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Looking for Itinerary confirmation or suggestions.

Posted by (Buffalo) on

So after refining and focussing on our time and inclinations (history, culture, food, memorable locations, art) here is my proposed itinerary: ( this is locations, food and tours and activities will be filled in )
6 nights in Lisbon (arrival city)
4 nights in Coimbra, with day trips to Conimbriga, Aveiro, possibly schist village.
4 nights in Porto.
rent a car.
4 nights in Braga, with day trips to Viana do Castelo, Ponte de Lima, Guimaraes.
3 nights in Tomar, day trip to Batalha, Nazare or Leira
1 night in Elvas, see Marvao on the way.
4 nights in Evora; see Estremoz on the way. Day trips to Arraiolos, Monsaraz, Cork forests, megalithic stones.
3 nights in Obidos, day trips to the Silver Coast (to avoid the day trippers in Obidos) including Sao Martinho do Porto, Peniche, Caidas da Rainha.
drive to Lisbon airport drop off the car, and then
2 nights in Sintra. Taxi to the airport.

I am leaving out the Algarve completely on this trip. I am an optimist though. If I love it I will be back, and maybe visit the Algarve then.
Thanks in advance!

Posted by
6571 posts

Three nights in Óbidos is two too many. It can be seen in a couple hours. Maybe with day trips it might be the right amount of time.

Conimbriga is worth a short visit. If you’ve seen other Roman city ruins it’s less than impressive. We had a rental car and am not sure of the ease of getting to it using public transportation.

I was unimpressed with Aveiro, but that’s probably due to all the construction that was take place in the city center and along the canal.

Posted by
1677 posts

I agree with the previous poster. Stay someplace other than Obidos. It’s not worth fighting the crowds getting in and out of town. I really like São Martinho do Porto. It’s big enough to have a number of restaurants but not too big for day trips to the other towns you mention. Don’t forget Alcobaça. It’s my favorite.
Do a tour with Ebora Megalithica while in Evora.

You can easily see Aveiro on your way from Coimbra to Porto. It’s an easy stop on the train. The schist villages are not easy to reach. The roads are small and winding.

Posted by
11169 posts

*4 nights Braga- change to 4 nights in Guimares,
Portugal’s first Capital city.
* 3 nights Tomar- you must include Alcobaça! More interesting and impressive than Batalha.
We made the mistake of staying in Obidos. The Pousada, however, was lovely.

Posted by
110 posts

yes, Alcobaca, not Batalha, thank you! We decided to stay in Foz do Arelho at Quinta da Foz instead of Obidos, and just visit Obidos one day very early or late. I do plan to see Guimaraes as a day trip from Braga, Braga just seemed more central for those day trips, Thank you all for your help!

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