Seven to eight days is a great length for a Portugal trip with stops in Lisbon, Porto, and Sintra. Travelers with less time can hit the route’s highlights in five or six days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop, or explore more of the country—some of our favorite itinerary extensions include Lagos, Évora, or Nazaré. Get inspired with our Lisbon, Porto, and Sintra trip ideas below.
## Discovering the Wonders of Lisbon, Porto & Sintra: A Detailed Travel Guide
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Portugal, exploring the vibrant cities of Lisbon and Porto, and the enchanting town of Sintra. This guide provides detailed itineraries and essential travel information to help you plan your perfect Portuguese adventure.
**How Many Days Do You Need in Lisbon, Porto & Sintra?**
The ideal duration for a trip encompassing Lisbon, Porto, and Sintra depends on your desired pace and the depth of exploration you seek. While a whirlwind tour is possible, allocating sufficient time allows you to truly immerse yourself in the unique character of each destination.
* **Most travelers find that 7-8 days** offers a balanced experience, providing ample opportunity to discover the highlights of Lisbon, Porto, and Sintra without feeling overly rushed.
* **Visiting Lisbon, Porto, and Sintra in 5 or 6 days is achievable**, but be prepared for a faster pace. This condensed itinerary requires careful planning and prioritization to maximize your time.
* **With 9 or more days at your disposal,** you have the luxury of adding more stops to your trip, venturing beyond the main cities to uncover hidden gems and regional treasures.
* **Common extensions to a Lisbon, Porto, and Sintra itinerary include Lagos, Évora, and Nazaré,** each offering distinct experiences, from stunning coastal landscapes to historical landmarks.
## Recommended Itineraries for Lisbon, Porto & Sintra
Let’s delve into some suggested itineraries, catering to varying timeframes and interests.
### Recommended Itinerary for 1 Week
This itinerary serves as a fantastic introduction to Portugal, perfect for first-time visitors.
**(Image: Porto’s setting along the Douro River)**
**Day 1:** Arrive in Lisbon and immerse yourself in the city’s culinary scene with a delightful Walking Foodie Tour. Savor traditional Portuguese flavors and discover hidden gastronomic gems. Overnight in Lisbon.
**Day 2:** Embark on a guided tour of Lisbon, delving into its rich history and iconic landmarks. Explore historic neighborhoods, admire architectural marvels, and uncover the stories behind this captivating city. Overnight in Lisbon.
**Day 3:** Escape the city for a day trip to the enchanting Sintra, the charming coastal town of Cascais, and the glamorous Estoril. Discover fairytale palaces, stunning landscapes, and the allure of the Portuguese Riviera. Overnight in Sintra.
**Day 4:** Transfer from Sintra to Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city. Upon arrival, embark on a city tour, exploring the UNESCO-listed historic center, admiring the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, and discovering the charm of the Ribeira district. Overnight in Porto.
**Day 5:** Indulge in a day trip to the breathtaking Douro Valley, renowned for its stunning vineyards and world-class Port wine. Take a scenic boat tour, sample local wines, and soak in the beauty of this unique region. Overnight in Porto.
**Day 6:** Journey back to Lisbon from Porto, making a stop in Coimbra, the country’s medieval capital. Explore the historic university, wander through the charming streets, and discover the city’s rich cultural heritage. Overnight in Lisbon.
**Day 7:** Depart from Lisbon, taking with you cherished memories of your Portuguese adventure.
This week-long adventure offers a taste of Portugal’s diverse attractions, from Lisbon’s vibrant food and culture to Porto’s historic city center and the scenic Douro Valley. A stop in Coimbra provides a glimpse into the country’s medieval past, enriching your understanding of Portugal’s history and heritage.
## Extended Itineraries
For those with more time to explore, consider these extended itineraries that incorporate additional destinations and experiences.
### 10-Day Itinerary Including Lagos
**(Image: Camilo Beach in Lagos)**
This 10-day itinerary extends your Portuguese adventure to include the stunning coastal region of the Algarve.
**Day 1:** Arrive in Lisbon and embark on a Foodie Walking Tour, savoring the city’s culinary delights. Overnight in Lisbon.
**Day 2:** Enjoy a Half-Day Tour of Lisbon, followed by a traditional Fado Dinner, experiencing the soul of Portuguese music. Overnight in Lisbon.
**Day 3:** Take a Day Trip to Sintra, Cascais & Estoril, exploring fairytale landscapes and coastal charm. Overnight in Lisbon.
**Day 4:** Transfer to Porto via Tomar, visiting the Convento de Cristo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Overnight in Porto.
**Day 5:** Discover Porto with a Half-Day Tour, followed by an Evening Food Tour, indulging in the city’s gastronomic scene. Overnight in Porto.
**Day 6:** Explore the Douro Valley on a Day Trip, savoring the region’s renowned wines and stunning landscapes. Overnight in Porto.
**Day 7:** Transfer to Lagos, a charming coastal town in the Algarve region. Overnight in Lagos.
**Days 8-9:** Explore Lagos & the Algarve Region, discovering stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque villages. Overnight in Lagos.
**Day 10:** Return to Lisbon and depart, filled with memories of your Portuguese adventure. Overnight in Lisbon.
Experience three of Portugal’s most iconic destinations: Lisbon, with its ancient ruins and cobbled streets; Porto, famous for wine production and colorful architecture along the Douro River; and Lagos, offering spectacular beaches and whitewashed villages in the Algarve.
### 10-Day Itinerary Including Évora
**(Image: A scenic road near the village of Sintra)**
This road trip is perfect for those seeking a relaxed pace and an exploration of both cities and the countryside.
**Day 1:** Arrive in Lisbon and enjoy a Foodie Walking Tour, immersing yourself in the city’s culinary delights. Overnight in Lisbon.
**Day 2:** Take a Half-Day Tour of Lisbon, discovering its historical landmarks and cultural attractions. Overnight in Lisbon.
**Day 3:** Embark on a Day Trip to Sintra, Cascais & Estoril, exploring fairytale palaces and coastal charm. Overnight in Sintra.
**Day 4:** Pick Up Rental Car and drive to Porto via Óbidos, a charming medieval town. Overnight in Porto.
**Day 5:** Enjoy a Half-Day Tour of Porto, followed by an Evening Food Tour, indulging in the city’s gastronomic scene. Overnight in Porto.
**Day 6:** Explore Porto & Northern Portugal, discovering hidden gems and regional attractions. Overnight in Porto.
**Day 7:** Drive to Évora and enjoy a Private Tour, delving into the city’s rich history and heritage. Overnight in Évora.
**Days 8-9:** Explore Évora & the Alentejo Region, discovering olive groves, cork production, and rustic cuisine. Overnight in Évora.
**Day 10:** Return to Lisbon and depart, filled with memories of your Portuguese adventure.
After strolling around Lisbon, make your way north to Porto and its nearby mountains and vineyards. Finish off in the medieval town of Évora with plenty of free time to explore the Alentejo, a vast region known for olive groves, cork production, and rustic cuisine.
### 2-Week Itinerary Including Évora, Lagos, Salema, Nazaré & the Douro Valley
**(Image: Crashing waves in Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city)**
This comprehensive two-week itinerary combines cosmopolitan cities, medieval architecture, and stunning beaches.
**Day 1:** Arrive in Lisbon and embark on a Foodie Walking Tour, savoring the city’s culinary delights. Overnight in Lisbon.
**Day 2:** Take a Half-Day Tour of Lisbon, discovering its historical landmarks and cultural attractions. Overnight in Lisbon.
**Day 3:** Transfer to Sintra and explore its fairytale palaces and lush gardens. Overnight in Sintra.
**Day 4:** Transfer to Nazaré via Alcobaça, visiting the Alcobaça Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Overnight in Nazaré.
**Day 5:** Transfer to Porto via Coimbra, exploring the historic university town. Overnight in Porto.
**Day 6:** Enjoy a Half-Day Tour of Porto, followed by an Evening Food Tour, indulging in the city’s gastronomic scene. Overnight in Porto.
**Day 7:** Transfer to the Douro Valley, a renowned wine region. Overnight in Douro Valley.
**Day 8:** Enjoy a Free Day in the Douro Valley, exploring vineyards, tasting wines, and soaking in the stunning landscapes. Overnight in Douro Valley.
**Day 9:** Transfer to Évora and explore its ancient Roman temple and historic center. Overnight in Évora.
**Day 10:** Take a Private Tour of Évora, delving into its rich history and heritage. Overnight in Évora.
**Day 11:** Explore Évora & the Alentejo Region, discovering olive groves, cork production, and rustic cuisine. Overnight in Évora.
**Day 12:** Transfer to Salema and explore its beautiful beaches and charming village. Overnight in Salema.
**Day 13:** Explore the Algarve Region, discovering stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque villages. Overnight in Lagos.
**Day 14:** Return to Lisbon and depart, filled with memories of your Portuguese adventure.
After exploring Lisbon, stay in the fairy tale village of Sintra and the surf town of Nazaré. Then work your way north to Porto and its nearby wine region before heading to the university town of Évora. End the trip in pure bliss with some beach time in the western Algarve.
## How to travel between Lisbon, Porto & Sintra
**How to get from Lisbon to Porto**
The journey between Lisbon and Porto covers approximately 195 miles (314 km) and typically takes between 2.5 and 3.5 hours. While several transportation options exist, the train offers the most convenient and comfortable way to travel between these two major cities.
**How to get to Sintra**
The hilly resort town of Sintra is a very popular day trip from Lisbon. It is home to many 19th and 20th-century villas and palaces, including the Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, as well as a Moorish fortress known as the Castelo dos Mouros.
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