Summer in Europe - Portugal, Spain, France

[biba]

Looking forward to summer in Europe. Flying out of Sydney to Frankfurt then onto Lisbon, Porto, Barcelona, Provence and Paris.

Flights: EK to FRA via BKK, DXB returning CX from FRA to HKG and QF to SYD all in J using classic rewards ticket. Cheap flights in Europe with TAP and Veuling plus some train travel in France. Staying at a range of hotels from 5 star to Airbnb.

 

[LadyC]

Look forward to reading more

 

[biba]

As we are flying EK in business, the first leg is the chauffeur drive to the airport. Beats the taxi ride any day. First stop QF First lounge for a meal. QF1 was boarding so the lounge emptied out quickly and was quiet after that. I learned that the spa closed at 3pm so no chance for a visit.

Moved across to EK lounge just before boarding.

 

[biba]

As this is a rewards flight the best I could manage was EK419 which goes to DXB via BKK and adds a few more hours to the trip. We chose window seats on the A380. Because of the staggered seat configuration, the true window seats are A and K. Pre-departure drink - champers of course - and hot towels.


No menu for the evening meal out of Sydney so the FA explained the options, which I didn't fully understand and ended up with a chicken salad for entree and some beef dish for mains. The beef was dry and not the best.

 

[biba]

...and of course there is the on-board bar ....

 

[earlyriser]

Excited for this. I will be spending January in Spain and Portugal.

 

[kermatu]

Everyone I know seems to be going to Spain and Portugal this winter. Except me. So jealous, but looking forward to (more of) your report.

I thought the spa closed at 4pm in the SYD F lounge, as an aside. Maybe last booking is 3pm?

 

[biba]

I thought the spa closed at 4pm in the SYD F lounge, as an aside. Maybe last booking is 3pm?

I arrived at the lounge around 15.30 and asked about the spa and was told it closed @ 15.00. Maybe they meant the last booking. After QF1 there are no more first passengers so maybe that's why they close.

 

[kermatu]

I arrived at the lounge around 15.30 and asked about the spa and was told it closed @ 15.00. Maybe they meant the last booking. After QF1 there are no more first passengers so maybe that's why they close.

Website says 16:00 closure, but it does vary and yes will close after the last QF F flight departs. I was once lucky to get a slot as they kept the spa open past 6pm for a very delayed flight (either QF1 or 8) when I was flying CX. Anyway, hopefully that's your only minor disappointment on the holiday. And the lounge is lovely when quiet.

 

[biba]

Short transit in BKK and visited the new EK lounge which is now located on concourse E. My first time here. It is larger than the old lounge and a more modern decor.

 

[Major]

You have quite a varied itinerary. Enjoy the experience

 

[biba]

Back on EK419. No evening meal (it was 2:40am when we departed). Had a few hours sleep before breakfast served then ontime arrival at DXB at 0600.
Business class was full for the whole trip, first class less than 50%. Service was OK but I find the cabin crew on ME airlines a bit cold.

 

[biba]

Easy transit through security at DXB. Last time I was here it was a zoo but maybe it has something to do with the time of arrival. Headed straight to the first class lounge. Cigar lounge for the smokers.


First lounge has its own duty free section with a range of expensive items. The full duty free section is one floor below.


Boarding for next flight is directly from the lounge - take the lift down then walk onto the aircraft. Easy.

 

[biba]

DXB-FRA EK45. Another A380. Many of the cabin crew are German-based (also pilots) and provided good service. Finally a menu! Light breakfast then lunch.


Lots of empty seats Business class has less than 40% occupancy. Seems to be an overkill using a 380 but maybe economy was full downstairs.


Ontime arrival. Easy passage through immigration and short wait for luggage. A warm 28 degrees in Frankfurt and the chauffeur was waiting to take us to our digs for the night in a new Mercedes C350.

 

[biba]

Overnight in FRA with friends then catch the local bus back to the airport the the next flight to Lisbon.


I discovered my cheap economy ticket, booked through Expedia, did not include checked luggage so had to pay another €35 for one piece. However I was able to change the seats from the last row to row 7 at no extra cost. FRA-LIS TP581. Full flight on a modern A321. Surprised to find food (sandwich) and drinks (including alcohol) were complimentary. This is unusual for European airlines which usually charge for everything.


Touched down about 30 min late due to air traffic control slowing us down. Collected luggage and headed for the taxi rank. A hot 32 degrees in Lisbon. Taxi ride to Intercontinental Hotel where will stay for the next three days.

 

[biba]

Forecast for today is 40+ degrees so the plan is get out early to beat the heat and the crowds (failed on both counts). Headed for Alfama which is a great area to explore some of the traditional parts of Lisbon. It has been a number of years since I last visited but I still enjoy the atmosphere around this area.


Many of the buildings have the traditional decorative tiled facade, called azulejos. Some are in disrepair and in need of maintenance but this all adds to the sense of decay that for me is part of the charm.


Alfama is awash with these old style buildings in their pastel colours. Cobbled streets with steep ascents make exploring the area challenging in this heat.


Took the obligatory Tram 28 through the winding streets. Bone jarring, crowded and uncomfortable ride. Much better to explore on foot.

 

[MaxwellSmart]

Took the obligatory Tram 28 through the winding streets. Bone jarring, crowded and uncomfortable ride. Much better to explore on foot.

Thanks for the tip. I'll be at Lisbon for 4 nights in September. 2 pre/post the BPM festival at Portimão.

 

[RB]

Enjoying your write-up. I certainly agree re the atmosphere in the Alfama district. We stayed there & ate & drank in a variety of spots & really enjoyed ourselves.

 

[biba]

Lisbon public transport is a great way to get around cheaply. To travel on Lisbon metro and buses, you need to first purchase a “Viva Viagem” card which costs €0.50. Then load it up for single or multiple tickets. We chose a 24 hour unlimited travel ticket for €6.15 which includes all Lisbon buses and trams. Great value and allows travel all around Lisbon and down to Belem.

 

[biba]

Food in Lisbon is fantastic. Great restaurants with very good food at reasonable prices. Huge range of seafood, including cod and octopus. One place to try out the different types of food is the TimeOut market. This place has a huge range of all types of Portuguese cuisine and drinks. Just wander around until you find something appealing. The place was crowded but had a real buzz. Not just for the tourists as there was plenty of locals eating there as well. It is situated just across the road from the Cais do Sodré railway station.


Of course we had to try the world famous Pastéis de Nata, an egg tart pastry. Delicious. This small cafe, Fábrica da Nata, was a great place for coffee and tart as well as a box for take away.