Hello,
Our family of four (including two teens) is planning a 6-day trip to Portugal in the second week of April, starting in Lisbon. Below is the itinerary I’ve put together:
Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon (overnight)
Day 2: Travel to Évora (overnight)
Day 3: Travel to Fátima (Rede Expressos bus from Évora to Fátima; overnight)
Day 4: Fátima → Óbidos → Sintra (overnight in Sintra)
Day 5: Sintra
Day 6: Lisbon
Day 7: Return to the U.S.
Ideally, I’d like to do the entire trip using public transportation, but my husband is leaning toward renting a car for at least part of the journey. I am aware that Obidos would be practical only if we rent a car. Would it be practical to rent a car in Fátima and return it in Lisbon? Also since we are not traveling to Douro, is there any alternative place where we can still do vineyard/wine tasting?
Also, does this itinerary seem realistic and well-paced for a family with teens?
Thank you in advance for any advice!
Posted by
anyplace picturesque
41 posts
Its been 3 decades since we traveled with a teenager so not sure if still qualified in that subject (back then was before kids had their noses buried in smartphones but still managed to remain oblivious if they felt like it 😄)
Your itinerary sounds doable albeit not giving you much if any time in Lisbon, and completely misses Porto, Coimbra (a college town and thus the populace tends relatively youthful), and the Douro (the only place I'm aware of with a host of tour-oriented wineries).
I totally agree about hiring a car. Driving is easy and drivers are courteous and not maniacal (apart from inside Lisbon and Porto, so pick up your car at the outskirts or airport), parking in small towns is not the nightmare it is in say Tuscany. Having your own car will save you from time wasted getting to and from stations and waiting for trains or busses. We found Uber the best way to get round in Lisbon.