Friday 28th June

Saturday 22nd June – Stadi Grad on Hvar

Thursday 20th June

Thursday 13th June. Today we took our flight to Venice. The transfer from the airport to the Carlton Hotel was via a private water taxi. It was a very rough journey until we reached the Grand canal. The hotel was old but very comfortable. After check-in we took a walk around the area, along small streets and alleys. We found a lovely restaurant for dinner which was on a canal with a small balcony and flower boxes. We managed to find our way back and had a great Italian meal.

Tuesday 4th June. We were picked up on time by a shuttle bus for the 21/2 hour drive to Vienna arriving around midday. The trip took us through beautiful country side and pastures.  Paul dropped us at the Apartment at 1,30pm however there was no-one there! The building had secure locking. No answer from the ‘phone number on our booking sheet. After some time john stayed in the street with our bags while  I went up to the visitor centre, which was nearby, and asked them to phone –  again no answer. The Visitors Centre managed to get in contact at about 2.30pm. The man basically said there was no booking, but I insisted there was and gave him ref numbers. He said someone would contact me by email. At 6.45pm and after numerous phone calls with him still saying someone will email we decided to ask the VC to find us accommodation for the night. They were closing at 7pm. They found Pension Suzanne which was in the same street. We settled in, small room but very comfortable. The owner was very polite and friendly. We had dinner at a small Italian Rest -Angelos a family rest, which was very good. Being the middle of the night in Canberra we emailed Trish, our travel agent in Canberra explaining the situation.

Saturday 8th June. We used the city trains to get  to the Station for our train to Budapest. Again a 21/2 hour trip. From Keleti station we had a long walk to our accommodation which is near the Danube in the Jewish Quarter. A very convenient location. The apartment, Helena, Flat 804 was 1 bedroom, very modern, wifi, washing machine, dishwasher etc. Trendy Apartments have many scattered around the area. After a rest we took an orientation walk, found a craft market and supermarket. Decided on take away Turkish.

Our flight from Canberra was very long but uneventful. Canberra to Singapore direct where we had 6 hours to spare so took a free bus tour of Singapore. Then to Frankfurt for a short transit then to Prague where a driver was waiting for us at the airport (23.15 Tuesday 28 May) to take us on the 20 minute ride into the city. We checked in at Ritchie’s Hotel in the Old Town before walking across the narrow street to our Historic City Apartment.  It was clean, comfortable with basic kitchen items, dishwasher, washing machine etc. The street, Karlova, is the main thoroughfare to Charles Bridge – very busy during the day and into the night but the apartment was double windowed and quiet.

Tuesday 19th Our last full day in Seville and we walked to Plaza Espana. A magnificent expanse of pavement, fountains and a moat surrouonded by a huge three-story ornate semi-circular bulding, the whole area built for the 1992 Expo. There were many buskers, stalls and flamenco dancers. All very touristy. We then walked to the river and took an hour cruise which gave a different perspective of Seville. A quiet afternoon with a bit of shopping.

Wednesday 20th After we packed we spent the morning walking parts of the Jewish quarter we hadn’t seen. There were many beautiful courtyards and alleys away from the tourist areas. The train left Santa Justa station at 1.30 for the 11/4 hour trip to Cordoba with speeds reaching 160kms. Our hotel is again on the edge of the Jewish quarter and the same chain as our hotel in Seville – The Casa de la Juderia. Its an old building that has been renovated/modernised but without the intricate passage ways of Seville. We received a room upgrade which gives us a larger room with a couple of expansive windows. Once unpacked we took to the streets to orientate ourselves. We walked along the river front, past Mesquita Cathedral to the shopping area. Dinner was tapas in a small plaza. With narrow streets running in all directions we had to keep referring to our map to find our way back to the hotel.

Thursday 21st We found a great cafe for breakfast after which we walked down to Mezquita Cathedral which was built as a Mosque in 784AD. The Romans took it over in 12 36 but didn’t destroy the magnificent architecture of marble columns and arches. The children and grandchildren of the original builder extended the mosque keeping it in the same style so that it eventually housed 15,000 people at prayer time. The Catholics took it over in 1700′s, fortunately retaining most of the features of the Mosque, notably the elaborate tiling and stonework. They put their shrines around the outer walls and built an altar and choir area in the centre. A fascinating juxtaposition of cu;tures and religions. The audio gave us great detail of the Islamic history of this truly magnificent piece of world heritage. The afternoon was spent at Museo of the local painter Julio Romero de Torres who died in 1931. His beautiful portraits are housed in a restored 18th century house. Next door, Museo Bellas Artes designed and directed by his father, contained landscapes by his father, religious art and more modern pieces. At 8pm we went to an equestrian show at the Royal Stables of Cordoba with Andalusian horses.The show was fabulous. We returned to the hotel via the Roman Bridge with a walk through the Roman Arch.

Friday 22nd We booked a time to go up the bell tower at Mezquita – 12.30pm Walked to Alcazar de Los Reyes Cristianos an ancient fortress which became the residence of the Catholic monarchs for 8 years. It was once the primary residence of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. In later years it was converted into a prison. Originally built in 1328, it has been restored and the beautiful, formal gardens have been recreated. It was declared a Cultural interest Heritage site in 1931 and also forms part of the Cordoba Old city UNESCO World Heritage site declared in 1994. The climb up the Bell Tower was taxing but worthwhile for the views right across Cordoba. After a light lunch we sided with the locals and took a siesta – most things close between 2 and 5pm – then a walk to check the shops before dinner.

The weather has been hot 33 deg + most days and no rain.

Saturday 23rd Our last day in Cordoba we walked the Roman Bridge and visited Calaharra Tower which sits at the end of the bridge. It was the fortified gate of Roman times and is now a museum. Train to Madrid at 12.30pm – about 2 hours.

Flight home Sunday 24th

Wednesday13th Our last day in Lisbon included a hop on/hop off trip on the river which we took on the “Yellow Boat” to Belem to see the Tower, Maritime Museum and Monastery of St. Jerome. Belem Tower was built by King– in 14.. on the river bank as a look out/gun emplacement guarding Lisbon. The Maritime Museum tells the naval history of Portugal as well as displaying many royal barges and boats. As are all Catholic Monasteries and cathedrals, St Jerome was very elaborate. The architecture was quite inspiring. It holds the tomb of Vasco de Gama. A quiet dinner in the hotel.

Thursday 14th An early call as we left the hotel at 6.30am for the airport and flight to Malaga. We flew over farmland and mountains. Fabulous views. Our taxi was waiting for us for the trip to Ronda about an hour and a half through landscapes of fieads, valleys and rocky mountains. When our room was ready we unpacked then took a walk across the New bridge (350 years old) to the old town. Our room was large with 3 doors each leading onto 3 small balcony, looking over the ravine and stone bridge. Photo included. The old town consisted of many cobble-stoned alleys and plazas with cafes and churches. The area around the hotel included many narrow streets with cafes, clothing/leather stores and the usual tourist shops. We visited the tourist centre to get info about some walks.

Friday 15th We took a walk across the Old Bridge, a narrow stone bridge built during 1300′s, to the Arab Baths. The baths are the best preserved in Europe and has a great display and video presentation on the history and use of the baths. we continued walking along a narrow path outside the city walls to the southern end of the city. This gave a wonderful view of the ancient city walls and fortifications. Walked to the bus station to book bus for Sunday to Seville.Late in the afternoon we took a tour of the Bull Ring. Its the best preserved and biggest in Spain, and had excellent displays and audio description of equine history and equipment and bull fighting. Bullfights are still held in the arena, while across Spain bullfighting is a very divisive issue.

Saturday 16th The weather throughout has been fine and sunny. We visited the Museo Palace de Mondragon – Palace to a Moorish King in 13th century. The Palace houses a great exhibition of the Ronda region from Neolithic times to present. It is one of the best museums we have encountered. The building has been well preserved with 3 architectual styles – Moorish, Jewish and Christian. Before lunch we took a walk down a steep and rather precarious path under the New Bridge. The afternoon we went to the Museo Unicaja Joaquim Peinado – dedicated to Peinado’s art from 1920′s to 1970′s. It also housed sketches by Piçacsso, a good friend of Peinado (the former born in Malaga, the latter in Rondo) . An impressive exhibition. We then walked to the southern exit of the old city to walk around the base of the walls on the western side. The road was steep and cobble stoned. After about 45 mins we stopped at a small hotel at the base of the cliff for coffee. The sheer cliffs are 120 m high. We took a very steep path back up towards the bridge that joined part of the path taken yesterday. Dinner was at a hotel overlooking the cliffs towards the mountains.

Sunday 17th A walk through a park along the cliff top before catching 1pm bus to Seville – a one and 3/4 hour trip. Our hotel in situated at the edge of the old town of Seville and is a series of old houses, converted into hotel accommodation and connected by corridors and small enclosed plazas and even a tunnel under a road to connect the two main sections . The old styles have been preserved and restored – it certainly has ‘character” while very comfortable with all the mod-cons. Took a walk and visited the Cathedral. Again very elaborate with very high ceiling and massive Gothic arches, gold altars and wood-panelled central choir stalls. It also housed the elaborate tomb of Christopher Columbus. The outside garden, though within the Cathedral walls, was planted with orange trees.

Monday 18th We arrived early for the opening of the Real Alcazar at 9.30 as only 750 visitors are allowed in each day. Its the oldest Royal Palace still in use in Europe. It has its origins from 6th century and has been well preserved with stunning Islamic tiling, painted and carved ceilings and walls. The gardens are beautiful, sculptured with many fountains in small courtyards. It was declared a World Heritage site in 1987. We spent 3 and a half hours there. Then a walk through Seville’s central shopping area. Nearby was the Metropol Parasol, said to be the largest wooden structure in the world. It towered like 3 sails above the plaza and street.

Sunday 3rd September We left Madrid by bus for Barca D’Alva and the start of our river cruise. On the way we stopped at Salamanca the home of a 15th century university, the oldest in Portugal and 2nd oldest in Europe. A great walking tour through town. Arriving at the boat about 5pm – Queen Isabel – we were shown our cabin, then at 6.15 a safety briefing and port talk by Ricardo, the Cruise Manager. Dinner at 7pm.

Monday 4th September Barca D’Alva to Pinhao The tour today (by bus frim the boat) was to Castelo Rodrigo, a 12th century walled village with cobbled streets and alleys. It is one of the 12 historical villages in Portugal where you can almost travel back in time.We found out while on the trip that the village won the category in a nation-wide competition for the most historic village in Portugal. What an achievement! Lets hope it doesn’t lose its charm. Sailed for Pinhao about 1pm arriving at Pocinho Dam the first of six locks we will go through, ranging from 14 metres to 33 metres in drop. Also went under a very low bridge where the upper deck canopy had to be lowered, and even the wheel house lowered with the captain poking his head out of a hatch at the top! Then even he had to duck! Beautiful scenery either side of the river – picture post card around every corner. Dinner at a table with Stefanie and Michael Paine from Vancouver Island, Kim Allen and Bev Nelson from Alabama, Pam and Leo Gale from Melbourne – got on so well together we did this every night.

Tuesday 5th September Pinhao to Regua We chose Quinta do Seixo Visit and wine tasting tour (Sandeman company) – one of the most prestigious wine estates in the Douro Valley with no expense spared on the infrastructure.Then spent a little time walking the streets of Pinhao before departing. Arived Bagauste Dam. Portuguese lesson and cocktail demo during the afternoon. 5pm lecture on Douro Valley and the wine making traditions. Docked at Regua about 3.30, walk up to town before dinner.

Wednesday 6th September Regua to Caldas de Aregos Lamego city tour followed by lunch at Quinta da Pacheca. Visited the impressive church of “Nossa Senhora dos Remedios”. We walked down the 686 steps to the town. Drinks at a Lamego wine bar with local delights before lunch at the wine estate. Tasting of local port wine. Another impressive winery. Arrival at Caldas de Aregos at 7.30pm

Thursday 7th September Caldas de Aregos to Bitetos and Entre-os-Rios The deepest lock in Europe this morning Carrapatelo Dam (33 metres). Visit this morning to Quinta Aveleda known for its stunning gardens and a taste of Vinho Verde (green meaning young white wine) This afternoon we also had a trip to Amarante a heritage town of patron saint Sao Goncalo. Visited the Dominican monastery and then the modern art gallery. Portuguese dinner tonight. A dozen university students (TUNA) performed tonight on the boat – they apologised for being a bit out of practise at the beginning of term but they didn’t need to!

Friday 8th September Entre-Os- Rios to V.N.Gala (POrto) Morning arrival at Crestuma Dam/lock. Afternoon tour to Guimaraes home of the first king of Portugal with its wonderfully preserved old town, unique architecture and little plazaz. A UNESCO World Heritage town. Cooking demonstration of “Pastel de Nata” Portuguese Tarts. Delicious!

Saturday 9th September Porto Porto tour on local tram and walking through the maze of side streets. Tasting of local foods and coffee. Free time in the afternoon was to take a cable car to the top of the bridge, walk down to the lower level and across the bridge to the old part of town Ribiera.Lots of bars and market stalls on the waterfront. A scenic cruise on the boat of Porto at night. Quite charming.

Sunday 10th September – Disembarkation Bus to Lisbon via the old town of Obidos and lunch at a family restaurant on the way. Arrived Lisbon. about 3.30pm. A welcome quiet night, dinner at the hotel.

Monday 11th September Lisbon Walking tour of Lisbon began with a TukTuk ride through the town to a tram stop, then taking the old tram (No 12, No 28 is written in books) to St Jorge Castle which is on the highest of the 7 hills surrounding Lisbon. Back on the TukTuk for a trip thrpugh narrow streets to the waterfront and the Ribiera Markets fora cocquet tasting and tour. The markets were bought by Time Magazine who turned part of it into a food hall which some of the best restaurants and chefs have a stall. Typical Portuguses food at reasonable prices. Dinner at an Italian restaurant with our table-mates from the cruise boat.