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More days than I know what to do with in Portugal

Hi! Seeking itinerary advice. I've ended up with 13 nights in Portugal (end of Oct-beg of Nov), about 2 more than I know what to do with. My original plan was 4 nights in Lisbon, 3 in Coimbra (including a day trip to Fatima), and 4 in Porto. I'm not interested in driving- train/buses are fine with me, and I'm a city gal, more interested in walking around and museums than hiking. I've visited Spain quite a bit and am not really interested in doing anything there this time. I grew up in the Caribbean, so heading to the southern coastal towns are not especially appealing, particularly in the fall. I'm just looking forward for a relaxing trip. But, do folks have any ideas for what to do with my extra 2 days? Are there enough side trips or other activities from these cities to keep me occupied?

Posted by
2448 posts

If you spend those two days in Lisbon, giving you six total, you'll have more time for a day trip to Sintra and perhaps another to Cascais. Lisbon is a wonderful city - I don't think you'll regret giving it more time.

Posted by
3551 posts

I agree with the previous poster about fabulous Lisbon of ourse incl. the Gulbenkian museum. Also include the walled city of Obidos. NAzare is a nice beach town. Hopefully u will have minimal rain to deal with.

Posted by
2705 posts

This is an enviable problem. Lisbon is a great city with much to see and do. Do take a day trip to Sintra. We did a food tour in Lisbon with Culinary Backstreets http://culinarybackstreets.com and really enjoyed it. I'd get the RS Portugal book and look at the various walks, sites, etc. Have fun!

Posted by
2455 posts

Kawena, I recently spent my first two days and nights in Portugal in Sintra, and certainly could have enjoyed another day. It's a lovely small town, with 4 or 5 palace/estates very nearby, each of which merits at least a half a day or more. Excellent food choices too! Also, I spent a few days in Porto, which I enjoyed, and one day took a day tour of the rural Tras Os Montes area and Alto Douro Valley, which was especially enjoyable.

Posted by
119 posts

I agree, add those two days to Lisbon. Many things to do there - great for wondering in the older parts of the city. Note that there are more than 100 museums in Lisbon - mostly small collections that can be seen in an hour or so. Great size for a museum in my opinion.

Posted by
818 posts

I would add a night or two in Guimaraes. We liked it more than Coimbra.