"Business trip to Portugal - advice" Topic

I am flying into Lisbon later this month for a quick meeting in Castelo Branco, Portugal. I fly into Lisbon in the mid-afternoon the day before my meeting and then must drive to Castelo Branco which should take 2 to 3 hours. My question is does anyone know of any quick & reasonable detours that I can take in my drive which would enable me to see something of interest along my way?

I can detour up to an hour out of my way so any suggestions within that time frame would be appreciated. As I have to fly out early Friday for my return home there is no need to waste your effort in suggesting I extend my trip, etc.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

You'll cross both Lines of Torres Vedras on your way.

I've not driven in Portugal so I don't know how long it would take you to detour via Buçaco. However, if you did you'd see a most spectacular Napoleonic battlefield.

Next to Lisbon Saint Apollonia railway station is the Military Museum – the inner courtyard has some artillery barrels and in one of the vaults are several pieces of Napoleonic artillery.

The museum itself has a selection of Napoleonic weapons and uniforms (interestingly start off as French/Spanish equipments and end up as English!)

There is also a selection of WW2 weapons and uniforms (interestingly start off as German equipments and end up as British!)

There's an excellent museum about the Lines in Sobral de Monte Agraco and a group of fortifications in the immediate vicinity?
link

The BBC announced a petrol refinery strike starting this last weekend and rationing expected to be introduced of 15L per driver per day. Hopefully it will be over by the time you get there but you might want to take the "pay for what you use" option rather than "returning it full" on the rental car.