Hello dear travelers,
My husband and I are planning a 10 day trip to Portugal in October starting from Porto and ending in Lisbon. I really appreciate your suggestions for an itinerary ( I know it's a bit late but we'll be ok). I have already reviewed majorities of recommendations from RS, but your input is very important to me. Considering that I am not planning to spend times visiting all the churches and all the museums, I can spend times visiting other areas in my short visit.
Thank you so much
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
Is that 10 full days on the ground - 9 nights?
Have at least 2 nights in Porto and add another if you want a day in the Douro. Hire a car and visit Coimbra then spend the night in Batalha The next day, visit Alcobaca and Obidos then drive to Lisbon and return the car. Spend the rest of the time in Lisbon with a day trip to Cascais.
If you don’t want to see the Douro, add another night around Tomar/Batalha/Alcobaca/Santarem/Fatima.
If you don’t want to drive, take the train between Porto and Lisbon and have a 3/6 night split. Add a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon.
Posted by
Bay Area, California
1638 posts
I know that RS recommends Douro Valley, but I don't think it's a must, as there are plenty of places in other parts of the world that have vineyards. While in Porto, do a half day trip to Braga to see Bom Jesus.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Thank you Jennifer and Barkinpark for your suggestions. It will be 9 days on the ground. We will rent a car. Any recommendations on the hotels (up to $ 200) please?
Posted by
8329 posts
For Porto, the most wonderful B&B ever is The InPatio Guesthouse in a great location near the river. It only has five rooms so book early.
With 10 days, I would spend two in Porto and consider another day going up the Douro River, by boat or train. The railroad runs right on the north bank of the river. The Douro Valley is amazing.
On you way to Lisbon, there are many great places to stop. Consider Nazare on the coast, the Batialha Cathedral, the ancient small walled city of Obidos and Sintra. Cascais is another option. Then spend 3-4 days in Lisbon with a day trip to Evora.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Thank you so much dear geovagriffith for all helpful suggestions,
InPatio guest house is sold out for my dates.
Posted by
Porto - Portugal
238 posts
In Patio is always full! But there are other guesthouses in the same spot, that are great! Never stayed in any of them (as I live here) but I can suggest:
Ribeiredge guest house: Behing "Palácio da Bolsa", it has been fully renovated, good ac, small rooms but let's call them cozy, fair breakfast, good prices. The highlight: it has a lift!
Oportostreet taurina: you have views to the riverfront, and everything at Ribeira is nearby: Igreja São Franciso, tram nr 1, etc
Oporto street Miragaia: well located, rooms with a view, they serve breakfast, although in a box, but it is good, and are known for their sympathy.
There are many others, these are what I can remember imediately, do your search!
Helena
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Thank you so much Helena, I will definitely look into those places.