Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - What to do with our third week in Portugal

Hello all,

We are traveling to Portugal in April/May 2022 flying RT from Charlotte NC to Madrid (using FF miles and the flight is nonstop-so that why I booked Madrid). We plan to spend four days exploring the Madrid area then hop a flight to Lisbon to meet up with a small group of friends. Our first week after arriving in Lisbon is being spent touring from Lisbon to Porto. Here are some general ideas for that week.
1 - arrive in Lisbon, meet group in the evening for light appetizers or dinner
2 - walking tour of Lisbon to include food venues and Time Out food hall (possible cooking class at Time Out). Some free time with sightseeing suggestions for afternoon. Hopefully a fado dinner/show.
3 - day trip to Sintra and the coast via convertible VW bugs
4 - day trip to Algarve - winery visits, architecture viewing
4 - transfer to central Portugal - Braga or Coimbra - afternoon winery visit (Luis Pato?)
5 - more time in central Portugal
6 - transfer to Porto - jitney tour or foodie walking tour of city
7 - winery visit in Porto (Taylor-Fladgate?) or just outside Porto - check in to ship

Our second week is being spent on a Amawater Douro River cruise which ends near the border of Spain and Portugal. Not sure yet how the heck to get transportation to the next destination???

Now, I really need some help.. how to spend the last week of our time once we depart the boat.?

** One idea is to rent a Villa in Tavira with another couple or two and using that as a basecamp to explore the Algarve area further. Could hop a flight back to Madrid from the Faro airport..
** Another though was to go back to Porto or Lisbon and spend the week exploring those areas in more depth. Can easily get a flight back to Madrid form either of those areas.
** Of course there is also the northern or central part of Portugal to explore as well. So many options my head is spinning now.

What we really enjoy is NOT moving everyday but finding a good base camp area from which to explore wineries, small villages, or hike. Also love local markets where we can buy great foods and cook a bit at home but we also enjoy small charming restaurants (pretty much done with the Michelin scene). Also love the water and wildlife.

Looking forward to hear all your thoughts and ideas! Thanks!!!