8 day itinerary for 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 Porto, with a focus on minimizing hotel changes. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Porto

Morning: Arrive in Porto and check into your hotel. Settle in and freshen up.

Afternoon: Start your adventure with a leisurely stroll along the Ribeira District. Enjoy the colorful buildings and the Douro River views. Don’t forget to stop by the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge 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 Porto

Morning: Visit the Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Then, head to the Clerigos Tower for panoramic views of the city.

Afternoon: Explore the São Bento Railway Station, famous for its stunning azulejos (ceramic tiles). Afterward, visit the Palácio da Bolsa and the Church of São Francisco.

Evening: Enjoy dinner in the Foz do Douro area, where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean. A seaside restaurant would be perfect for some fresh seafood!

## Day 3: Douro Valley Day Trip

Morning: After breakfast, drive to the Douro Valley (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 Porto. If you’re not too tired, consider a sunset cruise on the Douro River to wrap up your day.

## Day 4: Porto to Coimbra

Morning: Check out of your hotel and drive to Coimbra (about 1.5 hours).

Afternoon: Visit the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in Europe. Don’t miss the Joanina Library 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 Alfama district, the oldest part of Lisbon. Wander through the narrow streets, visit the Lisbon Cathedral, and enjoy the views from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia.

Evening: Have dinner in Alfama, perhaps at a Fado restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Portuguese music.

## Day 6: Lisbon Exploration

Morning: Visit the Belém district. Check out the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower. Don’t forget to grab a Pastel de Belém from the famous bakery!

Afternoon: Head to the [MAAT (Museum of Art](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=MAAT%20(Museum%20of%20Art&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround"), Architecture and Technology) for some contemporary culture. Then, take a tram ride on the iconic Tram 28 through the city.

Evening: Explore the Bairro Alto district for dinner. It’s lively and full of great restaurants and bars.

## Day 7: Sintra Day Trip

Morning: Drive to Sintra (about 30 minutes). Visit the stunning Pena Palace and take in the fairy-tale architecture and gardens.

Afternoon: Explore the Moorish Castle and the Quinta da Regaleira, 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 Cascais and Departure

Morning: On your last day, take a scenic drive to Cascais (about 30 minutes). Enjoy the beautiful coastal views and relax on the beach.

Afternoon: Explore the charming town, visit Boca do Inferno, 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 Cascais 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! 🌍✨