That is crazy line-ups. We went to Belem this past January(first week), and there was no lines at all. Was so good, just walked up to pay for ticket, and walked in. Same for most of the other sites. Sintra was the same, no lines what so ever.
Good choice! We did the same itinerary this xmas/nye, but in reverse. We did 5 days in Madrid, 7 days in Barcelona, then 3 days in Porto, and 4 days in Lisbon. All great destinations. Do spent a day or so within Porto, a very rustic and charming old town. And the good part of the Port vineyards tour is in Porto and not out in the Douro valley. walk the extra 15 mins to Taylor Fladgate port house for a tour and taste there, their port is so much better than the ones along the river town.Pete_Coach wrote: ↑
Update:
Well, 2019 was out of the question. We are partial to Scenic cruises and they are all sold out so, it had to be for 2020 and it was nearly sold out too so, we booked for next April as they only had a few cabins left. Geez, gotta book a year in advance because they sell out so fast.
Anyway, couldn't make up my minds so we will do them all. LOL We will spend 3 days in Lisbon prior to the Douro River cruise and then 3 days in Madrid after and end with 4 days in Barcelona, then home.
No rental car needed in Lisbon we stayed in Lisbon then went back to the airport to pick up the car from Budget rent a car UK. If you are driving from Lisbon to Algarve get the toll transponder from Budget to make sure you don't get dinged later. Also steer clear of the econo rental car companies like Gold Car etc. they use a ploy to sell u a full tank of fuel and bring it back empty etc. Also try Auto Europe for low rates.Tammy101 wrote: ↑ Can I piggy back on this thread.
I'm going to Lisbon in August, and plan to spend 3 days in the Algarve region. Can someone recommend a good car rental company to use? My plan is to rent a car from Lisbon airport and drive to Lagos to spend 3 nights there, then drive back to Lisbon to spend 5 days in Lisbon before heading back home. Or, should I take the train from the airport to Lagos and rent the car in Lagos, and take the train back to Lisbon? I only need the car while in the Algarve region, I hear we don't need a car in Lisbon. Car rentals seem expensive for 4 days (I need an automatic car, can't drive manual).
Also, should I exchange euros here in Canada or exchange them while in Portugal?
Thanks in advance.
Thank you GSD.GSD wrote: ↑ No rental car needed in Lisbon we stayed in Lisbon then went back to the airport to pick up the car from Budget rent a car UK. If you are driving from Lisbon to Algarve get the toll transponder from Budget to make sure you don't get dinged later. Also steer clear of the econo rental car companies like Gold Car etc. they use a ploy to sell u a full tank of fuel and bring it back empty etc. Also try Auto Europe for low rates.
Thank you so much! That's exactly the information I was looking for.twotterdhc6 wrote: ↑ There's a high speed train from Lisbon to Faro. It's a comfortable ride, and if you book ahead, you will probably end up being cheaper than driving when you factor in tolls and gas.
If you want to take the train all the way to Lagos, you'd need to connect to a slow train at Faro.
From Lisbon airport, it's a quick ride on the metro to Oriente station to catch the train.
If I'm not mistaken, you'd need to transfer at Tunes and not Faro.twotterdhc6 wrote: ↑ There's a high speed train from Lisbon to Faro. It's a comfortable ride, and if you book ahead, you will probably end up being cheaper than driving when you factor in tolls and gas.
If you want to take the train all the way to Lagos, you'd need to connect to a slow train at Faro.
From Lisbon airport, it's a quick ride on the metro to Oriente station to catch the train.
Tammy101, if I was you I'd rent a car and do the 3hr drive using the toll highway. A very very easy drive. A bit more expensive than the train or bus but worth it.Tammy101 wrote: ↑ Thank you GSD.
Another question:
I will arrive at Lisbon airport at 2pm, should I:
option 1: Rent a car from Lisbon and drive straight to Lagos upon arrival. I hear it's about 3hrs drive. Is it easy to drive?
option 2: Take a train to Lagos and rent the car the next day in Lagos, this way I can sleep on the train. Is there a direct train from the airport to Lagos? Is it very convenient?
What would you guys recommend?
I would rent a car -it’s a simple straight drive to Lagos.Tammy101 wrote: ↑ Thank you GSD.
Another question:
I will arrive at Lisbon airport at 2pm, should I:
option 1: Rent a car from Lisbon and drive straight to Lagos upon arrival. I hear it's about 3hrs drive. Is it easy to drive?
option 2: Take a train to Lagos and rent the car the next day in Lagos, this way I can sleep on the train. Is there a direct train from the airport to Lagos? Is it very convenient?
What would you guys recommend?
Like I posted above, the train from Lisbon doesn't take you all the way East to Faro.BrunetteGirl wrote: ↑ I would rent a car -it’s a simple straight drive to Lagos.
The train would take you all the way East to Faro.
With a car you can get around between the towns > Albufeira > Lagos> Sagres etc. Most hotels have free parking. You could also day trip to Seville if time permits.
Love the Algarve- enjoy!
Regardless I would still recommend a car to explore the smaller towns along the coastline.
I agreeBrunetteGirl wrote: ↑ Regardless I would still recommend a car to explore the smaller towns along the coastline.
+1, looking for some ideas but i am planning to go around November, heard its cooler at that time and more rain
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