February Family Trip to Portugal - Help Please!
Sep 10th, 2004, 11:22 AM
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February Family Trip to Portugal - Help Please!
We are planning a trip to Europe this February and I think we have decided on Portugal as our destination. We are a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 teens: 14, 17). We have traveled to Europe with the kids many times and they are great travelers. They can take in sights all day and wander cities at night. They love history and can spend days in museums, castles and historic sights. The one thing that they cannot do is sit on a beach for vacation! That being said, is Portugal a good destination for us? If yes, then I could use some help in figuring out what we should see, where is the best place to base our trip - or should we travel within the country, in short, some itinerary ideas. Not counting travel days we will have about 8 sight seeing days. Thanks in advance for the help.
Sep 10th, 2004, 01:01 PM
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bobthenavigator - Thanks I will check it out. The weather should not be an issue for us, we use our kids' February break to travel cheap as a family to Europe. Past trips have been to France, Italy, and a few to England. We were considering Eastern Europe for this year! And by the way, you helped us out a great deal on our trip to Rome/Florence/Venice a year ago!
Sep 10th, 2004, 01:08 PM
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Portugal is a wonderful place to visit. There are several towns in and around Lisbon that are easily reachable by public transport or car rental, such as Sintra and Estoril.
If you don't mind changing hotels after a few days, then perhaps a few nights in Lisbon followed by a few nights in nearby Sintra will be a good start.
But, using either as a base for that part of the country will still allow you ample opportunity to explore either the capital or the countryside.
If you don't mind changing hotels after a few days, then perhaps a few nights in Lisbon followed by a few nights in nearby Sintra will be a good start.
But, using either as a base for that part of the country will still allow you ample opportunity to explore either the capital or the countryside.
Sep 10th, 2004, 04:48 PM
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Bobthenavigator and Ryan - That report from Easygoer was wonderful! But what would you suggest for a trip of just 8 full days - and in February. I am thinking Lisbon and Sintra. Can I fit more in? I would love to. We are hardy travelers and are used to tightly packed days.
Sep 10th, 2004, 05:50 PM
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We went south to the Algarve. Given that your family isn't attracted by beaches and it will be February, perhaps the nothern reaches of the country would be appealing.
I've heard very good things about areas in Braga. I'm sure a search here will give some insight into the areas north of Lisbon.
I've heard very good things about areas in Braga. I'm sure a search here will give some insight into the areas north of Lisbon.
Sep 10th, 2004, 05:52 PM
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We did a driving tour of Spain and Portugal in January 2003 and loved it. While the weather was definitely cooler, especially in North, we found travelling in off season wonderful because nothing was crowded. We started in Madrid, north through Segovia, Avila and Salamana, crossing into Portugal at Vila Formosa. We very much liked Porto with its old historical districts and Port cellars. From Porto we opted to head south stopping in Coimbra. Rather than take the main highway directly to Lisbon, we headed toward coast and followed coastline via Liera, Obibos (charming walled city, Batalha (my favorite of all historical churches on the trip), the charming fishing village of Penche through to Estoril, our hub while visiting Lisbon. We opted to stay outside Lisbon and travel in by train. We found it worked well staying outside the city and travelling in to see the sites of Lisbon, including Belem Tower, the monastary, the markets, Alfama, and taking in a wonderful Fado dinner show. One of the highlights of our trip was a drive from Estoril to Cabo de Roca for its beautiful coastal vistas.
From Lisbon, we headed south through Algarve. We headed to Lagos and Sagres and then backtracked to Praia de Rocha and then along coast to Spain and Gibraltar and back to Madrid.
Obviously this is more than one could fit into 8 S.S. days. If I had 8 days to spend in Portugal, I would start and end in Lisbon, spending a couple of days there. I would rent a car and head east with a visit to Sintra, coastal ride to Cabo de Roca, stops in Obidos, Bathala and Fatima and a couple of days in Porto. This would give an excellent combination of history, scenery, castles and a nice taste of Portugal. I would make a point of lunching in some of the small towns and stay in some of the postadas which will be less expensive this time of year.
Hope this helps. Have a great time!
From Lisbon, we headed south through Algarve. We headed to Lagos and Sagres and then backtracked to Praia de Rocha and then along coast to Spain and Gibraltar and back to Madrid.
Obviously this is more than one could fit into 8 S.S. days. If I had 8 days to spend in Portugal, I would start and end in Lisbon, spending a couple of days there. I would rent a car and head east with a visit to Sintra, coastal ride to Cabo de Roca, stops in Obidos, Bathala and Fatima and a couple of days in Porto. This would give an excellent combination of history, scenery, castles and a nice taste of Portugal. I would make a point of lunching in some of the small towns and stay in some of the postadas which will be less expensive this time of year.
Hope this helps. Have a great time!
Sep 10th, 2004, 05:57 PM
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The greater Lisbon area, including Sintra and Cascais, are worth 3 days. Then you have a big decision--south or north--both should include Evora going or coming. Think about that and get back--consulting a good guide book, the Easygoer report, and a good map.
Sep 12th, 2004, 05:10 AM
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I would dedicate 3-days to Lisbon and its environs: Belem, Sintra, Estoril and the site of Expo'98. Then I would head north. Coimbra is a nice old University town: there are Troubadors similar to Spain's Tuna Universitaria.
You can find the best roast suckling pig at restaurants along the old Porto-Lisbon highway in a region called Mealhada (may al yada). It's the best I have found anywhere (including Segovia and Botin's in Madrid, Spain). If you are into religious sites, you could visit Fatima along the way to Porto from Lisbon.
We were lucky with the weather when we visited Portugal the third week of February a few years ago. You may encounter rainy weather.
Espinho (on the coast south of Porto) is nice but northeast of Porto are Guimaraes (birthplace of modern Portugal) and Braga. That region is becoming very industrialized because of Tax incentives Portugal offered to EU Countries to relocate some of their production facilities there.
If you choose northern Portugal, it's a short trip from Valenca do Minho to Santiago de Compostela (Spain). There's a limited access expressway all the way (toll road - expensive!). Or, you might just cross the border and go to la Guardia for a visit to Monte Santa Tecla and a seafood dinner at one of the restaurants facing the Fishermen's Monument and the beach.
You can find the best roast suckling pig at restaurants along the old Porto-Lisbon highway in a region called Mealhada (may al yada). It's the best I have found anywhere (including Segovia and Botin's in Madrid, Spain). If you are into religious sites, you could visit Fatima along the way to Porto from Lisbon.
We were lucky with the weather when we visited Portugal the third week of February a few years ago. You may encounter rainy weather.
Espinho (on the coast south of Porto) is nice but northeast of Porto are Guimaraes (birthplace of modern Portugal) and Braga. That region is becoming very industrialized because of Tax incentives Portugal offered to EU Countries to relocate some of their production facilities there.
If you choose northern Portugal, it's a short trip from Valenca do Minho to Santiago de Compostela (Spain). There's a limited access expressway all the way (toll road - expensive!). Or, you might just cross the border and go to la Guardia for a visit to Monte Santa Tecla and a seafood dinner at one of the restaurants facing the Fishermen's Monument and the beach.
Sep 21st, 2004, 01:44 AM
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some suggestions from a Portuguese living in France: Lisbon is a lovely city. you have the world heritage sites of Belém (the Monastery of Jeronimos and the Belém tower). visit the church of Saint Anthony (which is a Saint born in Portugal and not in italy like most people think) and from there climb on to the cathedral. in between you have the ruins of a Roman theatre. from there continue to climb until you reach the moorish castle of São jorge. then walk down, go to the national pantheon. another must in Lisbon, often forgotten in guides and by tourists is the palace of the Marquis of Fronteira. you can take the metro to go there and then walk. it is full of 18th century tiles and is just magnificent. Lisbon has around 30 or 40 churches, the church of São Roque is particularly interesting (baroque style, not too common in Portugal). near Lisbon you have Sintra. Sintra is world heritage for both its historic sights and its nature. It has one of our best moorish castles, the Pena palace (18th/19th century palace), the sintra National palace, also knows as the chinmeys palace and two unique things which you CAN'T MISS: The Quinta da Regaleira (also in the historic centre) and the Convent of Capuchos. The convent of Capuchos is accessible either by car or by bus and the Quinta da Regaleira only accepts guided tours. sign up for one tour when you get there in the morning and then go back at the time thei indicate you. not too practical but you won't be disapppointed. in sintra you also have a nice coast, if you can have a nice fish meal in Azenhas do Mar. to the south of Lisbon (30 kms south) you have the Arribida forest, one of the last exemples of mediterranean forest that still exists in the world. there visit the Convent of Arrabida (usually you need to call in advance to visit it). some wine tasting to do there in Azeitão and the castle of Palmela which offers a great view to Lisbon and the moorish castle of Sesimbre are worth checking. in arrabida, you can take a boat tour and watch the dolphins community that lives there.
an hour driving from Lisbon (buses available from Lisbon) you have the city of evora. another world heritage city which is a must. plenty of churches and cathedrals, the most important one being a chapel build with bones. it is particular and really worth seeing. near évora you have the small city of Monsaraz, another great place. Monsaraz is a small city on the top of a hill which has typical houses and is inside a fortress. to the west of Lisbon you have another city like this, Obidos, also world heritage although more touristic. another area which is very nice and often forgotten is called Marvão. nice castle, with a view to Spain. due to the old conflicts, the Portuguese boarder is full of castles. if you like historic sites, one idea could be to do the tour of Portuguese historic villages. these usually are located in the north, they are from the 9th/10th or 14th centuries. examples are Piodão, Linhares da Beira, Almeida, etc.
in the north a city worth visiting in Guimarães, the first Portuguese capital. loads of rococo art and mediavel buildings naturally. Porto is also gorgeous and interesting to contrast with Lisbon. while Lisbon is a typical mediterranean city (very hard to find a city with its light and luminosity) Porto is an Atlantic city. its buildings are often grey. its historic centre is also world heritage.
another world heritage site, not far from Lisbon is Tomar and its Convent of Christ. nearby you have Ourém, with its castle, Abrantes with its castle and in the road to Tomar you will find the Castle of Almorol. this one you should visit. to the south of Portugal, near évora you have Vila Viçosa, also with a great castle.
i am forgetting many places but please contact me, even to my personal e-mail ([email protected])for suggestions if you wish.
finally museums: not the landmark in Portugal especially if you compare with Madrid and Paris but still some important paintings. you have the most important paiting of Bosh in the Museum of ancient art in Lisbon and the foundation of Caloust Gulbenkian should be seen as it is one of the best private collections available. the museum of Modern art in Sintra is good too. for other museums, you have the carriage museum in Lisbon, the tiles museum in the eastern side of the town with is nice church. the maritime museum is interesting and you have many other specific museums in case of special interests you might have. another thing i forgot around Lisbon: the convent of Mafra and most importantly the convent of Alcobaça, also world heritage.
hope u havea lovely trip
hugo
an hour driving from Lisbon (buses available from Lisbon) you have the city of evora. another world heritage city which is a must. plenty of churches and cathedrals, the most important one being a chapel build with bones. it is particular and really worth seeing. near évora you have the small city of Monsaraz, another great place. Monsaraz is a small city on the top of a hill which has typical houses and is inside a fortress. to the west of Lisbon you have another city like this, Obidos, also world heritage although more touristic. another area which is very nice and often forgotten is called Marvão. nice castle, with a view to Spain. due to the old conflicts, the Portuguese boarder is full of castles. if you like historic sites, one idea could be to do the tour of Portuguese historic villages. these usually are located in the north, they are from the 9th/10th or 14th centuries. examples are Piodão, Linhares da Beira, Almeida, etc.
in the north a city worth visiting in Guimarães, the first Portuguese capital. loads of rococo art and mediavel buildings naturally. Porto is also gorgeous and interesting to contrast with Lisbon. while Lisbon is a typical mediterranean city (very hard to find a city with its light and luminosity) Porto is an Atlantic city. its buildings are often grey. its historic centre is also world heritage.
another world heritage site, not far from Lisbon is Tomar and its Convent of Christ. nearby you have Ourém, with its castle, Abrantes with its castle and in the road to Tomar you will find the Castle of Almorol. this one you should visit. to the south of Portugal, near évora you have Vila Viçosa, also with a great castle.
i am forgetting many places but please contact me, even to my personal e-mail ([email protected])for suggestions if you wish.
finally museums: not the landmark in Portugal especially if you compare with Madrid and Paris but still some important paintings. you have the most important paiting of Bosh in the Museum of ancient art in Lisbon and the foundation of Caloust Gulbenkian should be seen as it is one of the best private collections available. the museum of Modern art in Sintra is good too. for other museums, you have the carriage museum in Lisbon, the tiles museum in the eastern side of the town with is nice church. the maritime museum is interesting and you have many other specific museums in case of special interests you might have. another thing i forgot around Lisbon: the convent of Mafra and most importantly the convent of Alcobaça, also world heritage.
hope u havea lovely trip
hugo
Sep 21st, 2004, 10:14 AM
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My suggestion:
1.
Start in PORTO AND NORTH OF PORTUGAL(Region of Minho).
PORTO (I live in this city)
(Classified by UNESCO World Heritage site) The North?s most important city lent its name to the famous wine and to Portugal. One must stroll around its typical quarters (especially the area on the waterside, the ?zona ribeirinha?) and its bustling downtown. Visit: the Stock Exchange Palace, the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral, the church of Cedofeita (Romanesque), the Clérigos tower (Porto?s ex-libris of Baroque architecture) and church; the church of São Francisco, of Romanesque origin, with its interior covered in gilded carvings, and the church of Carmo, with tiled façades. Museums: Soares dos Reis, Casa de Serralves (modern art), Casa-Museu de Guerra Junqueiro and the Romantic Style Museum of Quinta da Macieirinha. One should not miss a visit to the Port lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia and free tasting of the famous port wine.
The Coastal Region of Minho
Porto is without doubt the main city in northern Portugal.
Along the coastline north of Porto runs a coastal road linking Vila do Conde to Valença. It takes visitors past beautiful beaches, summer resorts and enchanting villages, such as Caminha and Vila Nova de Cerveira. Inland, one must visit the huge national park area covering the mountains of Peneda, Soajo and Gerês.
Three towns that set the tone for this charming area of Portugal are Viana do Castelo, lying upon the estuary of the Lima river; Braga, rich in ecclesiastical history; and the medieval Guimarães (the first portuguese capital, that i love, with medieval castle and walls, houses a magnificently well-preserved historic centre ). Mansions and manorial houses in this region open their doors to bed and breakfast, offering visitors a rare privileged glimpse of aristocratic Portuguese traditions, combined with the best modern hospitality can offer.
2.
Beiras
The Central Region of Portugal
Moliceiro (the boat used for transporting seaweed), ria de Aveiro, Aveiro.
This region is made up of two contrasting areas. The extensive beaches and fishing villages which lie along the coast and the interior where mountains and plateaus dominate the landscape.
In the bigger towns, such as Coimbra, Aveiro, Viseu, Guarda or Castelo Branco, museum collections reveal treasures of unexpected quality.
As for traditional arts and crafts, the coastal region has always been rich in glassworking and ceramic skills, while inland artisans have traditionally worked with black clay, linen weaving, and copper and iron.
Go to Aveiro, a beautiful with great food. Try the "Ovos Moles"!!
More beautifuls places on the Central Region: Buçaco; Figueira da Foz;Viseu (if you have time)!
3.
LISBOA, COSTA DO ESTORIL AND SINTRA
Lisboa, the capital of Portugal since 1255, was conquered from the Moors by Portugal?s first king in 1147. It lies on the right bank of the Tagus river and in a region that offers a rich landscape diversity.
Not far from the capital lies the town of Sintra, with its marvelous surrounding vegetation and landscape, Sintra is classified by Unesco as of outstanding cultural importance. There is no better way to see the exuberant trees and vegetation than to take a horse-drawn carriage ride and pass by ancient mansions before reaching the Palácio da Pena at the top of the hill. Its fabulous romantic architecture keeps vivid the atmosphere of a truly royal residence.
The Atlantic coast, which stretches to the south, north and west of Lisbon, is of surprising beauty: here the landscape swiftly changes from high, sweeping cliffs to beaches of white sand, backed by lagoons. Not forget that here, at Cabo da Roca, is Europe?s westernmost point.
Back in the Lisboa area, there are many other places worth a visit: the imposing Mafra Convent, the cosmopolitan seaside resort of Cascais, the Arrábida hills and their nature reserve stocked with ancient trees or picturesque Sesimbra, the city of Setúbal and the aristocratic country-houses of nearby Azeitão.
Ok...for only 8 days you have very much to see.
If you need some restaurants advices you can contact me : [email protected]
1.
Start in PORTO AND NORTH OF PORTUGAL(Region of Minho).
PORTO (I live in this city)
(Classified by UNESCO World Heritage site) The North?s most important city lent its name to the famous wine and to Portugal. One must stroll around its typical quarters (especially the area on the waterside, the ?zona ribeirinha?) and its bustling downtown. Visit: the Stock Exchange Palace, the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral, the church of Cedofeita (Romanesque), the Clérigos tower (Porto?s ex-libris of Baroque architecture) and church; the church of São Francisco, of Romanesque origin, with its interior covered in gilded carvings, and the church of Carmo, with tiled façades. Museums: Soares dos Reis, Casa de Serralves (modern art), Casa-Museu de Guerra Junqueiro and the Romantic Style Museum of Quinta da Macieirinha. One should not miss a visit to the Port lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia and free tasting of the famous port wine.
The Coastal Region of Minho
Porto is without doubt the main city in northern Portugal.
Along the coastline north of Porto runs a coastal road linking Vila do Conde to Valença. It takes visitors past beautiful beaches, summer resorts and enchanting villages, such as Caminha and Vila Nova de Cerveira. Inland, one must visit the huge national park area covering the mountains of Peneda, Soajo and Gerês.
Three towns that set the tone for this charming area of Portugal are Viana do Castelo, lying upon the estuary of the Lima river; Braga, rich in ecclesiastical history; and the medieval Guimarães (the first portuguese capital, that i love, with medieval castle and walls, houses a magnificently well-preserved historic centre ). Mansions and manorial houses in this region open their doors to bed and breakfast, offering visitors a rare privileged glimpse of aristocratic Portuguese traditions, combined with the best modern hospitality can offer.
2.
Beiras
The Central Region of Portugal
Moliceiro (the boat used for transporting seaweed), ria de Aveiro, Aveiro.
This region is made up of two contrasting areas. The extensive beaches and fishing villages which lie along the coast and the interior where mountains and plateaus dominate the landscape.
In the bigger towns, such as Coimbra, Aveiro, Viseu, Guarda or Castelo Branco, museum collections reveal treasures of unexpected quality.
As for traditional arts and crafts, the coastal region has always been rich in glassworking and ceramic skills, while inland artisans have traditionally worked with black clay, linen weaving, and copper and iron.
Go to Aveiro, a beautiful with great food. Try the "Ovos Moles"!!
More beautifuls places on the Central Region: Buçaco; Figueira da Foz;Viseu (if you have time)!
3.
LISBOA, COSTA DO ESTORIL AND SINTRA
Lisboa, the capital of Portugal since 1255, was conquered from the Moors by Portugal?s first king in 1147. It lies on the right bank of the Tagus river and in a region that offers a rich landscape diversity.
Not far from the capital lies the town of Sintra, with its marvelous surrounding vegetation and landscape, Sintra is classified by Unesco as of outstanding cultural importance. There is no better way to see the exuberant trees and vegetation than to take a horse-drawn carriage ride and pass by ancient mansions before reaching the Palácio da Pena at the top of the hill. Its fabulous romantic architecture keeps vivid the atmosphere of a truly royal residence.
The Atlantic coast, which stretches to the south, north and west of Lisbon, is of surprising beauty: here the landscape swiftly changes from high, sweeping cliffs to beaches of white sand, backed by lagoons. Not forget that here, at Cabo da Roca, is Europe?s westernmost point.
Back in the Lisboa area, there are many other places worth a visit: the imposing Mafra Convent, the cosmopolitan seaside resort of Cascais, the Arrábida hills and their nature reserve stocked with ancient trees or picturesque Sesimbra, the city of Setúbal and the aristocratic country-houses of nearby Azeitão.
Ok...for only 8 days you have very much to see.
If you need some restaurants advices you can contact me : [email protected]
Sep 22nd, 2004, 01:41 PM
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For Kristinelaine:
Yes, you have public transportations (bus).
Palácio Nacional da Pena:
Winter - 10h00/17h00
Summer - 19h00/19h00
Monday closed.
Palácio Nacional de Sintra:
10h00/17h30
Wednesday closed.
Yes, you have public transportations (bus).
Palácio Nacional da Pena:
Winter - 10h00/17h00
Summer - 19h00/19h00
Monday closed.
Palácio Nacional de Sintra:
10h00/17h30
Wednesday closed.
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