Portugal
Portugal is a captivating blend of historic charm, dramatic coastline, and vibrant culture, where cobblestone streets, tiled façades, and fresh Atlantic seafood define everyday life. From the golden cliffs of the Algarve to the soulful sounds of Fado in Lisbon, it offers warm hospitality and rich traditions.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | This is the travel day. Getting to the airport and taking an overnight flight to Lisbon. | In flight |
| Day 2 | Arriving in Lisbon, renting car and driving to Sintra area. | Sintra |
| Day 3 | Tour Pena Palace, Moorish Castle & Montserrat Palace & Gardens. | Sintra |
| Day 4 | Quinta de Regaleira and Gardens, Cabo da Roca, Praia da Ursa. Beach | Sintra |
| Day 5 | Leave Sintra, Visit town of Obidos, Arrive in Porto. | Porto |
| Day 6 | Sights of Porto. | Porto |
| Day 7 | Leave Porto, visit town of Amarante, arrive in Duoro. | Duoro |
| Day 8 | Santuário de Nossa, visit to a winery. | Duoro |
| Day 9 | Leave Duoro area, stop in the town of Evora, arrive in Lux (Lagos area in the Algarve region). | Luz |
| Day 10 | Hike along the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, Lunch at by the sea, explore Lagos. | Luz |
| Day 11 | Visit the Benagil Cave, explore the town of Faro. | Luz |
| Day 12 | Beach day at Praia do Camilo | Luz |
| Day 13 | Drive back to Lisbon, Visit Praca do Comercio, Pink Street, and cocktails on terrace. | Lisbon |
| Day 14 | Sights of Lisbon. Tram ride. Dinner and Fado show. | Lisbon |
| Day 15 | Free day in Lisbon; Belem Castle, visit to Pastéis de Belém. | Lisbon |
| Day 16 | Taxi to the airport, flight home. |
Day 1: We flew overnight on a transatlantic flight to Lisbon, Portugal
Day 2: Lisbon & Sintra.
We begin your adventure by picking up a rental car at the airport, giving you the freedom to explore the coast at your own pace. From there, headed straight to Cascais for lunch, where a lively stretch of restaurants offers plenty of options. After lunch, we did a short drive to Boca do Inferno, a dramatic coastal cliff formation where waves crash powerfully against the rocks, creating one of the region’s most iconic scenic spots. Afterwards continued onward to our hotel. This was a beautiful hotel on the outskirts of Sintra.
After picking up a car rental at Lisbon airport:
Lunch in Cascais (recommendation: Yellow Street or Old Town).
Visit Boca do Inferno for scenic coastal views.
Check-in at Sintra hotel at 3:00 PM.
Explore Sintra and dinner in Sintra.
Day 3: Sintra sightseeing (recommend parking at Pena Palace and walking to Moorish Castle, 20 minutes).
Visit Pena Palace.
Explore Moorish Castle, walk the path from the Pena Palace if you are able.
Visit Monserrate Palace and Gardens.
Optional hiking guide: Hiking Sintra.
Day 4:
Visit Quinta de Regaleira and Gardens (tickets needed).
Explore Cabo da Roca (free).
Visit Praia da Ursa Beach and Praia da Adraga.
Dinner at Moinho Dom Quixote (no reservations, arrive early for sunset).
Day 5:
Drive to Porto via Obidos (1 hour from Sintra).
Have Ginja drink in a chocolate cup, walk the streets, and explore the city wall.
Optional stop in Aveiro for a canal tour, walking, shopping, and lunch.
Arrive in Porto and check-in at Airbnb at 3 PM.
Porto sightseeing:
Liberade Square (start walking tour here).
Vitoria viewpoint (views of Old Town and river).
Igreja do Carmo-Capela (exterior tiles).
Clerigos Church and Tower (250 feet tall, tallest building in Porto).
Porto Cathedral (blue tile cloisters, great views).
Church of St. Francis (beautiful interior).
Ribeira neighborhood and square (river views, colorful buildings).
Sunset viewpoint in Vila Nova de Gaia (cross the bridge).
Porto Wine Cellars for wine tasting.
Terrace Lounge 360 (rooftop bar, no reservations).
Parking in Porto: Alfândega Car Park, €35 for 48-hour ticket.
Day 6: Porto activities:
Walk Santa Catarina Street (main shopping street).
Visit Majestic Café (historic café, top 10 most beautiful in the world).
Livraria Lello (world’s most stunning bookshop, €8 entry fee, refunded with book purchase).
See art at Sao Bento Train Station.
Visit Batalha Square and 18th-century Batalha Palace.
Walk the riverfront.
Book a 6 Bridges Cruise (50 minutes, approx. €15, book on Gaia side).
Visit Jardim do Morro (city views).
Dinner reservation at Rua Tapas e Music Bar.
Day 7: Finish Porto activities. Drive to Douro Hotel at 5 PM.
Day 8: Douro sightseeing:
Visit Santuário de Nossa.
Winery visit (Quinta do Panascal).
Scenic drive between Peso de Regua and Pinhao (N222).
Day 9: Travel Day to the Algarve area:
Checkout of Douro at 8 AM.
4.5-hour drive to Evora.
Lunch in Evora and explore town and Roman ruins or visit Almendres Cromlech.
2.5-hour drive to Luz. Check-in at Airbnb at 4 PM.
Visit Sagres lighthouse (extreme western point of Europe).
Day 10: Algarve:
8 AM: Hike Seven Hanging Valleys Trail (3.5 km moderate trail along the coast, start at Praia do Marinha beach).
Visit Boneca Beach Restaurant/Bar and nearby caves.
5 PM: Explore Lagos old town/downtown.
Day 11: Algarve:
10 AM: Boat trip to Benagil Cave.
2 PM: Explore Faro Old Town.
Day 13: Algarve:
Visit Praia do Camilo and Praia Dona Ana (kayaking available).
Explore Ponta da Piedade (coves and caves).
5 PM: Explore Lagos old town/downtown.
Day 14: Travel Day to Lisbon:
Drive to Lisbon. Check-in to apartment after 3 PM.
Visit Praca do Comercio, Pink Street, and Terraço Chill-Out Limão.
Day 15: Lisbon:
Ride Tram 28.
Visit Castle of São Jorge, Miradouro da Graça, and Miradouro de Santa Luzia.