Traveling from Lisbon to Porto: A Geographical Journey
In Lisbon, Portugal, on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, a group of travellers are preparing for an exciting adventure. At 9 A.M., they will board a bus for the ride to Porto, a journey that typically takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on the bus carrier and traffic conditions. Notable attractions along the route include the charming medieval town of Óbidos, the major Catholic pilgrimage site of Fátima, the surfer's paradise of Nazaré, and the Venice of Portugal, Aveiro.
Upon their arrival in Porto, the group will be greeted by the sleek three-decked boat named "Duro Cruiser," which awaits them with a riverfront berth. The boat trip aims to reach a 90% sustainable power goal in the next twenty years, similar to Portugal's national objective, as the country primarily relies on wind power, solar power, and hydro power for its utilities.
The first meal onboard will feature Red Pepper soup, Salmon in sauce, and a lemon pie custard for dessert, accompanied by different red or white Portuguese wines each night. Meals are served on the first deck, offering a good opportunity to meet and spend time with fellow travellers from the Spring Run Group.
The following day, the group will disembark in Obidos, where they will walk under a portico, through a walled town gate, and into a village adorned with flowering Jacaranda trees that create a bright pink frame for pictures. The town, originally named Lucitania by the Romans, has a rich history, having been swept by the Moors, Napoleon, and other peoples.
The second major street in Obidos is lined with small restaurants, offering a refreshing stop with sparkling water and lemon tarts at "Gina Marquinna's." The ride North from Obidos to Porto is described as pleasant, filled with information about Portuguese history and geography. The terrain along the coast is rocky and hilly, similar to California, and Eucalyptus trees, a fast-growing replacement species for the original pine tree forests, dominate the landscape.
As the group cruises east on the Duro River towards Spain, they will pass through picturesque towns and enjoy the stunning landscapes of Portugal. The journey promises to be an unforgettable experience, filled with history, culture, and natural beauty.
During their exploration of Obidos, the group will stroll under a portico, through the city's walled town gate, and into a village covered in flowering Jacaranda trees. Later, as they navigate the Duro River towards Spain, they will encounter picturesque towns and witness breathtaking landscapes, making their adventure-travel experience a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that echoes Portugal's lifestyle and its aim for sustainability, similar to the 90% sustainable power goal of the "Duro Cruiser."
