Flights and room reservations have been confirmed, while online research continues Do any of our members have any suggestions where to go/what to do on those hidden paths?
A visit to Taylors in Porto is well worth the trip; I certainly enjoyed my Port wine tasting there. If you go there, ask them what they use to stop the fermentation process, the answer is surprising.
If you’re hitting Lisboa, the flea market in the Alfama district is a great place for a stroll, and you never know what might turn up. I think it’s only open a couple of days a week, so check timing. The Museu Militar, also in Lisboa is definitely worth a visit.
In Lisbon: Take a sunset sail on a yacht from Belem, and then visit Pasteis de Belem for amazing custard tarts. Have some seafood at Cervejaria Ramiro, followed by a longish walk to Cafe a Brasileria to ward off the food coma and walk off the pounds of prawns and barnacles. Take a train to Sintra to visit some old castles. But also stop by Queijadas Da sapa to have some amazing queijadas. Near Rossio, have some Mozambican food at Cantinho do Aziz, and then walk towards the central train station and have a shot of ginjinha along the way at one of those stalls, then drinks at Lisboa Bar (my favorite laid back neighborhood hole in the wall bar when I visited) before heading up to Bairro Alto to shop and party. Visit the National Tile Museum. It's so awesome.
Lisbon is one of my favorite cities in the world. Watch for pickpockets on the train though. Take the ferry across and walk to the giant Jesus stature. It's a bit of a trek, but nice and relaxing. You'll notice the other side has a lot of less touristy place, with excellent (and cheap) food
Jardim da Estrela My favorite park in Lisbon, and, in fact, all of Europe. Not huge like those that you will find in some other major cities, but really lovely.
The Chapel of Bones in Évora. Is what it says. Old world church architecture is very interesting in my opinion. I like to touch and feel the stones. I don’t why but old churches and graveyards with old headstones are interesting to me. Wife will wait in the car most times when I stop to look.
Lots of cool places to visit/see in Portugal! I definitely underestimated the extent of Lisbon! We have not encountered bad/mediocre food, the weather has remained just perfect for a week-long exploration..
No love for Fado? We stumbled with this place the other night and turned out to be a nice evening...and some great food too!
@gop76 and @Tony C. my apologies guys, the group-logistics made it difficult for a get together, I will definitely come back, solo-style and will look out for you! Portugal sure is a fun country!