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Beach & Tour: Portugal vs. Italy

Posted by on

I am trying to plan a trip for next September/October 2026 for my husband and me and my son and his girlfriend. My son (mid 20s) has never been to Europe, and his g-friend has been to Provence once. My husband and I recently did an AmaWaterways Duoro Valley cruise, and I have also recently done an A&K Sicily/Almalfi cost trip. My husband gets bored after one or two days of museums and is happiest relaxing on a beach or enjoying a good meal. I love to tour, visit a winery, and enjoy maybe two days at the beach. I was thinking 8 - 10 days in Portugal (Porto, Sintra, Lisbon, including beach along the way), or could we manage Taormina and then get to Matera, two places I enjoyed with A&K but zipped through. My other thought is Greece (I have been to Athens on a work trip, but nowhere else in Greece). I would love to hear recommendations from some more savvy travelers.

Thanks!

Posted by
710 posts

What about Rome and Tuscany? That is a lovely time of year to be in Tuscany lots of good harvest meals, wineries, and you could make your way to a beach, but personally I'd just relax n a hill town.

Posted by
4174 posts

A friend visited Portugal in September and she loved it because the people were very relaxed and friendly. No stress. She described food and culture in the cities as a great and authentic experience.

I spent some May days in Tuscany and another year a few September days at Western Algarve. I liked both regions especially for the nature and culture experience, not looking for museums or stuff like that. The beaches and bays of Portugal in the Southwest region are beautiful and somehow unique. The Atlantic ocean of Portugal is an intensive physical experience - just standing the strong waves and the flow.

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