Page 51 - Northern Spain & Portugal: Pilgrimage into the Past
P. 51
Bus: Generally less expensive than both taxi and train travel, bus travel in Spain has increased
in recent years.
Trains: Spain has an extensive railway network linking all major towns and cities, and rail
travel in Spain is generally comfortable, reliable and often cheaper than many other European
countries. Trains are modern and many are high-speed
Cuisine in Portugal
Portuguese food is wholesome and rich, with many tasty dishes. Usually well-seasoned, the
food is not considered “hot.” Common ingredients include olive oil, garlic, and onions. As
anywhere else, menu prices in Portugal vary substantially, but you should be able to get an
ample, well-made meal at a reasonable cost. Please note that most restaurants in Portugal will
place on your table what appears to be complimentary appetizers, bread, olives, etc. These are
not complimentary—once you eat any item, you will be charged.
Entertainment & Recreational Activities in Portugal
Casino: One of the most famous casinos in Europe is in Estoril, about a thirty-minute taxi
ride from Lisbon (cab fare costing about twenty euros). Lisbon also supports a casino in the
Parque das Nacoes. Be sure to bring your passport with you, as it is required for entrance into
the casinos.
Getting Around in Portugal
Taxi: Portuguese taxis are a convenient but expensive method of transportation for long rides.
4Q dZ` L]P U`^_ RZTYR LN]Z^^ _ZbY []TNP^ L]P XZ]P ]PL^ZYLMWP :ʯNTLWWd XP_P]PO _LcT^ L]P TaZ]d
colored or black with green tops. Generally, you should tip a taxi driver approximately 10% of
the fare.
Trains: Portugal’s railway system is not extensive, but it does operate between major cities.
On all train fares, passengers 65 and older will be given half-rate fares upon presentation of
passport.
Remember to purchase your ticket prior to boarding the train. Once on board, you may be
L^VPO _Z ^SZb dZ`] _TNVP_ 4Q dZ` OZ YZ_ SLaP ZYP dZ` bTWW MP NSL]RPO L SPQ_d ʭYP ?TNVP_^ L]P
not sold on the train.
Cuisine in France
World renowned for its cuisine, there is no shortage of delightful and delectable things to taste
while traveling in France. You could easily spend an entire trip eating your way through the
NZ`Y_]d ɧ LYO bSd YZ_* 0LNS ]PRTZY SL^ T_^ ZbY ^[PNTLW_TP^ Q]ZX _SP Q]P^S SP]M^ LYO NT_]`^d
ʮLaZ]^ ZQ ;]ZaPYNP _Z _SP ]TNS ʮLaZ]^ ^XZVPO XPL_^ LYO ]PO bTYP^ ZQ -`]R`YOd LYO _SP
NTOP] LYO [Z_ [TP^ ^_`ʬPO bT_S NSTNVPY LYO L[[WP^ TY 9Z]XLYOd 4Y ,W^LNP 7Z]]LTYP WZZV QZ]
the famous Quiche Lorraine L ʮLVd [L^_]d N]`^_ ʭWWPO bT_S PRR^ NSPP^P ZYTZY^ LYO MLNZY
1Z] N]PLXd NZXQZ]_ QZZO^ RZ _Z _SP 1]PYNS ,W[^ bSP]P dZ`ɪWW ʭYO L MWPYO ZQ 1]PYNS LYO >bT^^
TYʮ`PYNP^ ɧ _]d ^ZXP QZYO`P _L]_TʮP__P (potatoes with cheese, bacon, and onions), or raclette
51