Out on the train to Sintra, setting for some wonderful picturesque countryside dotted with gothic castles straight out of a Grimm fairy tale. The last kings of Portugal lived here until the country dispensed with such anachronistic practices just before World War One.

You would have thought they would have seen trouble coming from their perch on top of the hill as the views are stupendous. Well worth the long steep climb up from the valley below.

Part of the estate is an old Moorish castle, with its ramparts studies with a myriad of different flags from the region. Inside the estate at the top are the rooms where the royal family lived and where they entertained, left much the same as they were in 1910, complete with all mod cons such as a plumbed in bathroom.

At the bottom of the hill another palace full of antique treasure and noisy students.

Arrived in a bright sunny Lisbon. My second time in the area, but the first time out of the airport to enjoy the delights of the city. Had a wonderful view over the whole bay as we swept in.

Spent today exploring the hills and sights of the old town. And there certainly are hills. You come away either incredibly fit or in need to a knee replacement. One thing about the climb is that you are rewarded with some fantastic views over the city. The centre was all replaced in the 18th Century. Not because of good town planning , but because of a massive earthquake which levelled the area.

Visited the Sao Vicente de Flora, which contains a number of past Kings of Portugal. They are all stacked around the edges in a manor more reminiscent of an Ikea warehouse that a Royal Mausoleum.