Two days in Porto and Duoro Valley, Portugal

 Arrival in Porto 

Arriving in Porto sets the stage for an enchanting evening in this Portuguese gem. After settling into your hotel or apartment, take a moment to freshen up and unwind. But don't linger too long, for the city has a delightful evening to offer. Start by strolling to the near by Monastery of Serra do Pilar, where you'll be rewarded with a magnificent view of Porto, particularly as the sun sets, painting the sky with warm hues. It's a breathtaking sight.

As the evening deepens, continue your adventure on the Gaia side of the Ribeira. Wander the narrow cobbled streets in the Wow cultural district. Walk towards the river and you'll find a plethora of charming cafes by the riverside offering many dining choices. Opt for a table facing the Porto side, to a stunning sunset spectacle. The lit bridge, the monastic silhouette, and the illuminated buildings on the Porto waterfront create a picturesque panorama that's just amazing.

Serra do Pilar

Day 1

Rise early next morning to embark on a day of exploration in Porto, Portugal. There is much to see, and your first stop should be Sao Bento, a place that's often hailed as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world – and rightly so. As you step into the station, you'll be greeted by a breathtaking sight. The walls are adorned with intricate blue and white azulejo tiles that tell the stories of Portugal's rich history. These meticulously hand-painted tiles transform the station into a living work of art, capturing the essence of the country's culture and heritage. Sao Bento is not just a transportation hub; it's a historical and architectural gem that will leave you in awe of the craftsmanship that went into its creation. So, rise early, and let Sao Bento be your first glimpse into the captivating beauty of Porto.

Once you've marveled at the artistic beauty of Sao Bento, stroll over to the Cathedral. As you ascend to the top, be sure to pause and wonder at the hand-painted tiled wall. Each tile tells a unique story, and the intricate details are bound to leave you in awe. It's a moment of quiet appreciation.

Sao Bento

 Porto Cathedral

If you did not go to the Monastery the evening before, now is another opportunity. Walk across the Ponte Luiz bridge and climb up the monastery for a great view. 

Return to Sao Bento but continue towards the city hall. Along the way stop to admire what might possibly be the most beautiful McDonald Imperial. 

On the right hand side of the city hall is a shopping district. Go to Majestic Cafe, where JK Rowling wrote several chapters of the first Harry Potter book, the Sorcerer Stone. Grab lunch at the cafe and walk about the lively shopping district.

Majestic Cafe

Walk to the Igreja des Carmelitas  and then on to Tower (Torre de Clerigos). If its still early in the afternoon, this might be a good time for a short break and to rest.

Walk on to Mercado Ferreira and then on to the riverside towards the wine museum (Museum Vinho do Porto). Continue to explore the city by foot visiting the beaches of Porto where the Duoro river meets the Atlantic ocean. Walk back towards the Ribeira to enjoy rest of the evening with a glass of Sangria, music and people watching at one of the many cafes, this time on the Porto side of the river.

Day 2: Douro Valley Trip

There are many ways to visit the Douro Valley (https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/douro-valley-portugal), such as taking a train to and from Porto to Pinhao, or a river boat from Porto to Pinhao and back via the train. Both routes offer scenic beauty but neither will take you to visit a Quinta (vineyard). An option is to join a tour bus. We chose to rent a car and were fortunate to have a knowledgeable local guide from Porto.

Our day began early at 8:30 am, and after an hour of driving, we made a pit stop at Amarante (https://portugaltravelguide.com/amarante-portugal/), a charming town on the banks of Tâmega. A former monastery of São Gonçalo dates back to 1540 and houses a lovely interior of painted columns and a dramatic high altar. Here, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast, savoring Brioche croissants, Amarante pastries, and coffee. After breakfast, we walked over to Don Rodrigo Taberna to buy some local goat and cow milk cheese, prosciutto, chorizo and pao for lunch and to taste local green wine and red wine.

São Gonçalo

Our next destination was Quinta de Santa Eufemia (https://www.qtastaeufemia.com/i-about.html), a small winery nestled in the heart of the Douro Valley, still managed by the original family. We tried several of their wines including the white wine, Towny red wine, 10-year Port, and the LBV port. The tour and the tasting left us in high spirits, and we were ready for a relaxing picnic lunch prepared by our guide at a scenic lookout point.

After the picnic lunch, we drove over to Pinhao, a small town nestled in the Duoro valley, that offered a train station, a hotel, a couple of restaurants, and wine stores. From Pinhao, we embarked on an hour-long local boat trip to savor the beauty of stepped terraces in the Douro Valley (https://www.fortheloveofport.com/historic-terraces-in-the-douro/).

Heading back to Porto, the intoxicating day left us exhausted and ready for a peaceful night’s rest.

Day 3: Beaches of Porto

Our last day in Porto was a half-day, as our train back to Lisbon was in the afternoon. To make the most of our time, we asked our local guide to take us to the various beaches of Porto and Gaia. This relaxing beach excursion served as a serene conclusion to our unforgettable journey through this beautiful Portuguese city.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/capela-do-senhora-da-pedra

3 days in Lisbon, Portugal - Tinned fish, cod croquettes and Ginjinha

The main historical neighborhoods inn Portugal include Chiado, Bairro Alto, Alfama and Belem. In general, most areas within the central/historical Lisbon are walkable but easier to go uphill in a vehicle and come down on your own two feet. We uber’ed when going uphill (or longer distances such as Belem).

Chiado is a very central neighborhood, upscale, happening, close to good restaurants and lively. We rented an apartment here and made this neighborhood our base. Every couple of blocks there was a square. In the evenings these squares came alive with families, kids, music and food. These squares are where we spent majority of our spare time, just being a part of the city, a part of the tourist crowd people watching. 

Assuming that you reach Lisbon in the morning and spend the morning portion of your day settling in. Spend the remainder of your afternoon exploring Chiado and Baixa-Chiado. Walk from Rossio train station to Baixa-Chiado metro stop stopping by way of Largo Camoes square. From there to the Elevator S Justa. We chose not to go up the elevators.. for one there was a long line and another we plan to see the city from the castle. Btw.. did you notice the two pelicans? 

From the Elevator walk on to Praca de Comercio, walk along the touristy Rua do Ouro or one of the parallel streets. All the way to the arch and to the beach. Trace your way back along the tram 28 tracks. Marvel at the tiled buildings, the gorgeous pink flower trees, the music and the tinned Sardine stores. 

For dining, this city has food options galore for all types of tourists. You can find a cafe every step of the way. Casual restaurants, fast food and fancy restaurants that require reservations. For our first night, we went out to a nice restaurant for dinner at Frade de Mares  https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189158-d2308921-Reviews-Frade_dos_Mares-Lisbon_Lisbon_District_Central_Portugal.html.  

Grilled Octopus 

Prawns in garlic tomato sauce and grilled octopus were particularly good. Reservations are required here, preferably a couple of days in advance. On the way back after dinner, we found a DJ playing some awesome dance music including bollywood music with a bunch of young adults dancing and other kids skateboarding. In that square were a bunch of beer and food stalls.

Torre de Belém

The next 1/2 day we spent visiting Belem. Start early.. like try to reach the monastery when it opens by 9-9:30 am. We took the Uber from Chiado to Belem.  You can also take the metro. Buy a 24 hour Lisboa card mostly to just cut through the long lines. First visit the Monastry (Mosteiro dos Jeronimos) , then the adjoining church and then the Tower of Belem (Torre de Belem) in that order. Go up the tower for a nice view of the river meeting the sea. If line is too long.. skip the tower. After the three monuments, break for Lunch at Pasteis de Belem https://pasteisdebelem.pt/. They serve sandwiches and all, but the Pasteis de Nata are the most famous here. We must have eated 3-4 nice warm pasteis each and brought some home for later as well.

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

Pasteis De Belem

After lunch, we came back to the apartment in Chiado for a short nap and rest. 

Lisbon Cathedral

For the second half of the day, we walked to the Cathedral. From the Cathedral there are a few choices- walk uphill, or take the scenic tram 28 going in the uphill direction (if you have a full day pass, you can use the tram to hop on hop off.. we did not buy the day passes, choosing to either walk or Uber in the interest of time and to avoid the crowds)  or take a tuk-tuk (1hr tour for 2 ppl for 70 Euro and the driver comes disguised a guide). We did the Tuk Tuk tour, stopping at 4-5 stops along the way. After the tuk-tuk tour, we leisurely walked back to Chiado area. 

This day we dined at O Portugues (https://o-portugues-chiado.negocio.site/), Chiado, Rua dos Duques de Braganca, 5G Chiado, Lisboa. The restaurant was upscale and some of the best food we had in Lisbon with live music. We asked the singer to sing some Fado music.. not his speciality but he obliged and sang a happy fado and a sad fado. Both awesome renditions. Every dish that we tried was really well  prepared, the Vegan dumplings, grilled octopus, cod coquettes, and so much more. This restaurant requires reservations so plan in advance. After dinner, I am sure you will need a long walk back to the apartment hopefully along a way that takes you past a lively square, perhaps the one near the Baixa-Chiado metro.

The next 1/2 day for us was a trip to the Castle. Entry into the castle grounds requires a 

 ticket which is not included in the Lisboa card. You can take the tram or Uber. We went the Uber route. We spent about 2 hours just strolling in the castle. Nice views of the city from every angle. Other than great views there is not much to see. They do have a small museum in the castly. From the castly, we walked back.. an easy downhill walk, strolling through the Alfama neighborhood.  We stopped to grab lunch in Grasa. Grasa neighborhood overlooked Alfama, a great view but food here was nothing special. For dinner, we dined at a restaurant in Alfama. 

Graca

There were 2-3 restaurants in Alfama, in a square opposite the Fado museum. A Couple of ladies selling Ginjinha in a chocolate cup.. a local cherry wine. Worth a tasting. Dined at one of the places near the square as we listened to live Fado music. The singers generally come around 8 pm and the restaurants open for dinner around 7:30 ish.

If you have time, walk from where ever you are (Praca de Comercio/Chaido) to Timeoff market. Breakfast/lunch at Timeoff market. On Tuesdays - Sundays, there is a fresh fruit and vegetable market right in that building. 

Rest of the time we spent exploring the historical neighborhoods. It is easier to explore when you break up the day into 1/2 days.. in between the transitions, we either came back to the apartment to rest and freshen up or at a square just absorbing the vibe.

Pink Street

Cod fish croquettes 

Varanasi: A Journey Through Time and Eternity

Kashi, also known as Banaras or Varanasi, has been one of the ultimate pilgrimage spots for Hindus for ages. Hindus believe that those graced to die on the land of Varanasi attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

Mark Twain once said, “India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great-grandmother of tradition.” He described Kashi as looking “older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together."

While many mythological stories abound, one states that the mighty Ganges, after passing through Shiva’s tresses, expands into the city of Varanasi. Anyone who bathes in the waters of the Ganges in Kashi washes away their mortal sins.

In January 2023, while visiting India, I found myself drawn to Varanasi. Accompanied by my parents, uncle, and aunts, we took an overnight train from Delhi to Varanasi. Arriving in the early hours of the morning, the city was covered in deep fog that felt like an omnious shroud. It felt as though you’ve crossed the threshold into another world—a world where time pauses, and the air thrums with an ancient energy.

Up until my visit, I had always thought that Varanasi was a place to perform the last rites of loved ones. But as I spent time there, I found that it is a city of the living and the dead, perhaps a city of contradictions.

Life Along the Ghats: A Non-Stop Show

Walking along the ghats felt like being in the middle of a street performance. Pilgrims bathed in the Ganges with devotion. The distinct smell of tanneries near the ghats filled the air. Vendors hawked flowers, beads, fruits, candles, and chai with equal persistence. Sadhus, wrapped in bright orange robes, meditated undisturbed by the occasional cow, dog, or monkey stealing a snack. The last rites and cremations being performed right by the water’s edge in the traditional ways.

The 84 Ghats

The ghats of Varanasi are more than alleys and steps leading to the river—they are the heartbeat of this ancient city. Each ghat carries a story, a purpose, and an energy of its own. It seemed as if each ghat had its own story, its own rhythm.

Dashashwamedh Ghat: The Ganga Aarti here feels like a celestial dance performed to honor the river goddess. As priests raised lamps of fire and chants filled the air, I couldn’t help but feel mesmerized and overcome with spiritualness.

Manikarnika Ghat: Watching the cremation rituals at this ghat was humbling. It reminded me of the transient nature of life. In Hindu belief, the Ganga is considered the holiest of all rivers and is revered as a goddess. Immersing the ashes of the deceased in her waters is thought to purify the soul and aid in its journey toward moksha from the cycle of rebirth. 

However, when immersing ashes in the Ganges isn’t possible due to distance, logistics, or other reasons, any natural body of water can serve as a substitute. This is because all water is seen as a purifier and a connection to the divine. The underlying belief is that water, in its essence, has the power to cleanse and carry the soul to a higher state of existence, whether it’s a river, lake, or ocean.

Assi Ghat: At dawn, the Subah-e-Banaras program infuses the morning aarti with music, yoga, and the soft glow of the rising sun —a celebration of life’s renewal.

Note: We stayed at a hotel by Assisi ghat right by the water.

The Ganges: A Living Divine Presence

The Ganges is not just a river—it is life itself for those who live in Varanasi. Pilgrims flock to its waters with a faith that a single dip will cleanse their soul of sins accumulated over lifetimes. Watching the devotion with which people dip in the river (however polluted), I felt a ripple of spiritualism washing over me.

Even the simple act of sitting by the river, with the sound of water splashing the ghat stone, became a moment of meditation. The Ganges seemed to whisper age-old stories, a reminder of the generations that passed its shores.

A Boat Ride: Floating through Time

At dusk, we boarded a small wooden boat for a ride along the Ganges. The boatman, with his deep, melodic voice, sang devotional songs that echoed across the water, transforming the ride into an ethereal experience. His singing, blending with the distant chime of the temple bells and the hum of prayers from the ghats. Each song felt like a prayer to the divine, narrating tales of devotion, love, and spiritual yearning. The combination of music, the rhythmic drone of the motor boat, the golden glow of lamps from the ghats and the smoke from the cremation grounds created a moment of serenity— and spirituality that can only be felt and not expressed.

The Ganga Aarti: A show in itself

The Ganga Aarti is one of the most enchanting spiritual ceremonies, performed daily at the ghats of Ganga. A symbolic ritual that honors the Ganges River, revered as a goddess and lifeline in Hinduism. Held at several major ghats, the aarti is a mesmerizing confluence of light, sound, and intricate movements that captivates both the pilgrims and the tourists.

Performed in the early hours of dawn and as the twilight descends, priests dressed in traditional saffron robes take their places on elevated platforms. The ritual begins with the resonant chimes of temple bells, the rhythmic beat of drums, the synchronized movements and the collective chanting of Sanskrit mantras. The priests hold large, ornate brass lamps filled with burning camphor and perform intricate, synchronized movements, offering the flame to the river goddess as an act of reverence and gratitude. 

The aarti is more than a visual spectacle; it is an immersive revered experience. The air rich with the fragrance of incense and flowers, mingling with the sounds of conch shells and devotional hymns. Diyas (oil lamps) are floated on the river, creating a shimmering pathway of light on the water, symbolizing prayers and wishes sent to the divine. The sight of the glowing lamps drifting downstream, mirrored by the calm waters of the Ganges, evokes a sense of tranquility and connection with the universe. Whether you are a spiritual seeker or simply a tourist, witnessing the Ganga Aarti is an unforgettable experience that leaves a profound imprint.

 

The Labyrinth of the Old City

Wandering through the narrow alleys of Varanasi’s old city was an adventure in itself. The lanes twisted and turned unpredictably, revealing hidden temples, bustling markets, and cows lounging nonchalantly in the middle of the path. Whether shopping for Banarsi sarees, or the Banarsi paan, or eating kachori and subzi, the traditions and legends of the old city are unescapable. 

 

The Spirituality of Everyday Life

In Varanasi, spirituality isn’t confined to temples or rituals—it’s woven into the fabric of daily life. Sadhus sit in contemplation along the ghats. Families light diyas (tiny lamps) and release them into the river, their prayers floating on the water. The chiming of temple bells, the hum of the prayers, and the aroma of incense blended with the sights and sounds of life’s routine activities. It was as if every moment, no matter how small, was imbued with some divine purpose.

A Final Farewell

On my last evening in Varanasi, I returned to the Ghat for one final aarti. This time, I lit a small diya, placed it in the water, and watched as it floated away, joining many others. It was a simple act, yet it felt profound—a silent prayer to wash all mortal sins, a moment of gratitude, a celebration of life, a wish carried by the eternal waters of Ganges.

As I left the city, I realized that Kashi doesn’t just linger in your memory; it calls you and etches itself into your soul. It’s not a tourist destination but an experience—one that stays with you, urging you to return, to accept life and death.