Highlights
- Tour the cellars of a port winery in Porto
- Visit a fairy-tale castle in the clouds at Sintra
- Experience the spooky Chapel of Bones in Évora
- Sample wines in the enchanting Douro Valley
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Lisbon, Pick Up Rental Car, Explore | Lisbon |
| Day 2 | Guided Walking Tour of Lisbon | Lisbon |
| Day 3 | Explore the Seaside Resort of Cascais & Castles of Sintra | Lisbon |
| Day 4 | Visit the Ancient Roman City of Évora | Lisbon |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Porto via Óbidos, Nazaré, Batalha, Coimbra or Aveiro | Porto |
| Day 6 | Porto Walking Tour & Wine Tasting | Porto |
| Day 7 | Discover the Wine Country of the Douro Valley | Douro Valley |
| Day 8 | Drive to Lisbon, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon, Pick Up Rental Car, Explore
Welcome to Portugal! Upon arrival at the Lisbon Airport, pick up your rental car and head into the capital to explore this fascinating place on your own time. Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, and its remarkable history can be seen and experienced all over.
Explore more of the city with the iconic tram 28, riding it from Graça to the end of the line of Estrela Basilica. For a more off-the-beaten-path ride, try Tram 24! Take a stroll through one of the many museums, such as the Museu do Oriente, the National Museum of Ancient Art, or the Berardo Collection Museum. For those looking to get into Lisbon's food scene, head to Rossio Square for a drink or the Bairro Alto for an authentic Portuguese meal.
Day 2: Guided Walking Tour of Lisbon
Day 3: Explore the Seaside Resort of Cascais & Castles of Sintra
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Explore the picturesque countryside and coastline around Lisbon at your own pace today. Start with a visit to Cascais, the former summer residence of the Portuguese royal family, which is next to the luxurious seaside resort of Estoril. Continue past the sweeping vistas of Cabo de Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe and once believed to be the end of the world.
End the day with a trip to the fairy-tale village of Sintra. Set among the lush mountains and forests of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to fantastical palaces and manor houses. These include the iconic yellow and red Romantic style of the Pena National Palace, the imposing medieval stone walls of the Castle of the Moors, and the mysterious inverted Knights of Templar tower of Quinta da Regaleira.
Day 4: Visit the Ancient Roman City of Évora
Leave the capital behind today and drive to the historic city of Évora, located in the Alentejo region. One of Portugal's oldest cities, this UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the Roman era and offers an abundance of beautiful architecture and sights.
Marvel at the Gothic apostles and medieval architecture of the Évora Cathedral, go back in time with a visit to the 2000-year-old Templo Romano (Roman Temp,le) and experience one of the most fascinating (and morbid) structures in the world with a trip to the 16th-century Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones). End your visit with a bite to eat and a drink in the bustling city square of Praça do Giraldo.
Day 5: Transfer to Porto via Óbidos, Nazaré, Batalha, Coimbra or Aveiro
Today takes you north to Porto, stopping at some of the many hidden treasures along the way. First up is Óbidos, a medieval fortified village filled with picturesque houses and streets. Continue to the small fishing town of Nazaré for fresh seafood and epic waves, or stop in nearby Batalha to marvel at its 14th-century Gothic monastery.
Discover the rich history of Coimbra, whose university is one of the oldest in Europe, or detour to the picturesque Aveiro. Known as the "Portuguese Venice," explore its system of canals with a traditional moliceiro boat or sample local sweets known as ovos moles or "soft eggs" before continuing to Porto.
Day 6: Porto Walking Tour & Wine Tasting
Begin the day with a morning guided walking tour, which ventures through the colorful neighborhoods and rich history of Portugal's second city. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of the UNESCO-listed Ribeira district and admire the Baroque style of the Igreja dos Clérigos and the Gothic architecture of the Church of São Francisco. Wander the bustling stalls of world-class food markets and grab a francesinha, Porto's famous and very delicious take on a croque-monsieur, before climbing to breathtaking views over the Douro River.
Day 7: Discover the Wine Country of the Douro Valley
Drive to the Douro Valley, home to the grapes of Porto's legendary port wine and some of the best table wines in the country. Wine has been produced in the Douro region for over 2,000 years, which was declared as a production region for port in 1756, making it the oldest demarcated region in the world.
Day 8: Drive to Lisbon, Depart
More Great Portugal Itineraries
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