DESTINATION ITINERARIES
 

PORTUGAL 10 Days

Portugal is a southern European country next to Spain. Its Atlantic Ocean location shapes its culture. It’s the cheapest country in Western Europe, and travelers can explore it easily by car. Popular dishes include roast kid, salt cod, and grilled sardines. Every region has its own history, scenery, and food. The whole country is family-friendly and about the same size as Iceland or Hungary.

 
 

Tips:

  • In Lisbon or Porto, we highly advise that you to use local public transport to move around the city rather than driving a car, as traffic is pretty intense and parking is difficult to find.

  • In rural areas of Portugal, cash is still used more often. Many restaurants and shops do not accept credit cards..

  • Visitors from certain countries such as the USA and Canada, can enjoy 90 days Visa-free travel.

  • The best souvenirs are vacuumed packed cheese, wine and olive oil.

  • Portugal can be overcrowded and busy in high summer. Autumn is the best time to visit.

  • Portugal Travel Guides: Fodor’s Portugal and Rick Stevens Portugal and Lonely Planet Portugal.

  • Sign up for great travel stories and ideas on National Geographic online !

  • For Emergency services, dial 112 — free from all phones.

  • The currency is the Euro.

  • Travel adapters: Type C and Type F.

 

DAY 1

  • Arrive at Lisbon airport and transfer to your hotel.

  • Lisbon, Portugal’s capital has 3 million people and is one of the oldest cities in the world. It has narrow, winding streets on seven steep hills. The city blends old buildings, modern design, lively neighborhoods, parks, and popular festivals.

    • Lisbon consist of six (6) districts. The most popular tourist districts are Baixa, Alfama and Chiado.

      • Baixa - stroll The Rua Augusta - This busy pedestrian street has mosaic floors, outdoor cafés, world shops, and sometimes street performers and sellers. Rua Augusta street connects with Rossio Square. Rossio Square is the liveliest square in Lisbon.

      • Alfama - is one of Lisbon's oldest neighborhoods, once home to fishermen in its narrow streets. Today, it has become a trendy and lively area.

      • Chiado - is an elegant, sophisticated district of theaters, bookshops, old-style cafes, and international shops.

    • Best location to stay - Baixa is the choice.

    • Baixa is close to the Bairro Alto, which is known for its nightlife. <read more>

  • Overnight: Lisbon (3 nights)

 

  • <Map of districts>

    —Alfama is the oldest neighborhood of Lisbon and contains the majority of historical sights and Fado bars.

    —Baixa liocated in the heart of the city center is an elegant district featuring impressive squares and boulevards.

    —Bairro Alto on the other hand is a residential neighborhood which is also famous for it’s nightlife.

    —Chiado, for the most part a shopping area offers a mix of old and modern shops as well as cafes.

    —Belem is a short drive out of the center and famous for its palace, promenade and its Pasteis de Nata.

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Learn more about Lisbon

DAYS 2 and 3

  • Visit the oldest neighborhood of Lisbon - Alfama.

    • The steep streets of Alfama are lined with shops selling traditional crafts and cafes.

    • Castelo de Sao Jorge - is a medieval castle located at the top of the neighborhood.
      It also provides excellent views of the city. <Location>

    • Miradouro da Graça - a popular photo stop offering dramatic views of the city.

      • Location: Calçada da Graça, 1100-265 Lisboa.

      • Castelo de Sao Jorge and Miradouro da Graca are a 10-minute walk apart.

    • Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol – these two (2) viewpoints are located virtually right next to each other and are best visited in the late afternoon/early evening, when the sun will be shining on Lisbon's orange-hued rooftops.

    • Fado Museum – learn about the evolution of this melancholy type of music that Portugal is famous for.

  • Electric Bike tours - an exciting way to explore the city. The electric bikes make the hills easy to climb.

  • Walking tours - a popular overview of Lisbon with a guide. The walking tour is usually one-half a day. Be advised Lisbon is a hilly city

  • Visit Sintra - a fairy tale town known for its many historic palaces and castles. An excellent day trip.

    • Getting there: an easy 40-minute train ride from Lisbon.
      We strongly discourage driving to Sintra, as there are heavy traffic jams and very limited car parking.

    • Within Sintra, highlights include:

      • Stroll the historic center of Sintra along the narrow alleys, past shops selling regional products.

        • Sintra’s historic center is about a 20-minute walk from the Sintra train station.

      • Palácio Nacional da Pena - it is a beautiful, colorful palace and a famous example of Romantic architecture in Europe.
        It is also an important symbol of Portugal's national identity.

      • Sintra National Palace - it is one of the best-preserved medieval royal houses. The palace was built in the Moorish period.

      • Quinta da Regaleira -Quinta da Regaleira is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a top spot to visit in Sintra. This Neo-Manueline mansion combines Gothic and Renaissance styles, featuring detailed stonework, colorful stained glass, and rich decorations.
        Its large, magical gardens make it truly special.

  • Overnight: Lisbon

  • Distance: Lisbon —> Sintra, 40 minutes.

DAY 4

  • Embark to Coimbra with stops in Obibos, Nazarre and Fatima.

  • Obidos is a charming Portuguese town with old walls and cobbled streets. It has colorful houses and a large medieval castle. You can see it all in half a day.

  • Best activity in Obidos is to Walk the Castle Wall.

    • The walk is about 1.5 km and gives great views of the old town and nearby countryside.

    • Be advised: The Wall Walk has no railings and is uneven in some spots.

  • Óbidos is renowned for a popular Portuguese liqueur (cherry brandy) called ginjinha.  Ginjinha bars are popular in Óbidos.

  • Next stop is Nazarre—a popular seaside resort on the western coastline.

    • Possibly the most famous fishing town in Portugal and some of the world’s highest waves are found here (30m), mostly in the wintertime.

    • Take the funicular to Sitio da Nazare (the top of Monte Sitio) for superb views.

  • Afterward journey to Fatima.

  • Fatima - is an important Catholic shrine, dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

    • Its Sanctuary welcomes millions of pilgrims from all over the world.

  • Continue to Coimbra.

  • Overnight: Coimbra (1 night)

  • Driving distance:

    • Lisbon to Obidos, 1 hr. 15 min. 85 km

    • Obidos to Nazaree, 40 min. 40 km

    • Nazarre to Fatima, 1 hr. 60 km

    • Fatima to Coimbra, 1 hr. 80 km

DAY 5

  • Explore Coimbra - home to the oldest and most prestigious university in Portugal.

  • Coimbra is a fascinating and vibrant city with all which is associated with a university town.

    • The picturesque town consist of medieval quarters, where cobblestone streets are flanked by bars, boutiques & eateries.

  • Afterward continue to Pinhao. Spectacularly located at the confluence of the Douro and Pinhão rivers, Pinhão lies at the very heart of northern Portugal’s famous Port wine-making region.

  • Overnight: Pinhao (2 nights)

  • Driving distance: Coimbra ---> Pinhao, 2.5 hrs.

 
 

If time is limited or prefer not visit Lisbon-visitors can fly directly to Porto airport & pick up the trip on Day 6 described below.

United Airlines and Tap Air Portugal offer the best flights.

 

Source: Tapooz travel. Distance: Porto <—> Pinhao, 1.5 hr. one-way.

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Stunning scenery

DAY 6

  • Discover the Pinhao to Regu region.

    —The best approach to see the region is with a Guided Walk Tour. Highly recommended.

    —The renowned Douro Wine region is one of the oldest wine areas in the world. 

    —The landscape is beautiful with lush green hills and small quaint villages. The drive is beautiful and perfect for taking photos. 

  • Wine Tasting.

    —Surrounded by wineries, you can take a formal wine tour or simply visit when you see an “open” sign.

  • Walk Along the Banks of the Douro.

    —Route of Walk—Leave the town of Pinhão, cross the bridge over the River Pinhão and walk along the banks of the River Douro. Pass the Restaurante Cais da Foz, head upwards towards Quinta de La Rosa and continue in the direction of Chanceleiros. Venture through the Douro terraces.

    • Enjoy the hillside and the river below. Feel the peace and beauty of this special place. Distance: 10 km round-trip, 3 hours.

  • Take a ride on the Historic Douro Train.

    • The journey runs from Pinhao to Tua. The train provides a peaceful trip through time and a chance to enjoy the Douro River scenery.

  • Enjoy a 1 or 2-hour traditional Rabelo boat tour on a breathtaking stretch of the Douro river.

    • Similar to the train ride, the round-trip boat journey runs from Pinhao to Tua. Boat tours takes one (1) hour and are available through either Companhia Turistica do Douro or Magnifico Douro.

      • Tickets can be purchased at the jetty in Pinhão at The Vintage House Hotel.

  • There are a couple picturesque villages if you have extra time.

    • Provesende - is a charming village. Explore the village by foot as it is very quiet and almost untouched town.

    • Another village further away is Aramante. <video>

  • Visit the Mateus Palace. This palace, surrounded by beautiful gardens on a large farm, is one of the best examples of baroque civil architecture in Portugal.

  • Food lovers—Douro Valley is known for its various gastronomic specialties, such as roast kid (goat) and carne maronesa (the meat from a special kind of cattle only found in this area of Portugal) and doces cristas de Galo (pastries in the shape of a rooster´s comb).

  • Overnight: Pinhao

  • Driving distance:

    • Pinhao ---> Provesende, 20 min.

    • Pinhao ---> Mateus Palace, 45 min.

    • Regua ---> Pinhao, 30 min.

DAY 7

  • Continue to tour the Douro River Valley as described on Day 6.

  • Afterward journey to Porto via the N-222 road.

  • Porto is a seaside city famous for its beautiful bridges, scenic waterfront, and lively culture with many art galleries, theaters, and music spots.

  • Porto is the birthplace of port wine production. Port wine is usually sweeter, stronger, thicker, and has more alcohol than regular wine.

  • Some of the best food in Europe can be found here. Gourmet steakhouses, brunch cafes and food markets.

  • Overnight: Porto, (3 nights)

  • Driving distance: Pinhao ---> Porto, 1.5 hr. / 130 km

map of downtown porto

DAYS 8 and 9

  • Discover the medieval Ribeira (riverside) district of Porto with its cobbled streets, shops and cafes. The riverside area is a picturesque piazza where tourists and locals mingle. There are bars and restaurants around every corner.

  • Explore the Ribeira area by take a one (1) hour cruise. Your guide will share interesting information about Porto's history, the significant landmarks in the city, and the different bridges that you'll encounter along the way.

  • Discover the Bolhão Market, a famous market in the city, where products such as vegetables, fruits and among others are sold.

  • Book a Walking Tour. Porto is a city that offers Portuguese charm and history.

    • The historic center is compact, and a walking tour is ideal.

  • Walk the Dom Luis I Bridge. An industrial symbol for Porto, this double-decker arched bridge opened in 1886.

    • The upper deck has a pedestrian walkway. The bridge crosses the banks of the Douro and rises to almost 45 meters.

  • Hop on the Gaia Cable car for great views which connects the upper deck of the Luís I Bridge and the Pier of city of Gaia.

  • Head over to the Foz do Douro - Porto’s seafront and finest neighborhood. Facing the Atlantic, you will get to enjoy great sunset views. Getting there: taxi, 10 minutes and inexpensive.

  • Overnight: Porto.

DAY 10 

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Average cost:

(EXCLUDING AIRFARE)

$$$ USD for two (2) people

Budget: $3,200

Moderate: $3,800

Luxury: $4,500 +

 
 
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🌦️ Climate

  • Historical Weather data.

  • During the month of June through October you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant temperatures.

  • During the months of November through early-May you have a high chance of precipitation.

  • The warmest month is August with an average maximum temperature of 25°C (77°F).

  • The coldest month is January with an average maximum temperature of 13°C (55°F).

  • Sunrise/Sunset times.

 
 

Portugal

Portugal Gallery

🎬 Video

 
 
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Sources: Tapooz Travel, wikipedia.org
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