15 day itinerary for Portugal

Itinerary

Portugal is a fantastic destination for a family adventure, and with 15 days to explore, you can cover a lot of ground while enjoying the vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. Here’s a fun and fast-paced itinerary that keeps the whole family engaged and entertained!

## Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon

• Morning: Arrive in Lisbon. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
• Afternoon: Explore the historic neighborhood of Alfama. Wander through the narrow streets, and don’t miss the Miradouro de Santa Luzia for stunning views.
• Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in Bairro Alto. Try some traditional Portuguese dishes like bacalhau à brás (codfish) or piri-piri chicken.

## Day 2: Lisbon

• Morning: Visit the Oceanário de Lisboa, one of the largest aquariums in Europe. Kids will love the diverse marine life!
• Afternoon: Head to the Parque das Nações for a stroll and lunch. You can also take a ride on the cable car for great views.
• Evening: Explore the lively streets of Chiado and grab dinner at a local eatery.

## Day 3: Sintra

• Morning: Take a day trip to Sintra (about 30 minutes by train). Visit the colorful Pena Palace and its gardens.
• Afternoon: Explore the Moorish Castle and enjoy a picnic lunch with a view.
• Evening: Return to Lisbon and have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant.

## Day 4: Cascais and Estoril

• Morning: Head to Cascais (30 minutes from Lisbon). Enjoy the beach and the charming town center.
• Afternoon: Visit Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth) for stunning coastal views. Grab lunch in Cascais.
• Evening: Stroll along the promenade to Estoril and have dinner there before heading back to Lisbon.

## Day 5: Lisbon to Porto

• Morning: Take a train to Porto (about 3 hours). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Explore the Ribeira District along the Douro River. Enjoy lunch at a riverside café.
• Evening: Take a family-friendly boat tour on the Douro River to see the city from the water.

## Day 6: Porto

• Morning: Visit the Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Kids will love the magical atmosphere!
• Afternoon: Explore the Serralves Museum and its beautiful gardens.
• Evening: Dinner in the Foz do Douro area, where the river meets the ocean.

## Day 7: Douro Valley

• Morning: Take a day trip to the Douro Valley (about 1.5 hours by car). Enjoy the stunning vineyards and landscapes.
• Afternoon: Visit a family-friendly winery for a tour and tasting (grape juice for the kids, of course!). Have lunch with a view.
• Evening: Return to Porto for dinner.

## Day 8: Porto to Coimbra

• Morning: Travel to Coimbra (about 1.5 hours by train). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit the University of Coimbra and its beautiful botanical gardens.
• Evening: Explore the old town and have dinner at a local restaurant.

## Day 9: Coimbra to Aveiro

• Morning: Head to Aveiro (about 1 hour by train). Explore the colorful canals and take a traditional moliceiro boat ride.
• Afternoon: Try the local sweet treat, ovos moles, and enjoy lunch by the canals.
• Evening: Return to Coimbra for dinner.

## Day 10: Coimbra to Évora

• Morning: Travel to Évora (about 2.5 hours by train). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Explore the historic center, including the Roman Temple and the beautiful Praça do Giraldo.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a family-friendly restaurant.

## Day 11: Évora to Lagos

• Morning: Head to Lagos in the Algarve (about 3 hours by train). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Relax at one of the stunning beaches, like Praia Dona Ana.
• Evening: Dinner in the charming old town of Lagos.

## Day 12: Lagos

• Morning: Take a boat tour to explore the famous sea caves and grottos along the coast.
• Afternoon: Spend more time at the beach or visit the local market for some shopping.
• Evening: Enjoy a family dinner at a beachside restaurant.

## Day 13: Lagos to Lisbon

• Morning: Travel back to Lisbon (about 4 hours by train). Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Visit the Lisbon Zoo or the Lisbon Science Museum, both great for kids.
• Evening: Dinner in the trendy neighborhood of LX Factory.

## Day 14: Lisbon

• Morning: Take a tram ride on the famous Tram 28 to see the city’s highlights.
• Afternoon: Visit the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, which has beautiful gardens and art collections.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a family-friendly restaurant with Fado music.

## Day 15: Departure

• Morning: Last-minute shopping or a stroll through the city.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.

And there you have it! A whirlwind 15-day adventure through Portugal that’s packed with fun, culture, and family-friendly activities. Enjoy your trip! 🌍✈️