Portugal in a Few Days

Stick with Lisbon and take a day trip to Sintra and/or Cascais. I did not expect to love Lisbon as much as I did. Great city. Really beautiful. If you do have a little more time head east to the Alejento region and see Evora.

I was also surprised by Lisbon - loved it more than I thought I would. Just grabbed a daily transit pass and wandered around the city. I also liked Porto a lot, but with only 3 or 4 days I'd limit my travel time and stay near Lisbon. I had a good friend visit Evora and said great things about it there.

Lisbon with side trip to Sintra would also be my advice. Lisbon is one of the most underrated cities in Western Europe. Or perhaps I should say, less often visited -- that's why you don't hear more people raving about it, because it's great!

Eli, Lisbon at XMass was awesome. You have to try the Portuguese "XMass cakes". Each one is different. Heidi, Lisbon is awesome, and the Algarve beaches are lots of fun if you have a car. Rick's guidebook was "right-on-the -money." We used it to plan our time, places to visit, and transportation options.

Thanks for all your responses! Looks like we'll be going to Lisbon with day trips and renting a car :)

A car is a bad idea if you are staying in Lisbon. Use the trains for daytrips.

I agree with other posters. Lisbon deserves 2 days at the least with a side trip by train to Sintra. Don't need to rent a car. Lisbon is very walkable or take the trams.