I am going to be on a Douro river cruise next Sept, Porto round trip. i plan to stay in Lisbon for one or two days before heading to Porto. I can always plan two days in Lisbon, with one day for the excursion--but my flight choices look better if I arrive in the evening of Day 1 and then spend all of Day 2 with overnght in Lisbon. If I end up with just one full day in Lisbon, is it worth trying to do a half-day excursion to Sintra/Estoril/Cascais? Or should I spend the entire time in Lisbon? I'll see various towns and villages on the river cruise, and I am thinking that maybe the full day in Lisbon is a better ideal? Are Sintra, Estoril and Cascais all that "special"? Is one place more interesting than the others?
Thanks for your help. Sue

I would say Sintra is worth it over Estoril & Cascais. It was beautiful. I would focus on Pena Palace and Quinta de Regaleira if you have limited time. Maybe you could do a half day in Sintra and then spend the evening in Lisbon.

Sintra is a special town and worth the visit.

Absolutely do Sintra,skip Cascais-nothing special-shabby/touristy,can't comment on Estoril.

Sintra is a VERY special place for me. I think it is one of the most beautiful towns in Portugal.

Cascais is a cute little seaside town, but really nothing special.

I don't like Estoril at all.

I would suggest going to Sintra, but only if you have seen the major sites of Lisboa.

You should see the Jeronimos Monastery, Castelo Sao Jorge, go up in the Elevator Santa Justa, see the Coaches Museum and the Gulkbenkian Museum. You must walk around Alfama and see all the beautiful houses with the Azulejos tile. You must go listen to fado (although you will never hear the voice of Amalia Rodrigues again unless it is a recording).

If you have done all of this, then go to Sintra.

Thin

Cries_Van_Notebook writes: "I would suggest going to Sintra, but only if you have seen the major sites of Lisboa"

I agree wholeheartedly with that! With just 1-full-day in Lisbon, I would schedule half a day in Belém and the other half divided between the Rossio-Baixa area and a half day Lisbon City Tour. Many such tours park the bus in front of the Jeronimos and hit a half dozen sites like the Discoveries Monument, Museo da Marinha, etc.

As for Sintra & Cascais: it's an either/or thing. If you've never been to Lisbon before, I would concentrate on Lisbon

The evening you arrive (assuming you are not 'wiped out' from your trip) you could do the Fado bit, maybe even on a Lisbon by night Tour.

topping

I will add my two cents for what they are worth.
I have been to Sintra once. I have been to Lisbon three times. I haven't even begun to have my fill of Lisbon.
I realize that choices must be made when vacation time is limited. Sometimes it is a hard choice to make.

The Lisbon coast is really wonderful. You would be able to see some of it if you went to Cascais or Estoril That would be the only reason to go to these two towns, not the towns themselves. Because there are many places on the Lisbon coast that are more special than these.

My vote would be for you to spend more time in Lisbon/Belem.
I hope whichever itinerary you choose, you enjoy Portugal. And I know you will enjoy the Douro.