I had never been to Portugal before spending a month there earlier this year. First, wow, what an amazing country! However, there are some things I wish I'd known before coming that would have helped me better navigate as a tourist, better plan my trip, and better understand the people. Here is a list, in…
It's amazing how different the world can be after only a short train ride. A cool ocean breeze lifts my spirits (and messes my hair) as I sit in the sun along one of Cascais's many beaches. Sunglasses on, I alternate my gaze between the blue waters and the volleyballers - though they play with…
Editor's note: I knew when I made a new friend in the British Museum, bonding over the Elgin Marbles and their story, that Kathryn just had to write for The Royal Tour one day. That day is today. Right now, she is taking a year to explore the world - inspired by me, so she…
As many of you know, food has long been one of my passions. When I travel, I love to try local dishes, go to local spots, and really get a feel for what makes a particular food culture unique. Some places have the reputation for being specific foodie destinations - Italy and France jump quickly…
When maritime history meets awesome architecture, the birthplace of a famous food, and cool museums, you know that is a place worth visiting. Belém is a neighborhood in western Lisbon along the Tagus, and combines all of these things. Home to some of the city's elite - and the country's president - Belém is a…
Pena Palace is considered by many to be the most beautiful building in all of Portugal, and it certainly lives up to that reputation. The colors - yellows, reds, blues - of the fanciful towers and decorations play masterfully with the cloud-filled sky and the greens of the open mountainous space around it. It is…
It's hard to believe my month here in Portugal is coming to an end in just a couple of days, especially when I will be posting articles from Lisbon and its surroundings for at least a few more weeks! But alas, the time on my blog doesn't always match my real life, and so I…
Porto is sometimes called Portugal's "second city," referring to it being second in both size and importance to the capital, Lisbon. But when it comes to exploration for a traveler, Porto is second to none. While it may not have the historic significance or cultural hubs of its larger cousin to the south, Porto is…
Portugal's namesake beverage from its namesake city - it seems of the utmost importance to have this experience in order to truly get a flavor for the country. But what exactly is port? What makes it different from other wine? Is it even good? Let's start with a couple of caveats. One, as many of…
Editor's note: Sometimes it is wonderful to get a perspective that isn't my own. For the first time, I am publishing on The Royal Tour an article about a place I've never been, and in fact, had never heard of before reading. I met Madeleine through a mutual friend, another travel writer, and we quickly…