Travelers to Portugal typically plan a trip for about 15 days when combining Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, Évora, and the Algarve with Douro Valley. If you’re not interested in Douro Valley, 13 to 15 days is enough for your Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, Évora, and Algarve trip. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as 11 or 12 days. For the best itineraries, including Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, Évora, and the Algarve, read below.
## Planning Your Trip to Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, Évora, and the Algarve: A Comprehensive Guide
When planning a trip to Portugal, many travelers dream of experiencing the vibrant cities of Lisbon, Coimbra, and Porto, along with the historical charm of Évora and the stunning coastal beauty of the Algarve. But how many days do you truly need to immerse yourself in these diverse destinations? This guide will help you determine the ideal length for your Portuguese adventure, offering suggested itineraries and travel tips to make the most of your time.
**Determining the Ideal Trip Length**
Most travelers find that a combined trip to Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, Évora, and the Algarve benefits from a duration of 13 to 15 days. This timeframe allows for a balanced experience, providing enough time to explore each location without feeling overly rushed. You’ll have the opportunity to delve into the local culture, sample the regional cuisine, and appreciate the unique character of each city and region.
Attempting to visit Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, Évora, and the Algarve in just 11 or 12 days is certainly possible, but it’s important to be aware that this will result in a more fast-paced and potentially stressful experience. You might find yourself constantly on the move, with less time to relax and truly soak in the atmosphere of each place. This shorter timeframe is best suited for travelers who are comfortable with a whirlwind tour and prioritize seeing as much as possible in a limited amount of time.
If you have the luxury of 16 or more days for your Portuguese adventure, the possibilities truly open up. With this extended timeframe, most travelers choose to add even more stops to their itinerary, further enriching their experience and exploring lesser-known gems.
The most common extensions to a trip incorporating Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, Évora, and the Algarve often include a visit to the breathtaking Douro Valley, renowned for its vineyards and port wine production, or a relaxing stay in the charming coastal town of Cascais, known for its beaches and elegant atmosphere. Both of these destinations offer a unique and rewarding addition to your Portuguese itinerary.
**Recommended Itineraries for Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, Évora & the Algarve**
Let’s explore some recommended itineraries that incorporate these fantastic locations:
**Recommended Itinerary for 2 Weeks**
This itinerary provides a balanced exploration of Portugal’s diverse landscapes and cultural treasures, journeying from the north to the south and experiencing coastal and countryside scenes.
**Day 1:** Arrive in Porto and begin exploring this captivating city.
**Overnight:** Porto
**Day 2:** Delve into Porto’s culinary scene with a guided walking foodie tour. In the afternoon, indulge in a visit to a Port wine cellar, complete with tastings of the region’s famous fortified wine.
**Overnight:** Porto
**Day 3:** Embark on a day trip to the stunning Douro Valley. Enjoy a wine tasting tour amidst the picturesque vineyards and take a relaxing boat ride along the Douro River.
**Overnight:** Porto
**Day 4:** Transfer south towards Lisbon, making stops along the way in the charming towns of Nazaré and Óbidos.
**Overnight:** Lisbon
**Day 5:** Enjoy a free day to explore Lisbon at your own pace. In the evening, experience a traditional Fado dinner, immersing yourself in the soulful music of Portugal.
**Overnight:** Lisbon
**Day 6:** Take a day trip to the enchanting town of Sintra, exploring its fairytale castles and lush gardens.
**Overnight:** Lisbon
**Day 7:** Transfer to the Algarve region, known for its stunning beaches and dramatic coastline. Begin exploring the area upon arrival.
**Overnight:** Algarve
**Day 8:** Take a boat trip to explore the breathtaking grottoes and sea caves that dot the Algarve coastline.
**Overnight:** Algarve
**Day 9:** Enjoy a relaxing beach day in the Algarve, soaking up the sun and enjoying the crystal-clear waters.
**Overnight:** Algarve
**Day 10:** Transfer inland to Évora, a historic city in the Alentejo region. Explore the ancient Roman ruins and medieval architecture.
**Overnight:** Évora
**Day 11:** Indulge in a private Alentejo tour, including a wine experience at a local vineyard. Discover the rich history and culture of this fascinating region.
**Overnight:** Évora
**Day 12:** Transfer north to Coimbra, a city steeped in history and home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. Explore the historic center and university grounds.
**Overnight:** Coimbra
**Day 13:** Transfer back to Porto, making a stop along the way in the coastal town of Aveiro, known for its canals and colorful Moliceiro boats.
**Overnight:** Porto
**Day 14:** Depart from Porto.
This two-week itinerary offers a comprehensive introduction to Portugal, starting in captivating Porto and visiting the Douro Valley before heading south to colorful Lisbon via Nazaré and Óbidos. Visit the enchanting village of Sintra, then continue to the sun-kissed beaches of the Algarve. Return north via a relaxed inland route, stopping at ancient Évora, charming Coimbra, and coastal Aveiro.
**Extended Itineraries**
**15-Day Itinerary Including Douro Valley**
This itinerary allows for a more in-depth exploration of the Douro Valley, providing more time to savor the region’s wines and landscapes.
**Day 1:** Arrival in Lisbon.
**Overnight:** Lisbon
**Day 2:** Take a private half-day tour of Old Lisbon, exploring the historic Alfama district and other iconic landmarks.
**Overnight:** Lisbon
**Day 3:** Enjoy a private tour of Sintra’s fairytale castles and the stunning Lisbon Coast.
**Overnight:** Lisbon
**Day 4:** Transfer from Lisbon to Coimbra, with a stop in the fortified town of Óbidos along the way.
**Overnight:** Coimbra
**Day 5:** Explore the charming city of Coimbra, including its historic university and cathedral.
**Overnight:** Coimbra
**Day 6:** Transfer from Coimbra to the Douro Valley, immersing yourself in the region’s breathtaking landscapes.
**Overnight:** Douro Valley
**Day 7:** Indulge in a Douro Valley wine tasting tour and boat ride, experiencing the region’s world-renowned wines and scenic beauty. In the afternoon, transfer to Porto.
**Overnight:** Porto
**Day 8:** Take a private guided tour of Porto, including a wine tasting at a local cellar.
**Overnight:** Porto
**Day 9:** Enjoy a free day in Porto to explore at your own pace, perhaps visiting the Livraria Lello bookstore or strolling along the Ribeira district.
**Overnight:** Porto
**Day 10:** Transfer from Porto to Évora.
**Overnight:** Évora
**Day 11:** Enjoy a private guided tour of Évora and the nearby village of Monsaraz, exploring their rich history and cultural heritage.
**Overnight:** Évora
**Day 12:** Transfer from Évora to the Algarve.
**Overnight:** Algarve
**Day 13:** Take a guided tour of Algarve villages and beaches, discovering the region’s diverse landscapes and charming towns.
**Overnight:** Algarve
**Day 14:** Transfer from the Algarve back to Lisbon.
**Overnight:** Lisbon
**Day 15:** Depart from Lisbon.
This 15-day tour provides a full Portuguese experience, hitting the country’s north, south, and west. Begin with tours of Lisbon and the fairy-tale castles of Sintra, then head north to sample the wines and flavors of Porto and the Douro Valley. Meet Portuguese history in medieval Coimbra, fortified Óbidos, and the ancient Roman city of Évora. Venture back south to the pristine coast of the Algarve to end your journey relaxing on its world-famous beaches.
**How to travel between Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, Évora & the Algarve**
Navigating between these destinations is relatively easy, with several transportation options available.
**How to get from Lisbon to Porto**
The journey between Lisbon and Porto covers a distance of 195 miles (314 km) and typically takes between 2.5 to 3.5 hours. While there are several ways to travel between these two major cities, the most convenient and comfortable option is often the train.
**How to get from Porto to Coimbra**
Traveling from Porto to Coimbra, a distance of 79 miles (122 km), is straightforward with various transport choices. The train is generally the quickest option, while the bus offers a slightly longer but still convenient alternative. Both allow you to relax and enjoy the passing scenery.
**How to get to the Algarve**
Accessing the Algarve Region, located in the south of Portugal, is easily accomplished via land transport from other parts of Portugal or from Spain. The region’s main hub is the city of Faro, the regional capital, which boasts its own international airport. While there is another smaller airport in the Algarve, located in Portimão, it receives significantly fewer flights.
**How to Get from Lisbon to Évora**
Traveling from Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, to Évora, situated in the Alentejo region, involves a distance of 83 miles (134 km). The fastest option is typically the bus, with frequent departures scheduled throughout the day and a travel time of approximately 1.5 hours.
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