everyone we've spoken to, and the guide books all rave about Oporto, but I'm wondering given all the other wonderful areas to visit how much time to allocate. I was thinking 2 to 3 nights out of a 14 night trip - day one explore the city and visit one or more of the port lodges, and day two take a river cruise and explore the city some more. does that sound reasonable or am I missing other ideas/possibilities? thanks

Two or three nights is right. Don't miss the Fondacion Serralves for its 1930s mansion and its contemporary art museum (the building is interesting).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...57623555290159 and the next two pictures.

You may want to take a look at my trip report; click on my name to find it.

I agree with Michael.

wow, awesome trip report, thank you

Make sure you go to the Douro Valley and stay at a Quinta. It was the highlight of our trip to Portugal. It is so beautiful! Many places to test the Port too.

Porto is worth at least 3 nights. You have the city and the coast at Foz do Douro, which can easily take a day by itself. You can get there on the Tram, or walk it in 30 minutes or so.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/iberian...7629104524412/

As noted, a trip into the Douro River Valley is well worth your time, but it will depend on your dates. It can be rather warm in July and August.

how lovely, thanks all - Robert, what is the Foz Do Douro? I don't remember seeing it in the guide book.

Foz Do Douro is the community west of Porto, on the coast facing the Atlantic. It's a lot flatter than central Porto and has some excellent restaurants, including one of our favorites, Restaurante Pedro Lemos. There is also the Restaurant Foz Velha nearby.

Beautiful pictures, I didn't make it to Porto on my trip to Portugal now I know I need to go back. The whole country is so beautiful and often overlooked. Without the pressures of so many must see sights you end up with a relaxing, thoroughly enjoyable vacation.

Definitely take time in Lisboa and try to make it to the south if the weather is right the beaches are stunning especially in the shoulder season when they are quiet. I was in Salema in late October/ early November and had the beach to myself.

Another south beach area is just north of Porto Cova..
A protected national park-like a area..no condos, high rises, or even houses unless they have been grandfathered..No development just unadulterated beauty.

We spent three nights in Porto last year and thought it was perfect. We also spent three nights in Lisbon and thought it was not enough. We are on night number three now with three more in Lisbon and think that it is about right.

Lisbon is a truly beautiful city that is also interesting. Porto is interesting city but certainly not beautiful. It also, to its misfortune, lacks a lot of the things that we find appealing.

ok, so I'm thinking out of a 14 night trip 4 nights in lisbon, 3 in Porto, and the last night has to be at the airport as our plane leaves at 7 am. that leaves 6 nights - 1 in the duoro valley, 3 in Evora and the last two in....Tomar? obidos? Coimbra? Bragancia? advice most appreciated

We spent one night in Coimbra between Lisbon and Porto. The old university is very interesting and the old university library is fascinating (and to our mind, not to be missed.)

Last year we stayed at the Avenida Palace Hotel in Lisbon and they sent me a birthday greeting later in the year. I posted this on Fodors and most of the people said 'Well, it's just marketing." which I'm sure it is.

Today we are in Lisbon, staying at the Avenida Palace Hotel and today is my birthday. They sent me a birthday email greeting again. We just came back from dinner and they placed a bottle of sparkling wine, some cookies and a note saying "Happy Birthday Mr. Sal9001" in our suite. Marketing or not you have to give credit to the management of this hotel. This has never happened to me in any hotel before.

You may rest assured that when we return to Lisbon we will be staying at this hotel.

We spent one night in Obidose. Interesting town to see but one day and night was enough. Had a great lunch and drove over to the coast for dinner. We stayed in a manor house right outside the walls. I think it was called Casa d'Obidos ( but I would have to check). Had a great view of the castle from our room.

thanks everyone, really appreciate all the good advise

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