Portugal planning help
 

I'd like to visit Portugal next sept/oct where is best to fly into from ny we would have about 11 days want to see Lisbon Porto and anything else suggested how long is good to stay in each city? What is the best way to travel around car or train?

Hi

I suggest you open a paper guide book.
In the meantime type 'Portugal' in the search box and read some trip report or itineraries

For train travel: http://www.seat61.com/Portugal.htm

There is no best way -it's what suits you, where trains go or don't, when buses are needed unless you have a car.

Do your homework, get the books from your library, read the websites, make a plan then see what suits you best.

We loved our 5 nights in Lisbon, staying at the Hotel Avenida Palace. Highly recommend this hotel.

http://www.hotelavenidapalace.pt/hotel-overview.html

Depending on what you want to see after the recommendations and reading guidebooks, you may decide that travel by car is the most convenient. I would not have been able to cover the same amount of territory as seen in my photos if we had stuck to public transportation:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca...7623555520457/

About 4 years ago we hired a car and drove from San Sebastián in Spain across to Porto then travelled along the coast to Lisbon staying in small villages along the way. We took 2 weeks of slow travel generally staying 3 nights in each village. We found accommodation by rocking up to the village or town and asking the locals or the tourist office. We have travelled overseas from Australia quite about and have to say this was one of our best trips. The car gave us the flexibility to move on as we desired and to reach the smaller towns with ease. Our first couple of nights were Espino after that we chose between the following:
• Coimbra

• Figueira da Foz

• Óbidos

• Peniche beach
Lastly Sintra.


We caught the local train in and out of both Porto and Lisbon for the sightseeing (both amazing) and stayed outside of the cities. Don't miss the Douro railway out of Porto which winds uphill to the wine region. Surfing underpinned the trip but the locals and the sightseeing in an authentic country made the trip wonderful.
Hope you have a great time.
Carolyn