Sintra | Porto

About the destination: Sintra is a town and municipality located in the Grande Lisboa subregion (Lisbon Region) of Portugal. This municipality is home to two cities: Queluz and Agualva-Cacém. Sintra is renowned for its numerous 19th-century Romantic architectural monuments, leading to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While its architectural and natural heritage is the most apparent aspect of Sintra's historical uniqueness, the area also boasts a rich literary heritage that has made it a legendary reference in Portuguese culture. Sintra has evolved into a significant tourist hub, attracting many day visitors who journey from the center and suburbs of the capital, Lisbon. Besides the Sintra Mountains and Sintra-Cascais Nature Park, the parishes of the town of Sintra are sprinkled with royal retreats, estates, castles, and other structures. These include the medieval Castelo dos Mouros, the Pena National Palace, and the Sintra National Palace.

About the destination: Located in a striking valley carved by the Douro River, Porto is renowned for its beautiful architecture and the sweet flavor of its wine. The city's focal point is Avenida dos Aliados, a broad avenue surrounded by Praça General H. Delgado and Praça da Liberdade. However, the most captivating part of the city is Ribeira, the river district and a Unesco World Heritage Site, where three of Europe's most elegant bridges cross the gorge. The bustling Praça da Liberdade and the adjacent Avenida dos Aliados form the city center, where statues are positioned in the middle of busy mosaic pathways. Nearby stands Porto's magnificent cathedral, a massive, fortified Romanesque building with heavy granite foundations, thick walls, and small windows that enclose a dark interior. The Ribeira extends along the river, bordered by a fantastic quay filled with shops and restaurants. Porto's most iconic monument, the ornate Torre dos Clérigos, provides a citywide view from the top of its 240 steps. A trip to Porto wouldn't be complete without a stop at some of the many bodegas, or wine lodges, where port is stored and bottled. A visit to the incredible Lello library, with its spiral staircase, is also a must-see, even if you're not a Harry Potter fan.