Trying to get to Bussaco Palace from Lisbon (stayed there on our honeymoon oh so many years ago). Can this be done by train? Then seeing if we can find a driver to Douro Valley (vs going to Porto and then taking train to Douro). Which town - Pinhao or Lamego? And are there small group tours once we are in the valley? I see plenty from Porto but none starting from either of those towns where we are staying over.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7324 posts
EDIT: Date Correction. Third reply repeats correct date.
We stayed one night at the Bussaco Palace in 1997 [edited]. It was not frightening, but the place was a ghostly shadow of its former self, with few guests and few amenities, drafty. Last Year At Marienbad comes to mind, but the food in that movie was better! The grounds still had some charm, but the gardens were barely kept up. I suggest you arrange a day visit and sleep somewhere else. My two cents.
We had a rental car. The hotel we visited certainly did not have cars and drivers of its own, to pick you up somewhere.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you so much! While it is sad to hear the property has declined, I appreciate the feedback, it's the type we needed. Will probably skip Bussaco and spend an extra day in the Douro Valley.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7324 posts
I'm sorry, I have to correct the DATE of our visit. My records showed that we were in Portugal more briefly in 2015, but we slept at the Bussaco Palace in 1997! In fairness, you might want to look for more RECENT reviews of the hotel, in case it somehow got better.