I am a 69 year old, female solo traveler. I am taking the 11 night Heart of Portugal tour, starting March 19 and ending March 30th. https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/portugal/best-portugal-tour
Since the tour doesn’t spend much time in either Lisbon or Porto, my current plan is to go in a week early (currently arrive March 12) and stay in Lisbon and also stay around a week after. I am flying in and out of Lisbon.
In Lisbon, I would get over jet lag, and explore Lisbon and do day trips (have read about: Cascais/Estoril/Cabo da Roco, Sintra, Sesimbra, Setubal, Ferry to Cacilhas, Ericeira, Peninsular).
Then, at the end, stay on in Porto for around a week and explore Porto and do day trips. (have read about: Braga, Guimaraes, Aveiro, Foz de Douro, ?maybe back to Douro Valley, Peneda Geres National Park).
I would then take the train to Lisbon and stay nearer the airport and explore Parque das Nações, then fly home on April 8.
I don’t plan on renting a car, so would rely on public transportation, organized tours, Uber/Bolt, etc.
It seems like there is more than enough to keep me busy with this plan, but still allow for relaxation.
My only question is if I would regret not going South ……… for example to Lagos.
Would welcome any feedback on this plan (additional day trips/alternate destinations), as any of it (except the tour) can be changed.
I have read some suggesting staying in Cascais for a night or two, but not sure if March would be a great time for this … unless I tacked on at the end. Not interested in laying on a beach.
Thanks for any insights!!!
Posted by
Calgary, AB, Canada
568 posts
It looks like you are giving yourself plenty of time to really see the highlights. I don' think you will miss much with skipping the Algarve, and it would be a lot of time wasted with using public transport. Cascais is nice for a lovely cliff walk as well, we spent a day there and didn't really spend any time on a beach.
One of my favourite places was Evora and it's area, but it looks like you will get one night there with the tour.
You don't really need to stay near the airport in Lisbon. It is fairly close. I'd stay in a neighbourhood that you enjoy.
Posted by
248 posts
We enjoyed Lisbon Riders for small group tour of Sintra, Pena Palace, Cascais if you are looking for a day tour.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1826 posts
I think your plan sounds good. The Algarve is the least Portuguese to me. Spending your extra time in the places you mentioned will give you a good taste of Portugal. Ericeira has beaches, as does Sintra and Cascais. Is you want to slow things down, a couple of nights in Cascais might be good. The tourists will not be too bad in March, unless it’s getting close to Easter.
And, I agree that there is no need to stay in the airport area the night before your flight. Stay wherever you want since the airport is so close to town.
Posted by
Chicago
3205 posts
I was in Lisbon this past March. I found it a great time to be in Portugal as the weather was great and it was not crowded. There is a half marathon in Lisbon in March. Next year it is March 9th, so you will just miss that which is good. Easter is late next year—April 20—so you should be good with missing the Easter crowds too.
My trip report might give you some ideas. I mention the walking tour and two day tours that I took.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/solo-in-lisbon-portugal-my-trip-report
Have a great trip!!
Posted by
OP
Minneapolis, MN, US
42 posts
Thanks all!!