8 day itinerary
Portugal
Itinerary
A road trip through Portugal sounds like a fantastic adventure, especially in April when the weather is lovely and the landscapes are blooming. Let’s create an itinerary that balances culture, history, and some stunning scenery, all while keeping it family-friendly. Buckle up, and let’s hit the road!
Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon
Morning: Arrive in Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal. After settling into your accommodation, grab a traditional pastel de nata (custard tart) at .
Afternoon: Explore the historic Belém district. Visit the and the , both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Evening: Head to the for dinner. Enjoy some local cuisine at a family-friendly restaurant, and if you’re up for it, catch a Fado performance to soak in the soulful music of Portugal.
Day 2: Lisbon to Sintra
Morning: After breakfast, take a short drive to Sintra (about 30 minutes). Visit the colorful , which looks like something out of a fairy tale!
Afternoon: Explore the and the beautiful gardens of . The kids will love the secret tunnels and magical wells!
Evening: Return to Lisbon for dinner. Try a local pizzeria or a restaurant that serves Portuguese tapas to keep it casual and fun.
Day 3: Lisbon to Évora
Morning: Hit the road to Évora (about 1.5 hours). Once you arrive, visit the and the .
Afternoon: Explore the – it’s a bit quirky and sure to spark some interesting conversations!
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling Alentejo cuisine, which is hearty and delicious.
Day 4: Évora to Coimbra
Morning: Depart for Coimbra (about 2 hours). Visit the , one of the oldest universities in Europe. The is a must-see!
Afternoon: Stroll through the beautiful botanical gardens and visit the historic .
Evening: Have dinner in the city center, where you can find plenty of family-friendly options. Try some local dishes like chanfana (goat stew) or roasted suckling pig.
Day 5: Coimbra to Porto
Morning: Drive to Porto (about 1.5 hours). Start your day with a visit to the , one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
Afternoon: Explore the along the Douro River. Take a family-friendly boat tour to see the city from the water, and don’t forget to snap some photos of the iconic !
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant. Try the famous – it’s a Porto specialty!
Day 6: Porto to Guimarães
Morning: Take a short drive to Guimarães (about 1 hour). Visit the and the .
Afternoon: Wander through the charming medieval streets and visit the beautiful .
Evening: Have dinner in Guimarães, where you can find cozy restaurants serving traditional Portuguese fare.
Day 7: Guimarães to Braga
Morning: Head to Braga (about 30 minutes). Visit the , famous for its stunning baroque staircase.
Afternoon: Explore the historic center of Braga, including the .
Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner in Braga, perhaps trying some local pastries for dessert!
Day 8: Braga to Lisbon
Morning: Start your journey back to Lisbon (about 3.5 hours). If time allows, stop in , a charming medieval town, for a quick visit and some ginjinha (cherry liqueur) for the adults (and chocolate cups for the kids!).
Afternoon: Arrive in Lisbon and do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing. You could visit the for a casual lunch.
Evening: Celebrate your trip with a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant in Lisbon, reminiscing about all the wonderful memories you’ve made!
Tips for the Road Trip:
- Make sure to have a good playlist for the drive!
- Keep snacks and water handy for the kids.
- Plan for some flexibility in your schedule to accommodate any spontaneous stops or discoveries along the way.
I hope this itinerary helps you create unforgettable memories with your family friends in Portugal! Enjoy your adventure! 🌍✨