We had the chance to see a unique Portuguese tradition - opening a vintage bottle of port wine by fire! Our tour with A Day in Douro was full of new experiences for us!#WordyExplorers #portugal #porto #DouroValley #DouroRiver #cambres #wine #winery #SweetWine #SweetWines #vineyard #vineyards #PortWine #PortWines #PortTongs #vintage #fire #VintageWineBottle #QuintaDaBela #QuintaDaBelaWinery #WineTour #ADayInDouro #travel #LoveToTravel #DoYouTravel
Our first surprise of the afternoon was an optional one - a taste of moonshine. (And, to those who chose to imbibe, the shot was served in a porron.) So happy that Scott was brave enough to participate!Would you "shotgun moonshine" when in Portugal's Douro Valley?#WordyExplorers #portugal #porto #DayTrip #DouroValley #DouroRiver #cambres #wine #winery #moonshine #vineyard #QuintaDaBela #QuintaDaBelaWinery #WineTour #ADayInDouro #shotgun #shotgunning #MoonshineShot #porron #travel #LoveToTravel #DoYouTravel
Enjoyed a great meal with our wine tastings ... along with spectacular views of the Douro Valley from our lunch table at Quinta da Bela!#WordyExplorers #portugal #porto #DouroValley #DouroRiver #cambres #wine #winery #SweetWine #vineyard #PortWine #PortWines #QuintaDaBela #QuintaDaBelaWinery #FarmToTable #Farm2Table #ChefsLunch #FarmToTableLunch #WineTour #PanoramicView #ADayInDouro #travel #LoveToTravel #DoYouTravel
Second stop on our one-day tour of Portugal's Douro Valley with "A Day in Douro" was filled with even more great memories for two sweet wine lovers! In addition to sweet wine tastings, we enjoyed lunch and a few other afternoon surprises - look for more photos and videos in the upcoming days.#WordyExplorers #portugal #porto #DouroValley #DouroRiver #cambres #wine #winery #SweetWine #SweetWines #vineyard #vineyards #PortWine #PortWines #QuintaDaBela #QuintaDaBelaWinery #WineTour #ADayInDouro #travel #LoveToTravel #DoYouTravel
Do you like sweet wines?We are in the minority among our friends, but we both enjoy sweet wines ... so our winery tour in Portugal's Douro Valley was perfect for us. We started in the Vinhos Verde region where we had a light breakfast along with multiple wine samples - whites, reds and espadals (rose). Sure wish we had room in our luggage to bring some home!#WordyExplorers #portugal #porto #DouroValley #DouroRiver #VinhosVerde #amarante #wine #winery #SweetWine #vineyard #PortWine #PortWines #QuintaDoBaija #QuintaDoBaijaWinery #WineTour #ADayInDouro #travel #LoveToTravel #DoYouTravel
After exploring Guimaraes Castle, we had time to stroll through the country's oldest city. With its interesting architecture, plenty of outdoor cafes and a part of the route followed by pilgrims along Rua de Santa Maria, learning a bit of the city's history was quite interesting.#WordyExplorers #portugal #porto #DayTrip #minho #braga #guimaraes #HistoricCity #HistoricCenter #HistoricCityCenter #architecture #RuaDeSantaMaria #unesco #UNESCOWorldHeritageSite #cafes #PedestrianFriendly #travel #LoveToTravel #pilgrimmage
On our return from Braga to Porto in northern Portugal, we made a stop in the city of Guimaraes. First up was time to explore the defensive monument of Castelo de Guimarães.#WordyExplorers #portugal #porto #DayTrip #braga #guimaraes #GuimaraesCastle #CasteloDeGuimaraes #defense #defensive #medieval #towers #turrets #prison #NationalMonument #travel #LoveToTravel #GoTravel #GoExplore
No visit to Braga is complete without seeing Portugal's first cathedral which dates back to 1089.Fun fact: It is said that of all cities in Portugal, Braga has the highest concentration of religious buildings!#WordyExplorers #porto #DayTrip #braga #SeCathedral #CathedralSe #SeDeBraga #CathedralOfBraga #SantaMariaDeBragaCathedral #SantaMariaDeBraga #cathedral #TwinPipeOrgans #organ #organs #courtyard #MisericordiaChurch #travel #LoveToTravel #ChurchesAroundTheWorld #CathedralsAroundTheWorld
After walking through the city of Braga, Portugal with our tour group, we had some time to explore the city on our own. We couldn't pass up the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon treat while people watching in a cafe with outdoor seating!#WordyExplorers #portugal #porto #braga #DayTrip #moinho #JardimDeSantaBarbara #GardenOfSantaBarbara #garden #FormalGarden #blooms #flowers #pedestrian #squares #plazas #cafes #shopping #PeopleWatching #travel #GoExplore
First stop on our Braga and Guimaraes full-day tour was at the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte. We didn't have time for the hike up from the bottom of Mount Espinho, but we did walk down to one of the lowest viewpoints on the grounds (and back up too). Amazing architecture, decor and landscaping!#WordyExplorers #portugal #porto #DayTrip #PortoDayTrip #braga #BomJesus #SanctuaryOfBomJesusDoMonte #MountEspinho #MtEspinho #architecture #landscape #pilgrimage #ScenicView #StationsOfTheCross #PassionOfChrist #unesco #travel #LoveToTravel #sanctuary #gardens
Spent our afternoon in rainy Porto exploring before touring some of the areas surrounding the historic city. I definitely want to return to Porto (and neighboring cities) - hopefully the weather will be better next time!#WordyExplorers #portugal #porto #historic #HistoricCity #architecture #ClerigosTower #ClerigosChurch #TorreDosClerigos #CityHall #PortoCityHall #church #LivrariaLello #CarmoAndCarmelitas #carmo #carmelitas #AvenidaDosAliados #travel #LoveToTravel #ExplorePorto
We saw the funicular tracks in the morning and after a recommendation from our tuk-tuk guide, we took a ride. Great way to avoid an uphill hike from the river!#WordyExplorers #portugal #porto #funicular #railway #FunicularDosGuindais #GuindaisFunicular #batalha #ribiera #quayside #DouroRiver #RiverDouro #tunnel #scenic #travel #LoveToTravel #PublicTransit #PublicTransportation #PublicTransport
The "sidewalk art" in many of the pedestrian areas in Porto and surrounding areas is beautiful!Fun fact: Many people associate this intricate stonework with the sidewalks near the beaches in Rio de Janeiro. The truth is, the style actually originated in Portugal!#WordyExplorers #portugal #porto #TownSquares #pedestrian #walkway #sidewalk #sidewalks #CalcadaPortuguesa #calcada #PortuguesePavement #pavement #mosaic #calceteiros #travel #LoveToTravel #ExploreTheWorld
Surprisingly, one of the most recommended places to visit in Portugal is the main train station - and not for transportation! Luckily it was not too far from the loft where we were staying. Once inside, it was obvious why people love it - the tile work is beautiful!#WordyExplorers #portugal #porto #HistoricalCity #train #TrainStation #railway #RailwayStation #SaoBento #SaoBentoTrainStation #SaoBentoRailwayStation #architecture #unesco #AzueloTile #travel #LoveToTravel #MustSeeSight #ExploringPorto #ExplorePorto
Included with our morning tuk-tuk tour was a ticket to enjoy a short cruise along the Douro River. It was probably the best way to see all six of the bridges connecting the historic city of Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia - even in the rain!#WordyExplorers #portugal #porto #gaia #VilaNovaDeGaia #RiverDouro #DouroRiver #SixBridgesCruise #6BridgesRiverCruise #DomLuísIBridge #InfanteDomHenriqueBridge #MariaPiaBridge #ArrábidaBridge #SãoJoãoBridge #FreixoBridge #travel #LoveToTravel #twwt #rtw #bridge #bridges #architecture
After riding across Porto's famous Dom Luis I Bridge, we walked across so that we could spend some more time exploring Gaia!Fun fact: Many people see similarities between the bridge and the Eiffel Tower. The winner of the design contest for the bridge had previously worked closely with Gustave Eiffel, designer of the famous Paris tower.#WordyExplorers #portugal #porto #gaia #VilaNovaDeGaia #DomLuisIBridge #PortoBridge #DouroRiver #RiverDouro #PedestrianBridge #ExplorePorto #PanoramicView #panorama #LoveToTravel #travel #DIYtravel #PutOnYourWalkingShoes
Almost 6 months before our stay in Porto, we reserved a tour aboard an electric tuk-tuk that would take us through the historic city center. Due to new city restrictions, the itinerary was changed to a ride across the Dom Luís I Bridge and over to Vila Nova de Gaia. Still a fun hour that gave us views from across the Douro River.#WordyExplorers #portugal #porto #gaia #VilaNovaDeGaia #SerraDoPilar #monastery #TukTuk #ElectricTukTuk #DouroRiver #RiverDouro #DomLuisIBridge #panorama #PanoramicView #LoveToTravel #rtw #twwt
We had some time before a morning tour that we scheduled in Porto, so we explored a small part of the city on foot. Our "hike" took us from our loft apartment to the city's historic center where we soaked in the architecture all around.#WordyExplorers #portugal #porto #PortoPortugal #historic #HistoricCenter #HistoricCityCenter #HistoricPorto #PalacioDaBolsa #StockExchange #palace #PortoCathedral #cathedral #SeDoPorto #monastery #TerrieroDaSe #IgregaDeSantaClara #architecture
Everything we read said the viewpoint was open to tourists, but sadly it wasn't open when we arrived early on a Sunday morning. We still enjoyed a nice view as we hiked up the many stairs to get to Miradoura da Vitoria!#WordyExplorers #portugal #porto #PortoPortugal #miradouro #viewpoint #MiradouroDaVitoria #ScenicView #PanoramicView #view #panorama #GreatView #travel #LoveToTravel #twwt
We spent our last afternoon in Marrakech on a short camel ride at Palmeraie, a palm grove just outside of town. Legend has it that soldiers stationed at a former military camp often discarded pits from dates onto the ground of what is now a palm grove. Through the years, what once were pits are now fully grown palm trees!#WordyExplorers #morocco #marrakech #marrakesh #palmeraie #PalmGrove #camel #CamelRide #cheich #gandora #desert #DesertSand #LoveToTravel #AfricanAdventure #twwt #travel
Sure glad the locals were available to wrap our heads / faces with a cheich before our camel ride in Morocco!Fun fact: Although today you may see a variety of cheich colors, in days gone bye most were blue. You could estimate the wealth of the cheich wearer by the blue color. It was only the wealthiest who could afford the deepest blue pigment!#WordyExplorers #morocco #marrakech #marrakesh #camel #desert #sand #DesertSand #cheich #cheche #HeadCovering #PalmGrove #headscarf #headwear #berber #BerberPeople #BerberTribe #travel #LoveToTravel #culture
Of all of the places that we visited during our three days in Marrakech, Bahia Palace has to be one of my favorites. The interior architecture and decor were beautiful, but we loved the surrounding courtyard with fountains and gardens just as much!Fun fact: It is believed that Bahia Palace was the first building in northern Africa which incorporated stained glass in its decor.#WordyExplorers #morocco #marrakech #marrakesh #BahiaPalace #islamic #moroccan #architecture #gardens #courtyard #stucco #paintings #mosaics #StainedGlass #tile #TileMosaics #LoveToTravel #africa #AfricanAdventure
After starting each of our days with breakfast served at our riad, we left on foot to explore the Old Town of Marrakech. From cats to horses to locals, there was something new around every corner. Such a great city!#WordyExplorers #morocco #marrakech #marrakesh #medina #OldTown #riad #RiadTamazouzt #breakfast #cats #horse #HorseDrawnCarriage #explore #alleys #markets #souks #vendors #StreetVendors #architecture #travel #LoveToTravel
Although Badi Palace stands in ruins today, we enjoyed exploring all that still stands and imagining what it may have been like to live there hundreds of years ago!Fun fact: El Badi Palace was home to Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur's harem which reportedly included more than 500 women.#WordyExplorers #morocco #marrakech #marrakesh #ElBadiPalace #BadiPalace #palace #architecture #culture #history #landmark #SaadianDynasty #mosaics #carvings #courtyard #travel #LoveToTravel #AfricanAdventure
Loved having time to stroll the streets and alleys of Marrakech where we found unique architecture, fountains, doors and more.Fun fact: The Koutoubia Mosque, dating back to the 12th century, is the tallest building in the Medina today. A law restricting the height of new construction ensures that it will be the tallest in the years ahead as well.#WordyExplorers #morocco #marrakech #marrakesh #medina #KoutoubiaMosque #architecture #fountains #doors #monument #ILoveMarrakech #DoorsOfMarrakech #travel #twwt #AfricanAdventure #LoveToTravel #TravelDiaries #TravelBlogging #TravelBlog
Can't remember how we first learned of the Saadian Tombs, but glad we decided to pay the entrance fee to visit. The grounds and architecture are an amazing place that was described as a "Mausoleum of Saadian Sultan Ahmed al Mansour ed-Dahbi and 200 of his closest people"!#WordyExplorers #morocco #marrakech #marrakesh #KasbahMosque #SaadianTombs #tomb #tombs #LoveToTravel #travel #architecture #history #culture #mausoleum #twwt #AfricanAdventure #explore
Some friends of ours who had visited Marrakech recommended an overnight desert camp with transportation by camel. We couldn't find a similar excursion that fit our travel schedule, so we opted for an evening desert safari with a camel ride, dinner and evening entertainment by campfire.#WordyExplorers #morocco #marrakech #AgafayDesert #agafay #DesertCamp #DesertSafari #camel #CamelRide #campfire #ArganOil #dinner #entertainment #twwt #ExploreAfrica #AfricanAdventure #travel #rtw
We've always enjoyed exploring walled cities, and Marrakech was no exception. We also had fun searching for the still standing gates (babs) throughout the Medina.#WordyExplorers #morocco #marrakech #MarrakechMorocco #WallsOfMarrakech #GatesOfMarrakech #BabsOfMarrakech #walls #gates #babs #history #architecture #medina #fortifications #DefensiveRamparts #travel #AfricanAdventure
So glad that we had a guide for our first pass through the souks of Marrakech! It wasn't that we thought we'd get lost as some suggest ... it was more that we didn't want to miss some of the cool items being made or sold!#WordyExplorers #morocco #marrakech #MarrakechMorocco #souk #market #souks #marketplace #shop #shopping #RetailTherapy #JemmaElFna #JemmaElFnaa #leather #wood #lamp #clothing #rugs #food #nuts #spices
Next up on our private tour in the Medina of Marrakech was time to explore the Ben Youssef Medersa which was built over 450 years ago. This was our first opportunity to see the unique architecture for which Morocco is known.#WordyExplorers #morocco #marrakech #MarrakechMorocco #BenYoussefMedersa #BenYoussef #medersa #school #study #scholar #intellectual #courtyard #architecture #history #culture #arab #muslim #travel #explore #ExploreTheWorld