We just got back from a two-week trip to Portugal, north and south, though we didn't go to the Algarve. Would be glad to answer any questions. Rented a car, visited Porto, Aveiro, Buçaco, Leira, Peniche, Evora, Lisboa and Sintra. Didn't do any beaches, it was much too hot for that, even in September. <BR>

I'm planning to visit Evora next year - <BR>do you have hotel/restaurant recommendations? How did you find driving in Portugal?

Hi Ruth, <BR> <BR>If you're going to Evora (you'll really like it) I can suggest the hotel where we stayed. It was one of the nicest (and most expensive) hotels we stayed at in Portugal. It was an old mansion converted into a hotel. The next best thing to a "poussada" and a lot less expensive. It's called "Solar de Monfalim", the address in 1 Largo da Misericordia, phone: (066) 22031. Everyone in Evora must know where it is. It's a nice place to spend a few days, although we only stayed a night. The price in high season was 15000 escudos, which is about 118.$ can nowadays(for three adults. But it was really worth it for the decor and the atmosphere. It also has a beautiful dining room (breakfast is included), although we did not eat supper there. <BR> <BR>I hope you have a great time because Portugal is really lovely, and pittoresque. A place of contrasts. <BR> <BR>As for restaurants, we dined in an ordinary local restaurant called O Portao which was really cheap, but decent. What it the hardest in Portugal is that everyone smokes everywhere and it is rare that you find a non-smokinhg section in a restaurant. What I remember abour O Portao is that there was no place left in the non-smoking... <BR> <BR>Have a nice trip...

Hi Raymond <BR> <BR>The telephone number you gave is outdated. It should be <BR>Solar de Monfalim --&gt; +351 266750000

Hi, I am traveling for one week on my own through the North of Portugal. How did you like Sintra and Porto, and how much time would you allocate in each of these towns? Thanks,

Raymond,<BR>need any suggestions---leaving for Portugal dec 20 for 11 nights plan call for 4 night in Cascais ( visting Lisbon and Sintra) then traveling to Porto for 3 nights ( visit surrounding area) then 2 night in Coimbra --1 open night then staying near Lisbon for the return trip. Will travel by car and love to hear from you. Please respond or e-mail me directly thanks Lou