Highlights
- Get a taste for custard pastries & fado music in Lisbon
- See living history at Évora's ancient university & Roman ruins
- Glide down the Douro River on a traditional wooden rabelo boat
- Sample Porto's famous fortified wine on a cellar tour
- Look out over crashing Atlantic surf from Nazaré's clifftop fort
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Lisbon | Lisbon |
Day 2 | Discover Lisbon & the Belém Quarter, Fado Dinner | Lisbon |
Day 3 | Pick Up Rental Car & Explore Cascais & Sintra | Lisbon |
Day 4 | Drive to Évora via Monsaraz | Évora |
Day 5 | Drive to the Douro Valley via Tomar & Coimbra | Douro Valley |
Day 6 | Douro Valley Wine Tasting & Boat Ride | Douro Valley |
Day 7 | Drive to Porto via Guimarães & Braga | Porto |
Day 8 | Explore Porto, Port Wine Cellars & Tasting Experience | Porto |
Day 9 | Drive to Lisbon via Batalha Monastery, Nazaré & Óbidos | Lisbon |
Day 10 | Drive to Lisbon Airport & Depart |
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. As evening falls, enjoy a drink in Rossio Square or head to the Bairro Alto district for an authentic Portuguese meal.
Day 2: Discover Lisbon & the Belém Quarter, Fado Dinner

As evening falls, head to a local restaurant to experience the splendor of Portugal's traditional music firsthand. Known for its haunting melodies, fado originated in the poorer quarters of Lisbon, singing of all the sadness, sorrow, and longing of day-to-day living. The band may have a variable number of performers but normally consists of a singer, a classical guitar player, and a fado guitar player. Tonight you'll immerse yourself in the beauty of this art form as you enjoy dinner serenaded by a soundtrack of live fado music.
Day 3: Pick Up Rental Car & Explore Cascais & Sintra

Continue past the sweeping vistas of Cabo de Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, and end your day trip in the fairytale 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 to Évora via Monsaraz

Today you'll leave Lisbon behind and hit the road, driving east across the plains of the Alentejo region towards the historic town of Évora. En route, you can choose to stop in Monsaraz, a fortified hilltop village that overlooks the Alqueva Dam and is rich in history and atmosphere. The tiny, whitewashed center is easy to explore, and its medieval castle offers amazing panoramic views of the town, plains, and lake below.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 5: Drive to the Douro Valley via Tomar & Coimbra

Day 6: Douro Valley Wine Tasting & Boat Ride

Day 7: Drive to Porto via Guimarães & Braga

Day 8: Explore Porto, Port Wine Cellars & Tasting Experience

Day 9: Drive to Lisbon via Batalha Monastery, Nazaré & Óbidos

As you work your way back towards Lisbon today, stop first in Batalha, worth a visit for its magnificent 14th-century Batalha Monastery (officially known as the Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitória). This epic building is a masterpiece of Portuguese Gothic architecture, specifically the late Flamboyant style, and is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Head to the coast next to break for a memorable lunch of fresh grilled fish in Nazaré. Located on a sweeping stretch of beach, this small fishing town is known for its stately shrine of Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré, as well as holding the record for the highest waves ever surfed. Take a walk to the 16th-century clifftop fort of São Miguel Arcanjo Fort after lunch to see some of the crashing waves up close.
Nearing Lisbon, you'll reach Óbidos, a fortified village in Portugal's Estremadura region that dates back to the Middle Ages. This fascinating historic site is filled with picturesque houses bordered by an imposing Moorish wall, and is known as Vila das Rainhas or "Town of the Queens." Take a walk through its cobblestone streets, climb its intact ancient fortifying wall, and try the local delicacy of ginginha—a sour cherry liquor often served in a chocolate cup.
Day 10: Drive to Lisbon Airport & Depart

After a final leisurely breakfast, you'll make your way to the Lisbon Airport to drop off your rental car and catch your departing flight. Safe travels and boa viagem!
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.