Highlights
- Discover Lisbon's charming Belém quarter & taste its famous pastel de Belém
- Take a day trip into the fairy tale forests of Sintra
- Hop between the historic hilltop villages of the Alentejo
- Drive through the winding vineyards & hillsides of the Douro Valley
- Join a walking tour of Porto's vibrant city streets
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Lisbon | Lisbon |
| Day 2 | Discover Lisbon & the Belém Quarter | Lisbon |
| Day 3 | Pick Up Rental Car, Explore Cascais & Sintra | Lisbon |
| Day 4 | Drive to Monsaraz via Évora | Monsaraz |
| Day 5 | Drive to Marvão via the White Villages of the Alentejo | Marvão |
| Day 6 | Drive to Belmonte via Monsanto & Sortelha | Belmonte |
| Day 7 | Drive to Porto via Trancoso, Marialva & the Douro Valley | Porto |
| Day 8 | Half-Day Walking Tour of Porto, Explore Guimarães | Porto |
| Day 9 | Return Rental Car & Depart Porto |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon
Welcome to Portugal! Upon arrival at Lisbon Airport, a private driver will be waiting to transfer you to your accommodation in the capital. Depending on your arrival time, spend the afternoon settling into your hotel or take a stroll around the Alfama district for quaint alleys, cathedrals, remains of the city walls, and great little cafés to sit and enjoy the sounds and sights of the city. Enjoy a drink in Rossio Square as evening falls, or head to the Bairro Alto district for an authentic Portuguese meal.
Day 2: Discover Lisbon & the Belém Quarter
Day 3: Pick Up Rental Car, Day Trip to Cascais & Sintra
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Today you'll pick up your rental car and start to explore the picturesque countryside and coastline around Lisbon at your own pace—starting with visits to Cascais, the former summer residence of the Portuguese royal family, and the luxurious seaside resort of Estoril.
Continue past the sweeping vistas of Cabo de Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, and end your day trip in the charming 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, including the iconic yellow Pena National Palace and the Castle of the Moors. Take your time exploring this remarkable area, then head back to Lisbon in time for dinner.
Day 4: Drive from Lisbon to Monsaraz via Évora
Today, you'll leave Lisbon behind and hit the road, driving east across the plains of the Alentejo region and stopping in the beautiful historic town of Évora. Explore its compact, UNESCO-listed historic center, and don't miss a visit to the 2,000-year-old Templo Romano, the 16th-century Chapel of Bones, and the magnificent medieval Cathedral.
In the afternoon, continue east toward Alqueva, the largest reservoir in Europe. On a hill overlooking the tranquil waters, you'll find the charming fortified hilltop village of Monsaraz, where you'll get settled for the night. The tiny, whitewashed center is easy to explore, but a great place to start is at the medieval castle, where you'll be met with panoramic views across the plains and lake below.
Day 5: Drive to Marvão via the White Villages of the Alentejo
Get back on the road today and head north into more of the sweeping Alentejo countryside. Your destination for the night is Marvão, but you might want to make a quick detour to Vila Viçosa—where you'll be able to visit the castle and the 16th-century Ducal Palace—and Estremoz, known as the "White Town" for its marble and lime painted houses and tower keep.
You can also stop in Castelo de Vide, a picturesque old village with one of Portugal's oldest Jewish quarters and synagogues. As the sun sets, continue to the hilltop village of Marvão and get settled in for the night.
Day 6: Drive to Belmonte via Monsanto & Sortelha
Day 7: Drive to Porto via Trancoso, Marialva & the Duoro Valley
You'll cover a lot of miles today as you continue north, stopping first at Trancoso and then Marialva, two more picturesque locations in the Portuguese Historical Villages Network. Continue into the famous Douro Valley, a beautiful and dramatic landscape where vines cling to terraces carved by hand into the steep, rocky hillsides along the Douro River. It's from the grapes grown here that Portugal's legendary port wine is produced.
Along the way, especially in the area between Pinhão and Régua, you'll be able to visit several quintas (estates/vineyards) where wine tasting is available. Then it's time to turn west and make your way to the coast and Portugal's second-largest city of Porto, where you can get settled in and spend the evening exploring the romantic, UNESCO-listed city center and its excellent restaurants.
Day 8: Half-Day Walking Tour of Porto, Explore Guimarães
Today's half-day guided walking tour immerses you in the colorful neighborhoods and rich history of Portugal's second city. Stroll through the cobblestone lanes of the UNESCO-listed Ribeira district, admire soaring Gothic churches, wander the bustling stalls of world-class food markets, and climb to breathtaking views over the Douro River.
In the afternoon, you can join a guided tour of the cellars of Casa Ferreirinha, producer of famous port wines, for an immersive tasting experience. If you feel like exploring further afield, drive northeast to visit the small city of Guimarães, considered the cradle of the Portuguese Nation and the birthplace of its first king, D. Afonso Henriques. Among its exquisite medieval center, don't miss the imposing Guimarães Castle, the Dukes of Bragança Palace, and the church of Santa Maria da Oliveira.
Day 9: Return Rental Car & Depart Porto
After a final leisurely breakfast, you'll make your way to the Porto Airport to drop off your rental car and catch your departing flight. Safe travels and boa viagem!
More Great Portugal Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Portugal? Check out these other Portugal itineraries, explore different ways to experience nine days in Portugal, or learn about the best time to visit Portugal.
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