A long weekend in Portugal

A long weekend in Portugal

Our outbound flight was from Gatwick in to Porto (1:50hrs duration). Arriving later than scheduled due to fog hampering the take off from Porto, we were whisked off efficiently to our overnight stay a charming little place just outside of Porto itself, “The Vinha Boutique Hotel”. This was a visually stunning hotel and a real oasis of calm in a beautiful setting. This was a hotel with a lot of character with the most amazingly eclectic interior design on display. The hotel has its own pier from where it offers guests a complimentary boat service to and from Porto several times a day. Despite our late arrival the hotel were keen for us to sample an incredible 9-course tasting menu from their Two-Michelin Starred Chef, and so who were we to argue. I really enjoyed our brief stay at the Vinha it was very unique and all the rooms individually designed and furnished.

The following morning we enjoyed a good breakfast before setting off for our first Ship visit, onboard the Regent Seven Seas “RSS Grandeur”. Having sailed on the RSS Explorer previously it was really interesting to compare, and she certainly didn’t disappoint. Whilst the Grandeur was very similar to the Explorer in many ways, I felt it had a lighter and brighter decor throughout. As I boarded, I was greeted with a glass of chilled Champagne and a warm welcome by the most attentive staff. The ship's interior really is a feast for the senses—from crystal chandeliers and Italian marble to bespoke artwork curated in partnership with masters like Fabergé.
The flow of the ship makes it feel intimate yet expansive. Whether you're a first-time luxury cruiser or a seasoned Regent guest, it’s hard not to be blown away by the sheer attention to detail.

After our ship visit, which included another fabulous lunch, we made our way off the Ship, where our transfer coach was waiting to take us to Lisbon (a 3.5-hour duration). Arriving at the Corinthia Hotel, Lisbon, later that day we were soon all checked in. Making our way to our rooms via the most high-tech lift system I have ever experienced in a hotel, “so not at all good for me being a bit of a technophobe”. After stopping at most of the 24 floors of this property whilst trying to figure out the lifts, I finally arrived at my level (19). Opening my bedroom door, I soon discovered that I had been upgraded to a Lisbon Suite. These rooms are fabulous and consist of a large living room with sofas and a dining table and chairs, a spacious bedroom, walk-in wardrobe leading through to a beautiful marble bathroom with a separate bathtub and rain shower. Other benefits for guests staying in a Lisbon Suite include the following:

• Personalised check-in at a welcome desk located in the lobby
• Access to the Sky Lounge, where complimentary breakfast, drinks and canapés are served throughout the day
• Complimentary access to the Water Therapy Circuit, including sauna and steam room

The Corinthia was in stark contrast to the Vinha Boutique Hotel in Porto; it was much larger and more corporate, however, I found it had the perfect blend of timeless elegance and modern sophistication. The hotel was located in a busy suburb of the city, yet just minutes away from Lisbon’s historic centre.


Ship visit number two the next morning was onboard Regent’s Seven Seas “RSS Navigator”.
This is another gorgeous Ship, albeit smaller, and I would say a little less lavish when compared with the RSS Grandeur. The ship has a similar setup to the RSS Grandeur but only two speciality restaurants onboard as opposed to five, in addition to the wonderful “Compass Rose, “the ship's main open dining restaurant. Passenger numbers are just under 500, and it has a lovely, cosy and intimate feel, yet still undeniably luxurious with the same superb standards of quality and exquisite service indicative of Regent Seven Seas.

After our ship visit, we had time to explore a bit of Lisbon, and for this we opted to commandeer a couple of Tuk Tuk’s, “a three-wheeled electric or gas-powered vehicle”. This was a guided tour and offered a really great way of getting around the hilly and narrow streets of the old town of Lisbon. Most drivers are locals who offer commentary, history, and even personal stories about this wonderful city.

Highlights of our Lisbon Old Town Tuk Tuk tour included:
1. Alfama - The oldest district in Lisbon, with its narrow, winding streets. Here you can find the Lisbon Cathedral, and enjoy panoramic views from the viewpoint at Miradouro de Santa Luzia, looking across to São Jorge Castle.
2. Mouraria - Multicultural vibes and street art.
3. Baixa & Rossio - Rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, it is now a vibrant area with some stunning Neoclassical architecture.
4. Graça - Stunning viewpoints like Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.

The next day, we bid our farewells to Lisbon, but not before having a quick visit to use the hotel's magnificent Spa.

I thoroughly enjoyed my long weekend in Portugal and will return, as I need to see a bit more of Porto.