7 day itinerary
Portugal
Itinerary
Portugal is a gem, and I’m excited to help you plan a delightful 7-day itinerary that takes you from the vibrant streets of to the charming corners of Porto, with some lovely smaller villages sprinkled in. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in (Sept 17)
Morning:
- Arrive in and check into your hotel. I recommend staying in the Alfama or Bairro Alto neighborhoods for a taste of local life.
Afternoon:
- Grab a pastel de nata (custard tart) at . Then, take a stroll through the historic to see the and the .
Evening:
- Head to the Alfama district for dinner. Try a local restaurant with Fado music for an authentic experience. Enjoy the soulful sounds while savoring some bacalhau à brás (codfish).
Day 2: to (Sept 18)
Morning:
- Take the train from to (about 40 minutes). Explore the stunning and the . The views are breathtaking!
Afternoon:
- Visit , a magical estate with gardens, initiatory wells, and enchanting architecture. Grab lunch at a local café.
Evening:
- Return to and enjoy a leisurely dinner in the Chiado area. Try some petiscos (Portuguese tapas) to share.
Day 3: to and (Sept 19)
Morning:
- Take a bus to (about 1 hour). Wander through the medieval streets, visit the castle, and don’t forget to try the (cherry liqueur) served in a chocolate cup!
Afternoon:
- Continue to (about 30 minutes by bus). Enjoy the beach and watch the surfers. Have lunch at a seaside restaurant and try the fresh seafood.
Evening:
- Head back to for the night. Relax and enjoy a quiet evening, perhaps with a stroll along the Tagus River.
Day 4: to (Sept 20)
Morning:
- Take a train from to (about 2 hours). Check into your accommodation and get ready to explore!
Afternoon:
- Visit the , one of the oldest universities in Europe. Don’t miss the and the beautiful botanical gardens.
Evening:
- Enjoy dinner in the historic center. Try the local dish, chanfana (goat stew), for a true taste of .
Day 5: to and (Sept 21)
Morning:
- Take a train to (about 1 hour). Explore the charming canals and colorful moliceiro boats.
Afternoon:
- Head to (a short bus ride away) to see the iconic striped houses. Enjoy a leisurely lunch by the beach and take a stroll along the shore.
Evening:
- Return to for the night. Enjoy a relaxed dinner and perhaps a nightcap at a local bar.
Day 6: to Porto (Sept 22)
Morning:
- Take a train from to Porto (about 1 hour). Check into your hotel and get ready to explore this vibrant city!
Afternoon:
- Start with a visit to the , one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Then, stroll along the by the .
Evening:
- Enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant. Try the famous Francesinha sandwich, a Porto specialty, and pair it with a glass of Port wine.
Day 7: Explore Porto (Sept 23)
Morning:
- Visit the iconic and take a walk across for stunning views of the city. Explore the historic center, including the with its beautiful azulejos (tiles).
Afternoon:
- Take a guided tour of one of the in . Enjoy a tasting session and learn about the wine-making process.
Evening:
- For your last night, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Portuguese restaurant. Savor the flavors of the region and reflect on your wonderful journey through Portugal!
Tips for Public Transportation:
- Trains: Use Comboios de Portugal for train schedules and tickets. They are comfortable and efficient.
- Buses: Rede Expressos and FlixBus are great for intercity travel.
- Local Transport: In cities, use trams, buses, or the metro. has a great public transport system.
I hope this itinerary gives you a fantastic mix of city life, history, and the charm of smaller villages! Enjoy your trip to Portugal! 🌍✈️🍷
