Summer in Europe - Portugal, Spain, France

[biba]

Day trip to Cascias. Caught the local train from Cais do Sodré station in Lisbon which leaves every 20 minute. The trip takes about 40 minutes and costs €2.20 each way. This is a beach resort with a number of very crowded beaches and popular with the locals. Plenty of open-air restaurants and cafes.


Lots of grand 19th century buildings, some have been converted to museums. One of the quirky houses is the Condes de Castro Museum, originally built by an Irishman. Extensive and quiet park surrounding the house.

 

[biba]

Intercontinental hotel in Lisbon is just outside the CBD area, about 5 minutes walk to the closest metro station, Marquês de Pomba. Friendly checkin staff and helpful concierge. The hotel felt a bit dated and in need of a refresh.


Big disappointment was no pool despite the perfect climate for one. Sure could have used one in this hot weather. Great view from our room over Lisbon city and down to the river. Probably would not stay here again - not really 5 star.

 

[biba]

Next stop Porto. Caught the intercity train from Lisbon-Oriente station. Very busy station with an amazing steel structure.


The train takes 3 hours and the second class ticket is €25. The train arrives at Porto-Campanhã station which is just outside the city centre. Checked into Intercontinental Porto hotel. Received an upgrade to the duplex suite. Nice. Upstairs bedroom, two bathrooms and large living room.


The hotel is very centrally located with a short walk to the old town and also close to the main shopping street.

 

[biba]

Porto old town is a maze of narrow winding streets which lead down to the river.


There are many restaurants along the river which is a very lively area at night. Plenty of street entertainment going on.


Tried one of the local dishes, francesinha, which is made with a layers of meat and covered with melted cheese and an egg. Not one of my favourites.

 

[biba]

Porto is situated on the Douro River is crossed by six bridges, ranging from the 19th century steel bridge designed by Eiffel to 21st century concrete structure. The Dom Luís I Bridge is a double-deck metal arch bridge that spans the river. You walk across along the top level or bottom level.


Many building exteriors are covered with Azulejos including churches and the São Bento railway station which has amazing tile panels.

 

[biba]

Time to leave Porto and catch the train back to Lisbon-Orient station then transfer to the metro to the airport.

Next flight LIS-BCN TP1042. Scheduled departure was 13:20. About 30 minutes before departure there was an announcement the flight was delayed "indefinitely". Hard to get any information about the the new departure time or if the flight had been cancelled. Eventually found out that the incoming flight from BCN was denied landing by air traffic control and was diverted to Faro (in the south) and had to wait until approval to land at LIS. Eventually boarded around 17:30 and departed at 17:45. New looking A319. Due to the delay there was a reduced cabin crew and therefore no food or drink offered.


Caught the Barcelona aerobus to the city. Fast and easy way to get into town. Checked into Mercure Barcelona Condor. This hotel is situated just outside the city centre but only 3 metro stops to Plaça Catalunya.

 

[RooFlyer]

The reason for no cabin service on your TAP flight may go beyond the delay ... Sounds like some organised campaign by the FAs in the airline.

 

[biba]

The reason for no cabin service on your TAP flight may go beyond the delay ... Sounds like some organised campaign by the FAs in the airline.

Yes I noted that although there was no food for passengers, the FA passed by with what looked and smelled like hot food wrapped in foil. Probably his dinner.

 

[biba]

Barcelona is big, busy and hot. Full of tourists everywhere. Took in the the tour of Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's masterpiece. Absolutely stunning and unique. The tours are time-based and we visited at 18:30 which was less crowded and a bit cooler. Progress on construction has increased and estimated completion is another 10 years away. The stained glass colours are magnificent in the late evening.


Then onto La Pedrera (Casa Milà) another unique Gaudi creation. The curving stone facade on this building is amazing and so advanced for its time. The rooftop has some extraordinary chimney pots and decoration.

 

[biba]

Many great places to eat in Barcelona. One restaurant close to our hotel was Botafumeiro.


Outstanding service at this upmarket restaurant with attentive white-jacketed waiters always on hand. Big selection of seafood and the paella was great. A bit expensive but quality.

 

[biba]

Next stop Marseille. Flight BCN-MRS VY1508. This is my second flight with Vueling and I am impressed. As a LCC they provide a professional service.


This was a short flight - less than 1 hour. Airport shuttle bus offers a fast trip to St Charles Station in central Marseilles. Checked into Intercontinental Hotel into an executive terrace suite with the best view over Marseille.


This is a top class hotel but the service is lacking. Long wait for service at the bar and one morning no one to seat you at the table or take your room number. Indoor swimming pool was OK but a I don't really like indoor pools especially when the weather is so good.

 

[amaroo]

Gaudi did great work! That Basilica is a masterpiece.

Agree with your view on Vueling, had a couple flights back in 2011 - they rock!

 

[Cossie]

Next stop Marseille. Flight BCN-MRS VY1508. This is my second flight with Vueling and I am impressed. As a LCC they provide a professional service.

Not my experience with them, I'm enjoying your TR though!

 

[RB]

Not my experience with them, I'm enjoying your TR though!

We were also supposed to fly with them but it never happened-big changes to flight time months out & a no show on the day & a White Airways just appeared to do the flight & no explanation given. Guess it is called luck of the draw.
Looking forward to more Biba!

 

[biba]

Took the morning cruise from Marseille to the beautiful Calanques. The Calanques are an amazing geological formation of white limestone cliffs with fjord-like inlets, sometimes with a small white sandy beach at the end. The water is crystal clear and many locals are out on their boats swimming and picnicking here. This whole area is designated as the Calanques National Park. The full cruise takes 3.5 hours and is highly recommended.

 

[biba]

Had dinner at a restaurant recommended by a French teacher acquaintance at TAFE. This is the Toinou seafood restaurant situated a couple of blocks back from the Vieux Port. Toinou is famous for its seafood platters of mussels, oysters, clams, lobster. You can pick your own sea food from out front and it will be prepared for you. This unassuming place is a bit like a cafeteria where you select drinks, salads and condiments from a self serve section before ordering the mains which are delivered to your table when ready. Excellent fresh seafood.

 

[kermatu]

I too had several good experiences with Vueling a couple of years ago. Booked two more with them for December 2016 - trip ended up not happening, but before cancellation I had three separate changes of flights (re-routes, cancellation and moved to another day, then another set of re-routes). Probably would have cancelled them anyway if trip had gone ahead - and hesitant to rely​ on them again.

 

[biba]

The Museum of the Civilisations of Europe and the Mediterranean (MuCEM) is an amazing modern structure on the waterfront which is a complete contrast to the medieval Fort Saint-Jean which it adjoins with a footbridge. Stunning architecture from the outside but I didn't have time to take in the exhibitions inside.

 

[biba]

Picked up a rental car from Marseilles St Charles station. Pleasant drive to Gordes - about 2 hours. We avoided the toll road and took the D roads which take you through small villages and picturesque country side. Arrived at our Airbnb accommodation - a traditional dry-stone cottage in a quiet laneway with fantastic views over the Luberon countryside. A few steps down to a secluded swimming pool. Very quiet yet only a short distance (15 minutes walk) to the old town of Gordes.


Tuesday morning is the weekly market in Gordes. Big selection of local produce including truffles, local olive oil and foie gras. Also souvenirs such hand-made provençal linen and dried lavender products. A mix of locals and tourists but not really crowded.

 

[biba]

Gordes is a stunning hill-top town and is classified as one of the most beautiful village of France- "Les plus beaux villages de France".
The views from Gordes across the Luberon are exceptional.


The abbey Notre-Dame of Sénanque, about 5km from Gordes, is a monastery nestled in a small valley at the bottom of a winding road. This place is famous for the lavender grown in its fields and harvested by the monks. The lavender is in full bloom now and looks amazing. There are other beautiful lavender fields in the area and this seems to be a good time to see them in all their beauty.