10 Days in Portugal - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Discover Portugal: Lisbon, Porto, Évora & the Algarve

This highlights itinerary offers a great blend of urban exploration, historic sites, rural regions, and relaxation in the Algarve—perfect for first-time visitors to Portugal. Taste the local cuisine on food tours in Lisbon and Porto, visit the iconic Pena Palace in Sintra, go wine tasting in the Alentejo region, then enjoy beach time and boat tours in the Algarve.

Get a taste of traditional and modern Portuguese cuisine on a food tour of Lisbon that includes the Campo de Ourique neighborhood, a beloved hub for gastronomy. Take a guided tour of the city sites next, including Jerónimos Monastery, then head to Liberdade Avenue to sample pastel de Belém, a popular pastry, before dining to the traditional melancholic Portuguese music at a fado restaurant. Visit the iconic canary-colored Pena Palace in Sintra, then enjoy sea views in Cabo da Roca. Transfer to Porto on Day 4 with a stop in the medieval capital of Coimbra for lunch.

Check out Porto's Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and neoclassical monuments before diving into the culinary scene with a tasting tour of family-owned restaurants, cafés, and bars (yes, you'll have a chance to sample port wine!). Continue to Évora, where you'll explore medieval architecture, then head to the Alentejo region to experience the vineyards, villages, and Neolithic monuments. Spend your final days soaking up the best of the Algarve—stroll the cobblestone streets of Lagos, sunbathe on Pinhão Beach, take a boat tour from Ponta da Piedade, and feast on fresh seafood—before departure. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Portugal's Ultimate Food & Wine Adventure

This culinary-focused adventure is best for travelers that prefer to experience a place and culture through food and wine. You'll take a market tour and sample port wine in Porto, cruise the Douro River on a wine boat, and cook with a Michelin-starred chef in Lisbon. You'll also enjoy the beaches of the Algarve and embark on walking tours in Porto and Lisbon.

Start with a Portuguese wine lesson on arrival in Porto, then sample cuisine on a tasting journey through Bolhão Market. Before sitting down to a port tasting, learn about the city's history, architecture, and culture on a walking tour to some historic sites, including Porto Cathedral. Spend a day in Douro Valley, enjoying lunch at an estate, visiting the vineyards, learning about the UNESCO-protected wine heritage, and cruising the Douro River. Then it's on to Lisbon for a private cooking class with a Michelin-starred chef who'll teach you how to highlight Portugal's fresh fish and meat.

Visit the Alfama and Castelo neighborhoods on a Lisbon walking tour, then ride the tram to the Graça, Santa Luzia, or Portas do Sol viewpoint before grabbing lunch at Time Out Market. End the evening at a fado restaurant in Bairro Alto. Head to Sintra the next day and enjoy a traditional lunch in the city's historic center and a wine experience at one of the oldest cellars in the country. On Day 7, you'll travel to the Algarve and indulge in a 12-course meal at Vila Joya. Take a catamaran to Benagil Cave, then snorkel in the João de Arens coves. Enjoy a leisurely day at Albufeira's beaches before a celebratory farewell meal at Bon Bon. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Coastal Portugal: Lisbon, Porto & the Algarve

Consider this itinerary if you're interested in the culture, cuisine, and dramatic views of coastal Portugal. Taste your way around Porto on a food tour, hike in Peneda-Gerês National Park, witness big waves in Nazaré, tour the ancient ruins at Templo Romano, and surf Sagres.

Get acquainted with Porto on a guided tour that includes Boavista Avenue, Foz, and the historic city center. Then, refuel on Portuguese cuisine and port wine on a culinary experience and head to beautiful Peneda-Gerês National Park the next day for a hike and a dip in the waterfalls. Check out the Gil Eannes Museum and sample the regional specialty, bolas de berlim, a custard-filled donut, in Viana do Castelo. Then, visit Aveiro, where you can cruise the canals in a colorful moliceiros boat before transferring to Nazaré for seafood and sunset (and views of big waves if you're visiting from October to March).

Visit the castle in Óbidos on Day 5 and take a wander through the cobblestone streets. Follow your guide to Lisbon's landmarks, viewpoints, and lesser-known spots on a walking and tram tour before sitting down to an evening of traditional food and music at a fado restaurant. Your next stop is the Alentejo region, where you'll explore medieval villages and sample local wine. Then continue to Évora for a tour of the ancient ruins at Templo Romano. Surf or simply enjoy the coastal views in Aljezur and Sagres before spending your final full day soaking up the relaxed vibes on the beaches of Lagos. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Northern Portugal & The Douro Valley

This northern Portugal and Douro Valley trip invites travelers to indulge in the flavors of Porto and the Douro Valley. In addition to guided food tours in Porto and wine tasting in Douro Valley, you'll hike to a refreshing waterfall, take a surf lesson in Esposende, and visit historical and iconic sites, such as Santa Luzia Church. With multiple opportunities for wine tastings, this itinerary is best for those that enjoy wine. The nice pace and the inclusion of free time also make it an excellent option for travelers who like a bit of flexibility in their schedule. 

Learn about family-owned businesses and taste Porto's food and wine on a culinary excursion in the historic downtown. Then, get to know the city's history and see sites like the São Bento Railway Station on a walking tour. Take a surf lesson in Esposende on Day 3 before heading to Viana do Castelo to visit the old quarter and see the iconic Santa Luzia Church. Enjoy a morning hiking to the Tahiti Waterfall in Peneda-Gerês National Park, then picnic at Pedra Bella viewpoint. Visit Braga's "Triangle of Faith" sites: Braga Cathedral, Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, and Our Lady of Sameiro.

Capture some photos of the medieval castle in Guimarães and the views of the fortified towers of the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza. Then you'll transfer to the Douro Valley, where you'll get to sample the region's wine and cruise the Douro River on a riverboat. Enjoy free time in the Douro Valley to learn more about wine or visit an olive oil producer for a tour and tasting. Return to Porto and choose how you'd like to spend your final day: sunbathing at the beach, museum hopping around the city, or nibbling local eats at Mercado do Bolhão before indulging in a fresh seafood dinner paired with port wine. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Adventure in Mainland Portugal & the Azores

Perfect for outdoorsy travelers, this Portugal mainland and island adventure offers a balance of urban exploration and culture, coastal activities, and immersion in nature. You'll kayak to Benagil Caves, taste local flavors while learning about Lisbon on a food and culture walk, and experience volcanic activity and otherworldly landscapes in the Azores. With opportunities for romantic experiences, such as sunset with Portuguese wine in the Algarve, this itinerary is a great choice for adventurous couples and honeymooners. 

Ease into your Portugal adventure with a relaxing day in the Algarve at the beaches of Meia Praia and Praia Dona Ana, followed by a seafood dinner in Lagos. Kayak to Benagil Caves to land on the beach within the famous cathedral cave. Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, a clifftop walk that ends with a swim at Praia da Marinha, then head to St. Vincent Cape of Sagres to watch the sunset while you enjoy a glass of wine with bread and chorizo. Head to Lisbon on Day 4 and see the city sites, including the neoclassical avenues of Baixa, via electric tuk-tuk before hitting the streets for a food and culture walking tour. 

Next, transfer to Sintra-Cascais Natural Park for a 12-mile (20 km) hike before catching a flight to São Miguel, the largest of the Azores Islands. Enjoy a whale watching cruise and embark on an off-road excursion to experience the volcanic craters and lakes. Hike to the island's highest point, Pico da Vara, for views over São Miguel, then visit the waterfalls in the beautiful Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park. Spend your final day on a volcano experience in Furnas that includes a soak in the thermal pools and a lunch of cozido, a stew cooked underground using volcanic heat. Learn more

Itinerary #6: Highlights of Spain & Portugal: Cities, Beaches & Culture 

Travelers keen on history and culture will enjoy this multicountry highlights trip which includes guided tours of some of the most popular destinations in Spain and Portugal. Stroll historic neighborhoods in Lisbon, take a private tour of Museo del Prado in Madrid, visit Sagrada Família in Barcelona, and cap off your journey with snorkeling and hiking along the Costa Brava.

Join a guided walking tour of central Lisbon, including the Rossio square, Lisbon Cathedral, and a tasting of ginjinha, a Portuguese liquor made from sour cherries. Next, visit Coimbra to tour the medieval Old Town and Sé Velha Cathedral. Then, head to Porto, where you'll sample port wines and visit significant sites in the city's historic center, including the Praça da Liberdade. Catch a flight to Madrid and experience a tapa tavern or opt for Botín, the place Ernest Hemingway described as the best restaurant on earth. 

Take a private walking tour of Madrid tailored to your interests and pace, and cap off the experience with a private tour of Museo del Prado. Next, you'll board a train to Barcelona and get a bird's-eye view of the city from the Mount Montjuïc cable car before visiting some of architect Antonio Gaudí's works, including the famous Sagrada Família. Spend your final full day on the Costa Brava, hiking along coastal cliffs and snorkeling in hidden coves. Celebrate your journey with a sunset dinner of seafood feast and Spanish wine on your last evening. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Portugal Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Portugal? Check out these other 10-day Portugal itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.