After 4 night's stay on the Costa Blanca, we left Denia, with the aim to catch the train from Alicante to Madrid. Everything was going well, until our little one, decided he no longer wanted to stay in the car. We had a compulsory, two-hour stopover at some Spanish rancho, after which we continued our journey. After returning the car in Alicante and a quick food shopping, we got on a two-hour, direct train to Madrid.
The next day in Madrid, we planned to avoid exploring the capital all together, but as we had 2 hours to spare we decided to take a walk to the Botanical Garden (Parque de El Retiro). It was not far from our AC Marriott Carlton hotel. Once inside and sitting on the grass, we cooled ourselves with a whole watermelon, which was pure heaven on this very hot day..
We left Madrid on a train to Portugal, with a stopover in Ourense. The train to Ourense took 4,5 hours, with lots of long, unexpected tunnels along the way. Right at the station, we met some lovely Spanish people, who helped to find our hotel, even taking our Nana, and all our luggage to the hotel with her. The rest of us followed behind with a taxi.
We stayed for the night at the NH Hotel, receiving an upgrade to a suite. The suite was spacious and very comfortable. The hotel had lovely panoramic views and spa.
Breakfast was amazing. Most of the food was organic, with plant based milks, fruits, nuts and raw desserts. We ordered omelettes for the kids and also enjoyed green smoothies, fresh orange juices and green teas.
view from the train, Portugal
Hurrying to catch our train to Vigo, we missed seeing the Ourense town. We travelled to Vigo, and then Viana de Castello in Portugal. From Viana, a 30 mins taxi ride, took us to our little Portuguese town.
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I finished the day at 2am, writing in my travel journal. So happy to be back at home in Portugal after travelling for over one month. We did not know then, that life would take us back from Portugal to Costa Blanca again, in less then a year..
Our journey through Europe has only re-affirmed what we always knew, that slow travel is our preferred way of travel; whether organised or not, there is nothing, like not hurrying anywhere, taking each day as it unfolds. Slow travel helps us to enjoy one area or two for a longer time, avoiding the crowds, exploring the local markets, getting to know the locals, their art and history and so much more..
Thank you for following our Le Grand Tour journey through Europe by train.. and stay tuned for more Mediterranean Travels.
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