Most travelers will find that a week to eight days is perfect for a well-paced Portugal trip with stops in both Lisbon and Porto. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in two to six days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include the Algarve, Cascais, or Lagos. Keep reading for more inspiring Lisbon and Porto itineraries.

How many days do you need in Lisbon & Porto?

  • Most travelers spend 7-8 days in Lisbon and Porto combined
  • Visiting Lisbon and Porto in 2 to 6 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
  • With 9 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
  • The most common extensions are Algarve, Cascais, and Lagos

How Many Days to Spend in Portugal

Recommended Itineraries for Lisbon & Porto

Recommended Itinerary for 1 Week

Porto's setting along the Douro River
Porto's setting along the Douro River
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Lisbon, City tour with a local Lisbon
Day 2 Explore Lisbon with a Local Lisbon
Day 3 Day Trip to Sintra, Cascais & Estoril Lisbon
Day 4 Transfer to Porto, City Tour Porto
Day 5 Day Trip to Douro Valley Porto
Day 6 Transfer to Lisbon via Coimbra Lisbon
Day 7 Depart Lisbon  


This adventure is the perfect introduction to Portugal for first-timers. Over the course of a week, you'll explore Lisbon's exciting food and culture scene, take scenic day trips to historic villages, and walk through Porto's UNESCO-listed city center. Finish in the oldest wine region in the world before returning to Lisbon by way of the country's medieval capital: Coimbre. Read more

Plan your trip to Portugal
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Extended Itineraries

8-Day Itinerary Including Cascais & Sintra

Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Lisbon Lisbon
Day 2 Explore Lisbon Lisbon
Day 3 Train to Porto, Private Walking Tour Porto
Day 4 Porto Wine Tasting Porto
Day 5 Free Day in Porto Porto
Day 6 Transfer to Cascais, Explore Cascais
Day 7 Transfer to Sintra, Guided Hike Sintra
Day 8 Return to Lisbon, Depart  


You don't have to travel far to see, taste, and experience the best of Portugal. Start your adventure in Lisbon to explore the city's art, cuisine, and hills. From Lisbon, you'll head to Porto to taste its famous wines and then have your choice of where to explore along the coast, followed by a night each in Cascais and Sintra before you make your way back to Lisbon. Read more

10-Day Itinerary Including the Algarve

Camilo Beach in Lagos
Camilo Beach in Lagos
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Lisbon & City tour with a local Lisbon
Day 2 Half-Day Tour of Lisbon & Fado Dinner Lisbon
Day 3 Day Trip to Sintra, Cascais & Estoril Lisbon
Day 4 Transfer to Porto via Tomar Porto
Day 5 Half-Day Tour of Porto, Evening Food Tour Porto
Day 6 Day Trip to the Douro Valley Porto
Day 7 Transfer to Lagos Lagos
Days 8-9 Explore Lagos & the Algarve Region Lagos
Day 10 Return to Lisbon Lisbon


Experience three of Portugal's most iconic destinations on this 10-day trip, starting in Lisbon, where you'll tour ancient ruins, cobbled streets, and a UNESCO-listed village in the forested hills. Next, head north to Porto—famous for wine production and colorful architecture along the Douro River. The hardest decisions fall at the end, where you can choose between spectacular beaches and whitewashed villages in the Algarve. Read more

10-Day Itinerary Including the Algarve & Alentejo

Roman Temple, UNESCO World Heritage Site in Évora
Roman Temple, UNESCO World Heritage Site in Évora
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Lisbon, Culinary Excursion Lisbon
Day 2 Explore Lisbon with a Local Lisbon
Day 3 Day Trip to Sintra, Cascais & Estoril Lisbon
Day 4 Transfer to Porto via Coimbra Porto
Day 5 Half-Day Tour of Porto, Evening Food Tour Porto
Day 6 Drive to Évora, Private Tour Évora
Day 7 Explore the Alentejo Region Évora
Day 8 Drive to Lagos, Explore the Algarve Lagos
Day 9 Explore Lagos & the Greater Algarve Region Lagos
Day 10 Return to Lisbon by Train, Depart  


See the highlights of Portugal's cities, beaches, and gorgeous towns on this fantastic itinerary that takes you through the country's must-see gems. Explore the urban centers of Lisbon and Porto with the help of experts, in-the-know-locals, and unique opportunities to see—and taste!—the incredible vibrancy of Portugal. You'll also visit tiny villages, imposing palaces, and dramatic beach towns off the beaten path. This trip plan is a wonderful option if it's your first time in the country! Read more

How to travel between Lisbon & Porto

The journey between Lisbon and Porto is 195 miles (314 km) and averages between 2.5 to 3.5 hours journey. There are several ways to get between the two major cities, but the most convenient and comfortable way to make the trip is via train. Read more

Map

Map of Lisbon & Porto: Best Itinerary Ideas
Map of Lisbon & Porto: Best Itinerary Ideas