This spring. Our first trip, and we will have approximately 8 days. We prefer to begin in Lisbon, and then move on to somewhere less crowded, more laid back. Probably will travel by rail. Porto? With days trips from both locations? Ideas?

Yes two bases with day trips is perfect for that time.

Maybe 4 in Lisbon, counting landing day and 4 in Porto.

Lisbon day trips- Sintra - Evora - Obidos, Cascais and Estoril. Lisbon has IMO more things to see right in it -including Belem on the seafront.

Porto - Guimares, Braga, Duroro Valley, Coimbra, Batalha

all easily reached by train and or bus.

For lots on Portuguese rail check www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com (especially Portugal chapter of free online European Planning & Rail Guide for more on day trips) and www.ricksteves.com.

Hello NativeNewYorker,
I recently returned from Portugal and would highly recommend Porto! We had four nights in Lisbon and then three nights in Porto. We rented a car for our drive from Lisbon to Porto, so that we could make several stops along the way (Obidos and Alcobaca). Regardless, you can't go wrong with Portugal! The people were wonderful, beautiful weather and great food. Enjoy your trip.

We loved Evora, a few hours east of Lisbon. A very old city located near the Spanish border. Some interesting pre-historic ruins near by. We also enjoyed Sesimbra, a small fishing/resort town not too far from Lisbon. it has a great beach and lots of seafood. Also, don't miss Sintra with it's castles. Sintra is an easy train ride just outside Lisbon.

If you like wine consider going to the Alentejo region - its really far away from the tourist crowds as of now! We loved it... here is my trip summary to Alentejo...

https://mewanderlost.com/2017/02/13/...tejo-portugal/


Some tips for Lisbon as well here:


https://mewanderlost.com/2017/02/22/...-time-visitor/

Have a great trip

Coimbra is a sweet stop between Lisbon and Porto - even for just a few hours.

I second the recommendation for Evora. Beautiful countryside studded with cork oaks. Also enjoyed a stop in Coimbra on our way to Douro Valley.

great info, heading there also in Spring 2018