Patticakes263

Hi folks!
I'm accompanying my husband on a business trip that is taking place in Cascais in early November. We'll be in Cascais for two days before the meeting. Once the meeting is over (another 2 days), I think I'll be ready to see other things. We'll have 5 full days to travel, and I'm wondering if it's worth trying to visit both the Algarve (Faro or Lagos) AND Lisbon, or whether we'll be spreading ourselves too thin. I've heard rave reviews in regards to Lisbon and am eager to spend some time there, but my husband is not a big city boy and so I was thinking that heading south for a few days might be good for him (we enjoy moderate hiking). I also thought the temperature might be a few degrees warmer (which is why I'm choosing not to head north to Porto and the Douro valley). If it is feasible to do both, should I head south first and then return to Lisbon (closer to the airport)? We are planning to travel by train. Oh and I should mention that there will be an organized trip to Sintra during the meeting, so I won't need to detour there. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

lobo_mau

Algarve is very much a summer destination (sun and bitches). Assuming you'll have a car, I'd opt for a circle including Sintra, Óbidos, the 3 monasteries (Alcobaça, Batalha and Tomar), select Tomar if you think all the 3 is too much. On route you may visit Almourol castle. Then Marvão (Castelo de Vide 2nd option), Monsaraz and Evora, and back to Lisbon).
Other options: Vila Viçosa has the residence of the Braganza family, nice to visit, but I don't know if the are guided visits in English. Borba has a street market once a week, nice to see. Arraiolos is a city devoted to tapistry and Sao Bento do Corval to pottery.
Regarding lodging, Pousadas are nice (former castles and monasteries). Several of the towns mentioned have their own Pousada. A more affordable option is Turismo Rural (google it), basically farms and old houses adapted for tourism.

Patticakes263

I see, so the little towns in the Algarve are not of much interest in the rainy season then............ Maybe it would be more restful to stay in the Lisbon area. Thank you for taking the time to offer some advice. It is much appreciated!

Robert2533

You can do a little wine touring in the region, either from Lisbon or Évora, since you'll have a car.

The Setúbal Peninsula is across the River Tagus, just south of Lisbon. You can visit the Quinta do Piloto (www.quintadopiloto.pt/), and possibly the Quinta da Serralheira (quintadaserralheira.com), both in Palmela, about 25 km south of Lisbon. You'll have to contact them for reservations.

From Évora you can visit several wineries in the Alentejo, including Quinta do Mouro (www.quintadomouro.com) and JP Ramos (www.jportugalramos.com) in Estremoz, about a 40-minute drive southwest of Évora.

You can also consider a visit to Herdade do Esporão (esporao.com), 35 minutes drive east of Évora, near the border with Spain, and stay for lunch.

There is a great deal of places to visit in the area, and much more interesting then the Algarve in the fall.

Patticakes263

Thanks Robert. That all sounds lovely. Unfortunately, we likely won't have a car. My husband is a little nervous about driving in Portugal and prefers the train. I have to say that I drove from Spain to Fatima and Evora about 20 years ago with some girlfriends and we had no problem at all. But I like the idea of visiting some wineries. I'll take note of your suggestions. Many thanks!

Robert2533

You can hire a car and driver to take you to Évora and then take a local taxi from there to visit the wineries. I recommend staying at the Pousada Convento Évora. They should be able to make the driver arrangements for you without any problems (www.pestana.com/en/hotel/pousada-evora).

Pestana is the company that operates the Pousadas of Portugal.

lobo_mau

without a car and relying only in public transport, consider Sintra and Obidos as side trips.

Patticakes263

Thanks again fellows. I will take all that into consideration.