I am traveling with my husband, 4 grown children and my daughter-in-law. We will be flying into Lisbon. We are interested in visiting Lisbon, Sintra, Obidos, Coimbra and Evora. Is this doable in 8 nights and seven days? Does anyone have a suggested itinerary that makes sense logistically to visit all these place? In order to visit all these places, do we need to rent a car?
We are all very fit and active so a lot of walking is fine for our group. Thanks!
Posted by
11611 posts
You can do day trips from Lisbon to all of the places listed except Coimbra. Yes it can be done if you stay in Lisbon and day trip Plus then you can travel to Coimbra. Is there any way you can add more time to this trip???
Posted by
Los Angeles
980 posts
Hi Jill,
I am planning 8 nights as well, also with my husband and 3 grown children (maybe their significant others). :) We are staying in Lisbon the entire time (I think.) We might move to Sintra or Cascais for 2 nights -- I'm waiting for some feedback on this Forum. You'll see my proposed itinerary here:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/portugal/8-night-itinerary-63e940be-b4fe-4ddd-9761-9d3b7e7e3593
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Hi Suki,
Unfortunately, we cannot add any more days to our trip. Can you give me advice for places to stay in Lisbon?
Thanks,
Jill
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Hi Calimom,
Thanks for your reply. Your proposed itinerary is helpful. I think we are going to stay a couple nights in Sintra on the front end of the trip.
Thanks,
Jill
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
I would drop Coimbra as it needs 2-3 nights if you also want to see the Roman sights in nearby ConimbrIva. The others are possible in your timescale.
Either use Lisbon as your base and do day trips or have 2 nights in Sintra. You don’t want a car if you are staying in central Lisbon. Use the trains.
Posted by
91 posts
I would encourage you to stay the first two nights in SIntra. Easy to get to, either short train ride from airport, or Uber/Taxi's...plural, as you have so many people. It's a good spot to get over jet lag, and with all the palaces, a good WOW!, to start the trip. I've rented apartments twice, good results.
Try to have people limit luggage, that's a lot of gear even with 2 taxis.
Also, people are giving you good advice on just having the two bases. Jumping locations, with that many people, trying to get everyone ready, best to minimize those. Spend your time enjoying what your seeing, not rushing around.
Enjoy your family time, overseas trips with grown up kids is great.
Posted by
Los Angeles
980 posts
Jill, when are you going?
I am thinking the same thing about staying in Sintra for a couple of days (on the front end or back end) but we will be there the thirs week of August and I am worried about "Venice-like" crowds. The town of Sintra looks charming and there seem to be beautiful hikes to do as well as the palaces, of course.
Cascais was my other idea for two nights but am not sure that will be much better tourist-wise.