Portugal Grand Tour: Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve & More - 15 Days

Highlights

• Visit the spectacular and spooky Chapel of Bones in Évora
• Take wine-tasting tours in Porto and the Douro Valley, the land of port
• Dive into the waves of the Algarve's best beaches
• Walk the medieval stones of Óbidos and the castle of Monsaraz

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon, Explore

Welcome to Portugal! Upon arrival, a driver will transfer you to your hotel, where you can rest or set out to explore Lisbon on your own. The Portuguese capital boasts hilly waterfront neighborhoods dotted with pastel-colored buildings. Old cable cars lurch up winding cobbled roads, and medieval castles sit perched atop the highest points in the city. For a perfect introduction to this remarkable destination, head to one of Lisbon's famed miradouros or lookout points, which provide breathtaking panoramic views.

In the evening, you can take a guided tour of Mouraria, one of the oldest and most traditional neighborhoods in Lisbon. This is where the world-famous fado style music or Portuguese blues has its origins. The walking tour will cover the history and culture of fado while introducing you to local snacks and ginjinha (sour cherry liqueur). The evening ends at a fado house, where you can enjoy a live show of Portugal's national music.

Day 2: Private Tour of Old Lisbon

Begin the day with a private walking tour of Old Lisbon. Stroll the alleys and narrow streets of the old quarter and the trendy downtown area. Uncover the history of this vibrant city as you visit neighborhoods like Alfama and Baixa. The former is a maze of ancient buildings with an irresistible crumpling charm. And the latter is the heart of the city, filled with magnificent plazas and grand avenues.

Walk through important landmarks like Castelo de S. Jorge (St. George Castle), a medieval fortress in the middle of the city. Occupied since the eighth century, this landmark is easily accessible on foot and is one of the most iconic symbols of Lisbon. Because of its privileged position on the highest hill, the castle also provides a glimpse of the capital, sure to leave you speechless.

Day 3: Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais

Get away from the bustle of the capital with a visit to the town of Sintra. Its highlight is the colorful Pena Palace, considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Located on the top of Sintra Hill, this 19th-century landmark is a symbol of Romanticism in Portugal. After the castle, walk around and shop in the historic village center.

Then head to the coast to Cape Roca, the westernmost point in continental Europe. Take in views of the lighthouse perched atop the cliff and stop by a fresh seafood restaurant for lunch. Continue south along the coast to Cascais. This charming resort town's beaches and seaside rock formations have made it a popular getaway with the rich and famous. As the sun goes down, return to Lisbon.

Day 4: Transfer to Coimbra via Óbidos

Today, your driver will transfer you to Coimbra with a stop in the medieval town of Óbidos along the way. This is one of the most picturesque and well-preserved places in Portugal, which once held strategic importance in the area. It had already been settled prior to the Romans' arrival in the Iberian Peninsula, and the town prospered after being chosen by the royal family.

King Dinis offered it to his wife, Queen Isabel, in the 13th century. It became part of Casa das Rainhas (Queens' Estate), which gives it the nickname of the "town of queens." Óbidos features an awe-inspiring castle and fortified wall, which circles the town's maze of streets and squares. Wander around and see its typical white houses decorated with Manueline porticoes and colorful windows. In the afternoon, your driver will transfer you to your hotel in Coimbra.

Day 5: Explore Coimbra

Explore Coimbra today, a beautiful and charming city considered one of the most ancient university towns in the world! Founded in 1290 by King Dinis, the University of Coimbra contains a tremendous amount of history and knowledge within its walls. The University's Baroque Library is a must-see, with its incredible collection of over 200,000 books on intricately carved and gilded bookshelves. End the day with a relaxed walk within the old medieval streets of Coimbra's ancient historical center.

Day 6: Transfer to the Douro Valley

Your driver will transfer you from your Coimbra hotel to your Douro Valley accommodations in the morning. Settle in and relax or venture out to get your first taste of the world's first and oldest demarcated wine region. The Douro Valley is home to the vineyards that produce many of Portugal's most renowned table wines, as well as one of the most famous exports of the country: port.

Day 7: Douro Valley Wine Tasting & Boat Ride, Transfer to Porto

The Douro Valley could easily be called the enchanted valley, with its breathtaking terraced fields undulating on both sides of the Douro River. Today, a private guide will take you around the area to places tourists don't usually go. Take a visit to a local winery and taste port wines. Strong and sweet, Port is the region's cultural treasure, attracting international wine lovers since the 18th century.

Enjoy lunch at the winery—with local wine, of course—before heading down to the river to embark on a semiprivate boat tour. As you cruise down the calm waters of the Douro, take in the exquisite softness of the landscape from a unique perspective. Afterward, a driver will transfer you to Porto. On the way, stop at the Casal de Loivos viewpoint, famous for its unmatched panoramic views of the valley.

Day 8: Private Guided Tour of Porto with Wine Tasting

This morning, enjoy a private half-day tour of Porto. The first stop is the famous Lello Bookshop, whose aesthetic inspired the first "Harry Potter" book. Climb the 225 steps of Torre dos Clérigos (Clérigos Tower) for breathtaking panoramic views. See the Old Jewish Quarter and the Railway Station of Saint Bento and learn about the city's history in these significant locations.

Continue to the Sé do Porto (Porto Cathedral), an elaborate 12th-century monument. Make your way along the winding medieval Escada das Verdades (Stairway of Truth), heading south until you reach Ribeira. Discover the iron Bridge of Luís I and historic UNESCO-listed houses in Porto's most famous district. Throughout the tour, stop for local snacks or petiscos and wine. Your afternoon is free to keep exploring, so consider stopping at one of Porto's famed vintage wine cellars.

Day 9: Free Day in Porto

Day 10: Transfer to Évora

This morning, a driver will transfer you from Porto to Évora in the south-central Alentejo region. After checking in, walk around this beautiful historic city the Romans once occupied. The center is famous for its whitewashed homes with yellow accents that create a light and airy atmosphere. As the capital of the Alentejo region, Évora has plenty to offer.

Go to the Museu de Évora to understand why this city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit numerous 14th and 15th-century noble houses dating back to a time when the Portuguese royal house and the court moved here. The Paço dos Duques de Cadaval (Palace of the Dukes of Cadaval) and the Paço dos Condes de Basto are two of the most impressive of these structures.

Day 11: Private Guided Tour of Évora & Monsaraz

Spend the day exploring the beautiful Alentejo region, beginning with a private tour of Évora. Visit the Igreja de São Francisco (Church of St. Francis). See the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones), famous for its walls covered in human skulls and bones. Other landmarks include the impressive Évora Cathedral and the Roman Temple, dedicated to Diana, the goddess of the hunt and moon.

Next, head to Monsaraz and stop at an artisanal pottery village on the way. Located near the Spanish border, Monsaraz is a medieval village known for its sizable Knights Templar castle. From Monsaraz Castle, you can get views of the town and the Alqueva Dam, the largest artificial lake in Europe. Return to Évora for the night.

Day 12: Transfer to the Algarve

Today, a driver will take you from Évora to the Algarve, Portugal's southernmost coastal region. After checking in at your hotel, enjoy a free afternoon for some fun self-guided adventures in Carvoeiro. This small town is considered one of the prettiest in the region. The Algarve is known for its stunning limestone cliffs and rock formations.

Consider searching for an elevated lookout point where you can see the forceful Atlantic waves crashing into the rocks. Otherwise, head to the beach for some fun in the sun or spend some time enjoying the breathtaking scenery along the coast. As evening falls, treat yourself to delectable fresh seafood at a local restaurant.

Day 13: Guided Tour of Villages & Beaches in the Algarve

Discover the most beautiful towns in the Algarve on a private tour today. Stop in Lagos, a small fishing village with 2,000 years of history. It was from here that many of the country's famed explorers departed. Get some sun or play in the water at Meia Praia, a popular local attraction. 

Then head west to Sagres, a must-see destination for its beaches and the immensity of its landscape. The town's highlight is the Sagres Fortress, built in the 15th century and now a national monument. Finally, go to Cape St. Vincent, the most southwesterly point in mainland Europe. Its iconic lighthouse overlooks one of the busiest trade routes in the world—the views are nothing to scoff at, either!

Day 14: Return to Lisbon via the Vicentina Coast

After breakfast, the return to Lisbon begins with a drive along the Costa Vicentina. Considered the last wild coast in Europe, strict environmental laws limit development along it. Gaze out to see the pristine beaches and small fishing villages along the way. Stop at the coastal village of Zambujeira do Mar, walk around the quiet, pretty town, or have lunch at a typical seafood restaurant by the beach. Then continue to Lisbon for one last night in the capital.

Day 15: Depart Lisbon

It's time to say goodbye to Portugal. At the appointed time, a private driver will pick you up at your hotel to transfer you to the airport, where you will take your flight back home. Safe travels!

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