13 Days in Portugal - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Portugal Panorama: Lisbon, Lagos, Coimbra & Porto

See the whole of Portugal on this 13-day discovery in which you'll travel the southern coast, visit medieval palaces, tour the highlights of Lisbon and Porto, and enjoy wine tasting in the Douro Valley.

The adventure begins in Lisbon, where you'll discover the city through its cuisine, architecture, and history. On your first night, embark on a walking food tour in which you'll visit seven eateries, both classic and modern, to sample Portuguese favorites like cod fritters, custard tarts, and the famous bifana (a sublime pork sandwich). Then see Lisbon's famous skyline from the deck of a sailboat on a sunset cruise before heading off to the inland pine woods of Sintra. Here, you'll tour the iconic Pena Palace, a romanticist castle and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.

On Day 4, you'll visit the 15th-century Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and marvel of Gothic/Manueline architecture. After a stop in the charming fishing village of Nazaré, you'll get in a rental car for a road trip to the hidden beaches, secluded coves, and rocky headlands of the Algarve coast. Stop in coastal town Lagos to laze on its shores and stroll its medieval Old Town. Then hop on a catamaran and cruise along sandstone cliffs to secluded coves and the famous Benagil sea caves. On Day 7, transfer to the sea cliffs at Cabo de São Vicente for an incredible sunset.

Then head north to Coimbra to tour its university plus the 16th-century Chapel of Saint Michael. Continue to Porto, stopping in Aveiro, known as the "Venice of Portugal" due to its network of canals. After touring Porto, take a boat cruise up the Douro River to a quinta (wine estate) in the green hills overlooking the river. Then it's time for a cooking class in Porto and a hike to waterfalls in Peneda-Gerês National Park before returning home. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Porto, Lisbon & the Azores

Combine the best food, culture, and history tours of Portugal's major cities with an island getaway on this 13-day Porto, Lisbon, and Azores adventure.

Bring your appetite because, in Porto, you'll embark on a food tour of family-run eateries and bars to sample traditional snacks, pastries, and port wine. On another tour, you'll visit Porto's famous Gothic and Romanesque landmarks like the 13th-century Church of St. Francis and the 12th-century Porto Cathedral. After exploring medieval towns north of Porto, like Guimarães and Braga, you'll go wine tasting in the Douro Valley. Then tour Lisbon's historic (and bohemian) neighborhoods, including Chiado, followed by an evening of great food accompanied by traditional fado folk music.

After visiting Sintra on Day 8, you'll fly from mainland Portugal to the city of Ponta Delgada, the capital of the Azores archipelago. Ponta Delgada is on São Miguel Island, known for its green mountainous coastline and wide volcanic calderas. There's also great food and wine here, which you'll enjoy on a walking tour of the city. On Day 10, hit the vast and inviting beaches of São Miguel, like Praia dos Mosteiro, known for its black volcanic sands. Cap the trip with a visit to the geothermal pools of the Furnas Valley and a hike to Lagoa do Fogo, São Miguel's most spectacular crater lake. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Discover Mainland Portugal & Madeira

This 13-day island and mainland itinerary showcases the best of Lisbon and Porto. It also includes a highlights tour of Madeira, a Portuguese island group that offers equal parts adventure and beauty.

Upon arrival in Lisbon, you'll hop in a tuk-tuk (auto rickshaw) for a ride up to some of the best viewpoints in the city, like São Pedro de Alcântara, which looks out across the hills to Lisbon Castle, a fortification dating to the 1st century BCE. A private walking tour reveals more highlights, like the Arco da Rua Augusta, an 18th-century arch on the banks of the Tagus River. Stop in charming country villages like Foz do Arelho on your way to Óbidos, where you'll stroll cobbled streets and visit the town's medieval castle. On Day 4, transfer to Porto for walking tours and a wine tasting in the Douro Valley.

From Porto, you'll fly to Funchal, the capital of Madeira, a group of four islands off the north coast of Africa. This archipelago was uninhabited until Portuguese sailors arrived in the 15th century, and today it retains its old-world charm and unspoiled nature. Embark on off-road tours to Madeira's fertile valleys, misty laurel forests, and craggy mountains. After stops at vineyards for wine tastings, tour the art galleries of Funchal's Old Town and the 15th-century, Gothic Cathedral of Sé. Return to the mainland on Day 11 and enjoy the beaches in Cascais before heading home. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Highlights of Spain & Portugal: Cities, Beaches & Culture

Get the best of the Iberian Peninsula on a 13-day highlights tour of Portugal and Spain that will take you from Porto and Lisbon to Madrid, Barcelona, and the beaches of the Costa Brava.

You'll arrive in Lisbon, and there are few better cities to get a sense of Europe's deep history. On private tours, you'll visit Lisbon's grand plazas and marvel at its well-preserved mix of Roman, Gothic, and Baroque architecture. One major highlight is the Lisbon Cathedral, which dates to the 12th century and is the oldest church in the city. Then head north to Porto, stopping first in Coimbra, a historic and former capital city on the Mondego River. It is famous for its 13th-century university, home to a stunning Baroque library, which you'll see on tour.

In Porto, you'll see its highlights on a private tour, like the iron Dom Luís I Bridge, São Bento Railway Station, and the riverfront Ribeira neighborhood. After tasting wine in the Douro River Valley, you'll fly to Madrid. Stroll Gran Vía, Madrid's trendy shopping boulevard, and visit the Prado Museum to see one of the world's largest collections of European art. Then travel south to Toledo, a medieval hilltop city overlooking the Río Tajo. On Day 9, take a train ride to Barcelona and visit highlights like Ciutadella Park, Barcelona Beach, and Gaudí architectural marvels Park Güell and the Sagrada Familia Church.

Finish the trip with a scenic hike amid the coastal villages and secluded beaches of the Costa Brava. Learn more

More Great Portugal Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Portugal? Check out these other Portugal itineraries, with outdoor adventures, family-friendly trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.