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Portugal

10 Things to do in Lisbon

1. Wake up early to explore. Whether you are looking to get the best pictures, or hoping to catch a glimpse of the landmarks, the best time of the day to do so is early in the morning. Take advantage of the unobscured views by rising early and visiting the Praça do Comércio, Rossio, or wander through the Baixa and Chiado neighbourhoods to enjoy these sights without the hustle and bustle. Plan your morning walk to enjoy these main sights without having to fend off crowds of other tourists. 2. See one of the best views at the Castelo de São Jorge. Located at the top of the hill in Alfama, the Castelo de São Jorge offers one of the best views of Lisbon and the Tagus river. This Moorish castle is a historic medieval landmark that overlooks the city. Go back in time by exploring the archeological site or climb to the top of the…

Travel

The Azores: Take a Journey Around Sao Miguel with Picos de Adventura

If you are looking for a little bit of thrill, Picos de Adventura is the perfect tour group for you. With adventure programs on land, sea and options for group, let them help you see the sights of Sao Miguel or go on a whale watching excursion. For our little adventure, we decided to go for a hike through Sete Cidades. Sete Cidades (which translates to Seven Cities) is located in a volcanic caldera with a village in the centre and a unique lake that is both blue and green. The legend behind this lake believes that the colour was caused by a beautiful princess fell in love with a shepherd, but they were forbidden by her father from marrying; he did, though, permit them to meet one final time. As they were saying goodbye, her tears ran blue, to form the larger lake; his were green, and created the smaller to…

Travel

The Azores: Furnas in Sao Miguel and Beyond

Head north to explore the island of Sao Miguel to explore some of the natural wonders on the island. This Azorean islands were formed in the mid-Atlantic Ridge where Eurasian and North American tectonic plates collide. From this natural phenomenon, geothermal springs are found on the island of Sao Miguel has thermal pools set against lust tropical landscapes and steaming craters of the Caldeiras das Furnas. For those hoping to stay and enjoy the area, the Furnas Boutique Hotel allows you to relax in their thermal pools and enjoy spa services. This hotel also has an onsite menu serving mediterranean inspired tapas dishes in their modern dining room and patio area. Simple, yet beautiful, this hotel is a tranquil escape in the stunning valley. Sao Miguel is also home to the oldest tea plantation in all of Europe. The Cha Gorreana plantation is a national gem as it grows eco-friendly herbal teas known…

Travel

The Azores: Ponta Delgada in Sao Miguel

Over the next week, we will be touring the beautiful islands of The Azores. The Azores are a group of Portuguese islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Although Portugal has been increasing in popularity as a tourist destination, these islands still remain relatively unchartered, adding to their charm. Retaining an old world, quaint feel, the Azores are the perfect place for the explorer looking to hop from island to island. Plus, from Toronto, Azores Airlines offers two direct flights weekly to Ponta Delgada on the main island of Sao Miguel. Today we had the pleasure of exploring the quaint city of Ponta Delgada. Ponta Delgada is the largest city on the island with many tourist attractions in the city centre. From the historic Church of Sao Jose to the historic landmarks that surround it, Ponta Delgada centre core was first established as a small fishing village in 1450 that grew over the…