Hi Ray
We left Lisbon last Tuesday June 10 2014 and completed the walk to Villa Franca a tough day we walked for 4 and half hours before finding somewhere open for breakfast after 5 tough days and a top temp of 40 degrees my wife and I ( both suffering with sun stroke) jumped on a train from Tomar and headed to Porto.
We encountered extreme heat but after completing the Frances Camino in 25 days last year and preparing properly we thought we could handle anything Comparing the French and Portuguese Caminos -----the Portuguese is much tougher with very few options for sleeping and eating take care the guide book was less than perfect
Brierly 2013 edition which may have route changes etc sorted for 2014?
We walked for 2 full long days and didn't see another hiker.The towns and the people the food and the prices ( cheaper)are all good and without the heat it's very achievable with the heat thrown in its tough.
Walked out of Porto today and completed 37 km ( no problem)around the coast which had heaps of eating and accom options it seems more like the French Camino in respect to options for refuelling.
Any how if you want to get to Villa Franca in one day maybe skip the first couple of hours coming out of Lisbon get transport to the Expo site and the rest is Ok don't forget extra food and WATER.
Have fun
Greg and Kelly Fettell