Great discussion. I'll be visiting in September and looking forward to many of the recommendations here. Thanks

Hi there, I shoul strongly recomend a night or two im Coimbra, the city of student's as it is known here in Portugal. Great views from up the hill, the old university buildings, an were to stay? At the Hotel Quinta das Lagrimas... what a great place, and what a romantic one also... It's an old palace, but it has a new building next to it that has also rooms and a spa..and has a great private garden, and the palace is filled with the history of the Forbiden love of King Pedro and Inês de Castro, as it is said that she was murdered in these same gardens, right next to a fountain that since then as red stones from the blood of Inês... google it if you want to know more about the history of the place, but definitely a place to visit...

clarasong.. what wonderful options have been presented. You will not go wrong with any of them!!! You do not mention your contact with the pousadas..Are you seniors? Discounts!!! Mention any anniversaries, birthdays, etc. and sometimes special perks come your way...The Porto pousada looks super as does the one in Estoi (Algarve). Busacao is a hoot. Decent little museum nearby..Bonaparte/Waterloo, etc. Pinaho has a decent quinta owned by Fonseca..Hotel Victoria or Victoria house. Any are great!! Wish I could hide in your suitcase.

djjojo: Yes, been to the "House of Tears" (isn't that an accurate translation of Quinta das Lagrimas" some years ago. Will never forget it, especially that funny statue of Queen somebody=--can't remember unless I look at the photos. Thanks for the tips.