the Roman Theatre was determined by ones status in society. The "orchestra pit" was reserved for only those of the highest-class, senators and high officials. The top rows , now very deteriorated, were for the slaves and the very poor.
After a long day’s driving we eventually arrived back in Calpe the following day at approximately 9.15 pm having had a most enjoyable holiday. Thankyou Diane, from us all.
Photographs by Gill Moorcroft
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