Portugal's History, Beaches & Gastronomy: Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto & Cascais - 13 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon & Take a Tuk-Tuk Tour

Welcome to Lisbon! Upon arrival at the airport, a private driver will transfer you to Portugal's capital, which is one of the oldest cities in the world and offers incredible experiences for all types of travelers. Get settled at your hotel, then head out on a late afternoon tour by electric tuk-tuk. Your driver will share interesting information about Lisbon as they take you to some great lesser-known areas and the best spots in town to soak in breathtaking panoramic views. At the end of the tour, your driver will return you to your hotel or can drop you off at a great local place for dinner.

Day 2: Explore Lisbon with a Private Walking Tour

There's no better way to feel the heart of a historic city like Lisbon than by exploring it on foot. In the morning, you'll head out on a 3-hour walking tour led by a local guide. The guide will point out the major sights of Lisbon and recount anecdotes about local lore to introduce you to this fascinating city. The tour includes stops at many highlights, including the upscale shopping area around Chiado Square, and the 12th-century Lisbon Cathedral, which is the oldest church in the city.

 

You'll also visit the historic neighborhood of Baixa and its historic Rossio square before making your way to the Arco da Rua Augusta. This magnificent 18th-century arch is located in the Praça do Comércio square on the banks of the Tagus River. The tour will end with a tasting of ginjinha, Portugal's famous liquor made from sour cherries.

Day 3: Take a Day Trip to Magical Sintra & Cascais

Today, take a day trip to Sintra and Cascais, where you have the choice of going with a private guided tour or a small group. The town of Sintra in the Sintra Mountains is known for its forested hills, upscale villas, and Moorish palaces. The tour begins with a visit to Sintra's unforgettable Palacio Nacional da Pena, a vibrant and colorful 19th-century castle that mixes Romantic, Moorish, and late Gothic styles. After touring the palace enjoy a delicious lunch, at which point you can also stroll through the historic village of Sintra.

Then it's off to the awe-inspiring Sintra Cascais Natural Park, where you can see the dramatic coastal cliffs of the Cabo de Roca, which is the western-most point in Europe and known as the "edge of the world." Continue to Cascais, the charming seaside town that was once the coastal playground of Portuguese royalty, whose lavish mansions can still be seen in the area. After the tour, return to your accommodation in Lisbon.

Day 4: Go Wine Tasting on a Day Tour to Arrábida

Today, learn about Portugal's wine-making firsthand and explore the impressive natural landscapes of the Arrábida Mountains with a fantastic wine tasting day tour. Begin the day with a guided tour of the family-run winery Quinta de Alcube in the Arrábida Natural Park. After sampling some wine, continue to the Casa Museu José Maria da Fonseca, whose cellars contain the oldest collection of Moscatel wine in Portugal. Finally, take a tour of the palace, vineyards, and cellars of the 15th-century Quinta Palácio da Bacalhôa before returning to Lisbon.

Day 5: Visit Nazaré & Alcobaça & Transfer to Coimbra

Today, head north to Coimbra and visit some exciting locations along the way. The first stop is the fishing town of Nazaré, where a local guide, will introduce you to this charming coastal spot. Tour the 14th-century Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré, which has been a pilgrimage site for centuries. Next, ride the funicular up to the 12th-century Chapel of the Memory to see spectacular views of the area. Scope out the epic waves beneath the lighthouse or Farol da Nazaré, where the largest wave in the world was ridden (to date).

After a fantastic seafood lunch, meet your driver and continue to the next stop, Alcobaça. Here, stand in awe of the ornate stonework and impressive architecture of the magnificent 12th-century Monastery of Alcobaça, which was the first Gothic building in Portugal. Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site and then continue with your driver to Coimbra.

Day 6: Experience Coimbra with a Private Walking Tour

Take a private 3-hour walking tour of Coimbra, which was the capital of Portugal during the late Middle Ages. Located on top of a hill above the Mondego River, this city offers impressive views, beautiful monuments, and charming streets. The tour includes a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the University of Coimbra, which was founded in 1290 and is the oldest academic institution in Portugal. 

Day 7: Discover the Canals of Aveiro & Transfer to Porto

Head to Porto today, but make a stop first in the intriguing port city of Aveiro. Some call Aveiro the "Portuguese Venice" thanks to its decorative boats and intricate canal system. Explore Aveiro's charming center and take a ride on one of its traditional moliceiro boats, before continuing to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Porto. Once you get to Porto, settle in before exploring this incredible 2000-year-old city on your own time.

With its hilly urban landscape overlooking the Douro River, you'll find plenty of picturesque viewpoints in this home of port wine. Porto is filled with ancient Roman monuments, intricate facades covered with blue azulejo tiles, and colorful narrow buildings in the medieval quarter of the Ribeira. Other highlights of Porto include the elaborate Baroque grandeur of the Igreja de São Francisco, the inspiring contemporary art and sculpture park of Serralves, and the panoramic views from the top of the Torre dos Clérigos.

Day 8: Tour Porto by Bike & Eat Seafood in Afurada

Take a guided bike tour to visit some gorgeous areas outside of Porto's center. Begin with a visit to the Douro riverbank, and bike north, where you'll pass the 16th-century Forte de São João Baptista and also see Foz do Douro, where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean. Continue to the beautiful sandy beach of Matosinhos. Afterward, a boat will take you to the charming fishing village of Afurada. There, meet locals, explore the community, and have a delicious seafood lunch before returning to Porto by bike.

Day 9: Take a Cooking Class & Port Winery Tour

Portugal offers a delicious and diverse gastronomy, which combines superb seafood, fresh produce, and world-famous desserts! Take a cooking class today and learn how to make various local Portuguese dishes. You'll not only get to savor these flavors, but you'll also get to pair this meal with traditional regional wines.

 

One can't visit Porto without crossing over to Vila Nova de Gaia and entering one of their famous port wineries! Later in the day, take a guided tour of one of Porto's most famed port brands. Learn about the history and production of this beloved dessert wine, and of course, sample some as well.

Day 10: Transfer to the Glamorous Seaside Town of Cascais

Today, a private driver will take you through Portugal's fantastic landscape down to Cascais, which is one of Lisbon's most charming coastal suburbs. After settling in, head to the beach and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Days 11-12: Get Some Sunbathing or Surfing Done at Cascais

The next two days are all yours to enjoy the seaside town of Cascais and its spectacular beaches. Praia da Conceição and Praia da Duquesa form the main beach of Cascais, where you can find a beautiful stretch of sand with calm, clean sea waters, and beach activities.

 

If you're looking for a nice walk, follow the scenic coastal promenade to the gorgeous beach of Praia do Tamariz. If you're feeling adventurous, check out Praia do Guincho, which is a wild and rugged beach in the Serra de Sintra Natural Park. This beach is one of the best surfing spots in the Lisbon region, and whether you get on a board or not, the landscape's incredible beauty will be sure to thrill.

Day 13: Return to Lisbon & Depart

Today, a driver will take you directly to the Lisbon Airport, so you can continue on to your next destination. Safe travels and boa viagem! 

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