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The hotel offers a breakfast buffet in the morning in their restaurant, which is located off the reception area. After we ate, we located a coffee shop a few blocks away that had really good coffee. In the late morning, we met with the two guides, Melondy and Augusta, and went over what to expect the next 9 days. Afterwards we went and walked down by the river, Rio Douro, and crossed over to the other side. On the way back to the hotel we stopped at a cafe for lunch where

After waking up and checking out of the hotel we caught an Uber and headed to the train station. We decided to take the train from Brussels to London instead of flying. We bought the tickets ahead of time from home and chose to upgrade to Eurostar Plus, which included 2 pieces of luggage, 1 small hand luggage, a light meal and drinks, and free onboard wi-fi. It was a little confusing for first timers the board that tells you which area to go to for the ticket checks, secur

Today we did another tour through Viator. We did a day trip from Brussels to Bruges. It was an all-day trip that started at 8:30 AM and included the bus ride and guided walking tour. We were to meet the guide outside Brussels Central Station. Problem was there was a number of guides outside Brussels Central Station and not very clear which one was the English-speaking group guide. The first line we got in was not the English group but, at least they pointed out the corre

Our first full day in Brussels we did an excursion with Viator the Brussels historical walking tour with chocolate & waffle tasting. We meet our guide in front of city hall which wasn't too far from our hotel. In the square our guide described and decoding the symbols on the different facades. City hall, King's house, house of the dukes, and many other important houses. We then went to our first tasting which was a small Belgium waffle. We each were given a plain waffle,

We booked an Uber the day before because we wanted an early pick up to head to the airport in Faro, which was 1 hour and 10 minutes away. The airport in Faro you don't find out where you drop off checked luggage until 2 hours before your flight so, if you are early you need to wait until your designated counter location shows up on the large information screens in the terminal. Because we were flying to Belgium, a Schengen country, and not to the United States, a non-Scheng

After our Adventures by Disney trip ended we went to Salema for 3 nights. We stayed at a boutique hotel, The Villamar, overlooking the beach. It was 3 stories tall but only had 10 rooms. The rooms had a small kitchenette with a table and 2 chairs for dining, the living/sleeping area with a bed, couch, and desk with chair and a bathroom with a shower. The first floor was part of a restaurant and a very small lobby area for the hotel. The second and third floor each had 5

This morning, we had breakfast and hung out at the hotel until noon when are ride was scheduled. The majority of the others left earlier in the morning to catch transfers to the Faro-Algarve Airport. While a few stayed in the area for an extra day before heading home. We decided to stay an extra 3 days in Portugal in the town of Salema before going to Brussels, London, and taking a transatlantic cruise to New York city before heading home. Adventures by Disney hired a driv

This morning after breakfast we met up and took a scenic walk along the dramatic cliffs that overlook the Atlantic Ocean, offering amazing views of the area on the way to Carvoeiro Beach. Once we reached the beach, we put on life vests and boarded private boats that fit 6 people besides the guide and driver. We went along the Algarve coast and saw many natural sea caves even went inside a few of them. After the sea caves we could take the bus back up to the resort or hang

Today we traveled to the Algarves which was about 3 hours from Lisbon and again we stopped 1/2 way at a gas station/rest area for bathroom break and snacks. Before Algarves we stopped and learned the art of making cheese at a working farm, and then we went to a tile making shop and learned how they make tiles and then we picked a template or went free hand and painted our own tile, which we received the finished product at our farewell dinner. For lunch we ate at Jose Maria

Today was a very busy day. We started out by venturing out to Cabo da Rosa, the westernmost point of Portugal's mainland, continental Europe and the Eurasian land mass- also known as the "End of the World." We then hopped on E-bikes and pedaled our way along a coastal bike trail that took us from Guincho to Cascais. We had lunch on our own and we choose a French cafe, called Paul, and then had the afternoon on our own in Cascais, which is home to the medieval Nossa Sephora

The day began with breakfast and then a visit to Sao Jorge Castle, a historic castle that dates back to the 1st century BC, as well as the Alfama & Mouraria neighborhoods, some of Lisbon's oldest areas, lined with cafes and shops selling traditional crafts. We had lunch at Taberna 1300, where we had a choice of pork or fish. After lunch we were met by a local street artist who took us on a tour of street art, or graffiti, found throughout the LX Factory spaces. We were the

This morning was the transfer from Porto to Lisbon, which was a charter bus that stopped for a bathroom/refreshment break at 1 1/2 hours. The gas station/truck stop was pretty nice with plenty of bathrooms and some drinks and snacks that you can purchase. After a little over 3-hour bus ride we arrived in. Lisbon. We then got onto a private boat where we had some snacks and pizza. After the private boat tour, we strolled the waterfront and saw three of the city's most ico

Today's adventure started at 8:30 AM for a 1 1/2-hour drive by bus to Douro Valley. Choices were kayaking on the Douro River or taking an estate tour at Quinta de Pacheca. We choose kayaking because we never kayaked before and felt adventurous like the bridge climb never done it before but, now we can say that we have done it. Not sure what is more difficult the double kayak or single kayak. The double kayak both people must keep in sync with each other, or you will be go

After breakfast at the hotel buffet, we met in the lobby area of the hotel at 8:45 AM for a short walk to the Sao Bento Railway Station, where we admired the blue and white tile murals and historical ambiance inside of this beautiful monument. Then we walked up the street to meet our tuk-tuk drivers for a city tour. The tuk-tuk was a 3-wheeled electrically powered vehicle that held 4-6 people plus the driver. It comes with a cover that not only serves as a roof but also cove

Arriving 1 day before we meet up with Adventures by Disney We flew from Seattle the evening before with a short layover in Amsterdam arriving in Porto at 3:35 PM. We decided to upgrade to Delta One so, we could get laydown seats and try to get some sleep. It was a newer plane, and the leg room felt a little tight especially when sleeping and trying to turn from one side to the other but, overall, it was comfortable. In Seattle Delta has a new Delta One lounge which, could

The United States is home to some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the world. From towering mountains to vast deserts, the national parks offer a unique glimpse into the beauty of nature. Each park has its own charm and attractions, making them perfect destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. In this guide, we will explore some of the best national parks in the U.S., highlighting their uniq

Planning a trip to Disney can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to feel lost in the magic. Whether you are visiting Disneyland or Walt Disney World, having a solid plan can make your experience unforgettable. Here are ten essential tips to help you navigate your Disney vacation like a pro. 1. Plan Your Trip During Off-Peak Times One of the best ways to enjoy your Disney vacation is to visit during off-peak times. This means avoiding majo

Cruising is a fantastic way to explore new destinations while enjoying the comforts of a floating hotel. Whether you are a seasoned cruiser or planning your first voyage, knowing what to pack and how to prepare can make your trip more enjoyable. This guide will cover essential items, tips, and tricks to ensure you have a smooth sailing experience. Understanding Cruise Types Before diving into what to pack, it’s important to understand the different types of cruises available.