We will be arriving in Lisbon in early April, and would like to spend 8-10 days in Portugal before heading to Paris (from Porto). We plan to rent a car and have been to Lisbon, Sintra and southern Portugal several times and would like to see something new. Although I’ve driven in Europe many times, I would prefer to avoid larger cities. We love history, small towns, churches, palaces, wonderful food and unique, historic hotels. In general, we would prefer to stay in one place for 2-3 days rather than constantly moving.
Unfortunately, I’m struggling to develop a logical itinerary and would hugely appreciate some help! We want to enjoy the trip and smell the flowers - no need to see every church in Portugal (impossible!). I’ve also suggested hotels, assuming I can get reservations) and would also appreciate your thoughts on them.
Tentatively —
Day 1 Taxi from port to airport to pick up rental car (avoids driving in Lisbon and there are no rental agencies at the port - and the airport is in the right direction). Depart airport (@11 am), lunch in Setubal or along the coast (seafood!), Arrive Evora. Walk the walls around Evora to get a feel for the town.
Stay in Evora at Albergaria do Calvario (2 nites).
Day 2 Walking tour (2 hours) of Evora, lunch at Tasquinha d’Oliveira,visit the Temple of Diana,Cathedral, Church of St Francis, Bone Chapel and wander Praca de Giraldo.
Stay in Evora at Albergaria do Calvario.
Day 3 Spend the morning wandering Evora, catching upon what we missed yesterday (Cadaval Palace?). Drive to Arraiolos. Stop at the cork factory. In Arrailos, see the castle, Church of Mary, carpet museum.
Stay in Arraiolos. at the Pousada Convento de Arraiolos (2 nites).
Day 4 Visit Villa Vicosa Palace Ducal (11 am English tour). Lunch at Narcissus (?).
En route back to pousada, stop in Borba to see the church of St Gregory, stations of the cross.
Stop at a winery in Estremoz (Tiago Cabaco?Jao Portugal Ramos?)
Stay at the Pousada Convento de Arraiolos Orioles
Day 5 Depart Pousada for Alcobaca. Tour the monastery of Alcobaca, en route to Tomar.
Stay in Tomar at the Hotel dos Templarios (1-2 nights).
Day 6 Tomar - tour the Castle and Convent of Christ. Wander Tomar.
Stay in Tomar at the Hotel dos Templarios (2 nights).
Day 7 Drive to Covilha, check in at the Pousada (2-3 nites?). Spend the afternoon in Belmonte at the Museo Judaico (which sounds quite unique).
Stay in Covilha at the Pousada Serra da Estrela,
Day 8 Day off to hike, swim and enjoy the pousada. Or day trip to Viseu.
Stay in Covilha at the Pousada Serra da Estrela,
Day 9 Head to the Douro Valley, visit the Musee de Lamego, Chapel of San Pedro.
Stay at at the Vintage House Hotel, Pinhao (2 nites).
Day 10 Boat trip on the Douro, Lunch at a winery (suggestions??)
Stay at at the Vintage House Hotel, Pinhao.
Day 11 Drive to the airport in Porto, drop off the car - and head to Paris.
Any suggestions on the itinerary, hotels, what to do - and to skip - would be MODST appreciated!!