Portugal

Portugal is a beautiful country with so much to offer. Here's an ideal itinerary for 7 days in Portugal:

Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon

Upon arrival in Lisbon, check into your hotel and take some time to relax and freshen up. In the afternoon, head out to explore the city. Start with a visit to the historic Alfama district, where you can wander through narrow streets and alleys lined with colorful houses. Stop by the Castelo de São Jorge for stunning views of the city and the Tagus River. End the day with a traditional Portuguese dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Lisbon City Tour

Start the day with a visit to the iconic Belém Tower and the nearby Jerónimos Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Then, head to the Baixa neighborhood for a stroll down Rua Augusta, one of Lisbon's main shopping streets. Take a ride on the famous Tram 28 to see more of the city's historic neighborhoods. End the day with a sunset cruise along the Tagus River.

Day 3: Sintra Day Trip

Take a day trip to the charming town of Sintra, located just outside of Lisbon. Visit the colorful Pena Palace, a fairytale-like castle perched atop a hill, and the Moorish Castle, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Don't miss the chance to explore the lush gardens of the Quinta da Regaleira estate. Return to Lisbon in the evening.

Day 4: Porto

Take a morning train to Porto, a picturesque city known for its port wine and historic center. Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia, where you can visit the port wine cellars and enjoy a tasting.

Day 5: Douro Valley Day Trip

Take a day trip to the Douro Valley, one of the world's oldest wine regions. Enjoy stunning views of the vineyards and terraced hillsides as you visit local wineries and taste some of the region's famous port wines. Return to Porto in the evening.

Day 6: Porto City Tour

Start the day with a visit to the Sé Cathedral, one of Porto's most iconic landmarks. Then, head to the São Bento train station to admire its beautiful azulejo tiles. Take a stroll through the charming streets of the Rua das Flores neighborhood and stop by the Livraria Lello, a historic bookstore that inspired J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. End the day with a sunset cruise along the Douro River.

Day 7: Departure

On your last day in Portugal, take some time to relax and enjoy the city before departing for home. If time allows, visit the Palácio da Bolsa, a neoclassical building that houses the Porto Stock Exchange. Don't forget to try some of the local cuisine, such as francesinha, a hearty sandwich filled with meat and covered in cheese and sauce.