My husband and I along with my in-laws are travelling to Spain and Portugal at the end of February. We are arriving in Madrid on a Saturday morning. We have to be in Lisbon on Wednesday night (for a conference) and will be remaining in Lisbon until Sat morning. We are renting a car and the general plan is the drive around from Sat to Wed night staying at a different location each night. I am having trouble deciding whether to head south from Madrid through Toledo, Cordoba, Seville, then up through Evora or to head west through Merida, Caceres area. Any suggestions would be appreciated including specific places to visit since our time will be limited. Best areas to visit in Portugal?
Any "off-the-beaten-path" places to stop en route from town to town?
Also planning where to visit on Monday seems to be important since many places are closed.

Well, since nobody has responded to my post, I guess I will. Based on my research so far, I think the best plan will be to take the AVE from Madrid to Seville upon arrival. That will save us the long drive on a jet lagged day. Then, rent a car before leaving Seville for Lisbon (will return car in Madrid).

Sat - AVE to Seville, rest, walk around, Flamenco show in the PM

Sun - train or bus to Cordoba, Granada (Alhambra), or Malaga (Picasso museum)

Mon - not sure - what is good to do on Mon? Seville another night? stay somewhere b/t Seville and Evora?

Tues - not sure, but stay in/near Evora in PM

Wed - Evora: Se, Roman temple, Museo de Evora
then, megaliths tour near Evora on the way to Lisbon

Thurs - Lisbon

Fri - day trip to Sintra, Cascais, or Obidos

Sat - drive back to Madrid, stopping in Merida to see the Roman ruins, possibly stay in Toledo, but very early AM flight home on Sun

Thoughts on what to do b/t Seville and Evora, on Monday and Tuesday?
Either:
-Aracena - (possibly hike in Sierra de Aracena)
-Serpa - Porto de Beja
-Beja - Museo Regional, Torre de Menagem, Museu Visigotico
-Vidigueira/Sao Cucufate
-Viana do Alentejo

Or:
-Zafra
-Monsaraz
-Vila Vicosa
-other places on this route

Please Help!

My two cents worth:

More than one day is needed in Lisbon. But if you feel otherwise, out of your choices for daytrips I would pick Sintra.

For your choices between Seville and Evora: My highest recommendation would be for Marvao. It is simply fabulous and Castelo de Vide is also nearby. Vila Vicosa was also nice. However, the tour was in Portuguese only. Our guide was nice enough to tell us much in English but he was not obligated to do so. I can't remember if it is open on Monday. Monsaraz was not as impressive as Marvao, but there were some megaliths in the area.

For Sunday, just to let you know, the train from Seville to Cordoba is a fast 40 minutes. The train or bus from Seville to Granada is at LEAST 2 1/2 hours. It really doesn't make a great day trip - too far.

Karen

Thanks for the replies, although I am disappointed I haven't gotten any more input from others.

OK - Sintra and Cordoba seem to be the best for day trips. Marvao seems great, but a little out of the way from Seville to Evora to Lisbon.

Also not much input for what to do on Monday. Either spending it in Seville or travelling to Evora. Is most everything closed on Monday?

Any great scenic routes to drive on the way to Evora? Is there somewhere to tour that is interesting about cork or making olive oil?

Metcarl:

Do not worry...If you look at Part 1 and Part 2 of my Travel Report To SPain and More I share how I did what you wish to do....

Happy Travels,
Oaktown Traveler

Spend three nights in Seville. With your planned daytrip, you won't have much time to enjoy the city. Also, the Alcazar is closed on Monday. You really should see it. Maybe you could visit Tuesday morning before you head to Evora. According to viamichelin.com, the drive between Seville and Evora is about 4 hrs.