We continue to fine-tune our 12 day trip to Portugal this August. While we are experienced travelers, this is our first visit to Portugal.
We're now intending to travel by rental car from Porto to Lisbon, stopping about midway for a three or four night stay at Montebelo Mosteiro de Alcobaça Historic Hotel. Reviews of this renovated monastery have been very favorable and our intent is to use this well-located hotel as our base to explore nearby Batalha, Fatima, Nazare and Tomar. We may even squeeze in some beach time at Praia de São Martinho do Porto but would most likely have to add an additional day on to our itinerary.
We are also considering a day visit to Coimbra while enroute from Porto to the monastery but admittedly have a bit of angst about leaving all our luggage in the rental car while we explore Coimbra that day.
Thanks in advance for all the helpful feedback. All the best!