We are an active couple in our 60's planning a 14 night trip to Portugal. We enjoy history, culture, art, food & wine. I enjoy travel photography. We hope to balance city with a few nights in other areas, but we're not as interested in the beach areas. We do love wine country everywhere! We'll have a car after leaving Lisbon. We will return car when we get to Porto, and take the train back to Lisbon for final night before departing home to California. Open jaw was not ideal for us on this trip. We've presently booked part of our trip, but could use advice on a few details:
Arrive Lisbon (8/20) have booked 5 nights. Plan day trip to Sintra, at minimum. Pick up car upon leaving Lisbon.
Evora - 1 night booked
Next stop for 1 night is "open" - we hope to make progress north. Nazare is an option. So is Obidos. I am leaning towards Obidos as staying the night will allow us to see the town after the crowds have left.
Coimbra is next. We've booked 2 nights.
Our "plan" is to head to the Douro Valley for 2 nights - rest, enjoy wine, see the countryside. Need recommendations on where to stay in the DV. (Pinhao, Regua, Amarante, or somewhere else?)
From Douro Valley, we plan 3 nights in Porto. We'll return car upon arrival in Porto.
From Porto we'll take the train to Lisbon for a final night before flying back to US.
Are there any "must-see" things I've left out, or any suggestions for night between Evora and Coimbra? Best place to base for 2 nights in Douro Valley? Anything unworkable in this plan?