Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Portugal 10 day recommended itinerary Feb, 22

Ok - to plan b. We were supposed to go to Argentina and with Covid restrictions we had to change so Portugal it is! My spouse and I are celebrating are 30 year anniversary, his 62nd birthday and Valentine’s Day. We have booked flights in/out of Lisbon. We arrive on Feb. 11 (5:50pm) and depart on Feb 21 (7am). It has been 25 years since I have been to Portugal and my spouse has never been. The plan it to pick up a car and drive to see as much as we can. We know we want to see Sintra, Obidos, Fatima, and Porto. We also have interest in Algave and Azores. Is it worth it to go Evora/Estremoz Castle? I have been to Madeira but it has been 25 years. If we spend any time in Lisbon it would only be a day (if that). We are used to being on the go and don’t dawdle. We don’t need a lot of down time to just “chill”. We prefer to sightsee and/or shop. Can you recommend an itinerary with how many nights in each? I realize we are all over the place when it comes to north and south destinations. We are NOT opposed to flying on some segments if needed.

We will want private guides in the cities you recommend that we need them.

In addition, what is the current situation with Covid? Are masks required everywhere? Any restrictions on going to restaurants, sightseeing, etc? My husband has vaccination (Johnson and Johnson) but I do not. I will be taking Covid test before we come. Also, we need to be mindful that I need to take a PCR test 24 prior to departure from Lisbon. So we need somewhere when I can take the test on Feb 20 (Sunday) that would provide a test and results back within a few hours.