Fred249

My wife 2, young adults, and I will be flying to Portugal this August for 14 days. We are landing in Lisbon and plan to travel by car to Selama, Tavira, Evora, Nazare, Coimbra, Douro Valley and Porto and back to Lisbon's airport.
My question is if we start in Lisbon, will the rest of the tour be anticlimatic? Or should we stay in Lisbon first? I prefer to "save the best" for last.
Thanks,
Fred

krgystn

I vote for visiting Lisbon last, not because it is saving the best for last, but because it will save you an additional hotel move and you will enjoy your last day more.

GoAway

Which is best - city or small town or countryside? I can't imagine Portugal being anti-climatic with any itinerary, if you appreciate cities, towns and countryside.

I really liked Lisbon. I really liked Evora and I really the scenery on those little narrow, twisty turny roads we drove to get to Piodao from Sao Romao. (I didn't particularly like *driving* them, but I'm a wimpy driver).

Personally, I prefer to get off a plane and stay put for at least one day in the city where I land; it's easier for me to get over jet lag by walking around than it is by driving somewhere. Several days in Lisbon first works best for me.

krgystn

Don't forget to check out Cascais while you are there.

Fred249

Thanks for your suggestions, I appreciate it.
fred

BrunoRibeiro

Maybe you can do Lisbon first and last. It depends on how you want to plan your trip. I recommend spending the first two days in Lisbon and then drive South to Tavira, and go up North passing Évora, Nazaré and Coimbra on your way to Porto (if you have the time, consider Aveiro as it's on route).

Base yourself in Porto, visit the Douro Valley (best do it in a cruise along the river) for one or two days. If you go by boat (or train) you'll free yourself from the hassle of driving and thus enjoy the landscape. After visiting the Douro Valley you can explore Porto and get back to Lisbon.

I don't know how many days are you planning to devote to each city and that makes it more difficult to suggest an itenerary. You might want to reserve a day to visit Sintra as it's well wort it.

Cheers.

boom_boom

I second the idea of saving a day for Sintra! I'd do Lisbon last because it is a great city ad as noted above, may save you a hotel move. Liked Porto, but loved Lisbon.

nini

Yes, do not miss Sintra. In Lisbon we really enjoyed the Gulbenkian Museum and in the Biaxa area there is the highly acclaimed restaurant, Bon Jardim--excellent meal for around 30 euros for two--roasted chicken is the specialty.