Originally Posted by Atlas Shrugged

I had spent a month cycling Portugal in October did a big circle tour starting in Lisbon. So my advice will be generic in nature. Took the train to Evora to start as cycling out of Lisbon is nothing interesting and can be hectic. I stayed away from the coast as it is very busy and unappealing to myself as I love small towns without a large tourist population. My touring approach is I pick a general direction and find accommodation that interest me at an appropriate distance. Then I build a route on RideWithGPS selecting quiet secondary roads and gravel paths. I found the riding, food and accommodation amazing and people very generous. Stay inland close to the Spanish border you will be amazed at the quiet peaceful roads. Extremely low traffic volumes were the norm and the drivers were courteous. Prices were very reasonable as well. If you enjoy wine what a surprise as the local product was fantastic.

Find towns your wife would like to stay in and ride from point to point from there no more structure required. Yes the N2 can be very busy and the motorcycles were terrible, the only place I did not enjoy the riding was on the N2. Just pick a secondary road and enjoy.