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6 days in Portugal. Arrive Lisbon depart Porto. Would like one more area

Posted by (Florida, usa) on

Headed to Portugal soon and trying to finalize our plans. We have a couple days in the middle of the week we are trying to determine what to do. We are foodies. Love wine, water activities and new experiences. We are coming from the Basque region where we will be visiting the Rioja region for wine tours. We also have a day trip planned from Porto to the Douro Valley so we've got the wine tours covered I think. On our Douro tour we have an option to do a river cruise or visit the Pinhao train station I've heard so much about. Thoughts?

We would love to stay in one other area as well. As much as I would love to visit the southern most area I don't think there is time. Towns we are aware of are Evora, Obidos, Sintra, Cabo San Roca, Coimbra and Monsaraz. What do you know about a RS tour of a working olive and cork farm outside Obidos? Suggestions for a water activity some where?

Your help it's greatly appreciated

Posted by
7659 posts

We did a 10 day tour of Portugal last May that included a 7 day Douro River cruise. The river cruise was great, however, I understand that you will not be able to spend a week on a river cruise.

You can visit Evora and Sintra on day trips from Lisbon. I suggest you stop in Obidos in route to Porto.

I would recommend at least two full days in Lisbon, then another day for Evora and another for Sintra. You can see most of Porto in one full day. The short river cruises up the Douro from Porto don't go to the most scenic areas of the river valley. The area around Pinhao is very scenic. You might wish to take the train to Pinhao. The train station is interesting, but the one in Porto is more interesting.

Also, if you need a great Bed and Breakfast in Porto, the InPatio Guesthouse is wonderful.

Posted by
9 posts

Thanks for your help. Based on your thoughts For the day trip to DV we will do the river cruise and be sure to check out the train station in Porto!

Posted by
1665 posts

With only 6 days, I would spend the time in Lisbon and Porto - especially if you are spending a day in Porto in the Douro valley. You could potentially stop on the way between the two cities but Coimbra is the logical choice - and there is no luggage storage at the train station. Therefore, I would suggest a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon - if you think you have time. I personally think Lisbon deserves at least three days. If you want water sports, take the train from Lisbon to Cascais for surfing or paddle boarding.

I agree about the Pinhão train station. While it is nice, there are many other lovely examples of Portuguese tiles throughout the country.

Posted by
19 posts

You must get to Sintra if you go to Lisbon. My husband and I went to all 4 castles/ hermitage/ forts etc that were there in one day and exhausted ourselves and walked over 9 miles but loved it. All covered in one ticket if I remember correctly. Lots of hills in Lisbon so can get a lot of exercise or take advantage of th funiculars. Great city!! Was south in the Algarve before that so no help in the area north of Lisbon. You will love it.

Posted by
19 posts

You must get to Sintra if you go to Lisbon. My husband and I went to all 4 castles/ hermitage/ forts etc that were there in one day and exhausted ourselves and walked over 9 miles but loved it. All covered in one ticket if I remember correctly. Lots of hills in Lisbon so can get a lot of exercise or take advantage of the funiculars. Great city!! Was south in the Algarve before that so no help in the area north of Lisbon. You will love it.

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