Gain More Background About the Country
"Portugal emerged as a country in 1143, after a 15 year rebellion by Dom Afonso Henriques (Afonso I). Afonso Henriques defeated his mother Countess Teresa of Portugal, regent of the County (Condado) of Portugal and loyal to the Kingdom of Leon, at the battle of Sao Mamede (Batalha de Sao Mamede) near the town of Guimaraes, in June of 1128. Countess Teresa was imprisoned and exiled by her son, and died in 1130. Guimaraes is therefore known as the birthplace city of Portugal."
"Portugal ranks as the 17th safest country in the world."
"Keep your napkin to the left of your plate while eating. Do not place the napkin in your lap. When you have finished eating, move your napkin to the right of your plate."
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​Start Preparing for Your Trip
Vaccinations: Routine vaccinations
Visas: Not required for a US citizen for a stay up to 90 days
What to Pack: "The streets of Lisbon consist of winding, cobblestone hills which are steep as heck and become very slippery when wet, so pack shoes that are sturdy and comfortable to walk in. Think sand shoes, joggers, converse, sneakers etc. High-heels are probably not a good idea."
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Maps
Weather
Holidays
Get Around
​Resources
Tourist Information Site: Plan Your Trip
All about Portugal. Learn about. Regions
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Enjoy a Little Portugal from Home
Food & Recipes
Music
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Learn More About the Cities I Have Visited and
Check My Blog Postings for Extra Tips and Highlights
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City of Lisbon
"Lisbon’s history dates back to 300,000 years ago. However, it emerged as a nation state in the early 12th century and ranks as one of the world's longest founded cities. As the legend tells, it is a city founded and named by Ulysses as Ulissipo or Olissopo, which has its origins in the Phoenician words "Allis Ubbo", meaning "enchanting port"."
Check out:
Attractions
Hotels
Airbnb
Restaurants
Travel Guide
Also of interest:
Ten free things to do in Lisbon
To learn more, check out my blog posting:
Beach Holiday Destinations: Fiji, Guam, Philippines, Portugal, and Hawaii
12 Countries. 7 Weeks. 3 People. Stop #11 & #12: France & Portugal
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Sintra
"In the 19th century Sintra became the first centre of European Romantic architecture. Ferdinand II turned a ruined monastery into a castle where this new sensitivity was displayed in the use of Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish and Renaissance elements and in the creation of a park blending local and exotic species of trees. Other fine dwellings, built along the same lines in the surrounding serra, created a unique combination of parks and gardens which influenced the development of landscape architecture throughout Europe."
Check out:
Attractions
Hotels
Airbnb
Restaurants
Travel Guide
Also of interest:
Free sights of Sintra, and how to have a inexpensive or cheap day trip
To learn more, check out my blog posting:
12 Countries. 7 Weeks. 3 People. Stop #11 & #12: France & Portugal