12 day itinerary
Portugal
Itinerary
Portugal is such a beautiful country with a rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious food. I’m excited to help you plan your 12-day adventure from Lisbon to Porto! Let’s dive right in!
Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon
Welcome to Lisbon! After settling into your accommodation, take a leisurely stroll through the historic . Explore the narrow streets, visit the stunning , and enjoy a sunset view from . For dinner, try some traditional Portuguese dishes at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Lisbon Exploration
Start your day with a visit to the iconic and the . Don’t forget to grab a Pastel de Belém from the famous bakery! In the afternoon, head to the vibrant for some shopping and street art. In the evening, consider catching a for a taste of Portuguese music.
Day 3: Sintra Day Trip
Take a day trip to Sintra, just a short train ride from Lisbon. Visit the colorful and the . Stroll through the beautiful gardens of . Enjoy lunch in the town center and try the local specialty, Travesseiros. Return to Lisbon in the evening.
Day 4: and
Spend the day exploring the coastal towns of and . Relax on the beach, wander through the charming streets, and enjoy fresh seafood at a seaside restaurant. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a bike and ride along the scenic coastline. Return to Lisbon for the night.
Day 5: Lisbon to and
Check out of your Lisbon accommodation and head to , a picturesque medieval town. Explore the castle and the charming streets lined with whitewashed houses. Afterward, continue to , famous for its giant waves. Enjoy a seafood dinner and spend the night here.
Day 6: to Coimbra
In the morning, take a stroll along ’s beach and maybe catch some surfers in action. Then, head to Coimbra, home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. Visit the stunning and explore the historic center. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and soak in the student atmosphere.
Day 7: Coimbra to
After breakfast, make your way to , known as the "Venice of Portugal." Take a boat ride through the canals and admire the colorful moliceiro boats. Don’t forget to try the local sweet treat, Ovos Moles. Spend the night in and enjoy the laid-back vibe.
Day 8: to Porto
Travel to Porto, the city of port wine! Start your exploration at the iconic and take in the views of the Douro River. Visit the , one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. In the evening, enjoy a wine tasting at one of the many wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Day 9: Porto City Tour
Spend the day exploring Porto’s highlights. Visit the , known for its stunning azulejos (ceramic tiles), and the beautiful . Take a stroll along the and enjoy lunch by the river. In the evening, consider a river cruise to see the city from a different perspective.
Day 10: Day Trip
Take a day trip to the , famous for its terraced vineyards. You can join a wine tour that includes tastings and a scenic boat ride on the Douro River. Enjoy a traditional lunch with stunning views of the vineyards. Return to Porto in the evening.
Day 11: Porto to
Head to , often referred to as the birthplace of Portugal. Explore the medieval castle and the charming historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy lunch at a local café and take in the beautiful architecture. Return to Porto for your last night.
Day 12: Departure from Porto
On your final day, take some time for last-minute shopping or a leisurely breakfast at a café. If time allows, visit the and its beautiful gardens. Then, it’s time to say goodbye to Portugal as you head to the airport for your departure.
And there you have it! A delightful 12-day itinerary that takes you from the vibrant streets of Lisbon to the charming city of Porto, with plenty of stops along the way to soak in the culture, history, and stunning landscapes. Enjoy your trip! If you have any questions or need adjustments, just let me know! 🌍✈️🍷