9-Day Itinerary from Porto

Day 1 – Porto and Gaia Tour

Discover the highlights of Portugal’s second-largest city, starting with the lively Mercado do Bolhão, an authentic market filled with local flavors and traditions.

Admire the Igreja do Carmo, known for its striking blue-and-white tiled façade, and step into the enchanting Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Visit the iconic Torre dos Clérigos and its church, climb to the top for panoramic views, and stroll along Avenida dos Aliados, the grand boulevard at the heart of Porto.

Continue to the Sé Cathedral, a monument that reflects centuries of history, and cross the emblematic Dom Luís I Bridge on foot, enjoying breathtaking views of the Douro River.

Conclude the day in Vila Nova de Gaia, where you can explore the famous wine cellars and optionally take part in a tasting of Porto’s most celebrated export: its wine.

(Overnight in Porto)

Day  2 – Douro Valley

Embark on a scenic journey from Porto into the heart of the Douro Valley, the world’s first demarcated wine region and a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Travel along winding roads that follow the river’s course, surrounded by breathtaking terraced vineyards.

Stop at some of the valley’s most stunning viewpoints, such as Casal de Loivos, where the endless terraces seem to cascade toward the Douro River. Continue to Peso da Régua, the capital of the Douro region, and learn about the history of Port wine and its traditional transport along the river. Visit the picturesque village of Pinhão, known for its beautiful azulejo-tiled train station that depicts scenes of the valley’s wine heritage.

Enjoy a guided visit and wine tasting at a historic Douro estate, where you’ll discover the region’s traditions and taste its renowned wines amid stunning vineyard views.

(Overnight in Douro Valley)

Day 3 – Transfer to Ferreira do Zêzere via Coimbra, Fátima, and Tomar

Depart from the scenic Douro Valley and head south toward Coimbra, one of Portugal’s most historic and vibrant cities. Explore the University of Coimbra, founded in 1290, and its magnificent Joanina Library, a baroque masterpiece housing thousands of ancient volumes. Stroll through the old quarter and feel the academic spirit that defines this UNESCO World Heritage city.

Continue to Fátima, one of the world’s most important Catholic pilgrimage destinations. Visit the Sanctuary, Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, and the Chapel of the Apparitions, where the Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children in 1917.

Next, visit Tomar, the legendary city of the Knights Templar. Discover the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site that embodies Portugal’s religious and maritime heritage. Wander through Tomar’s picturesque historic center and riverside gardens.

Conclude the day in Ferreira do Zêzere, where the tranquil Lago Azul awaits amidst peaceful natural surroundings.

(Overnight at Lago Azul)

Day 4 – Transfer to Algarve with stops in Almourol Castle, Évora and Monsaraz

Depart from Ferreira do Zêzere and travel south toward the Castle of Almourol, one of Portugal’s most enchanting medieval fortresses. Rising from a small island in the middle of the Tagus River, this iconic castle—accessible by a short boat ride—evokes the legends of knights and kings.

Continue your journey to Évora, the cultural heart of the Alentejo and a UNESCO World Heritage city. Visit the Roman Temple of Diana, the fascinating Chapel of Bones, and stroll through narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses and traditional azulejos. Enjoy a wine tasting at a local estate to experience the flavors of Alentejo’s renowned wines.

Then head to Monsaraz, a whitewashed medieval village perched above the Alqueva Lake. Enclosed by ancient walls, Monsaraz offers stunning panoramic views and an atmosphere of peace and history.

In the evening, continue south to the Algarve, where the scenery shifts to golden cliffs, blue waters, and the gentle rhythm of the sea.

(Overnight in the Algarve)

Day 5 – Algarve Highlights Tour

Discover the beauty and heritage of the Algarve on a full-day tour along its stunning coastline. Begin at the Nossa Senhora da Rocha viewpoint, offering breathtaking views over the dramatic cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean. Continue to the charming Albandeira Beach, famous for its natural arch and crystal-clear waters. Head to Carvoeiro, a picturesque seaside village, where you’ll embark on a boat tour to explore the Benagil Caves, including the enchanting Gruta da Boneca (Doll’s Cave), one of the region’s most iconic sea caves.

Next, visit the historic town of Silves, once the Moorish capital of the Algarve, and explore the impressive Silves Castle, built from red sandstone and offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Afterwards, discover the local craftsmanship at a porcelain factory, where traditional artistry meets elegant design.

Continue to Lagos, a city rich in maritime history. Stroll through the Old Town, visit the Slave Market Museum, one of the first of its kind in Europe, and admire the stunning cliffs and rock formations at Ponta da Piedade, where the golden headlands meet turquoise waters.

(Overnight in the Algarve)

Day 6 – Transfer from the Algarve to Lisbon with stops in Setúbal

Depart from the Algarve and travel north toward Lisbon, with enriching stops along the way. Begin at the Mercado do Livramento in Setúbal, one of the most beautiful and traditional markets in Portugal, filled with colorful displays of fresh seafood, cheeses, fruits, and local wines beneath stunning hand-painted tiles.

Continue through the Arrábida Natural Park, a true natural paradise where green hills meet crystal-clear blue waters. This protected area offers some of Portugal’s most breathtaking scenery, known for its hidden beaches, panoramic viewpoints, and Mediterranean vegetation.

Next, stop in the charming village of Azeitão, famous for its crafts, cheese, and wines. Visit a traditional wine estate for an included tasting, sampling the region’s celebrated Moscatel de Setúbal and other local varieties. Also, visit a tile factory (Fábrica de Azulejos) to observe the meticulous hand-painting process that preserves this centuries-old Portuguese art form.

End the journey in Lisbon, where you’ll spend the night in the vibrant capital city.

(Overnight in Lisbon)

Day 7 – Lisbon Highlights

Spend the day discovering Lisbon’s vibrant neighborhoods and iconic landmarks. Begin in Bairro Alto and Chiado, two of the city’s most charming districts, filled with historic cafés, lively squares, and elegant streets.

Continue to Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest quarter, where winding alleys, tiled façades, and the sound of fado music capture the soul of the city. Cross the river to visit the monumental Cristo Rei, a towering statue offering sweeping views of Lisbon and the 25 de Abril Bridge.

Return to Belém, where Portugal’s Age of Discoveries is celebrated at the Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. Visit the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture, and end your day tasting the world-famous Pastéis de Belém.

(Overnight in Lisbon)

Day 8 – Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais

Begin your journey from Lisbon to the fairy-tale town of Sintra, where you can choose to visit two of its most iconic landmarks. At Pena Palace, admire the colorful Romantic architecture envisioned by King Fernando II, known as the “Artist King” for his passion for the arts and creative vision that transformed this former monastery into a royal masterpiece.

At Quinta da Regaleira, uncover the mysteries of its lush gardens, underground tunnels, and symbolic architecture deeply connected to the ideals of the Freemasons, Knights Templar, and alchemy.

Stroll through the charming historic center of Sintra before heading to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, a place once believed for centuries to be the end of the world when the Americas and Portugal’s Atlantic islands were still unknown.

End the day in Cascais, a picturesque former fishing village that has become an elegant seaside retreat for Portugal’s elite, often called the Portuguese Riviera, before returning to Lisbon.

(Overnight in Lisbon)

Day 9 – Óbidos, Nazaré, and Aveiro with Transfer to Porto

Depart from Lisbon and head north, beginning the day in Óbidos, a beautifully preserved medieval village where centuries-old walls enclose cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses adorned with colorful flowers. Walk through the castle gates and soak in the town’s timeless atmosphere, exploring artisan shops and tasting the traditional ginjinha — cherry liqueur served in a chocolate cup.

Continue to Nazaré, a charming fishing town world-famous for its giant waves. Experience the traditions of the sea and enjoy stunning coastal views from the Sítio da Nazaré viewpoint.

The journey then takes you to Aveiro, often called the “Venice of Portugal” for its canals, colorful moliceiro boats, and graceful Art Nouveau architecture. Stroll along the canals, admire the tiled façades, and perhaps taste the region’s signature sweet, ovos moles.

Arrive in Porto in the evening, concluding this memorable journey through Portugal.

(Overnight in Porto)