Guy

Can anyone recommend the best days trips out from Lisbon for a traveler who won't have a car? I know we are going to visit Sintra by train but we were also wondering how easy would it be to visit Mafra or Evora by day bus/train. Has anyone else out there done this?<BR>Much obliged.

ridem

Setubal.<BR><BR>Try doing a search on either Fodors or LP Thorntree (http://thorntree.lonelyplanet.com/thorn/login.pl). Using the keyword "Setubal".<BR><BR>It's a wonderful small city, on the Sado estuary , easy to get to from Lisbon. A great place to spend a Saturday, and have lunch, at the wonderful sidewalk sea-food grills. <BR>It's not overun with tourists, offers good value for the time/expense, and seems to be favoured by the Lisboetas.

Georgine

Guy,<BR><BR>Without a doubt---Sintra is the most popular (and easiest to get to) day excursion from Lisbon.<BR><BR>You can also get to Mafra quite easily.<BR>There are frequent buses(75 minute ride)<BR>leaving from the terminal at Lisbon's Campo Grande metro station. If you go to visit the palace, put on your running shoes--I have never seen a guide move as quickly from area to area on a tour. Of course, the palace is huge and they need to keep on a schedule. The palace is impressive!<BR><BR>You can do the walled, medevial town of Obidos as a day trip--- The train takes between 2 and 2 1/2 hours each way, and the station in Obidos is about 1/2 mile from the town entrance gate. Usually, there are taxis at the station to meet incoming trains. Obidos is a very special place----particularly, if you have not visited other walled cities in Europe. <BR><BR>I am assuming that you already planned to take either the suburban train or a tram to Belem to see the Jeronimos Monastery, Monument to the Discoveries,the Tower of Belem and the Coach Museum (if that is of interest to you.)<BR><BR>Setubal is also a good recommendation.<BR><BR>I don't think Evora is a logcal "day"<BR>excursion form Lisbon. The express buses take between 2 1/2 and 3 hours each way---the regular buses can take up to 3 1/2 or 4 hours each way. The train isn't any better--3 hours each way. Save Evora for any overnight stop on your next trip to Portugal.

www.tourist-in-portugal.web.pt

Hi. The easiest option is Sintra. Trains depart from Rossio station in Lisbon, and arrive in Sintra after 40\50 minutes.<BR>I could also reccomend Alcochete, but for that I suggest a quick look at my website.

Susan

Lisbon to Sintra was easy by train. (Pena Palace in Sintra was high point of our visit to Portugal).<BR>Also recommend Obidos (a lovely village - very colorful - touristy but still worth it). <BR>We had quite a problem getting to Obidos by bus from Tomar. The local bus station was bedlam with no one speaking English. Ended on a bus that made 30 stops before we got to Obidos (it took forever).<BR>If you go by bus to Obidos, suggest you have hotel concierge check out the bus situation for you (unless you speak Portugese). Maybe the bus station in Lisbon will be less insane. (Also, our Lisbon taxi driver didn't know where the bus station was so we had to direct him.)<BR>Good luck with the taxi drivers & buses.<BR>

Daniel

Evora is possible as a day trip from Lisbon, but I would stay overnight. Lisbon´s bus station is near Saldanha metro station on the yellow line (www.metrolisboa.pt). Dep Lisbon 7.30 (arr Evora 9.15) or 10 (arr 11.45). &euro; 9.40 one-way/single. Dep Evora 17.45 (arr Lisbon 19.30) or 19.30 (arr 21.15). www.rede-expressos.pt, www.eva-bus.com/altaq.htm.<BR><BR>If you go to Sintra, beware that the Pena Palace is closed Monday, the Sintra Palace is closed Wednesday. Best views from Alta Cruz and Castelo Mouros.<BR><BR>The Sintra train stops in Queluz-Beles, 15 minutes walk from the pink rococo Queluz Palace (closed Tuesdays).<BR><BR>Belem (Portuguese for Betlehem) is worth most of a day, but the Coach Museum has moved to the Expo site.

pedro

wrong Daniel<BR><BR>Museu dos Coches is where it should be (Belem Palace)

Ellen

I recall going to both Estoril and Cascais by local train. It was a very quick train ride and the towns are so close together that you can walk. There were many restaurants to choose from in those areas and it made a nice late afternoon/evening excursion. I also highly recommend Sintra. Lastly, check out making a trip by local train or bus to Quelez to see the Pink Palace.<BR>Ellen

msa

While in Sintra don't forget to go to the Moorish Castle...gorgeous views!!! Lots of tall steps, but worth it. Its just down the hill from the Pena Palace. Cascais is a cute little town...we stayed there as well as Lisbon. In Cascais there is a paved sidewalk that goes all along the water...you can go for a nice long, beautiful walk...especially at sunset.