Highlights
- Explore the coastal city of Lisbon
- See the palaces and pine-covered hills of Sintra
- Taste the famous wines in Porto
- Relax on the beaches of Cascais
- Linger on the narrow cobbled streets of Óbidos
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Lisbon | Lisbon |
| Day 2 | Explore Lisbon | Lisbon |
| Day 3 | Train to Porto, Private Walking Tour | Lisbon |
| 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 |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive 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 of the oldest neighborhoods, Alfama. In the evening, you can try authentic Portuguese food and listen to a Fado concert.
Day 2: Explore Lisbon
Get to know Lisbon with a three-hour walking tour that will help you learn about the Portuguese capital and its history. Afterward, you'll have time to explore on your own in the afternoon and then get ready for a cruise on the Tagus (the longest river on the Iberian Peninsula) in the evening.
During your explorations, you might see Torre de Belém, where you can climb a tower that has stood at the mouth of the Tagus River since the 16th century. You can also wander through the oldest part of Lisbon's alleys and winding streets in the Alfama District. Go even further back in time to explore the former Roman citadel of St. George's castle and ride a funicular high above the city.
Day 3: Train to Porto, Private Walking Tour
From your hotel in Lisbon, you'll have a private transfer to the central station, where you'll catch a train to Porto.
After about the three-hour train ride, once in Porto, you'll enjoy a private walking tour to learn more about the city's history and its wine production. In Porto, you can explore the Ribeira district, the medieval part of the city with its cobblestone streets and cozy cafés. Gaze at intricate Baroque architecture at São Francisco Church and the Palácio de Bolsa, the neoclassical Stock Exchange Palace, which was built in the 19th century.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Porto Wine Tasting
Porto is probably best known for its sweet wine—port— which is produced in the Douro Valley and aged in cellars in and around the city and the region. Get ready for a day of wine tasting as you continue your adventure with a visit to a wine cellar to learn more about the production of the city's famous vintages from an expert wine producer. You'll get a chance to taste different varieties and maybe buy a bottle or two to take home with you.
Day 5: Free Day in Porto
Today, you'll be free to explore Porto on your own. You might take the time to go shopping or opt for more wine tasting. In Porto, you can explore the Ribeira district, the medieval part of the city with its cobblestone streets and cozy cafés. Gaze at intricate Baroque architecture at São Francisco Church and the Palácio de Bolsa, the neoclassical Stock Exchange Palace, which was built in the 19th century.
Day 6: Transfer to Cascais, Explore
You'll get to see towns along the Portuguese coast as you make your way from Porto to Cascais, traveling about 236 miles (381 km) with a private driver for a four-hour drive. You'll have time to make stops along the way, like in Aveiro, a city of canals known for its seaweed harvest. In Alcobaça, you can visit 12th-century Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaça. Relax in the ancient seaside town and fishing village of Nazaré. In the walled city of Óbidos, wander through winding streets, the castle, and quaint white homes.
Day 7: Transfer to Sintra, Guided Hike
From Cascais, you'll travel for about 50 minutes to Sintra, 19 miles (32 km) away, for a three-hour guided hike through its beautiful mountains and fairy tale landscapes. During your hiking and exploration of Sintra, you might see Pena Palace, where you can wander around the UNESCO World Heritage Site that Portugal's King Fernando II commissioned, or the Castle on the Moors, a ninth-century fortification located high in the Sintra mountains, which you can reach by bus or hiking, for incredible views of the city and its surroundings.
Day 8: Return to Lisbon, Depart
It's time to say goodbye to Portugal as you make your way to the airport in Lisbon, about 35 minutes and 18 miles (30 km) away, to catch your flight home.
More Great Portugal Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Portugal? Check out these other Portugal itineraries, explore different ways to spend eight days in Portugal, or discover the best time to visit Portugal.
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