Romantic Portugal: Lisbon, Porto, Évora, Douro Valley, Algarve - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon

After a transfer from the airport in Lisbon, you will have free time to explore. You might decide to orient yourself by exploring the city's neighborhoods. You might meander through the steep cobbled streets of bohemian Bairro Alto. Or, head for one the oldest neighborhoods, Alfama. In the evening, you can try authentic Portuguese food, and listen to a Fado concert.

Day 2: Lisbon

Get to know Lisbon with a walking tour that will help you learn about the Portuguese capital and its history. You might climb the Torre de Belém, a tower that has stood at the mouth of the Tagus River since the 16th century. If you want to wander through the oldest part of Lisbon, and see its alleys and winding streets, you can explore the Alfama District. Or, see the former Roman citadel of St. George's castle. For a spectacular view of the city, ride a funicular up one of the many hills. 

Day 3: Sintra

You'll leave Lisbon for the day, traveling about 30 minutes outside of the city, to see the romantic fairytale landscape of Sintra. During your hiking and exploration of Sintra, you might see Pena Palace where you can wonder around a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was commissioned by Portugal’s King Fernando II. If you are up for a hike you can take an adventure up to Castle of the Moors, a 9th-century fortification high in the Sintra mountains, you can also reach it by bus, and either way, you'll have incredible views of the city and its surroundings. 

Day 4: Lisbon to Óbidos

Set off to explore more of Portugal, traveling by rental car from Lisbon to Porto, about 52 miles (85 km). During the one hour drive, you'll have time to visit picturesque towns and a fishing village.

In Óbidos, wander through this walled city with a castle, winding streets, and quaint white homes. Go back in time in the traditional Nazaré fishing village and see coastal views. And visit the Early Gothic Alcobaça Monastery, founded in the 12th century by King Alfonso I. 

Day 5: Porto

Your journey up the Portuguese coast will continue to Porto — a city known for its port wine production. After traveling for about 2 hours and 149 miles (241 km), you'll arrive in Porto. There, you might opt for a wine tour to taste different varieties of the city's famous sweet libation in a wine cellar. You can explore the medieval part of the city with its cobblestone streets and cozy cafes in the Ribeira district. Gaze at intricate Baroque architecture at São Francisco Church, or see, Palácio de Bolsa, a Neoclassical Stock Exchange Palace, which was built in the 19th century.

Day 6: Douro Valley

From Porto you'll travel about 44 miles (71 km) east to the lush Douro Valley — home to one of the Iberian Peninsula's major rivers. After the one hour drive, you'll have time to explore. You might opt for a river cruise, where you can appreciate the romantic scenery of green hills and blue water as you set sail on a private 2-hour journey. Like Porto, the Douro Valley is also known for its wine-making and you might opt to sample the area's vintages during your day trip. 

Day 7: Tomar and Évora

From Porto, you'll begin making your way to Évora, traveling south about 252 miles (406 km). To see more of Portugal during your 3 hour and 30 minute road trip, you'll have a chance to visit Tomar, which is know for its Convento de Cristo, the former headquarters of the Knights Templar. While there, you can also climb Aqueduto de Pegões, an aqueduct that was likely built during the 16th or 17th centuries.

Day 8: Évora

Spend the day exploring the 14th-century walled medieval town of Évora. There you'll have some fascinating places to discover. If you have the stomach for it, you can see the skulls and bones of an estimated 5,000 people that line the walls of eerie Capela do Osos. You can also go back in time when you visit Templo Romano, the remains of a temple that is said to have been built in the 2nd or 3rd century CE.

Day 9: Évora to Estremoz

Your trip will continue as you travel about 40 miles (64 km) south from Évora to Estremoz, with time for a stop along the way in Arraiolos. During your road trip, you might visit Estremoz, a city that is know for its marble production, where you can also visit a wine estate and enjoy a tasting lunch. To learn more about Portuguese handicrafts, you can head for Arraiolos, a small town that has a handmade rug tradition, which dates back to the 12 century.

Days 10-11: Portimão

You'll continue your road trip in Portugal as you make your way from Estremoz, to the coastline of the Algarve, during a drive that will take around 3 hours. You'll travel about 205 miles (330 km) south to Portimão where you'll have time to relax, exploring the old harbor of Ribeirinha, or lounging in one of the town's picturesque sandy coves. If you want to know more about the area's history, you can visit the Museu de Portimão, to learn about the area's fishing heritage.

Day 12: Lagos

From Portimão, you can make a short 30 minute drive to Lagos, just 19 miles (32 km) away, to soak up its scenery and sunshine. It's impressive Ponta da Piedade, is a picturesque headland that is an ideal spot to take in sea views. For an ideal beach day, you can head for Meia Praia's 2 mile (4 km) stretch of golden sand.

Day 13: Lagos to Comporta to Lisbon

It's time to get back on the road, traveling 187 miles (302 km) from Lagos to Lisbon. To break up the day of driving, which will be about 3 hours, you might decide to stop in Comporta where you can take a stroll on the pier, Cais Palafítico da Carrasqueira, for sunset views. Or, get more beach time in, by exploring Comporta's coastline. 

Day 14: Departure from Lisbon Airport

From Lisbon it will be time to say goodbye to Portugal as you travel from your hotel to the airport, to catch your flight home.