My partner and I are looking to spend 2 weeks in Portugal at the start of October. We're mostly into discovering local culture and exploring more than sightseeing and museums.
Can rent a car if needed for some harder to reach places.
What would you recommend?
Thank you,
Daniel
For culture, I would recommend all of Portugal except the Algarve, which caters for mass tourism and is all about the beaches and golf.
Lisbon-Evora-Porto is a good 10 day trip. What you can see in 2 weeks is obviously very different to what you can do in half that, so it would be useful if you could nail down how long your trip would be. The weather should still be OK in early October even further north.
We love Portugal. There is an authentic friendliness from the people that is special.
Lisbon is great for three days, more if you do day trips to Sintra and Evora.
Then head toward Porto. Perhaps renting a car to go from Lisbon to Porto.
Stop off in Cascais, Obidos, Batila Cathedral and Navarre.
Spend about three nights in Porto with a day trip to Santiago de Compostela in Galacia, Spain.
Consider taking a cruise up the Douro River. We did a fantastic seven day cruise. You can do a day cruise if you like. Take the train up the river valley or rent a car.
Here is my review of our trip.
Portugal, the Douro River and a bit of Spain
http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=535267
Read Rick's guide for Portugal first, then ask specific questions
https://www.wsj.com/articles/vacation-in-portugal-the-less-obvious-way-1533910275
Vacation in Portugal the Less-Obvious Way
Travelers are mobbing the country’s coast in record numbers. But for fewer tourist hordes, deeply rooted charm and one hell of a stargazing party, head to the rural heart of the Alentejo
