After departing from Porto, we set our sights on the coastal town of Cascais, nestled near Lisbon along the Atlantic Ocean. There, we spent our days indulging in the local spa, sipping on Portuguese cuisine and drink, and simply relishing in the company of our loved ones.

We took a day trip to the enchanting town of Sintra, a Unesco World Heritage site brimming with fairy tale-like charm. The Quinta da Regaleira and the National Palace of Pena were among the many sights that captivated us during our visit.

Our second-day trip took us to Lisbon, where we spent the day exploring the city's many attractions and dining on delicious Portuguese fare.

Overall, it was a simple routine that allowed us to truly make the most of our time with family and experience the beauty of Portugal.

After our family had left, we found ourselves so enamored with the charm of Cascias that we chose to linger for a few more days. During this time, we reconnected with Bruno, a friend from San Francisco who had recently made the move to this beautiful town. Together, we indulged in a satisfying meal, relishing the simple pleasures of this quaint community.