5 Days in Portugal - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Explore Lisbon

Immerse yourself in Lisbon’s culture, history, and flavor on this trip plan, which features guided tours of the city and its food scene, a day trip to nearby Sintra, and time for you to explore the delights of Portugal’s up-and-coming capital. 

Spending five days in Lisbon and its environs is a great way to live and breathe Portugal like a local. You’ll have lots of help from expert guides along the way, kicking off your first night in town with a delicious culinary tour. The next morning, you’ll hit the streets again, this time for a half-day tour of the city’s treasures and history. Visit chic and bohemian enclaves,the baroque splendor of St. Roque Church, and take in a panoramic view of downtown for your perch at the Iron Lift Viewpoint.

On day three, you’ll head to the nearby forested foothills for a day trip to Sintra, an ancient village with a sterling reputation as one of Europe’s most picturesque spots. Your tour guide will take you to sites like Royal Pena National Palace, constructed on the ruins of a 16th-century monastery, and on your way back to town, you’ll stop to drink in clifftop ocean views from Cabo da Roca, Portugal’s westernmost point. 

Now that you’ve gotten the lay of the land, discover Lisbon at your own speed on day four. You could spend your time shopping in the ritzy Chiado neighborhood, wander around Príncipe Real, or duck into the Museum of Natural History and Science. Catch a sunset at Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara before one last dinner in town (your specialist is happy to give you some recommendations). In the morning, enjoy one last breakfast in Portugal, then head to the airport for your flight home. Learn more. 

Itinerary #2: Highlights of Porto, Lisbon, & Sintra

Get to know Portugal’s two biggest cities in this trip plan that blends must-see sights, guided tours, and solo exploration. You’ll savor the flavors of Porto and Lisbon, ending your trip with a visit to beautiful Sintra.

Your trip begins in Porto, where you’ll sink into local culture with a guided tour of the city’s historic downtown district and its stellar food scene; you’ll visit a smattering of family-owned businesses that pride themselves on making high-quality products and set the standard for the culinary renaissance happening here. You’ll also learn about Port wine through a flight that includes a special vintage. 

Go deeper into Porto’s history the next morning with a half-day guided tour of the city and its landmarks, including Clerigos Tower, beloved markets, and the local treasures in Foz. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, see the city through an epicurean lens in the evening as you go off-the-beaten-path to visit a number of local families in their small, traditional eateries and bars as you learn about life and culture here one bite at a time. 

In the morning, you’ll board a train to Lisbon, whose neighborhoods you can explore at your own speed; spend some time discovering Alfama, full of historical landmarks and red-tiled homes, or head to Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara for a spectacular view of the city. The next day you’ll take a guided tour of Sintra, the 16th-century village dotted with historic castles, palaces, and mansions. Enjoy one last dinner in Lisbon before your departure the next morning. Learn more

Itinerary #3: City to the Coast - Lisbon & Western Algarve

If you’re interested in splitting your time between a lively urban center, full of history, and plenty of oceanside relaxation, consider this itinerary, which features time in both Lisbon and Lagos in the Western Algarve. 

Start your stay in Lisbon with a sunset cruise on the Tagus River and enjoy a celebratory glass of sparkling wine as the city’s lights flicker on. In the morning, you’ll tour the town with an expert guide, who will lead you along Lisbon’s streets and its famous yellow tram; visit the city’s neighborhoods, sample their culinary delights, and learn about local history along the way. 

On day three, you’ll head to historic Lagos, and get the lay of the land with an epicurean walking tour of town: you’ll taste a dozen quintessential local dishes and will connect with local purveyors and chefs. The waters await the following morning, when you’ll head to the spectacular Gold Coast for a day of cruising and relaxation. You’ll see Portugal’s caves, cliffs, beaches, and rock formations, and can enjoy lunch and a cocktail in Burgau, a charming fishing village. Soak up the sun and dip in the refreshing waters of the Atlantic before you head back to Lagos for a relaxing dinner. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Portugal's North & Douro Valley

Discover Portugal’s northern reaches and the spectacular Douro Valley—one of Europe’s loveliest wine regions—in this relaxing trip plan. 

Porto welcomes you for the first two days of your trip, igniting your adventure with a deep dive into local history, architecture, and unforgettable gastronomy. With the help of a guided tour, you’ll visit landmarks like Porto Cathedral, Church of St. Francis, and the integral Boavista Avenue.

Then you’ll begin an exploration into food culture here, first with a visit to a local small scale cannery specializing in delicious tinned fish, followed by a tour of the city’s food scene. Meet families passionate about preserving culinary heritage and sample their goods at restaurants and bars off-the-beaten-path, then end your night sipping a selection of complex Port wines. 

Trade city streets for pastoral simplicity on day three, when you travel to the stunning Douro Valley, which you can explore based on your interests. Go wine tasting at world class wineries, learn about local olive oil production, or surrender to the subtleties of nature with a hike in the hills or a boat ride down the Douro River. 

Two Portugeuse gems await on day four: you’ll start with a visit to Braga, where you’ll be met with baroque churches, elegant city vistas, and chic boutiques. You’ll then travel to Viano do Castelo, a stunner of a city, featuring a medieval city center, rococo palaces, and access to a strip of gorgeous beaches. Stroll the streets or relax on the sand as you drink up Portugal’s beauty. In the morning, you’ll enjoy breakfast before departing for the airport. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Discover the Algarve

With this trip plan, you can immerse yourself in the beauty and relaxation of Portugal’s Algarve region, which sits in the southwest with a coastline that swoops along the Atlantic. 

Start your trip with a couple of days in Faro, one of the two most prominent cities in the Algarve. Walk through the city and learn about its culture and traditions with an expert guide who will teach you about local heritage on a dynamic and delicious food tour. Bookend your sightseeing by soaking up some rays on Faro’s waterfront and its stunning beaches. 

On day three, travel back through time with a visit to Tavira, a charming townhome to superb island beaches and impressively adorned churches and cathedrals. Then journey onto Lagos, a centuries-old city with great eateries and nightlife, cobblestone streets, and squares that invite you to linger over a glass of sparkling wine and watch the world pass by. Of course, you can also opt to head to the sand: take your pick of a number of beaches and secluded coves you can explore from the shore, by jet ski, or on a relaxing cruise. 

Finally, you’ll return to Faro for some last-minute sightseeing or a luxurious breakfast in town before heading to the airport for your flight home or your next destination. Learn more

Itinerary #6: Portugal Food Tour

Savor the flavors of Portugal on this delicious trip plan, which introduces you—and your palette—to local culture and history. You’ll take guided food tours, take a Portuguese cooking class, and discover the charm of the Douro Valley.  

Whet your appetite for Portugal’s delights upon your arrival in Lisbon, which you’ll explore on a private guided gourmet food tour. You'll dive deep into the city’s gastronomy and learn the depths of how important cuisine is here as you visit not only local eateries, but markets and a hospitality school. Build up your hunger the next day as you wander the quaint cobblestoned labyrinth of Òbidos, a gorgeous town with historic roots and an abundance of charm. 

You’ll then arrive in Porto, which will serve as your home base for the rest of your trip. Get the lay of the land with a private gourmet walking tour of the city’s dynamic downtown and savor a flight of Port wines (including a vintage pour) as you gain an understanding of the food scene here. In the morning, you’ll hit the streets for a guided half-day tour of Porto’s gorgeous landmarks, including Porto Cathedral, Foz, and the iconic D. Luís Bridge, then enjoy a relaxed hands-on cooking workshop that will teach you tips and tricks to recreate your favorite Portuguese dishes once you return home. 

The spectacular Douro Valley (a wine region so scenic that it’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site)  awaits you on your final full day. Customize your itinerary today based on your mood and interests: taste Port or blends at a bevy of fantastic wineries, visit an olive oil producer and linger in the shade of the groves after lunch, or laze the day away on the banks of the Douro River. In the morning, you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast in Porto before you head to the airport for your flight home. Learn more

More Great 5-Day Portugal Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your Portugal trip? Check out these other 5-day Portugal itineraries, ranging from active, to cultural, to luxury, or family-friendly trips.

Or, describe your ideal trip and we will connect you with a local specialist to make it happen.