Personalized trips to Portugal
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"Kimkim is the perfect solution for independent travelers who are too busy to plan it all themselves" - Gayle R., traveled with kimkim in October 2019

Introducing Portugal

From the seemingly never-ending festivals to the diverse range of cultures that have made Portugal their home over the centuries, to the simple but delightful culinary experiences, the vibrant heritage and cultural diversity of this country captivate travelers.

When is the best time to visit?
Portugal is a year-round destination, but if possible, travelers should aim to visit in the springtime when the almond blossoms and wildflowers cover the countryside. Learn more

Where should you go in Portugal?
Experience the traditional Alfama neighborhood of Lisbon before it will be absorbed by the rest of the bustling city’s culture, tour the ancient ruins of Sintra and historic Evora, walk along the bluffs of Europe’s most southwestern point at Cabo de São Vicente, and relax on the beaches of Ilha de Tavira.

How many days do I need?
There are too many destinations that are must-sees in Portugal to see the country in less than a week. At least 10 days is best. Learn more

Getting Around Portugal
Although smaller than neighboring Spain and France, distances in Portugal are still significant—traveling from Porto to Faro, for example, takes five hours by car. Flying is a quick and comfortable way to get between the country’s major cities, with the largest airport being Lisbon Airport (LIS). Going by bus or train are also options here. Learn more 

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 14 days

Portugal Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Madeira Island's northern coast
Map of Explore Portugal: Porto, Lisbon, & Madeira Island - 14 Days
Explore Portugal: Porto, Lisbon, & Madeira Island - 14 Days

This epic Portugal tour highlights two cosmopolitan cities and a stunning mid-Atlantic island—part of an autonomous region—known for its tropical foliage and eternal spring-like weather. You'll kick off in Porto, home of centuries-old wine production and colorful architecture along the Douro River. Then fly to Madeira Island for secluded beaches and untouristed villages waiting to be discovered. Last but not least is the friendly, up-and-coming capital of Lisbon—a striking city built on seven hills.

Camilo Beach in Lagos
Map of Lisbon, Porto & the Algarve - 10 Days
Lisbon, Porto & the Algarve - 10 Days

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 white-washed villages in the Algarve.

Sunset from the Cabo da Roca near Lisbon
Map of Ultimate Portugal Tour: Lisbon, Porto, The Algarve, Douro Valley, & More - 14 Days
Ultimate Portugal Tour: Lisbon, Porto, The Algarve, Douro Valley, & More - 14 Days

This itinerary includes Portugal's two biggest cities, a slew of historic villages, and some spectacular beaches for an epic adventure to remember. Start off in up-and-coming Lisbon to explore ancient ruins and trendy districts before making your way north to UNESCO-listed Porto (and its nearby wine region). You'll also get time in the university towns of Évora and Coimbra—each with their own medieval attractions and dining scenes—before kicking back for a few days in the Algarve.

Take in a sunset over Porto and the Douro River
Map of Best of Portugal from Porto to Albufeira - 9 days
Best of Portugal from Porto to Albufeira - 9 days

This complete nine-day itinerary combines urban exploration in historic cities with stunning rural and coastal excursions for an exciting overview of Portugal. You'll begin in the north in charming Porto and with a private driver, work your way south to Lisbon ending your stay in the Algarve in Albufeira. Along the way, you'll explore the golden triangle of Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril outside of Lisbon as well as spend some time at the end of the world in Lagos, Sagres, and Cabo de São Vicente.

Vila Joya 2* Michelin Star Restaurant
Map of Michelin Star Dining in the Algarve - 7 Days
Michelin Star Dining in the Algarve - 7 Days

Spend a week exploring world-class cuisine at five of the top Michelin Star restaurants in the Algarve. Visit a world-famous wine cellar, explore medieval town squares, and try go-karting on Europe's largest race track. Spend the day with a traditional clam picker and discover Portugal's diverse culinary traditions.

Beach paths along the Algarve's southern coast
Map of Lisbon & the Algarve - 7 Days
Lisbon & the Algarve - 7 Days

This weeklong itinerary covers Portugal's biggest metropolis and its southern coast for a city-beach combo that's hard to beat. Kick off in Europe's hottest capital—Lisbon—for a guided introduction to the 'City of Seven Hills', including nearby highlights like Sintra and Cascais. Then, take the train south for several days of glorious beach-hopping while based in a charming old city surrounded by stone walls: Lagos.

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Make the Most of Your Time in Portugal

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Foz, Porto's Old Town
How Many Days Should You Spend in Portugal?

Portugal’s compact size means you can pack a lot into a short trip—a few days allows for exploration of Lisbon and Porto, along with a few excursions beyond city limits. With a...

Read More About Planning Your Time in Portugal

Portugal Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip
See More Portugal Travel Advice

Our Latest Portugal Content

Lisbon at sunrise
The 7 Best Boutique Hotels in Lisbon

Follow the sounds of fado through Lisbon's streets to one of these hotels in neighborhoods across the city. Stay near the sophisticated Avenida Liberdade and Marquês de Pombal area, celebrate the arts on Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro Square, or take in the Bairro Alto from a rooftop at these standout spots.

Carvoeiro beach
The Best Boutique Hotels in the Algarve

Head south to the golden beaches of the Algarve at one of these seaside retreats. Whether you choose to stay in charming Tavira, along the cliffs of Carvoeiro, or at a wellness retreat just off the Ponta da Piedade, these hotels, ranging from former convents to sprawling resorts, can provide a vacation for any tastes.

Along the Douro River
The 5 Best Boutique Hotels in Porto

Porto's hotels echo the city's history, with locations dotted through the historic city center. Stay in a former manor house or comfortable guesthouse, with options at all points along the pricing spectrum and plenty of spots to enjoy a glass of the city's signature wines.

See All Portugal Content

Portugal Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Portugal map: 7 Days in Portugal - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
7 Days in Portugal - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Portugal map: 5 Days in Portugal - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Portugal - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Portugal map: 10 Days in Portugal - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Portugal - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Portugal
Travel specialist Karin Eckhard
active 49 mins ago

Karin Eckhard

Although born and raised in New Hampshire, USA, I have had the fortune to live in places as diverse as Vail, Colorado; Salzburg, Austria; London, a small village in England and Madrid has been my...

read more...
Travel specialist Sam Lister
active 1 hour ago

Sam Lister

I'm half Scottish, half New Zealander, born and raised in Hong Kong and Japan, schooled in England and now living in Spain. I'm a mish-mash of cultural backgrounds and now an adopted...

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Travel specialist James Monro
active 48 mins ago

James Monro

As great as they are, there is so much more to Spain than paella, sangría and beachside resorts!! So often the stereotypical images of a country remain just at that and bear little resemblance to...

read more...
Travel specialist Marina Courtaut
active 2 hours ago

Marina Courtaut

Can you think of a better way to live adventures than traveling? When we travel we open our minds to new experiences and learn new cultures by making the destination we visited our home for a...

read more...
See All Portugal Travel Agents

Related Destinations

Travelers who visit Portugal also visit these destinations
Spain
Spain
the Azores
The Azores
Italy
Italy

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Trip Reviews for Portugal

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Amazing trip to Portugal · Portugal - Oct 18 - Oct 29, 2021

Traveler: Amanda D. - Local specialist: Marina Courtaut

We had an amazing time in Portugal!  Marina was wonderful; we absolutely could not have planned this trip without her help. While we were in Portugal, the support we received from Karin was also so helpful.  I will definitely use KimKimin in the future.

Some of the highlights included: 
-Porto was a favorite! Thanks to Nelson, the day trip to Duoro Valley was one of the best activities/days that we had on our trip. Nelson went above and beyond to ensure we enjoyed the day, learned more about... read more

We had an amazing time in Portugal!  Marina was wonderful; we absolutely could not have planned this trip without her help. While we were in Portugal, the support we received from Karin was also so helpful.  I will definitely use KimKimin in the future.

Some of the highlights included: 
-Porto was a favorite! Thanks to Nelson, the day trip to Duoro Valley was one of the best activities/days that we had on our trip. Nelson went above and beyond to ensure we enjoyed the day, learned more about Portuguese history and culture, and saw sights we may have missed otherwise.  I honestly cannot say enough good things about Nelson; he was absolutely wonderful.  

-Also the tour of Porto with Sara was great.  Sara did a great job taking us to some unique points in the city.  Additionally, she assisted us with restaurants and other recommendations in the city.  Sara is really lovely.  

-The day trip to Sintra was also a fantastic experience.  Sintra is magical and Marta was wonderful.-The Lisbon walking tour was also very good.  This tour helped us understand so much about the history of Portugal as well as see a lot of the city.  Our tour guide Filipa had a great personalityand kept the tour interesting. 

-Lagos is absolutely beautiful!  While we enjoyed the Catamaran, we really enjoyed the Sunset experience with Pedro.  This activity allowed us to see the surrounding areas outside of Lagos and understand just how much more there is to see and do in the Algarve region.  Pedro really did a great job; he was very personable and made the whole experience really fun.

Other:
-It would be good to mention that flat shoes are required for pretty much all of the streets in Portugal. :)
-The Tivoli hotel in Lagos did not meet expectations.  While the rooms were clean, the service and the breakfast were lacking.  For example, every time we went to get towels for the pool, the front desk did not have any available. This is not a hotel I would stay at in the future. 

Marina Courtaut profile photo
Marina Courtaut, local specialist, responded to this review:

I don't have words to respond to this review! Other than wow and thank you so much for taking the time to write such detail. I am so pleased that you had such a fabulous time, it is what our team always strives for. I really appreciate your comments about the Tivoli hotel, I will make a note of that! It certainly was a pleasure to help you plan your trip to Portugal and look forward to helping you plan another trip in the future. Marina :-)

Our trip was absolutely wonderful, and it's h... · Portugal - Oct 18 - Oct 31, 2021

Traveler: Kay L. - Local specialist: Marina Courtaut

Our trip was absolutely wonderful, and it's hard to say what our favorite part was. Marina was absolutely fantastic in helping us plan our trip, and responded quickly and kindly when we asked for changes. A few standouts...4x4 adventure near Porto, Douro Valley wine tour, day in Coimbra, Knights Templar tour in Tomar, lunch at the olive tree farm near Evora. Overall an absolutely amazing trip! Thank you again to Marina, and to Karin for serving as POC for one week.

Marina Courtaut profile photo
Marina Courtaut, local specialist, responded to this review:

Kay, thank you for taking the time to do the review! I am so pleased that you had such a fabulous time, it is what our team always strives for. It was my pleasure helping you plan your trip to Portugal and look forward to working with you in the future. Marina :-)

Portugal - Lisbon and the Algarve...with Tiago's help! · Portugal - Oct 18 - Oct 23, 2021

Traveler: Eric B. - Local specialist: Tiago Filipe

The trip was amazing because of the great planning and work Tiago did. He was with us every step of the way leading up to and duriung the trip. We changed plans and had issues - and he always picked up the phone - resolved problems and gave great advice. Its so awesome to have a partner in a country you haven't been to before. Its also really luxuriouls to have your hotels and car booked for you and have someone waiting at the airport.

We are so happy we spent a few extra dollars and used... read more

The trip was amazing because of the great planning and work Tiago did. He was with us every step of the way leading up to and duriung the trip. We changed plans and had issues - and he always picked up the phone - resolved problems and gave great advice. Its so awesome to have a partner in a country you haven't been to before. Its also really luxuriouls to have your hotels and car booked for you and have someone waiting at the airport.

We are so happy we spent a few extra dollars and used KimKim. It was only a 'few' more dollars also - incredible value for the money.

If you go to Portugal...ask for Tiago!

Tiago Filipe profile photo
Tiago Filipe, local specialist, responded to this review:

Dear Eric,

I truly feel flattered by your comments. But I think that the key here was that both you and Kelly are really easy going and laid back people!!

The only thing I had to add is that you have been skipping your Portuguese lessons. My offer still stands! With a couple of messages a day I'm sure you'd get to learn something!!

Um forte abraço e um beijinho à Kelly!

Tiago

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