Itinerary Suggestions (Portugal/Italy)

Posted by Scott (Canada) on 04/15/19 11:55 AM

Tickets have been purchased, itinerary is wide open! 23 days in Europe, flying into Lisbon and out of Rome. All we know so far is that we want to show the kids Venice and Cinque Terre (we've visited both before kids).
First thought was 5-7 days in Lisbon, fly to Venice 2-3 days, then train to ? (Florence or ?), Cinque Terre 4-6 days. then where...straight to Rome?

We're trying to do longer Airbnb stays at each stop (except for Venice as we only want 2 nights there). Last year we were doing 3-4 night stays and it was a bit to much traveling and upheaval for the kids (15/19, 1 with autism). Apartment stays with lots of relaxing down time is the plan this year.

TIA.

Posted by geovagriffith

04/15/19 12:31 PM

8176 posts

We found the most wonderful B&B in Porto, it is the In Patio Guesthouse. It only has five rooms, but it is centrally located, modern with fantastic breakfasts and very helpful and friendly owners. Don't miss it.

We love Portugal and would recommend going to Lisbon for 3-4 days, then in route to Porto, visit Sintra, Obidos (small city with ancient Roman walls), Batilha Cathedral and perhaps Navarre. Spend 2-3 days in Porto to see the amazing Douro Valley.

The big three in Italy are must see places, Venice, Florence and Rome. Suggest 2-3 days in Venice, 3-4 in Florence and 5-6 days in Rome. The Hotel Balesteri in Florence is a smaller boutique hotel on the Arno and a great place to stay.

Posted by Ed

Houston, Texas

04/15/19 12:32 PM

952 posts

Could you give us a few more details? Is you travel to and from Europe included in the 23 days? Also, remember to include your travel between cities / regions as at least a half to full day.

Posted by Scott OP

Canada

04/15/19 01:11 PM

34 posts

We leave July 30, arrive 31st, so that day is a wipe out, departing August 22, so that day is a wipe as well.

Posted by Lisa

Calgary, AB, Canada

04/16/19 11:42 PM

559 posts

It is a busy time of year, and it will be hot as well. I think I might base my itinerary partly on where I could get the best apartments and also how long I had to stay. For example in Lisbon when we stayed there was a 5 night minimum. Have you looked into Cinque Terre much? I have heard it is now very busy.

I think I would spend a week to Lisbon, there is lots to see and you can do day trips to Cascais and Sintra. You could even consider staying in those towns and taking the train into Lisbon, as they might be more relaxing.

Then fly to Venice. I would do 3 nights if you are going to bother going, it is a fairly long train trip to Cinque Terre from there. We broke it up by staying in Lucca. You could maybe consider adding Lucca in as your extra stop, before Rome. You could also pick up a car in Lucca and find a Tuscan hill town for a week. Then finish with 4-5 nights in Rome.
You might find you get more answers if you post in the Italy or Portugal sections.