Danielm

Hi all,

Planning a trip for us two in early April (fixed dates) for Portugal. First time there for us as a couple (I was in both Porto and Lisbon 4-5 years ago). Our trip will last full 14 days and I'm thinking of whether it is possible to combine mainland Portugal (1 week?) with Azores (1 week?).

What do you think, is it too much?

Considering it's early April - does one fit more than the other, weather-wise?

Thanks,
Daniel

PalenQ

One week ain't much to 'see Portugal" but mainly Lisbon and a few excursions like to Evora and Sintra and perhaps Obidos- northern Portugal has a lot of gems too -Porto and area - research Guimares and Braga and Duror river vally - and neat places getting to Porto- Obidos, Alcabaca Monastery and an even more famous old monk house, batalha, a UNESCO World Heritage site- all in a compact area-add in Coimbra's upper town and neat seaside towns like Nazare- all can be reached by public transit but cars would be better.

For lots on Portuguese trains check www.cpt.com -www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com and www.seat61.com.

I have never been to Azores so can't comment on that but to do both I'd do one week in Lisbon area and fly to Azores for a week.But you can't see Portugal in just a week-Lisbon and envrions yes.

Danielm

Thanks

mnag

We spent two weeks in Aug in Portugal last year which included 3 nights in the Azores (Sao Miguel). On the mainland we covered - Lisbon, Douro valley, Marvao, Algarve. I wrote a trip report on mainland Portugal - see link below.

In addition in Sao Miguel the main sights we toured were Lago do Fogo, Sete Cedades (blue green lake). Both are simply stunning and not to be missed. In addition we toured the town of Furnas (a mini Yellowstone with all its volcanic activity) including the stunning terra nostra gardens.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ra-algarve.cfm

We travelled from Boston so the Azores was along the way so to speak and logistically worked out quite well. We had a car throughout our trip except for a couple of days in Lisbon. Feel free to ask any specific questions.

Peter_Star

Consider 10 days in the continent and 4 days in açores.

4 Days in Lisbon, stay in the center so you can walk, then rent a car to go to Algarve, stop in Évora, and head to the coast, Vila Nova de Milfontes, Port Covo (3days). Flight to Porto, rent a car to Lisbon stop in Óbidos, Nazaré, Coimbra (3 days). Flight to Açores.

dawg916

Hello, I'm at the beginning of planning a similar trip-- flying JFK-PDL, spending a few days, then flying to the mainland, and home from Lisbon or reversing the trip. Any advice you have would be great! We have 16-17 days, including travel. Which airline did you fly from Azores to mainland? I'm thinking fly PDL to Porto and then making our way down (renting a car), looping in Algarve. I'm trying to block out days for the trip locations then dig into the details. Thank you!