|
Hello, Sharpe Travelers!
As 2022 comes to an end, we wish to thank you for your continued support - it is our pleasure to help turn your travel dreams into reality!
Our November/December newsletter focuses on Portugal. We take a look at cruising on the Douro River, learn more about our owner, Karen and her most recent river cruise review. We talk about the importance of working with a travel agent and our featured preferred supplier, Emerald Cruises.
Happy Holidays!
-Karen
| |
Come Explore Portugal with STG | |
|
This southern European country certainly doesn't lack in natural or architectural beauty. It's no wonder Portugal has been rated top 50 best places in the world to visit for the last 4 years.
There's a never-ending number of things to do and see.
So, where should you even begin?
Here are some top recommendations for visiting this magnificent country for your first time:
| |
|
Lisbon
The City of Seven Hills, Queen of the Sea and The City of Light are just three of the nicknames lovingly granted to Lisbon, Portugal’s largest and capital city. Recognized as the oldest city in Western Europe, Lisbon’s enchanting history matches anything offered by Rome, Paris or London with archaeological remains in the city dating back to the Iron Age.
Lisbon pairs dramatic history and wonderful architecture with a delightfully Mediterranean climate. This makes Lisbon an exceptional destination to explore on foot, dotted with ceramic-tiled shops and traditional cafés.
A short stroll through Lisbon’s ancient streets will introduce stunning examples of Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, Baroque, Modern and Postmodern architecture, stretching through beautiful boulevards and squares.
| |
|
Sintra
The historic center of Sintra is famous for its 19th-century Romanticist architecture, historic estates, villas, gardens, royal palaces and castles which resulted in the classification of the town as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sintra's landmarks include the medieval Castle of the Moors, and Pena National Palace, shown in the photo above. Each section of this impressive structure is individually styled with vivid colors and intricate stone carvings, making this one of the most unique palaces in the world.
| |
|
Batalha
The Monastery of Batalha is one of the most phenomenal Gothic churches in all of Europe. The church preserve is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its significance. As you enter the grand doors of the church, you'll immediately take notice to all of its architectural details and picturesque 16th Century stained glass windows.
| |
|
The Beaches
The coastline of Portugal provides some of the most stunning beaches you'll ever see. Don't shy away, take a break from your explorations to relax on the shorelines of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream. Some of the most popular beaches are in the Algarve region, Sagres, Aveiro, and the Praia da Adraga.
| |
The Gastronomy of Portugal and Traditional Dishes | |
|
Seafood
The most distinctive feature of Portuguese cuisine comes from the sea. As you enjoy a simple grilled fish, always fresh like the seafood that abounds from end to end along the coast, you can be sure that you are in Portugal! Cataplanas, bouillabaisses and any other fish or seafood dish are also excellent choices.
| |
|
Portuguese olive oil
Portuguese olive oil is of prime quality and is part of every dish, including cod (for which it is said that there are 1001 recipes!), which they excel at preparing and enjoying.
| |
|
Meat Dishes
For meat dishes, our main suggestion is cozido à portuguesa, a mix of meats, vegetables and various sausages, cooked in a delicious way. We have excellent DOP (Protected Denomination of Origin) meats, from north to south, whether it’s beef, pork or kid. Many vegetables and fruit also preserve the taste of the old times, and some also have the DOP label, especially as many are produced organically.
| |
|
Sweets
The sweets, whose roots go back to the many convents where they were originally prepared, even today make us “give thanks to heaven”. And a pastel de nata (custard tart) is a must. It is delicious with coffee, which is drank in the form of espresso.
| |
|
Wine
At the end of a meal, we might make a toast with some Port or Madeira, fortified wines that have been spreading our name to faraway lands for centuries. Or with an excellent sparkling wine produced in Portugal, to celebrate a memorable meal provided by the country’s talented chefs.
| |
|
Now that you have some of our top tips for your first trip to Portugal, let's start planning your stay! You'll be amazed by the nation's delicious food options and breathtaking sights!
Check out the Visit Portugal Website for event more to see and do.
And visit Sharpe Travel Group or Call for more information!
| |
|
Sharpe Travel Group
First of many Exclusive Escorted Cruise Tours
With Owner Karen Sharpe, husband Ken Sharpe
and Travel Companions
Emerald Cruises Secrets of the Douro October 2022 Review
|  | |
Many asked why did you chose this area for your first river cruise and my answer is Portugal’s Douro River is popping up on lists of top places to visit in the world by Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Travel and Fodor’s among others.
My husband Ken and I also have never been to Spain or Portugal and the Douro River looks to be one of the best rivers to cruise on that pairs with our interests and others to.
Here's our journey; I booked our first group in 2018 for a group departure for November 2020, and like many our plans got derailed by covid. When our group was notified of the cancellation I went and booked for October of 2022, and I am here now 4 years later to talk about our first Sharpe Travel Group exclusive, escorted cruise/tour and the journey we had.
Despite the pre-travel concerns STG set up a few zoom's, meet and greets to go over the A-Z's of our trip and get everyone acquainted. Our events included a Portuguese dinner party with the help of our friends the Baldwins at Testa Barra Kitchen and Cocktails in Macomb, Michigan, a Portuguese language class by Elaine V da Silva, and an informative document night that included STG's new trip itinerary management app Trip Plans by Travefy. The groups feedback using this app was helpful in that everyone loved and used it frequently.
The day has finally arrived; Ken and I as host left for Madrid a day earlier than the group; on Delta Airlines in Delta One seating. Delta One class of service is a premium experience and both Ken and I give it a 5 star review.
We arrive into Madrid all baggage handling, transfers and gratuities are taken care of by Emerald Cruises and our stay is at the 4.5 star Melia Serrano Hotel Madrid. This day was like no other; we arrived October 12th and it happens to be Spain’s Armed Forces Day, a unique day that included a parade and amazing air show what a bonus to the start this amazing journey.
October 13th-15th
Madrid
Our group has arrived and from the minute off the plane, they were escorted by Delta Airlines thru security and Emerald Cruises staff met them out of customs and securing all baggage handling, transfers, and gratuities to the hotel. Everything went smoothly and now at the 4.5 star Melia Serrano Madrid hotel for 2 nights even confirmed all rooms for early check-in another perk STG confirmed the day before their arrival.
This property is in a great location with attractions, restaurants, and entertainment nearby.
When your in Madrid don’t miss a Flamengo dance; a song, music, and dance style you wont want to miss. Most of our group had an opportunity to book this thru STG excursion site.
Our Emerald Tour Director Tom Doyle showed us an amazing time in Madrid giving us great memories of this cities cultural, dining, and entertainment highlights. We all look forward to coming back one day.
Our group now is all ready to fly from Madrid to Porto and join the Emerald Radiance for 7 nights on the Douro River.
| |
|
The newly built Emerald “Star-Ship” Emerald Radiance carries just 112 passengers for an intimate river cruising experience. Radiance is the smallest ship in the Emerald fleet, purpose-built to navigate the narrow 5 locks of the Douro River.
However, the small scale of the Emerald Radiance does not mean it is missing the key amenities. Intelligent deck planning has allowed them to add all the favorite features from generously proportioned suites and staterooms to the contemporary, chic Horizon Bar and Lounge, no aspect of the ship has been compromised by its moderate size. Emerald Radiance comprehensive Sun Deck provides the perfect place to enjoy a bite to eat or drink or fancy a plunge in the Serenity Pool.
Our itinerary is the "Secrets of the Douro" a cruise along the Douro River Valley. Meaning "River of Gold" and now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The river travels through some of Europe’s most beautiful wine-producing villages with beautiful backdrops on either bank.
We’ll stop at a variety of spots in Portugal ranging from the UNESCO World Heritage city of Porto to the Roman settlement of Regua before cruising east into Spain to Vega de Terron. We’ll explore the village of Lamego, see prehistoric carvings in the Coa Valley Museum and make a day trip to Spain’s Roman city of Salamanca for a firsthand look at the seat of the Spanish language and a feel for life in medieval times.
| |
 | |
October 15th
Porto
After a smooth flight from Madrid to Porto and short drive to the dock we're now in Porto located at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto is an eclectic mix of modern and ancient architecture. This area is known for Port Wine’s, Cork, Green and Red Wine Olive Oil, and painted tiles.
After the welcome talk and safety briefing onboard, we just had time for a pre-dinner drink out on the Terrace before heading down to the Reflections restaurant for dinner. Like the Horizon bar, the main restaurant has large floor to ceiling windows to ensure guests can enjoy the river views whilst eating their breakfast, lunch, or dinner, all of which are served in the Reflections Dining room.
All meals are open seating with most of the tables in the dining room seating four to six guests with two person tables available. Dining on a river cruise is always a social affair and a great place to get to know your fellow travelers. Breakfast and lunch on the Radiance are buffet style self-service with a small menu of hot dishes available to order alongside the buffet.
Dinner is waiter service with a menu perfectly matched with lovely local wines.
Every day the wine list changed and gave us a true appreciation for Portuguese and Spanish wines.
Emerald Cruises offers complimentary wine and beer at lunch and dinner and a range of drink packages; reasonably priced and a variety to choose from.
Most of our group preferred not to have to worry about buying drinks when on vacation, and went ahead and upgraded to the premium package. It was reasonably priced the bar was fully stocked with incredible bar stewards Miquel Belinha , Ricardo Reis, and Olena Bayuk to mix any request that came at them. A great time had by all!
| |
|
October 16th
Pinhao
Enjoy a full day sailing the windy turns and twists of the Douro Valley. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this area is sparsely populated by quaint villages and typical communities working vineyards and small farms.
Having never navigated through a lock before we were excited that we had three locks to go through on our way to Pinhoa, the first of which we witnessed from the dining room as we were eating our breakfast. We made sure we were out on the open deck for the next one later that morning and were fascinated by the entire process, especially admiring the amount of work for the crew as they must drop so much of the top deck so that the ship can navigate under the top of the lock
| |
|
That afternoon the weather continued to get warmer by the hour so I, along with a few other brave passengers, decided to take the plunge in the pool on the top deck. Yes, amazing for October weather little rain and 70+ degrees.
The pool is the center piece of the lovely top deck of the Radiance, being slightly raised and surrounded by lovely wooden decking it is the perfect depth for lounging in to cool off on a hot day, with three separate Jacuzzi areas to choose from. The rest of the top deck of the Radiance has three canopies to provide shade for the plentiful tables and chairs, as well as a few loungers and deckchairs for sunbathing. The weather made it enjoyable for guest to enjoy the outdoor space of the ship.
During the day our Cruise Director hosted a lecture on board showcasing the history and wine culture of the region. Most of our group joined the painting class of local mosaic tiles. Later this afternoon, arrive in the village of Pinhao which is situated on a river bend surrounded by terraced hillsides producing some of the world’s best port. Here we walked around the quaint town and did a little shopping.
| |
|
After boarding ship went for pre-dinner drinks and a welcome talk from the Captain we toasted the amazing crew and headed down to Reflections for a delicious six course dinner. But the evening was not over yet with a full program of entertainment planned in the Horizon lounges, starting with a Name That Tune music quiz followed by a bit of karaoke, our group joined in and a good time had by all.
October 17th
Pinhao – Vega de Teron
Since no ships can sail on the Douro at night, we stayed in Pinhao overnight and had an early start for an excursion to a local port wine estate. Everyone boarded the two coaches which had been sent to collect us and we drove the half an hour to the Quinta do Tedo vineyard. Some of our group decided to do the hour-long hike around the vineyards with the activities manager, while Ken, myself and others went on a tour around the estate to see the threshing bins and learn about port production. Afterwards we met up for the port wine tasting hosted by the vineyard owner.
| |
|
Back on board the ship we set sail after lunch heading inland towards the Spanish border. Sailing down the Douro is never boring with the scenery changing from the rolling green hills flanking the wider parts of the river near the river mouth to the steeper rocky outcrops causing tricky navigation on the narrower parts of the river. Our group and many guests I found were all out on the bow and top deck of the ship taking in the splendor of the country side. Gorgeous views all around us.
October 18th
Salamanca
Board your coach this morning in Vega de Terron and travel to this beautiful golden city with plenty of free time to explore. Founded in Roman times, the city of Salamanca is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, the seat of the Spanish language, and still a lively student town. With its grand squares and medieval structures, a walking tour here is more like stepping back in time. Tapas bars can be found on almost every street and traditional Spanish music trickles out of bars and restaurants. Emerald's included excursion today in the streets of Salamanca we gathered to hear the Tuna Music Band. Tuna musicians used to perform to earn monies for their tuition, today they sing for award ribbons, beer, and travel money. Great day in Salamanca.
| |
|
October 19th
Pocinho
This morning arrive in the village of Pocinho and embark on an excursion to the Coa Valley Museum. This impressive concrete structure details prehistoric stone carvings made by the early inhabitants of the Douro, which were uncovered during the construction of the nearby dam. The rock art site of the Coa Valley were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.
Later we returned to the Radiance for lunch and enjoy idyllic surroundings as we sailed towards Regua. This evening the entire ship was driven to Quinta Da Pacheca winery for an enchanting dinner at the wine estate.
| |
|
October 20th
Regua
Today we will be in former Roman settlement of Regua. Some of our group went to the Baroque style village of Lamego that included a guided tour of the shrine of our Lady of Remedies. They walked down 600 steps of the shrine to the town center, great shopping and nice wine and returned back to the ship. A lovely day for our guests who joined this tour, and I continually heard how much they loved our tour guides; who are part of the ships staff and the knowledge they have of the Douro Valley.
October 21st
Porto
Located at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto’s most famous export is, of course, fortified wine, and the hillside across from the city center features numerous wine caves and tasting boutiques in the area of Vila Nova de Gaia. Sample the local fair in one of these specially adapted wine cellars and learn about the long adapted craft of creating port.
Arriving back to the ship from our city tour we immediately set sail for our sunset cruise that took us thru Porto to where the mouth of the Douro meets the Atlantic Ocean. We've had amazing weather throughout this trip and this night didn't disappoint; the sky was clear and sunset was spectacular.
We returned to the dock and prepared for our farewell dinner. The entire ship staff came out and entertained us with a farewell feast and send off. Definitely teared me up the staff of the Radiance was amazing and truly attentive to every need a guest had, and got a 5 star review from our group.
The entertainment this evening was a music quiz night and karaoke that we truly enjoyed and joined fellow guests; we still didn’t do very well, but with our record for the week we tried our best and had a ball joining in.
Sad as we were to be leaving the beautiful Emerald Radiance. Our journey does not end here we have more adventures a head of us.
| |
|
October 22nd-25th
Disembark Porto to Lisbon-3Nights
This morning our group of 22 disembarked the ship after long goodbyes with the staff and others heading by motor coach to Lisbon.
This 3 hour ride took a unique twist, we were lucky enough to make a 4 hour stop in the enchanting beach town of Nazare. "Thank You Emerald Cruises."
The town features several huge Atlantic beaches, excellent places to eat, and many different things to do including it has been named one of the top surfing destination in the world because of the giant waves this area produces every winter from October to February.
We had a great time roaming the beach area, eating the local seafood dish Paella and drinking amazing Portuguese wine.
| |
 |  | |
Now on to Lisbon.
The group all checked in at 4.5 star Avani Avenida Liberdade and had a free evening. The group met with our new Emerald Tour Director Filomena Curto she gave us great recommendations for dining and live music. Ken and I separated from the group and roamed the avenue and found a marvelous local outside restaurant called Pinoquio the seafood pot for two was amazing and enough for 6. Enjoyed the atmosphere, and shocked by how the meals we've had throughout our trip that we have paid for were a quarter or more less than I budgeted for. Our group agreed, and it was great meeting up with some of the group in a few wine bars and hearing how great their meals were and how unique this city is and we've only been here for 5 hours.
October 23rd
Lisbon
Amazing breakfast buffet set for us every morning and a daily tour. What is in store for us today:
Today, our tour of Lisbon offered the perfect introduction to the capital, where limestone cobbled streets are peppered with terracotta-roofed houses.
our tour included the UNESCO World Heritage listed Jeronimos Monastery late Gothic Manueline architecture that can be found gracing Lisbon's harbor. Loved our group they thought outside of the box for free time the girls went shopping "amazing shopping mall" and the guys went golfing. Great day had by all.
Dinner on our own and wow have so many neat recommendations so glad everyone enjoyed their time picking dining venues. So many amazing restaurants to chose.
Tonight, something I would not do in the States but did in Lisbon; live music at the Lisbon Hard Rock Cafe gave it a 4.5 review, amazing Motown music, great singer and 5 piece band. Great night
|  |  | |
|
October 24th
Lisbon
What an amazing time we've had. Tonight we had a final farewell cocktail party.
Thank you Emerald Cruises and Filomena Curto for all that you help with our group and the amazing journey we just experienced. Our entire group was present and put tears of joy to my eyes to hear what memories they have from this trip and believe in travel again.
October 25th
Lisbon Most of Group departs to the United States
Emerald Cruises air, transfers, baggage handling, and gratuities included our group all returned home safe and sound. This group bonded and thru a suggestion of using What's app the group is still in touch. Love this and look forward to a repeat in 2024. We will be adding a few items to our 2024 trip so keep in contact with us, limited availability.
Like our beginning Ken and I added a few nights on our return. Had to check out the coast and an area called Algarve. Let's just say it didn't disappoint. Accommodations, Spa, Golf and amenities of the area I would definitely suggest to all clients to add this area to their trip plans and Sharpe Travel Group can make this journey we just experienced become a reality for you and yours.
2024 Sharpe Travel Group Douro repeat!
| |
|
A special thank you to John and Laurel Hurite, Dave and Beverly Sherman, Robert and Karen Smahay, Debbie Windey, Jenny and Jeffrey Baumann,
Rose and Chef Jeff Baldwin and to my family Mom Eileen Craig, Ken Sharpe, Amanda, Semir, Eldin, and Ella Basic, Michael Kaczurak and your family for standing by me for four hard years and during these times your support made everything right; and our first STG Exclusive vacation package came to fruition. I appreciate you more than words can say.
Thank you to all 22 in our group for the photo's and bringing back the "Spirit of Travel" to many.
Group and Individual photos from :
Marlina and George Rodriguez
Tony and Ellen Mughal
Diane and Raymond Howard
Deborah Windey and Sharon Massey
Michael and Cynthia Brosious
Jeffrey and Jenny Baumann
Jeffrey and Rose Marie Baldwin
David and Beverly Sherman ( Thank you Bev for FB posting)
John and Laurel Hurite
Robert and Karen Smahay
Ken Sharpe for believing in me!
Love to all
Karen
| |
Shop Local, Support Local | |
Buying our holiday gifts at local shops, ordering from creators’ online stores, or hiring a local professional for a home project all give small business owners a boost. But don’t forget about your local travel agent!
Many travel agents work their travel businesses from home. This means travelers may not see a storefront to remind them about the services travel agents provide. But they are an important part of the small business community!
We can think of many reasons why travel agents rock, but these are among the most important to keep in mind during the holiday shopping season.
| |
Travel Agents Work For You
One of the most common misconceptions about travel agents work for the companies that they are selling travel for, but that’s not the case. Travel agents work on behalf of the traveler! They personally guide their clients through the process of finding the right travel experience within the budget clients set. Often, they share two or three of their best options. Then, their clients choose the final option, saving travelers time and energy.
| |
|
Expert Advice For Stress-Free Travel Planning
We’ve all been put on hold with call centers before, and it’s never a fun experience. But with a travel agent, that’s no longer a part of the travel planning process. You’ll work with a real person who understands your needs and has direct connections to travel brands and companies. Combined with personal experiences, their expert knowledge gives travelers confidence in knowing someone has their back.
| |
|
They're Here For You Long Term
While there have certainly been challenges over the past years, it’s also shown many travelers why it’s more important than ever to book with their travel agent. Travel agents are there for their clients from the day they start talking travel until they return home from a vacation. If something should go wrong, they have a direct line with travel companies and will work on behalf of their clients to correct errors and reschedule trips.
They also help clients plan trips far into the future by booking travel with a deposit. This allows travelers to pay the remaining costs over time. And since booking early is often the best value, this helps their clients get the most out of every dollar.
| |
|
|
Like many small businesses, travel agents have weathered a challenging time. Though travel has been heavily restricted previously, agents are looking forward to a renewed industry in 2023 as resorts, theme parks, and cruise lines continue to make a comeback.
So whether it’s a long weekend in the U.S., a week relaxing in the Caribbean, or an epic bucket list adventure, Sharpe Travel Group is ready and excited to help travelers get started planning their next adventure!
| |
STG Featured Supplier: Emerald Cruises |  | |
Welcome to Emerald Cruises, the small ship experts. Whether you’re in search of the relaxed pace of a European river cruise, an enchanting voyage through Southeast Asia, or a luxury journey along some of the world’s most stunning coastlines on board our luxury yachts – our collection of river and yacht cruises will take you to the very heart of each destination we visit.
Striking the perfect balance between time spent on board and onshore, each of our insightful itineraries are carefully designed to showcase the very best of what each destination has to offer, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in local communities all while enjoying outstanding service and the intimate surrounding of our Emerald Cruises fleet.
Wherever you travel with us, our promise of exceptional EmeraldVALUE ensures a wealth of generous inclusions. Enjoy exclusive excursions and experiences, delicious on board dining and return flights - we even include all gratuities so you really can relax and enjoy your adventure, knowing everything is taken care of.
We look forward to welcoming you on board.
| | |
The Emerald Cruise Experience Presentation | |
Click the above photo to learn more about the Emerald Cruises experience. | |
Emerald Cruises 2023 E-Brochure | |
Click the above image to view the Emerald Cruises 2023 online brochure. | | |
|
Thank you for being a
Sharpe Traveler.
|
We are here for you! If you have questions about travel, planning for your next trip, or just to say "Hello," the STG team is looking forward to connecting with you.
-Karen, Michael, and Amanda
| | | |
Sharpe Travel Group Team
| |
| | | |
