Spain and Portugal Itinerary

I think it looks like an awesome trip. I'm like you in that I like to see the significant sites, but almost never spend hours in a museum or a palace or whatever. I most prefer to just wander the streets, looking at architecture and great views and soaking up the atmosphere, and this trip looks like it will give you plenty of that. It sounds like you'll get a good taste of lots of different places and you can always return to any that you decide need more time.

I’ll only comment on the Aveiro day trip. It has no wow sites and is nothing like Venice, which is how it is advertised. We spent less than two hours there. I’m not saying don’t go, but temper your expectations. Braga or Guimaraes might be better options.

Re: Aveiro. I agree that it wasn't as amazing as described and not at all like a little Venice, however, I took a Bolt out to Costa Nova to see the striped houses and maybe I'm campy, but I thought they were adorable and worth the side trip to a side trip. Also, the train station at Aveiro is really pretty. All in all, I wouldn't make it a high priority, but agree that as long as you have realistic expectations it's not a bad trip.

I will add to the chorus recommending to skip Aveiro. I would either spend the day in Porto or add a day to Lisbon since two of your days there are day trips. BTW it would easily be doable to combine Sintra and Cascais in one day, with an early start in Sintra to lessen the impact of the large crowds.

Okay thank you all for your input. We will check out other places to visit instead of Aveiro, or just use the extra day in Porto.