We have sort of finalized out itinerary for our Portugal trip for next May. I would like your thoughts on this, perhaps it can be tweaked or you may have better transport suggestions.
It will be Porto/Lisbon/Algarve. I know a lot of people recommend dropping the Algarve from the itinerary but after much discussion, we decided, we want to see it. We are not going there for a beach vacation. In fact, it might be a bit chilly. We just want to see the landscape and it will be a great place to wind down our trip with a non-city place.
We are still debating whether to book TapAir or Delta. The cost will be about the same given we will want to choose Classic Plan and sit in Economy Extra for leg room. My husband has back issues, needs the leg room and will also need to get up quite often. TAP has a nicer plane that will allow us to sit together. However, the reviews are a little scary regarding delays, carryon baggage, extra fees, etc. The in flight service however seems to be very good. Delta has a less convenient sitting arrangement, with the three seat arrangements, However, we can get points or use points to bring down the cost (cash and poins).
For multiple reasons we prefer not to take the TAP flight from Newark to Porto. Therefore, we plan on flying in and out of Lisbon.
Day 1 – Arrive Lisbon around 11 a.m.– Take train to Porto after clearing customs. Would like to take the Alfa Pendular, if possible, but concerned if delayed to have a pre-booked ticket.
How easy is it to do this? Is there a left luggage at the train station so that we can take less luggage to Porto? Not a huge deal but good to know. We hopefully catch sleep on the train. Arrive Porto late afternoon ,check into B & B. We are looking at Inpatio, if it is available. Walk around a bit and get some dinner near the river. Go to bed early since we would be exhausted.
As a side note, would it be better to take a domestic flight (55 mins)? I put this aside because I am not sure how this would work and if we would have to recheck the luggage. Etc.
Day 2 – Take a day tour to Duoro Valley – sleep in Porto
Day 3 - Either leave Porto to Lisbon in the afternoon by train or take another day in Porto (should we do this?)
Day 4 – Train to Lisbon from Porto early or already in Lisbon (Airbnb in Baixa or Chiada)
Day 5 – Lisbon
Day 6 – Sintra, Caiscais
Day 7 – Lisbon
Day 8 – Rent a car either at the airport or in Lisbon and drive to Algarve after rush hour. Arrive Lagos early afternoon check into Airbnb. Explore Lagos area
Day 9 – Algarve – cruise to see caves, if possible or drive to Sagres.
Day 10 – Leave Alrgarve mid-morning – stop in Evora – then to Lisbon to check into Hilton Fontana early evening – dinner in hotel
Day 11 – fly home mid-morning.