re: Lisbon vs. Porto

I would make a trip up to Porto.

We did about a week in Lisbon/Cascais for a wedding and traveled after for about a week.

On the week after we went 2 nights in Porto, 2 nights in Pinhao in the Douro Valley, 1 night in Porto, 2 nights back in Lisbon (we had to make it back to fly out of Lisbon because we used points, if you can reasonably fly out of different airports I would do that). It was a bit of traveling around but honestly wasn't too bad, there is a really nice train between Lisbon and Porto that takes like 2.5 hours.

The Douro Valley was one of the most breathtaking landscapes I've seen. It is nothing but terraced mountain vineyards as far as the eye can see. We stayed at Quinta De La Rosa, a working vineyard just outside of Pinhao (10 minute walk). I thought it was extremely reasonable for how nice it was. This was a great time for relaxing after what was a great, if not busy, trip.

We weren't able to make it down to the Algarve, but I have heard great things.

As for day trips from Lisbon - Cascais and Sintra. If you go the a lot of time in Lisbon route, I might even stay a night or two in Sintra to allow you to see more things. We were only there one day and it wasn't near enough time.

I've said this numerous times on this board, but Portugal is fricking dope. Let me know if you have any other questions.