Portugal 12 night itinerary - still some questions
 

Hello,
I am a late twenties experienced solo traveler, this time going to Portugal with my mother. I have been reading a lot through the forum but I'm still unsure of where to focus. We won't be driving.
I don't want to rush to get anything done. I used to be a strict planner but I have realized now I generally like to take things slow and enjoy the moment, people watch, eat, have a coffee. In my previous travels, I greatly enjoyed immersing myself in the culture and meeting the local people.

I have planned a couple of days in Lisbon and once there, we will see what we want to visit and take day trips to Sintra, Obidos ans Belem.

Days 1-6 (June 3-8) Lisbon (with day trips)
Days 7-9 (June 9-11) Porto
Day 10 (June 12) ?
Day 11 (June 13) Evora
Day 12 (June 14) Lisbon
Day 13 (June15) Fly back home

- I'd like to visit the Douro valley but I'm still not sure how to do that without a car. Should stay somewhere overnight or do a day trip?
- I don't know what to do between Porto and Evora. I have read such great things about that city, I would hate to leave it out but maybe I'm overplanning.

Also, food is my passion so if you have any reccomendations or ideas on cooking lessons or culinary oriented activities, I'd love to know!
So that's what makes sense to me with what little I know. Input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

If you want to read my trip report about Lisbon last Fall, click my name and a list of my posts will come up. We loved Lisbon.

ttt

http://picasaweb.google.com/stuarttower/Portugal2008#

As is my modus operandi, I'm enclosing herein pics to familiarize you with some of the things you want see (Lisbon, Belem district, Sintra, Obidos-St. Nazare'. Also love Lisbon, as Peace Out proclaims. Underrated, "Europe without an attitude" is a an apt description.

To see the Douro valley without a car, you can either take a train ride to Regua. This tourist option from the national train company includes a visit to the Douro museum and the option of lunch: http://www.cp.pt/cp/displayPage.do?v...c0RCRD&lang=en or go on a river cruise - there are several cruise operators to choose from.

For more ideas of things to do in central Portugal, you take a look at my blog: http://juliedawnfox.com/category/tra...ugal-portugal/
Evora is nice but if you're pushed for time, you could stop at Coimbra (on the train route from Porto to Lisbon).

I've just had another look at your dates and noticed that you'll be in Portugal for the St Antonio festa, which I still haven't been to but would like to one day. It's in Lisbon so you'd need to be there on 12th and 13th June to make the most of it.

Thank you all for your advice.
I have changed things around a little. I took Evora out but I feel uneasy about it. I'm not sure if this itinerary will be pleasing without it. I mean, if the surroundings, scenery, architecture is beautiful, will it be nice to take long walks, are there quaint, traditional places to stop and eat, museums to visit, etc.
Days 1-3 (June 3-5) Porto
Days 4 (June 6) Coimbra
Day 5 (June 7) Nazaré
Day 6-11 (June 8-13) Lisbon
Day 12 (June 14) Porto
Day 13 (June15) Fly back home

" I mean, if the surroundings, scenery, architecture is beautiful, will it be nice to take long walks, are there quaint, traditional places to stop and eat, museums to visit, etc. "--
YES!

You can play it by ear according to your preferences and the weather, to decide on day-trips from Lisbon, or staying there and wandering around. I suggest you NOT stay in the business district of Lisbon, but instead stay right in the center of the historic areas. Again, I can't say enough about the Avenida Palace being a wonderful place and very affordable, including an amazing breakfast spread (eggs benedict, proscuitto, fruit, pastries, etc.)

Unfortunately I can't help with any cooking lesson leads in Portugal but you may want to check out this Lisbon based food & wine blogger:

http://andrerib.com/

I follow him on Twitter and Instagram. His food & wine photos are great and he has great information on food but his real forte is Portuguese wine.

LowCountryIslander thank you for the link

PeaceOut it makes me feel better about my itinerary, thank you

Couple of quick things:
- From Lisbon, Belem isn't really a day trip. It's a 15 min. tram ride. Easy to spend a lot of hours there, but also easy to just spend an hour or two.
- Sinatra is a day trip, and it's very pretty with forts and palaces.
- The Douro Valley is very pretty, and can get fairly hot, even in May. The river cruises can be a bit long and pricey, but it's a good way to see them. My gf and I hired a car and driver to take us around the valley with pick up and drop off in Porto. Cost around $200.