Travel to Lisbon- is a day trip to Evora too far?

I would not know what you think is 'too far' :-)

It is about an hour and a half each way by bus or train to Evora.
http://www.rede-expressos.pt/default.aspx
http://www.cp.pt/passageiros/pt

Actually it's 1-1/2 hr by bus or car, 2-1/2 hrs by train. Either way it's doable as a daytrip but the bus would give you more time in Evora. And, again, it depends on what your travel time max is for a daytrip.

I'm a big fan of independent travel. I would just suggest that you consider using a local, brand-name day tour by bus company. When we were in Lisbon, ten or more years ago, we found it a good value that enabled us to see three or even four major tourist sites in one (long, say 8AM to 8PM, a slight runover with naturally, no extra charge - but we are happy to tip, which is especially appropriate in this case.)

I will agree with anyone who says that you don't get enough free time at each stop. But honestly, how much time do you need at Fatima - unless you're there for religious reasons, in which case you wouldn't be on one of these tour busses?

I'll say that Evora is a special case. It's an exceptionally attractive medieval (and older) town, where it would be nice to spend most of a day, and have leisurely latin meals. Do you have time for that?

I agree - it can be done as a day trip. Perhaps consider renting a car for the day To give maximum flexibility.

I enjoyed Lisbon and coup have spent 5 days there alone :)

Obidos and Coimbra also come to mind as potential day trips..

Thanks, Neil. By too far I meant combining travel time and time in the city, is one day enough to see the the locations in Evora without feeling too rushed.
In searching for info on destinations outside Lisbon for day trips, Evora does not usually get mentioned.
I always prefer trains. Are the sights within walking distance to train station?
I appreciate advice.

I will be in Portugal in late May. I would agree evora is a do-able day trip. I'm actually spending a night in Evora after coming down from Coimbra, then heading to Lisbon. Sinatra is also a good day trip.

I liked Santarém (not in Rick's book), which is an hour from Lisbon by train or bus. The bus goes to the center of town. If you take the train, you will most likely need a taxi to the center, as the local bus from the train station to the center is infrequent and the walk is quite uphill on a road with no separated pedestrian space. The town has a lovely vibe as well as some gorgeous churches. The Igreja da Graça with its rose window is more famous, but I thought the Igreja de Marvila with its stunning azulejos (painted tiles) was more beautiful.

One hour further from Lisbon on the same train line is Tomar. It was a center of the Knights Templar, and also has a fascinating museum of matchbooks (all sorts of social and political history in there - wait till you see the Nazi one). Santarem and Tomar would make a nice one-day combo, if either one does not have enough for you.

Sintra is very nice as well. Rick's book has all the details about it, including transit.

"erhaps consider renting a car for the day To give maximum flexibility. "

And maximum cost. And maximum aggravation getting lost. And maximum aggravation finding parking. And maximum wasted time at pick up and return.

Having recently returned from my second visit to Evora and the Alentejo, I have a bit of a different perspective to share. Tourism is comparatively undeveloped there, and information on many of the sites is non-existent, scarce, or simply not available in English. This makes the area a real find for people seeking unspoiled places and authentic experiences.

However, I'm convinced that in the case of the Alentejo, a knowledgeable guide will make the difference between a hit-or-miss, cursory sort of trip and one that is truly memorable. Without speaking Portuguese, familiarity with roads (GPS is barely useful), and knowledge of the narrow roads and alleys in the villages, I would have wasted precious time and simply wouldn’t have had entrée to some of the most interesting places. I found this to be true even within the walled city of Evora.

If you have more than one day, Evora makes a perfect, central base to stay, and forays can be made to many hauntingly beautiful and intriguing sites from there. Many people seem to allot a half-day or day to the region. I’m sure it’s because the word’s not out that there is such a wealth of things to do and see, worth spending at least another day or two.

You mention that with five nights, you want to see several places outside Lisbon. Just my preference, but Sintra, Alcobaca, Batalha, the Knights Templar castle in Tomar, and the Roman ruins in Conimbriga were very worthwhile. I would personally choose an extra day in the Evora/Alentejo area over Obidos.

Evora is very doable from Lisbon. I enjoyed the train, but buses run more frequently. If you take the train, be sure to check the schedule carefully, as the times vary by the day of the week. The stations are very close to the walled city, and your guide can pick you up from the station.

Through the recommendation of Rick in his 2014 guidebook to Portugal, I used the services of Professor Libanio Murteira Reis, listed in the book as m.murteira@mail.telepac.pt, 917-236-025. I posted an 11/2014 trip report in the Portugal section, if you're interested in reading it. The March 2015 issue of “Conde Nast Traveler” features an article on the Alentejo by the travel writer Guy Trebay that captures well the feel of the Alentejo. Professor Reis is quoted in that article. See http://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2015-03-07/eternal-sunshine-in-portugal-alentejo-where-to-stay

Yes, Evora is do-able as a day trip. It is about an 1 1/2 hour drive, keep in mind if you rent a car that the toll roads cost almost $20 euros one way, or you take the non toll roads and it takes close to 2 hours. Evora is really beautiful, if you can do it, I would.