1

I spent 4 days in Sintra. Shoulda been more.
Only an hour west of Lisbon.

2

Hello ,
Alvor is a beautiful area. And you can find private rooms very cheap. Around 30,00euros a day.( this is what I paid last time I was there )
From there you can visit Lagos and other lovely places.
Enjoy your holiday

3

If you pot a cork museum. go in.

4

Here is my suggested itinerary, you will be busy but will get to see most of the main sights:

Head out to the Algarve first and spend as much time as you want in this area that is the most beautiful in the country. Beaches and scenery abound, towns such as in order: Albufeira, Lagos, Sagres and Faro are OK but not great. 2 or 3 days

After seeing Algarve head back Lisbon way but you should take a roundabout way and see the Roman temple at Evora, and the Ducal Palace in Vila Vicosa. Pull into Lisbon late and spend the night. (1 day)

Next day visit attractions close to Lisbon:

(I would bypass Caicais, huge traffic, not very impressive, just a richer part of Lisbon), leave early and visit:

Quelez, beautiful
Sintra, marvelous
Mafra, huge palace
then head north and stay in the city of Santarem (not much to see but a good starting point for next day)(1 day)

Get up early for a busy day:

Obidos: spectacular town and castle
Alcobaca: beautiful monastery
Batalha: an unbelievable monastery
Fatima, one of the most visited religious sites in the world and is really quite beautiful.
Tomar - Spectacular Knights Templar castle

Then head to Coimbra to spend the night, this is a beautiful university town that has a nice old downtown (with many restaurants and clubs), huge aqueduct and is a nice walk around at night.(1 day)

In the morning visit Conimbriga - just outside Coimbra are the largest Roman ruins in the country
the head to Porto for the night. If you have time head to Vila Real first to see Casa de Mateus.(1 day)

Porto - 1 full day (Beautiful city) 2 would be better

Total = 8 days

Also shouldn't be missed just outside of Porto is:

Guimaraes the "birthplace" of Portugal
Bom Jesus de Monte in Braga north of Porto (unbelievable)

If you can do these on a long journey back to Lisbon for your flight out.

If you get to see these you will really have seen quite a bit of Portugal and will be impressed. Best part is the difference between the various regions. The Porto area is totally different from the Algarve. Enjoy.

5

Tthe best thing about Cascais, was the awsome bus ride from Sintra!!! WoW!

Glad I wasn't driving.

have fun / not schedules

6

Hey Tom,

I was in Lisbon last year, on summer. First I visited Lisbon (3 days): I visited the centre (Rossio, chiado, saint jorge's castle, Sé...). In the centre of Lisbon you have lot of things to visit and it is very nice! I slept in an apartment (you can see here: http://www.travelingtolisbon.com/apartments/?fs_apt=20666#anchor_simplesearch) because I went with more people.
You can select 2 days to visit Cascais and then Sintra....
I never stayed in Algarve but I am planning to go....

Regards,
Anieska

7

Hi Tom,

Some recommendations:

Head to the west coast of the Algarve/Baixo Alentejo if you want somewhere untouristy/undeveloped. Cliffs, beaches, villages. Very charming.

Lisbon/Sintra/beaches around Cabo de Roca, as suggested by Big Viking Al!

On your drive up to Porto, Serra d'Aire, Buçaco, Coimbra are recommended. There are hills, villages inland, all very authentic.

More info here: http://www.hideawayportugal.com/modules/home/home.php