Going to lisbon and porto in oct we want to do the Douro valley day tour and boat ride. One of the tour companies takes you to a DOC restuarant its 200 euro a person. Can anyone who has been tell me if it was worth the price and what they they think is the best tour they have had there.


we have 7 days in lisbon and one of those days is to sintra, send me any great ideas of different things you saw or did in lisbon!


thanks
rickey

The Hop On, Hop Off bus tour of both Lisbon and Porto were worthwhile, I thought. Lisbon had two routes, and Porto just one, I believe. They were quite comprehensive. The boat ride in Porto was just an hour. Easy enough to while away some time and see both sides of the river from a different perspective. All of these can be scheduled on your own when you get there.

Re DOC: We didn’t dine there but we did park and try to pop in for a coffee and snack a couple of weeks ago. The waiter refused us. The outdoor area beside the river was ½ full and the indoor area was empty so it certainly wasn’t for lack of space. So while I can’t comment on the food experience, I walked away with a very bad taste in my mouth.

Ian

Just getting back from Portugal including Porto and Lisbon. (On my way home.) In Sintra, most people focus on the castles on the hills above the town (which are worthwhile), but I loved the Quinta da Regaleira, a unique garden down below close to the town itself. The Quinta da Regaleira is a unique garden with whimsical touches, a waterfall, a weird tennis court - hard to describe but really unique place!

I also visited Coimbra, Nazare, and Tomar - nice to get more than the big city experience in Portugal. I loved Tomar and Nazare especially, wish I could have spent a few days in Nazare actually just to relax.

"I also visited Coimbra, Nazare, and Tomar - nice to get more than the big city experience in Portugal. I loved Tomar and Nazare especially, wish I could have spent a few days in Nazare actually just to relax."

We stayed twice in Nazare for a few days, once in the summer and once last December. We are from Hawaii, and my husband wanted so much to see the big waves, which are largest in the winter. A big wave surfer from Hawaii rode the biggest wave in the world there, and his record was just beaten there this past winter. The beaches on either side of the hill are the longest, widest beaches I have ever seen. I cannot speak for the water temperature, but in the summer it is quite lovely for sunbathing.

Will be in Porto in 2 weeks, and taking the 4 hr City Tour with Six Bridges Cruise and Wine Tasting. We booked using Travel Toe,
who's parent company is Viator. We're used Travel Toe many other times in various cities and has always been outstanding,
with knowledgeable guides. Tour offers hotel pick-up/drop-off and lasts 4 hrs. Cost is $65 USD/adult, $33 USD/children 6-10.
Tour supplier is Cityrama. Didn't know who the supplier was until after we made the booking, so the price may differ if booked
directly with Cityrama, instead of either Travel Toe or Viator.

Lisbon is amazing, as is Sintra. Easy to reahc by train from Lisbon is you won't have a car.

You have a nice trip to look forward to!