The Portuguese capital, Lisbon, is draped atop a series of hills that overlook the River Tagus. Overflowing with historic architecture, colorful neighborhoods, and excellent cuisine, there are hundreds of reasons why you should visit this charming city. These are my tips on how to spend one day in Lisbon. 

Tram 28

Departing every 10 minutes from Martim Moniz Square, the yellow Tram 28 is an iconic element of Lisbon that traverses the narrowest streets in the city and predates the First World War. You can hop aboard for the novelty of riding the historic tram, but, as this does get busy with both locals and tourists, I suggest you make this your first port of call. The route journeys through such neighborhoods of Graça and Alfama and the entire ride to Campo Ourique takes around one hour. 

Alfama

Alight in the Alfama district and enjoy a wander through the labyrinthine streets of one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods. You can also take in dramatic views of the city and river from the viewpoints at Castelo de São Jorge and Miradouro de Santa Luzia and get a closer look at the beautiful tiles that decorate the walls. This is also a great spot to sample traditional Portuguese cuisine once you’ve worked up an appetite for lunch. Prado specializes in organic farm-to-table plates with a contemporary twist while Restaurante Farol de Santa Luzias excels at fresh seafood dishes including bacalhau (cod) and cataplana de peixes (classic fish stew cooked in a copper pot). 

If you think about traveling to Greece, you think of ancient Greek gods, architectural masterpieces, stunning beaches, secluded islands, and spectacular sunsets. But Greece is a place to experience wonderful Greek foods passed down in generations.  

You can expect fresh ingredients and loads of flavors whenever you indulge in some of the Greek foods found throughout the country. Their healthy traditional recipes will leave you wanting more, and fortunately, there are many excellent restaurants, eateries, and cafes all over the cities and towns. So, to help you figure out what Greek dish you're going to order next, here are twelve of the best Greek foods to experience in your lifetime.

Greek Meze

Greek meze is a blend of bite-sized foods. This platter may include anything from roasted red peppers to octopus, depending on where you order it. It may come served hot or cold, and they make perfect appetizers. 

Magirefta

Magirefta refers to any slow-cooked, homemade meal made in Greece. Traditionally any Magirefta meal is cooked in a katsarola (deep pot) or tapsi (deep baking tray). 

Souvlaki

​Souvlaki refers to Greek fast food, but don't let that turn you away. Greek fast food is typically much healthier and tasty than fast food in the U.S. You can order gyros, meat and vegetable skewers, grilled turkey patties, seasoned rice, and much more. 

Moussaka

As one of Greece's most treasured authentic dishes, you must try moussaka. This dish includes slow-cooked meats, eggplant, and cheeses, which are served as a casserole. ​

For the latest installment in my Croatia series, we are traveling to one of the most popular cities in the country. Located on the south coast of the country, Dubrovnik is known for its walled Old Town, its historic landmarks, and its enviable viewpoints of the Adriatic Sea. The city is so beautiful that it was used as a location in the hit television adaptation of Game of Thrones. Let’s go over some of the unique activities waiting for you in Dubrovnik. 

Wander the Old Walls

No trip to Dubrovnik is complete until you’ve strolled around those iconic walls. There are three entrances to the walkway, those being by Inner Pile Gate, by St Lucas Fortress on St. Dominic’s Street, and by St. John’s Fortress. Once you’ve paid your admission fee you can explore the 1.3 miles (2 km) to your heart’s content. 

Explore Stradun

This esplanade is a pedestrian zone flanked by ornate 17th-century buildings that mark the heart of the city. I recommend arriving here early in the day before the crowds arrive. Extend the experience by roaming down the little side streets to grab a late breakfast or early lunch. 

Sailing in Croatia is one of the most immersive and luxurious ways to experience the culture and beauty of this beautiful Balkan nation. My guide will help you determine how to plan your time.

Cruise v Charter 

If you want to experience the Adriatic Sea for yourself, then you have two options. The first is to join a scheduled boat cruise. While you can choose to board a luxury cruise liner, a cruise generally comes out as the more affordable option.

Alternatively, you can charter a boat exclusively for your party and devise your own bespoke itinerary. When chartering a boat in Croatia you can elect for skippered or bareboat, subject to whether someone in your group is licensed. 

Cruises and charters are typically scheduled for 7-8 days although you can also find longer options that tap on further days to visit the coastlines of neighboring countries. Day tours and charters are also a possibility if you’d rather spend more time on dry land.

Types of boats available 

Sailboats are the most affordable boat charter option. Bear in mind that you will journey at a slower pace so you will need to devise your itinerary carefully. These boats typically feature 2-5 cabins and come as skippered or bareboat. 

Catamarans are an upgrade on classic sailboats. They vary from 3-6 cabins and offer a higher level of comfort. In Croatia, catamaran charters always come with a skipper and you will discuss your requirements for further crew members to ensure your comfort.