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TAP's free layover in Lisbon

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We are planning on traveling to Southern France in June and hate the anxiety of making plane connections. We're considering taking advantage of TAP's free layover days, by staying in Lisbon for a day or so in each direction. We haven't been to Lisbon, and would like to do some sightseeing and dining during these layovers.

It looks like (if nothing changes), our flight from Boston into Lisbon arrives around 10 am, and departs for Marseille about 8:30 pm.
In the other direction, we arrive in Lisbon at 7:40pm, and leave for Boston at 11:45 am. These times are without the extra days. It turns out the TAP program only allows one to take the layover days in ONE direction. So I'm thinking it makes more sense to do the layover on our way TO Marseille, and just stay overnight at the airport for the return trip. Would booking one extra night (staying 2 nights in a hotel, give use enough time to do some sightseeing, or should we stay three nights? We are in our 70s,and not ambitious travelers, looking to fill every minute. We prefer a more laidback approach, and are happy to just get a flavor of the city (in both senses of the word).
Any suggestions regarding this plan? Also, ideas for best areas to stay in Lisbon given this plan?

Many thanks!
Lisa

Posted by
41 posts

In 2011 we had an overnight layover in Lisbon like you desribe on our way back to Boston from Rome, but I think our flight to Boston was in the afternoon. I was ill, so we never made our night out plans in Lisbon, we stayed at the Raddison Blu. In the AM a great taxi driver took us on a little driving tour and dropped us off in Rossio square, we found pasteis de nata to eat and to take home. Then back to the hotel to pick up our luggage, then another taxi to the airport. I vote for 3 nights in either direction just in case you need more time to rest.

For this June we are staying 3 nights in Baixa upon arrival at Mera Prima Gold ( I did book it for 4 nights so I can check in before 8 am on the morning we arrive. It's risky either way, I have been allowed early check in sometimes and not others, so now I pay for the extra night. My sister recently had a US hotel put her as a no show for hotel reservation when she clearly told them she was booking extra night for early AM check in, it was printed on confirmation and she confirmed by phone with hotel before flying to destination)and 1 night at Melia Lisboa airport upon exiting Portugal.

Happy Travels!

Posted by
1065 posts

I think the Baxia or Chiado neighborhood would be a good area to stay since it is close to the Metro. Lisbon is a great place to get over jetlag. My daughter and I spent 3 nights as part of the stopover program with TAP. During that time, we spent a day in Sintra and a day in Belem.

Posted by
136 posts

Thanks to you both! I just finished booking my trip with TAP. We'll stay 2 nights, as our itinerary gets us into Lisbon early in the day, and we leave for France in the evening. I think that'll give us a taste of the city! We can always return!

Posted by
1065 posts

Yes, you can always return. This April, I will be traveling back for my 3rd time. I had never considered Portugal except that I happened to be traveling on TAP and took advantage of their stopover program.

Wishing you a safe and enjoyable trip :)

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