Most travelers will find that a week to eight days is perfect for a well-paced Portugal trip with stops in both Lisbon and Porto. Travelers with less time can hit the route’s highlights in two to six days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include the Algarve, Cascais, or Lagos. Keep reading for more inspiring Lisbon and Porto itineraries.
## Planning Your Trip: How Many Days Should You Spend in Lisbon and Porto?
When considering a trip to Portugal, the dynamic duo of Lisbon and Porto often top the list. These two cities offer a captivating blend of history, culture, and culinary delights. But how many days do you truly need to experience them fully? The answer, as with most travel planning, depends on your personal preferences and travel style.
As a general guideline, most travelers find that a combined stay of seven to eight days in Lisbon and Porto provides a well-rounded and enjoyable experience. This allows enough time to delve into the unique character of each city without feeling overly rushed.
However, it’s certainly possible to visit Lisbon and Porto in a shorter timeframe, say two to six days. Just be prepared for a more whirlwind tour, prioritizing key attractions and accepting that you won’t be able to see everything. This condensed approach might be suitable if you’re on a tight schedule or prefer a fast-paced travel style.
On the other hand, if you have nine days or more at your disposal, you’ll have the luxury of exploring Lisbon and Porto at a more leisurely pace. This extra time also opens up opportunities to venture beyond the city limits and discover other gems that Portugal has to offer. Popular extensions to a Lisbon and Porto itinerary include the stunning coastal region of the Algarve, the charming seaside town of Cascais, and the vibrant beaches of Lagos.
## Exploring Recommended Itineraries for Lisbon & Porto
To help you visualize your trip, let’s explore some recommended itineraries, each catering to different timeframes and interests.
### A Week in Portugal: The Best of Lisbon and Porto
This itinerary offers a fantastic introduction to the highlights of Portugal for first-time visitors.
**Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon & City Exploration.** Your Portuguese adventure begins in Lisbon. Settle into your accommodation and embark on a captivating city tour led by a knowledgeable local. This is a great way to get your bearings and discover hidden gems that might not be in the guidebooks. Overnight in Lisbon.
**Day 2: Immersing Yourself in Lisbon’s Charm.** Dedicate another day to further exploring Lisbon. Delve deeper into its historic neighborhoods, sample local delicacies, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Discover the unique character of each district, from the Alfama’s traditional Fado houses to the Baixa’s grand squares. Overnight in Lisbon.
**Day 3: Day Trip to Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril.** Escape the city for a day and journey to the enchanting towns of Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril. Sintra, with its fairytale palaces and lush gardens, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cascais offers a charming seaside escape, while Estoril boasts a glamorous casino and beautiful beaches. Return to Lisbon for the night.
**Day 4: Transfer to Porto & City Tour.** Today, you’ll travel north to Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city. After settling in, embark on a city tour to discover Porto’s unique charm. Admire the iconic Luís I Bridge, explore the Ribeira district with its colorful buildings, and learn about the city’s rich history. Overnight in Porto.
**Day 5: Discovering the Douro Valley.** Embark on a scenic day trip to the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest wine regions in the world. Enjoy breathtaking views of the terraced vineyards, sample the region’s famous Port wine, and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the countryside. Overnight in Porto.
**Day 6: Journey Back to Lisbon via Coimbra.** Begin your journey back to Lisbon, with a stop in Coimbra, Portugal’s former medieval capital. Explore the historic University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in Europe, and wander through the city’s charming streets. Continue to Lisbon for your final night.
**Day 7: Departure from Lisbon.** Bid farewell to Portugal as you depart from Lisbon, filled with memories of your incredible adventure.
This itinerary allows you to explore Lisbon’s exciting food and culture scene, take scenic day trips to historic villages, and walk through Porto’s UNESCO-listed city center. You’ll also finish in the oldest wine region in the world before returning to Lisbon by way of the country’s medieval capital: Coimbra.
## Extending Your Adventure: Exploring Longer Itineraries
For those with more time, these extended itineraries offer even richer and more immersive experiences.
### 8-Day Itinerary: Adding Cascais & Sintra to the Mix
This itinerary builds upon the previous one, adding an extra day to explore the coastal beauty of Cascais and the mystical allure of Sintra.
**Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon.** Arrive in Lisbon and settle into your accommodation.
**Day 2: Exploring Lisbon’s Hidden Gems.** Dedicate a full day to exploring Lisbon’s diverse neighborhoods, museums, and culinary scene.
**Day 3: Train to Porto & Private Walking Tour.** Take a scenic train journey to Porto and embark on a private walking tour to discover the city’s history and highlights.
**Day 4: Indulging in Porto Wine Tasting.** Immerse yourself in the world of Port wine with a dedicated wine tasting experience. Learn about the production process and sample different varieties of this iconic Portuguese drink.
**Day 5: Free Day to Explore Porto at Your Own Pace.** Enjoy a free day to explore Porto at your own pace. Visit the Livraria Lello bookstore, climb the Clérigos Church tower for panoramic views, or simply relax by the Douro River.
**Day 6: Transfer to Cascais & Coastal Exploration.** Journey to the charming seaside town of Cascais. Explore the town’s historic center, stroll along the beach, and enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant.
**Day 7: Transfer to Sintra & Guided Hike.** Transfer to Sintra and embark on a guided hike through the Sintra Mountains, surrounded by lush forests and fairytale palaces.
**Day 8: Return to Lisbon & Departure.** Return to Lisbon for your departure, cherishing the memories of your Portuguese adventure.
This itinerary allows you to see, taste, and experience the best of Portugal without having to travel far. You’ll explore Lisbon, head to Porto to taste its famous wines, and then have your choice of where to explore along the coast, followed by a night each in Cascais and Sintra before you make your way back to Lisbon.
### 10-Day Itinerary: Including the Algarve’s Stunning Beaches
For a truly comprehensive experience, this itinerary incorporates the Algarve region, known for its breathtaking beaches and dramatic coastline.
**Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon & City Exploration.** Arrive in Lisbon and enjoy a city tour with a local expert.
**Day 2: Half-Day Tour of Lisbon & Fado Dinner.** Delve deeper into Lisbon’s history and culture with a half-day tour, followed by an evening of traditional Fado music and Portuguese cuisine.
**Day 3: Day Trip to Sintra, Cascais & Estoril.** Explore the enchanting towns of Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril.
**Day 4: Transfer to Porto via Tomar.** Travel to Porto, stopping along the way in Tomar to visit the Convento de Cristo, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
**Day 5: Half-Day Tour of Porto & Evening Food Tour.** Discover Porto’s highlights with a half-day tour, followed by an evening food tour to sample local delicacies.
**Day 6: Day Trip to the Douro Valley.** Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Douro Valley and indulge in Port wine tasting.
**Day 7: Transfer to Lagos.** Journey south to Lagos, a vibrant town in the Algarve region.
**Days 8-9: Exploring Lagos & the Algarve Region.** Spend two days exploring Lagos and the surrounding Algarve region. Discover hidden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming fishing villages.
**Day 10: Return to Lisbon.** Return to Lisbon for your departure.
On this 10-day trip, you’ll experience three of Portugal’s most iconic destinations, starting in Lisbon, then head north to Porto, and finally, enjoy the spectacular beaches and whitewashed villages in the Algarve.
### 10-Day Itinerary: Algarve & Alentejo Combination
This itinerary offers a journey through Portugal’s cities, beaches, and gorgeous towns, venturing off the beaten path.
**Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon & Culinary Excursion.** Arrive in Lisbon and embark on a culinary excursion to sample local flavors.
**Day 2: Explore Lisbon with a Local.** Discover Lisbon’s hidden gems with a local guide.
**Day 3: Day Trip to Sintra, Cascais & Estoril.** Visit the charming towns of Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril.
**Day 4: Transfer to Porto via Coimbra.** Travel to Porto, stopping in Coimbra along the way.
**Day 5: Half-Day Tour of Porto & Evening Food Tour.** Enjoy a tour of Porto, followed by an evening food tour.
**Day 6: Drive to Évora & Private Tour.** Drive to Évora and take a private tour of this historic city, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
**Day 7: Explore the Alentejo Region.** Explore the Alentejo region, known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and cork oak forests.
**Day 8: Drive to Lagos & Explore the Algarve.** Drive to Lagos and explore the Algarve region.
**Day 9: Explore Lagos & the Greater Algarve Region.** Discover the beaches and coastline of the Algarve.
**Day 10: Return to Lisbon by Train & Departure.** Return to Lisbon by train for your departure.
This itinerary offers unique opportunities to see—and taste!—the incredible vibrancy of Portugal. You’ll also visit tiny villages, imposing palaces, and dramatic beach towns off the beaten path.
## Traveling Between Lisbon & Porto: Making the Journey
The journey between Lisbon and Porto covers a distance of approximately 195 miles (314 km) and typically takes between 2.5 to 3.5 hours. While there are several options for traveling between these two major cities, the most convenient and comfortable is undoubtedly by train. The train journey offers scenic views of the Portuguese countryside and allows you to relax and enjoy the ride.
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