Hello -
I am planning an 8 day itinerary in Portugal over the winter break and would love a dose of reality and perspective. I have been known to pack in too much in my itineraries and I love being active. Moreover, I realize that things may be closed or restricted during Christmas time. So, please give me some feedback on this itinerary. Traveling with my husband and 3 teens with interests in medieval towns, bookstores, pastries and cultural activities.
Day 1: arriving LIS around noon. Check into hotel, have lunch, do a walking tour, something else around town? early-ish night at the hotel
Day 2: (this will be 12/24) daytrip to Sintra, rest at the hotel, midnight mass for Christmas
Day 3: (Christmas Day) start drive towards Porto with stops on Obidos and Nazare...get to Porto at night
Day 4: Porto (ideas for activities? my husband loves port)
Day 5: Porto (ideas for activities?)
Day 6: Drive to Evora (via Tomar? or another stop in between?) overnight in Evora
Day 7: morning in Evora, drive to Lisbon
Day 8: all day in Lisbon
Day 9: early morning departure from Lisbon
We were thinking about renting a car in Lisbon. Thoughts? Please do advise on this itinerary or a better one, I'm open!
Also, if anyone has had experience traveling in Portugal on Christmas, where is the best location for us to spend Christmas Day?
And what should we expect in terms of closures - sites, restaurants, etc?
Thank you!