Tomar and Entroncamento

Tomar has one the most beautifull city centres of Portugal. The cathedral, the main square, the old streets with local shops. Not to be missed is the Convento, the monastery.

Very close to the main square is Restaurante “Taverna Antiqua”. Everything here is medieval, the meals are well proportioned and the wine is drunk out of terracota cups. Don’t worry, knife and fork will be provided. In summer and weekends it can be advisable to make a reservation.

In Entroncamento is the National railway museum. The entrance fee is 5 euro, and when you come by train you get a 50% discount. There is a great collection of steam engines, you can walk through the Presidential train that once served Salazar, and there are trains to be found that still have to be restored. The museum is new, and facilities for eating and drinking are to be developed, so bring your own.

If you are realy into trains, it is good to know that there is a very small train museum in Macinhata da Vouga, near Aveiro. It is allong a narrow gauge railway line that is still in use.