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Critique my Itinerary

  • Who: Couple in our early sixties.
  • When: Late September / Early October 2025 (we're flexible).
  • Why: First trip to Portugal. (RS's "Heart of Portugal" tour looks great but we are hesitant to commit to a "very active" schedule and would like something a bit more relaxed but still captures a chunk of the country.)

  • Four Nights in Lisbon
    (Day 1 - arrive LIS)
    (Day 2 - sight see)
    (Day 3 - sight see)
    (Day 4 - day trip to Sintra by train)

  • Two Nights Evora
    (Day 5 - pickup rental car in Lisbon, drive to Evora with a few stops at nearby ruins on the way)
    (Day 6 - sight see)

  • Two Nights - Nazare
    (Day 7 - drive to Nazare with a stop at Obidos on the way)
    (Day 8 - sight see)

  • Two Nights Coimbra
    (Day 9 - drive to Coimbra with a stop at Tomar on the way (drop off rental car))
    (Day 10 - sight see)

  • Three Nights Porto
    (Day 11 - take a mid-day train to Porto)
    (Day 12 - sight see)
    (Day 13 - sight see)
    (Day 14 - depart OPO)

What do you think?

Thanks!
-Scott

Posted by
6425 posts

It's pretty good! For me, you are short in Lisbon, and while we did like Obidos and Nazarre , we only spent a few hours in each. You might consider a long, full day, seeing Obidos in the morning and Nazarre in the afternoon and then continue on to Coimbra. Add the days to Lisbon, or add some time in the Douro river which is drop dead gorgeous.

Posted by
7145 posts

When we were in Tomar we spent 3 hours visiting the Convent of Christ and we’ve been to many convents and monasteries. Don’t underestimate the amount of time you’ll spend there. The castle ruin next door doesn’t take that long to see. There is a pay parking lot right at the convent. If you wanted to spend any time in town, there are a couple free lots. From them the convent is a 15 minute uphill walk.

Posted by
29 posts

I like your plan. And since you have a car and spending 2 nights in Nazare, take a look at the monasteries Batalha and Alcoboca that are close. There's also lots of beaches on the Silver Coast.

And since you are in Evora for 2 nights, take a look at megalithica tour. Well worth it.

https://www.eboramegalithica.com/?lang=en