Our family of 4 adults had a wonderful intro to Portugal, we stayed in way too many places but I don't think I'd change anything:
Lisbon, 3 nights
Sintra, 2
Evora, 2
Pinhao, 2
Coimbra, 1
Lisbon hotel near airport, 1
A few take-aways:
- Don't check luggage! We were forced to because of some connection problems and our luggage didn't make it and the Lisbon airport was overwhelmed. Due to calls/emails with the agents there and intervention of American airlines, finally got 2 of our 3 bags after 3 days, the last one was more phone calls and Rick got his after 5 days. All 3 had arrived the day after our arrival, checked into the Lisbon airport with the barcode, but as I say, the airport agents were not able to put their hands on them.
We took taxis/ubers for the most part, easy and cheaper than public transports with 4 of us. Had a car for 4 days, drove Evora to Pinhao to Coimbra back to Lisbon airport. Easy and scenic but not inexpensive. Used navigation (google maps with carplay).
Buy tickets ahead of time, maybe even that day. Many places allow you to book online, saving valuable vacation time. There were 2 places in Ciombra alone that in RS last edition (precovid) book said to call or wait in lines that now allow online purchases. It doesn't hurt to check out website since much has changed due to covid.
Loved pretty much every place, but highlights were Belem (private tour with Your Friend in Lisbon, who also arranged transport directly to Sintra afterword), Ebora Megalithica tour, Sintra. Loved Sintra! Timing for Sintra: Tues. 5 pm Pena Palace - not busy at all, looked like 4:30 would have been good too. Wed. Quinta de la Regaleria 9:55 for 10 am opening - delightful place! Worked beautifully