9 day itinerary
Portugal
Itinerary
Portugal is a fantastic destination with a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious food. With your family and friends in tow, I’ve crafted a fun and engaging 9-day itinerary that balances sightseeing, relaxation, and some football fun for the teens. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in
- Morning: Arrive in . Check into your hotel and freshen up.
- Afternoon: Explore the historic neighborhood of . Wander through the narrow streets, visit the , and enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch at a local taverna.
- Evening: Head to the for stunning sunset views over the Tagus River. Dinner at a nearby restaurant, perhaps trying some bacalhau (codfish) dishes.
- Fun Fact: is home to the famous football club SL Benfica, so keep an eye out for their merchandise!
Day 2: to Sintra
- Morning: Drive to Sintra (about 30 minutes). Visit the colorful and explore the gardens.
- Afternoon: Have lunch in Sintra and then visit , known for its mystical gardens and initiation well.
- Evening: Return to . Enjoy dinner in the district, where you can find lively restaurants and Fado music.
Day 3: to Porto
- Morning: Depart for Porto (about 3 hours by car). Stop for a coffee break in , home to one of the oldest universities in Europe.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Porto. Check into your hotel and have lunch at the famous .
- Evening: Stroll along the and enjoy dinner with views of the .
Day 4: Porto and
- Morning: Take a river cruise on the to see the stunning vineyards and terraced hillsides. This is a must-do for the scenic views!
- Afternoon: Enjoy a wine tasting at one of the local wineries in the . The teens might enjoy some grape juice or non-alcoholic options.
- Evening: Return to Porto. Dinner at a local restaurant, trying the famous Francesinha sandwich.
Day 5: Porto to Braga and
- Morning: Drive to Braga (about 40 minutes). Visit the and take the funicular for amazing views.
- Afternoon: Head to (about 30 minutes). Explore the medieval town center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit the .
- Evening: Return to Porto for dinner. Perhaps catch a local football match if there’s one happening!
Day 6: Porto to
- Morning: Drive back to . Stop at , a charming medieval town, for a stroll and some ginjinha (cherry liqueur) tasting for the adults.
- Afternoon: Arrive in and have lunch. Visit the to learn about the beautiful azulejos (tiles).
- Evening: Dinner in the district, followed by a Fado show for a taste of Portuguese culture.
Day 7: to and
- Morning: Drive to (about 30 minutes). Spend some time at the beach or explore the charming town.
- Afternoon: Visit the (Hell’s Mouth) and enjoy lunch with ocean views. Then, head to , known for its casino and beautiful coastline.
- Evening: Return to for dinner. Consider a casual meal at Time Out Market, where everyone can choose their favorite dishes.
Day 8: to Évora
- Morning: Drive to Évora (about 1.5 hours). Visit the Roman Temple and the .
- Afternoon: Enjoy lunch in the town square and explore the local shops. Don’t miss the beautiful .
- Evening: Return to . Have a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant, perhaps trying some seafood dishes.
Day 9: Departure
- Morning: Depending on your flight time, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a last stroll through the streets of or a visit to the ( Oceanarium).
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.
Tips:
- Make sure to check the local football schedules to see if there are any matches during your stay, especially in or Porto!
- Consider booking the river cruise in advance, as they can fill up quickly.
- Enjoy the local cuisine and don’t hesitate to ask locals for their favorite spots!
I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories in Portugal! Enjoy your trip! 🌍✈️
