We are on our way to Portugal this afternoon to cruise the beautiful Douro River. Friends left yesterday on a different flight and we’ll meet them tomorrow night in Lisbon, where we’ll board a Viking cruise on what’s said to be one of the most beautiful rivers in the world.
We’ll be passing through (and walking through) some beautiful old cities and tasting, what else, but port.
As you might remember from last year, I’ve quite taken to the leisurely pace of a river cruise. It’s wonderful to unpack only once and have our basic needs taken care of, while we simply enjoy a different beautiful place every day. It’s a lot different from our usual trips and that mellow vibe resonates with me. We don’t always travel this way, but this trip was irresistible, as was the opportunity to spend time with our very fun friends.
Of course, we may not sail at all, we may just float in place, because the Douro is not navigable at present due to high tides. Authorities are not allowing anyone to sail. Now, things may be different on Thursday, when we are due to sail. But they may not and so we’re preparing ourselves. Weather forecasts are rather gloomy, so we’ve got our rain gear and warmer clothes in our bags and to keep even warmer, well, we’ll just drink more port. It is, you know, PORTugal!
We know whatever happens, we’ll have fun.
We come through London on the way home, just overnight (don’t ask,) and we plan to spend an afternoon at the British Museum before boarding our flight home the following morning. To make it even more convenient, we booked a hotel right across the street from the British Museum.
And no, I’m not having any crazy thoughts about traveling these days. Well, ok. I’m having them but then just letting them float up, up and away, using this Clouds Meditation.
While I am gone, I’ve lined up some cool guest writers for my blog. As always, a post will appear every week day. I hope you’ll enjoy the varied topics and show your support in the Comments.
Finally, my dear friend, Rena, will be watching over my website and my social media participation while I’m gone. I’ll still pop up from time to time, but my plan is to enjoy my trip, which means being in the moment. That moment may be in port a lot.
This trip will be my first to Portugal and I’m looking forward to it. If you have been, I’d love to hear any input you have.
It looks beautiful – I’ve done a couple of the France/Germany river cruises and absolutely loved them. I didn’t know you could do Portugal – something to keep in mind for future reference! Have a wonderful and restful time away and enjoy your stop off on the way home x
Hi Carol! Have an awesome trip regardless of what happens. How great to meet up with friends. And I will be watching closely because Portugal has been popping up in conversation among me and my friends in the last couple of weeks. I’m looking forward to your reports. ~Kathy
I was only in Lisbon for a day and loved it. The Douro River cruise is definitely on my bucket list. I love river cruising too. We did 2 days in London and now we regret we didn’t book more time there. Oh well, next time.
We are next doing Paris to Paris with Normandy and Giverny. May 17 with friends. That’s one I am really excited about. I loved our Christmas Market cruise.
I have never been but I hope you enjoy your trip! It sounds great! I also love the fact that you are stepping away from everything so you can be in the moment!
We just spent a day in Lisbon and a day in Porto on our Viking Ocean Cruise. It was our first time in Portugal, too, and we loved it! Can’t wait to follow your journey!
Hi Carol I’m jealous! Just kidding but I hope you have a fabulous time. We started cruising about 5 years ago and just love it. My friend who will be turning 50 in 2 years is planning her 50th as a river cruise so I’m looking forward to that. We are hoping to get to Spain/Portugal next year but living in Australia it isn’t a hop,skip and jump! I look forward to seeing more of your journey.
I’m sure you’ll have a great time in Portugal – and London is warming up rather nicely so I’m sure you’ll have a great stay there after your cruise too. The British Museum is totally awesome.
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It looks beautiful – I’ve done a couple of the France/Germany river cruises and absolutely loved them. I didn’t know you could do Portugal – something to keep in mind for future reference! Have a wonderful and restful time away and enjoy your stop off on the way home x
Have a blast, take plenty of pictures, and don’t drink too much wine :).
Hi Carol! Have an awesome trip regardless of what happens. How great to meet up with friends. And I will be watching closely because Portugal has been popping up in conversation among me and my friends in the last couple of weeks. I’m looking forward to your reports. ~Kathy
Have a blast and don’t worry about a thing!
So beautiful.
So relaxing.
So very much living vicariously 🙂
OMG how lovely!
I was only in Lisbon for a day and loved it. The Douro River cruise is definitely on my bucket list. I love river cruising too. We did 2 days in London and now we regret we didn’t book more time there. Oh well, next time.
Relax and enjoy! Take lots of pictures if you get out of port.
b
We’ll be motor coaching to places if we can not sail and I have a new camera!
Looks absolutely gorgeous. I have never been. Can’t wait to hear all about your travels. Enjoy every minute!
Have fun! You have the best attitude for a vacation that has a weather element, go with the flow!
Your visit sounds lovely no matter what.
This looks soooo lovely. A river cruise is on my bucket list and I would love to do the one you’re doing.
We are next doing Paris to Paris with Normandy and Giverny. May 17 with friends. That’s one I am really excited about. I loved our Christmas Market cruise.
Have a wonderful trip! I hear it’s beautiful! Looking forward to be seeing pictures.
Already that photo makes me want to go. Enjoy yourself! Yes, live in the moment and take it all in.
I have never been but I hope you enjoy your trip! It sounds great! I also love the fact that you are stepping away from everything so you can be in the moment!
I went to Portugal as a young girl & still remember how beautiful it was. Glad you are unplugging for a while. Have a wonderful trip!
I have never been on any kind of boat, so even staying in port still sounds like an adventure to me! Have fun on your trip!
What a beautiful place to go – and don’t forget to take LOTS and LOTS of photos to post for us! 🙂
Have a wonderful time Carol. I’ll look forward to hearing all about it and the pics too!
We just spent a day in Lisbon and a day in Porto on our Viking Ocean Cruise. It was our first time in Portugal, too, and we loved it! Can’t wait to follow your journey!
Hi Carol I’m jealous! Just kidding but I hope you have a fabulous time. We started cruising about 5 years ago and just love it. My friend who will be turning 50 in 2 years is planning her 50th as a river cruise so I’m looking forward to that. We are hoping to get to Spain/Portugal next year but living in Australia it isn’t a hop,skip and jump! I look forward to seeing more of your journey.
That sounds like a fantastic trip. Looking forward to seeing your photos.
Is that in port or in Port? Either way, enjoy yourself!
This looks so beautiful!! The Douro River cruise is definitely on my bucket list.
That is really beautiful, I wish I can go in cruise to experience this.
Looks so peaceful, Carol. Have a wonderful trip!
I’m sure you’ll have a great time in Portugal – and London is warming up rather nicely so I’m sure you’ll have a great stay there after your cruise too. The British Museum is totally awesome.
Wow what a great destination! I hope you have a wonderful time and no worries while you are away. I think you have it all under control.
How awesome! Have a great time! It looks beautiful there!
Wow! It looks so amazing! I have the itch to travel…
I’m actually going to Portugal this summer. Looks beautiful. I’m extremely excited about my trip especially after reading this article
I’ll be blogging about it after the trip so stay tuned!