Portugal Road Trip: Porto, Lisbon & the Algarve - 13 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon, Pick Up Rental Car & Drive to Porto

Arrive in Lisbon, and collect your rental car at the airport. Your Portuguese adventure begins right away as you drive north toward Porto. On the way, stop in quaint Óbidos, a charming medieval town just an hour from the capital.

As soon as you reach your destination, the imposing city walls surrounding the historic center will greet you. From the cobblestoned streets to the whitewashed houses decorated with century-old bougainvillea, there will be plenty to appreciate at this stop. Don't miss the local liqueur, ginjinha, made from morello cherries and usually served in a chocolate cup. Then, continue to Porto.

Day 2: Porto Guided Walking Tour

Today, you'll discover the amazing city of Porto on a guided walking tour. Visit can't-miss landmarks like the S. Bento Railway Station, famous for its 20,000 white-and-blue glazed tiles, or azulejos. Other stops include the Porto Cathedral, the riverfront Ribeira District, the Clérigos Tower, and Lello Bookshop, which inspired the beloved Harry Potter novels.

After the introductory tour, enjoy free time to explore the city on your own. Stroll around its pretty streets, or cross the Douro River through the Bridge of Luis I. The iron bridge is pedestrian-friendly and provides sweeping views of the river and the city. Once you're on the other side of the Douro, tour a vintage port wine cellar like Graham's or Ramos Pinto.

Day 4: Discover the Douro Valley Wine Country

After breakfast, tour local wineries in the Douro Valley. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the region boasts schist mountains traced with rows of grape vines and is considered one of the global viticulture centers. Spend the day admiring the deep valleys, terraced vineyards, and the blue ribbon of the river meandering down below. 

Visit one of the many local estates that produce Douro and port wines. Most offer tours, so you can learn how these world-class wines are cultivated while tasting some of the region's distinctive whites and reds. Another highly recommended activity is a river cruise. Usually lasting one or two hours, these boat adventures provide a different—but equally breathtaking—perspective of the valley.

Day 6: Walking Tour of Lisbon

It's time to explore the "City of Seven Hills." A guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you to discover Alfama, Lisbon's oldest quarter, where you'll find St. George's Castle perched atop a tall hill. Then, head to Baixa, the downtown area completely rebuilt after the devastating 1775 earthquake. Stroll in Chiado, a bohemian neighborhood where 19th-century intellectuals gathered in cafés.

The next stop is Belém, a historic district associated with the height of Portuguese exploration. Stop by monuments such as the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower, an iconic Lisbon landmark. Before returning to your hotel, drop by Pastéis de Belém to try pastéis de nata or Portuguese egg tart, one of the country's most delicious desserts.

Day 7: Day Trip to Sintra

Go on a private guided day trip to Sintra, the Portuguese capital of Romanticism. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its numerous palaces. Pena Palace is arguably the most famous, with its colorful exterior and juxtaposition of architectural styles. Equally beautiful and interesting are the Quinta da Regaleira, the medieval Moorish Castle, Monserrate Palace, and Queluz Palace.

If you wish to explore other areas, visit one or two palaces and then drive to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in mainland Europe. Continue your journey toward Cascais, part of the Portuguese Riviera. A beloved seaside destination, this town provides a perfect beach getaway for residents of the capital.

Day 11: Free Day in Faro

Located near both the Ria Formosa lagoon and the sea, Faro is a delightful city to wander around. Take a free day to explore on your own and discover the city center, the Arco da Vila (Town's Arch), the Municipal Museum, the Faro Cathedral, and other landmarks.

You can also catch a ferry from the Cais das Portas do Mar to the islands right off the shore, which provides a much more secluded and quiet beach experience. The most captivating ones include Farol, Culatra, and Deserta. There are several tour operators offering excursions. But if you feel adventurous, you can rent a speedboat and beach hop from island to island on your own.

Day 12: Drive to Lisboa via Évora

Prepare to drive back to hilly Lisbon. Rather than going straight to the capital, take a longer route and stop in Évora. Founded in Roman times, this impressive city is a true living museum. Its golden age started in the 15th century when the royal family and court resided here. This rich history is part of what has earned the town UNESCO World Heritage status.

Besides the noteworthy residences, Évora is known for its medieval walls, its Cathedral, and the Roman Temple to Diana, the goddess of the moon. Another highlight is the São Francisco Church. This house of worship enjoys worldwide fame for its curious Chapel of Bones, whose walls are decorated entirely with human skulls and bones. After the visit, continue to Lisbon, where you'll drop off your rental car and enjoy your final night in the city.

Day 13: Depart Lisbon