Three of us (females) are trying to plan a trip this June. We have been to Italy several times, but not to the Cinque Terre and have wanted to go there. But we're also interested in Portugal. We're trying to decide if it would be best to pick one or try to combine the two. Our trip duration would be about two weeks. If anyone, especially if you've been to both places, has any suggestions or reccomendations, or preferences of the two areas, we would appreciate it.
Posted by
Atlanta
3250 posts
We've done both and would recommend that you chose one area. If you've never been to Portugal it's very interesting. I like the southern coast especially Salema. From there you could travel to Lisbon, (we traveled by bus from Salema to Lisbon), then Coimbra, (for this part we rented a car) and Porto would make a good trip. From Coimbra you could go to Salamanca in Spain or from Porto you could go to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. On the other hand, I love the Cinque Terre and hiking between the 5 towns is really an amazing experience plus the food is great! It's a tough choice but I'd read about both and decide.
Posted by
Evanston, IL
11 posts
My husband and I have been to Italy several times and Portugal (two years ago).
We loved Lisboa, but did not like the Algarve (their Riviera). The fish served at restaurants is what is caught daily and we both got a really bad case of bacteria. We did really like Lisboa, such a fun, clean, perfect to walk in city. We would definitely go back there.
We went to Tuscany and Cinque Terre on our honeymoon. There is much more to see in Tuscany as it is a region. Cinque Terre is very rustic.
Have you been to Lake Como? That is an easy train ride from Milan, if you decide to go to Tuscany. I am sure you have been to Umbria? That is much less congested than Sienna, and other towns in Tuscany.
Posted by
Niagara Wine Country, Canada
808 posts
Pick one. You decide. Use the upper right hand box to research each.
You say you've been to Italy several times but not to CT.
Why not try someplace new this time? Portugal (Lisboa/Alfama mostly) is a personal favourite haunt of mine. I've posted some experiences on this site if you're interested. Use the search box.
Since you've done Italy before why not consider spending the bulk of time in Portugal and go to Italy for 25-35% of the time to see the CT? Depending on your available resources, of course...
Portugal is still a good value for the Canadian/American Dollar. It's not the deal it was ten years ago or even pre-Euro but it's still a good value.
Posted by
Durban
2 posts
You girls could do one of the pilgrimage trails in Italy or in Portugal.
There is the Via Francigena in Italy - if you walk the last 100kms to Rome you will be given a special certificate at the Vatican.
There is the St Francis of Assisi trail - ditto the certificate.
Or, you could walk to Santiago from Portugal.
http://www.camminodiassisi.it/ (300kms)
www.diquipassofrancesco.it (350km)
www.camminodifrancesco.it/ (5 days)
http://www.caminhoportuguesdesantiago.com/EN/caminho.php
Good luck!
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
251 posts
Ask yourselves would you rather spend your vacation around other:
1. Americans (Cinque Terre, Tuscany)
2. Europeans (Portugal)
It really all depends on what you're "after" both can offer a different experience. One note: Stick with Tuscanny if you are after art but personally I find that Umbria is a much more interesting place. More authentic and "old world" (better food too!) Just an opinion though.
Posted by
Arlington
127 posts
I agree with TroTro re: Umbria vs. Tuscany. A little less touristy, & beautiful...w/plenty of art & wonderful hill towns. Great place to rent a house & do day trips in all directions. But Portugal is wonderful, too. Take a day trip (or longer) from Lisbon to Sintra. It's another world, w/fairy tale castles, a Moorish fortress, deserted monasteries, & incredible flowers. Too many choices!
Posted by
gaston, oregon, usa
842 posts
We have done both. I WOULD NOT DO CT in June...unless it is early June. It has become a tourist trap....too many of us. But oh, so beautiful!
We just came back from an X Mass trip to Portugal, and loved it. We did the southern beaches for 4 days, (a Tavira apt was our base as we discovered the coast), Lisbon (5 wonderful days; stayed in an apt.), and we headed up north and spent three days in Porto. I only wish we had more time to visit the Douro vallleys and the wineries.
We rented a car and drove everywhere. The freeways are all new, and cover all of the country. And there is no one on them!
Lisbon was like San Francisco; cable cars, views, and so much to see and do. We also used it as a base to visit Sintra ( a must!) and Evora (great little town a few hours East)
If you want to conserve money, Portugal is it. If you want to save more money and have a geat time being together, rent apts. and condos.
You get your best bang for the Euro there. Great dinners for $10 EU