8 day itinerary
Portugal
Itinerary
Portugal is such a beautiful country with a rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious food. With a car at your disposal, you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace. Here’s a delightful 8-day itinerary starting from , with a focus on minimizing hotel changes. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in
Morning: Arrive in and check into your hotel. Settle in and freshen up.
Afternoon: Start your adventure with a leisurely stroll along the . Enjoy the colorful buildings and the Douro River views. Don’t forget to stop by the iconic for some fantastic photos!
Evening: Treat yourself to a traditional Francesinha for dinner at a local restaurant. Pair it with a glass of Port wine for the full experience!
Day 2: Explore
Morning: Visit the , one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Then, head to the for panoramic views of the city.
Afternoon: Explore the , famous for its stunning azulejos (ceramic tiles). Afterward, visit the and the .
Evening: Enjoy dinner in the area, where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean. A seaside restaurant would be perfect for some fresh seafood!
Day 3: Day Trip
Morning: After breakfast, drive to the (about 1.5 hours). The scenery is breathtaking, with terraced vineyards lining the hillsides.
Afternoon: Visit a vineyard for a tour and wine tasting. Many places offer lunch with stunning views, so take your time to savor the local cuisine.
Evening: Head back to . If you’re not too tired, consider a sunset cruise on the Douro River to wrap up your day.
Day 4: to Coimbra
Morning: Check out of your hotel and drive to Coimbra (about 1.5 hours).
Afternoon: Visit the , one of the oldest universities in Europe. Don’t miss the and the beautiful botanical gardens.
Evening: Stroll through the historic streets of Coimbra and enjoy dinner at a local tavern. Try some traditional dishes like “Leitão” (suckling pig) or “Chanfana” (goat stew).
Day 5: Coimbra to Lisbon
Morning: After breakfast, drive to Lisbon (about 2 hours). Check into your hotel and get settled.
Afternoon: Start exploring the , the oldest part of Lisbon. Wander through the narrow streets, visit the , and enjoy the views from the .
Evening: Have dinner in Alfama, perhaps at a Fado restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Portuguese music.
Day 6: Lisbon Exploration
Morning: Visit the . Check out the and the . Don’t forget to grab a Pastel de Belém from the famous bakery!
Afternoon: Head to the , Architecture and Technology) for some contemporary culture. Then, take a tram ride on the iconic through the city.
Evening: Explore the for dinner. It’s lively and full of great restaurants and bars.
Day 7: Day Trip
Morning: Drive to (about 30 minutes). Visit the stunning and take in the fairy-tale architecture and gardens.
Afternoon: Explore the and the , known for its mystical gardens and initiation well.
Evening: Head back to Lisbon and enjoy a relaxed dinner. Perhaps try some tapas to end your day on a high note!
Day 8: Lisbon to and Departure
Morning: On your last day, take a scenic drive to (about 30 minutes). Enjoy the beautiful coastal views and relax on the beach.
Afternoon: Explore the charming town, visit , and enjoy a leisurely lunch by the sea.
Evening: Depending on your flight time, you can either head back to Lisbon for your departure or enjoy one last sunset in before saying goodbye to Portugal.
And there you have it! An 8-day adventure through Portugal that balances exploration with relaxation, all while minimizing hotel changes. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! Safe travels! 🌍✨