Portugal's Marvelous Marvão

Castle built by Dom Denis in 13th century dominates the town

Once upon a time we all believed in fairy tales, didn’t we? Those exceptionally romantic tales usually had to do with a prince – or princess - a castle and knights in shining armor.While those dashing knights may only exist nowadays in the worn pages of history, fortunately for us fairytale settings - complete with castles and all the romantic trappings that go with them - are abundant in Europe – especially in the very regal Portugal.

For an unusual experience, you have to visit the magical medieval village of Marvão. Perched on a high rocky pinnacle in the Alentejo region not far from the Spanish border, it promises an evocative stay.

Completely surrounded by thick stone walls dating from the 13th to 17th centuries, Marvão is about a two-hour drive west of Lisbon. It offers a privileged peek into Portugal’s storied past while dishing up some of its most typical cuisine, local lore and remnants of Roman ruins. In recent years, it has become a favorite escape for Lisbon residents in search of a weekend respite.

To enter the tiny town, you pass through an archway, just wide enough to fit one car. Beyond that, you’ll find a tangle of winding, cobblestone streets housing a collection of white-washed homes with terracotta roofs, quaint cafés, typical shops and bakeries conjuring up the same tasty treats made by their ancestors centuries ago.

The jewel in the crown of this “head in the clouds” village is the dominant castle built by King Dom Dinis in the 13th century as a fortress to stave off the marauding Moors. From the ramparts you get a magnificent 360 degree view of the Serra da Ossa and Serra de São Mamede and the undulating patchwork of flora and granite below, stretching as far as the eye can see.

Close to the castle is the fascinating 15th century Santa Maria Church, now the Municipal Museum. The well kept museum houses an overview of the country’s history with a kaleidoscope of excavated pottery, 15th century saints, colorful azulejos (colorful hand-painted tiles drawn from the Moors) and a small room dedicated to the area’s Jewish history. Many Jews fled to the area to escape persecution during the Spanish Inquisition.

Ancient footsteps to the past

A romantic honeymoon can be booked at the Pousada Santa Maria de Marvão. Pousadas are government-subsidized inns, typically tucked into former castles, convents or villas. This one - located in a clutch of medieval buildings along one the town’s narrow winding cobblestone streets - offers a nod to the past, with modern-day amenities, intimacy and a touch of class. The Pousada’s cozy cliff-top restaurant specializes in grand views of the valley along with robust regional wines and typical Alentejo dishes. Special packages are offered throughout the year.

Marvão is the perfect spot from which to explore other charming historic towns and vineyards in the Alentejo…while savoring a long gone era.

Dom Denis' fortress is a  mighty testament to the past

If You Go:

• Airlines such as TAP, United, American and Delta offer direct and non-stop flights to Lisbon from various US gateways. From there, you can rent a car at the airport and make the two-hour drive.
• Information about car rentals in Portugal can be found on the Lisbon Airport website, or at: Avis; Budget; AutoEurope and  rentalcars.com. 

Sun, Sea and Samba

Corcovado stands in silent vigil over Rio

I often dream about Rio de Janeiro, only my dreams have nothing to do with a desire to travel. They're drawn from recollections I have of growing up there as a child with my parents, who had a long history there before I was born. Although I was only 8 when we moved away, their passion for it - combined with my early memories - have left an indelible imprint. Later, as a Pan Am flight attendant I traveled there regularly and somehow, I always felt like I was returning "home." I still feel that way.

The heat of Rio doesn't come just from the sun, but from the welcome its residents – known as “Cariocas”- give visitors to their city. It is a happy city, filled with laughter and music but - like many large cities - it has been plagued by crime, but if you take basic precautions, you shouldn't have any trouble.

Lisa Schroeder, author of "Chasing Brooklyn," aptly stated: "The beautiful thing is, music can be like a time machine. One song - the lyrics, the melody, the mood - can take you back to a moment in time like nothing else can.”

So true, and while the lyrics of Carnaval songs learned long ago do that for me, it's the sweet scents, particular to Rio that stir me. The salty surf; the tempting tang emanating from churrascarias as meat is grilled; the rich aroma of earth when I first step outside the airport terminal; freshly brewed coffee at the renowned Confeitaria Colombo, where my mother would take me for pastry.

For most people, thoughts of Rio conjure up visions of long stretches of beach crammed with beautiful people decked out in skimpy tangas. For others, tales of the renowned – and raucous - Carnaval where the samba beat goes on day and night for three days - come to mind.

When I was a child the rowdy celebrations took place in local neighborhoods and since we lived in popular Copacabana, they woke us every time they paraded through our streets. Revelers carried cans of ether to spray unsuspecting women into unconsciousness. It was total debauchery. Nowadays, it's more subdued and most of the partying takes place in the Sambadrome (Sambódromo), a stadium designed by Oscar Niemeyer and inaugurated in 1984.

Then, of course there are those visions of Corcovado, the impressive statue of Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor), arms outstretched from his perch high above the sea and the impressive Sugarloaf Mountain overlooking the bay.When the Portuguese first arrived in the 16th century, they named the mountain Pináculo da Tentação (The Pinnacle of Temptation), alluding to the Biblical Mountain. A century later, the mountain was renamed Corcovado, a name derived from its form, which resembles a hump or hunchback. In the 19th century, Vincentian Father Pedro Maria Boss arrived in Rio and suggested the construction of a religious monument, which was inaugurated in 1931.

Pão de Açucar

Another signature sight - since it opened in 1912 - is Sugarloaf (Pão de Açucar), which is reached via a series of cable cars taking you to the top of the mountain, high above Rio. Once there, you're treated to sweeping vistas of the city, the beaches hugging the Bay of Guanabara, and beyond.

There is no denying its inherent sexiness and natural beauty, but there's more to the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City) than sun, sand and samba. Poised to host the World Soccer Cup in 2014 and the 2016 Summer Olympics, this city has morphed into a sophisticated metropolis boasting excellent museums, scintillating nightspots, a plethora of delicious dining options and a collection of wildlife, unique attractions and breath-taking sights.

A melting pot of diverse cultures, it offers an interesting peek into traditions – musical and otherwise – drawn from its rich heritage.

Rio's signature seaside sidewalks

For sun worshippers, the beaches, of course are the main draw with the most publicized: Copacabana, Leblon and Ipanema – made famous by the hit tune - “Girl from Ipanema” – leading the list.

For nature lovers, the Botanical Gardens, (Jardim Botânico) created in 1808 offers an opportunity to get up close and personal with the area’s flora. With more than 8,000 plant species, it has been designated a "Live Museum" and is a popular destination for visitors and residents alike. Another natural beauty is Tijuca Forest, said to be the largest urban forest in the world.

History buffs will enjoy a tour of Forte de Copacabana, built in 1914 on the promontory of the Our Lady of Copacabana chapel. The fort was one of Rio's premier defenses against attack and you can still see its original features, including the canons and a museum tracing the early days of the Portuguese colony to the mid-19th-century.

The renowned Copacabana Palace Hotel has been a favorite with the glitterati since it opened in 1923. Its privileged location on Copacabana Beach provides the perfect launch pad from which to visit the city’s sights. It happens to be where I performed my one and only ballet recital as a child. I remember it as if it were yesterday and the music lives on in my memory, just as Rio does. It is without a doubt, a unique destination - at any age and any time of year.

The "Cope" has been a Rio landmark since 1923

If You Go:

• Copacabana Palace Hotel : www.copacabanapalace.com
• Rio de Janeiro Tourism Board: http://www.rioguiaoficial.com.br/
• Carnaval dates: Feb. 28 - March 4, 2014
• Carnaval Information: http://www.rio-carnival.net/rio_carnival/rio_carnival_programs.php