I'm trying to put together an 8 or so day trip to Portugal in the second half of May. It will be just my husband and me, we're in our mid-60s, and used to traveling independently. We're also comfortable driving in (most parts of) Europe. My preference is to base in a few places and do day trips. Do you think splitting our time between Lisbon and Porto will suffice? Or is there somewhere else we should stay for a few days?

I'd also appreciate suggestions for day trips from each location.

Thanks in advance as always,
Alice

How many nights will you actually have on the ground in Portugal?

I have only been to Lisbon and Sintra so far, so can only comment on those 2 places. I recommend at least 4 nights in Lisbon, or 5 nights if you plan to do a day trip from Lisbon. Sintra is a good place for a day trip from Lisbon. Or you could spend 1 or 2 nights in Sintra.

If you can, I recommend flying open-jaw or multi-city. Fly into Lisbon and home from Porto so that you don't have to backtrack to Lisbon.

I recommend a few good guidebooks, such as Michelin Green Guide, Rough Guides, Lonely Planet, or Rick Steves.

Thanks, KarenWoo. We haven't booked air yet, but I'm thinking 8 days on the ground. So maybe 4-5 in Lisbon and 3 in Porto? I definitely have Sintra on my list as a day trip, but could consider staying there 2 nights (I'm not a big fan of 1 night stays).

I've got Rick Steves, but will definitely pick up another book, I usually like Lonely Planet.