After two nights in Mesao Frio (October 2005), my husband and I plan to drive south to Estremoz for two nights, with a one-night stop in between. That part of Portugal appears to be mountainous, so I assume driving is fairly slow there. Would Belmonte, Monsanto, or Marvao work as the stopover? Or can anyone suggest a place to stay (with a charming hotel if not one of the above pousadas) that would better split the two days of driving between Mesao and Estremoz? Can anyone tell me how many hours that probably is? Thanks to all - Claire

Claire, viamichelin.com will tell you how far and how long and best route. I will tell you that I love Marvao and would not miss it.

Consider this http://www.almeidahotels.com/bussaco_eng.htm
It's in the central part of Portugal and half way between Mesao Frio and Estremoz.
You shouldn't miss Marvao, but it's not an option to stay in between those locations because it's only a short ride from Estremoz.

I can't remember the distances or order of the towns without my notes but...

Yes, the driving was fairly slow-going on any two-lane road. We used viamichelin and theaa.com for directions and drive times.

Marvao was absolutely breathtaking.

We stayed at the Pousada in Belmonte and loved it. It is at the top of a hill and built around/into the ruins of a church or monestary. Our room was huge and had a balcony looking out over the valley below.

Thanks to all 3 of you. The Michelin mileage site is a new one for me - is that ever fantastic! I assume it's more reliable than Mapquest. Both Belmonte's Pousada and the Bussaco Palace Hotel look great - will have a tough time choosing between the two. Claire

If you have a little extra time, stop by Sortelha. The old part of the village is built completely of stone complete with castle ruins. It was quite eerie...we only saw one other person while walking the village. It almost seemed like a movie set.