2025 Volendam, Lisbon, Portugal...

I was out long before sunrise for about 1 ½ hours to capture photos along the way…  In the dark isn’t always the best conditions but…  oh well, deal with what you have!  Once we arrived, we were met at the ship by our guide Rita, and we headed to the town of Sintra. The traffic leaving Lisbon was horrendous, but Rita’s great driving skills got us where we wanted to go. First stop Sintra, a resort town in the foothills of Portugal’s Sintra Mountains and quite near Lisbon. A longtime royal sanctuary, its forested terrain is studded with pastel-colored villas and palaces. The Moorish and Manueline style, Sintra National Palace is distinguished by dramatic twin conical chimneys and elaborate tilework. Arriving early was a bonus for our walk through the town to admire the whimsical design and sweeping views. We stopped at a cafe, and I bought my Halloween costume, and Ann and Cathy had a chance meeting with a longtime former colleague and friend Wilberta Leeson. We moved on to Cabo das Roca the westernmost point of mainland Europe and Portugal. It is a dramatic, windswept promontory with a lighthouse, and known for its rugged cliffs, panoramic views…Nice stop. Our next stop was Cascais, a coastal resort town known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant marina, and charming historic center. Historically a fishing village, it transformed into a stylish summer retreat for Portuguese royalty in the 19th century, a legacy that remains evident in its elegant mansions and the Citadel of Cascais. Unfortunately, there was an Ironman Triathlon taking place today with streets closures impeding our touring ability, but I was able to manage the streets and get some photos. Next stop was the Belem in Lisbon’s historic district. Belem is famous for its connection to the Age of Discovery, its monumental architecture, and its famous custard tarts. Rita parked the car and we walked to the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery for some delicious tarts and then we walked to the Jerónimos Monastery. On our way to the port, we stopped at the magnificent Discoveries Monument celebrating the Portuguese explorers. We had a wonderful day, great tour guide and stellar weather in Lisbon.  I decided to go out for the sail away, watching a lot of the places I saw in the dark come to life in the brilliant sunshine…  What a glorious day!!!