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12-1/2 days: Sao Miguel; Sintra; Lisbon

We are three couples in our early seventies, in good health but with the aches and pains of age. Being related and having traveled happily together in the past, we're now planning our first trip since the onset of the pandemic.

The basic plan is:
Day 0 (Sept. 8), fly overnight from Boston to Ponta Delgada
Days 1-6: Sao Miguel (we have reservations at a hotel in Ponta Delgada but would prefer a villa out of town; our difficulty has been finding one with (a) bedrooms containing at least two king or four 1/2 king beds, with the third bedroom having at least a queen bed); and (b) three full baths)
Day 7 (Sept. 15): morning flight to Lisbon; scheduled arrival 11:40 a.m., then transfer to Sintra
Day 7 (afternoon) - Day 9 (morning): Sintra (we're booked in the Sintra Boutique Hotel)
Day 9: transfer to Lisbon (we're booked in the Corpo Santo Hotel, but are looking--so far unsuccessfully--for a suitable apartment (see above)
Day 9 (afternoon) - Day 12: Lisbon
Day 13 (Sept 21): morning to early afternoon in Lisbon; transfer to airport for 5:55 pm flight home

My questions concern suggestions for how to spend our time in Sintra and Lisbon. (On San Miguel, weather permitting, we'll do a lot of walking, exploring, and relaxing.)

In Sintra, we'd like to see some high points without exhausting ourselves or feeling like we're on a tight schedule. Less, enjoyed fully, is more. Does it make sense to hire a private guide for our full day (or more?) in Sintra? (Because of COVID-19, we're leery of large groups.) If so, are there any recommendations?

I'll leave Lisbon for another post. The wealth of choice seems so great that I'd like to do more reading to get a better sense of possibilities before asking for advice.

Thanks in advance.

Posted by
238 posts

Hi!

São Miguel is not under an kind of alert, however, just for information, I leave here the alert for São Jorge, issued today by the US Embassy:

"Natural Disaster Alert, Attention U.S. Citizens - U. S. Consulate Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal (March 23, 2022)
Location: Sao Jorge Island, Azores, Portugal
Event: The Regional Government of the Azores advises against travel to Sao Jorge island in the Azores at this time. The island of Sao Jorge has experienced over 1,500 low intensity earthquakes since March 19. The earthquakes are centered in the municipality of Velas. Officials advise that trips to the island should be postponed, and that travel should be undertaken only for essential reasons. It is possible that an evacuation order could be issued for the island. Officials are concerned about the potential for a larger magnitude earthquake(s) or a volcanic eruption.
Actions to Take:
· Monitor local media for updates.
· Visit the Portuguese website for the Center of Information and Seismovulcanic Monitoring of the Azores.
· Avoid the area.
· Seek secure shelter.
· Make contingency plans to leave.
· Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
· Notify friends and family of your safety.
Assistance:
U.S. Consulate Ponta Delgada
(+351) 296-308-330
[email protected]
U.S. Embassy Lisbon
(+351) 217-273-300
[email protected]
U.S. State Department - Consular Affairs
(+1) 888-407-4747 or (+1) 202-501-4444
Portugal Country Information
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates"

https://www.facebook.com/usdos.portugal

Posted by
1194 posts

Hello from Wisconsin,
Maybe this will be old news to you. There are 'secret' ways to get up both sides of Lisbon from the Rossio Square. Escalator and elevator. For Pete's sake find these lifts. Walking up or even down either side of Rossia is a mistake at ...well let's say Social Security eligible age.

One is an escalator inside a department store, "Armazens do Chiado". Consider going to the 6th floor for lunch, the views are great. Another is nearby that is just a door in the wall that leads to elevators. There are pay ways up and down too. Ask the people you are staying with.

It seems to me that one of the metro stations has a set that will take you up and down.

wayne iNWI