Eight to 12 days is an excellent length for a Portugal trip, with stops in Lisbon, Porto, Évora, and the Douro Valley. If you don’t mind a fast-paced adventure, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as a week. Alternatively, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Lagos, Tomar, or Coimbra. Get inspired with the Lisbon, Porto, Évora, and Douro Valley trip ideas below.
## Planning Your Trip: Lisbon, Porto, Évora & the Douro Valley – How Many Days Will You Need?
Deciding how much time to dedicate to exploring the diverse beauty of Portugal can be tricky. Many travelers find themselves captivated by the allure of Lisbon, the historical significance of Porto, the ancient charm of Évora, and the breathtaking landscapes of the Douro Valley. So, how many days should you realistically allocate to experience these gems properly?
Generally, most travelers discover that an itinerary of 8 to 12 days provides a satisfying balance for visiting Lisbon, Porto, Évora, and the Douro Valley. This timeframe allows for a comfortable pace, ensuring you can delve into the unique character of each location without feeling overly rushed.
Is it possible to squeeze these destinations into a shorter trip? Yes, visiting Lisbon, Porto, Évora, and the Douro Valley in just 7 days is feasible, but be prepared for a whirlwind adventure. You’ll likely find yourself constantly on the move, with limited time to truly immerse yourself in the local culture and savor the details. A seven-day trip would necessitate prioritizing key attractions and potentially sacrificing some of the more leisurely experiences.
Conversely, if you have the luxury of time, extending your trip beyond 12 days opens up a world of possibilities. With 13 days or more, most travelers opt to incorporate additional stops into their Portuguese adventure, further enriching their experience. Popular extensions to itineraries include the stunning coastal town of Lagos, the historically significant city of Tomar, and the vibrant university town of Coimbra. These destinations each offer their unique charm and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of Portugal’s rich tapestry.
## Suggested Itineraries for Lisbon, Porto, Évora & the Douro Valley
### A Recommended 10-Day Itinerary: A Journey Through Portugal’s Highlights
Imagine yourself winding through the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley, a testament to centuries of winemaking tradition. This 10-day self-drive itinerary offers a captivating exploration of Portugal’s historic cities and unspoiled countryside.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
| :—- | :———————————————————————————————————————————————————- | :————- |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Lisbon. Settle into your accommodation and take a leisurely evening stroll to soak in the city’s atmosphere. | Lisbon |
| Day 2 | Explore the heart of Lisbon, immersing yourself in its history and culture. Discover the Belém Quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy an authentic Fado Dinner. | Lisbon |
| Day 3 | Pick up your rental car and embark on a scenic drive to Cascais & Sintra, two enchanting destinations near Lisbon. Return to Lisbon in the evening. | Lisbon |
| Day 4 | Drive to Évora, a city steeped in Roman history, making a stop in the charming village of Monsaraz along the way. | Évora |
| Day 5 | Journey to the Douro Valley, renowned for its port wine production, with enriching stops in Tomar & Coimbra. | Douro Valley |
| Day 6 | Indulge in Douro Valley Wine Tasting experiences and enjoy a relaxing Boat Ride along the Douro River. | Douro Valley |
| Day 7 | Drive to Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, exploring the historical towns of Guimarães & Braga en route. | Porto |
| Day 8 | Discover the wonders of Porto, including its iconic Port Wine Cellars, and partake in a delightful Tasting Experience. | Porto |
| Day 9 | Embark on a scenic drive back to Lisbon, visiting the Batalha Monastery, the coastal town of Nazaré, & the picturesque village of Óbidos. | Lisbon |
| Day 10 | Drive to Lisbon Airport for your departure, filled with unforgettable memories of your Portuguese adventure. | |
This journey focuses on Portugal’s historic cities and unspoiled landscapes. Leaving Lisbon, you’ll traverse the hilltop villages of the Alentejo region and the world-renowned wine country of the Douro Valley, leading you to the vibrant culinary scene of Porto. The route loops south, returning to the capital at a relaxed tempo, revealing medieval towns, quaint fishing villages, and the stunning Atlantic coastline.
## Longer Explorations: Extended Itineraries for a Deeper Dive
### An 11-Day Itinerary Featuring Lagos and the Algarve Coast
Imagine relaxing on the golden beaches of the Algarve after exploring Portugal’s vibrant cities and stunning landscapes. This 11-day itinerary allows you to experience the best of both worlds.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
| :—– | :—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————– | :———- |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Porto and immerse yourself in the city’s culinary scene with an Afternoon Food Tour. | Porto |
| Day 2 | Continue exploring Porto, visiting its famous Port Wine Cellars and partaking in a memorable Tasting Experience. | Porto |
| Day 3 | Transfer to the Douro Valley via the historic town of Guimarães. Enjoy Wine Tasting and a Boat Ride amidst the stunning vineyard landscapes. | Douro Valley|
| Day 4 | Transfer to Lisbon, with captivating stops in Coimbra, Batalha, & Óbidos, experiencing the historical and architectural richness of Portugal. | Lisbon |
| Day 5 | Discover Lisbon’s highlights on a Guided Tour and enjoy a traditional Fado Dinner, immersing yourself in the city’s cultural heritage. | Lisbon |
| Day 6 | Take a Day Trip to the enchanting towns of Cascais & Sintra, exploring their palaces, gardens, and scenic beauty. | Lisbon |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Évora, a city steeped in Roman history, with a stop in the charming village of Monsaraz. | Évora |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Lagos and the Algarve Coast, preparing for days of relaxation and exploration along Portugal’s stunning southern coastline. | Lagos |
| Days 9-10 | Relax on the Beaches of the Algarve, soaking up the sun, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere. | Lagos |
| Day 11 | Transfer to Faro Airport for your departure, reflecting on the unforgettable memories created during your Portuguese adventure. | |
This itinerary masterfully blends vibrant city life, stunning landscapes, and gastronomic delights for an unforgettable 11-day adventure. From the charming cobblestone streets of Porto to the inviting golden beaches of the Algarve, the journey south is punctuated with carefully curated excursions. Imagine sipping world-class wines in the Douro Valley, marveling at the Baroque library of Coimbra, experiencing the soulful sounds of live fado music in Lisbon, and admiring the 2,000-year-old Roman ruins in Évora.
### A Comprehensive 15-Day Itinerary: Coimbra & the Algarve Included
Embark on a truly immersive Portuguese experience with this 15-day journey that encompasses the country’s diverse regions from north to south and west to east.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
| :—– | :—————————————————————————————————————————————– | :———- |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Lisbon and begin exploring the city’s captivating sights and sounds. | Lisbon |
| Day 2 | Enjoy a Private Tour of Old Lisbon, delving into the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. | Lisbon |
| Day 3 | Take a Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais, exploring their palaces, gardens, and breathtaking coastal scenery. | Lisbon |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Coimbra via the charming fortified town of Óbidos, experiencing the beauty of Portugal’s countryside. | Coimbra |
| Day 5 | Explore Coimbra, immersing yourself in the city’s historical significance and academic atmosphere. | Coimbra |
| Day 6 | Transfer to the Douro Valley, preparing for days of wine tasting and scenic exploration. | Douro Valley|
| Day 7 | Indulge in Douro Valley Wine Tasting & a Boat Ride, followed by a transfer to Porto. | Porto |
| Day 8 | Enjoy a Private Guided Tour of Porto, including a Wine Tasting experience, immersing yourself in the city’s culture and flavors. | Porto |
| Day 9 | Enjoy a Free day in Porto, allowing you to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems. | Porto |
| Day 10 | Transfer to Évora, a city steeped in Roman history, preparing for a journey back in time. | Évora |
| Day 11 | Enjoy a Private Guided Tour of Évora & Monsaraz, delving into the region’s rich history and architectural beauty. | Évora |
| Day 12 | Transfer to the Algarve, anticipating days of relaxation and exploration along Portugal’s stunning southern coastline. | Algarve |
| Day 13 | Embark on a Guided Tour of Villages & Beaches in the Algarve, discovering the region’s diverse landscapes and cultural traditions. | Algarve |
| Day 14 | Return to Lisbon via the Vicentina Coast, experiencing the rugged beauty of Portugal’s western coastline. | Lisbon |
| Day 15 | Depart from Lisbon, carrying with you cherished memories of your comprehensive Portuguese adventure. | |
This 15-day trip provides a complete Portuguese experience, journeying through the country’s north, south, and west. The adventure starts with guided tours of Lisbon and the enchanting fairytale castles of Sintra, followed by a northern excursion to sample the exquisite wines and flavors of Porto and the Douro Valley. Experience Portuguese history firsthand in the medieval city of Coimbra, the fortified town of Óbidos, and the ancient Roman city of Évora. Finally, venture south to the pristine coastline of the Algarve, concluding your journey with relaxing moments on its world-famous beaches.
## Navigating Portugal: Traveling Between Lisbon, Porto, Évora & the Douro Valley
**Journeying from Lisbon to Porto**
The distance between Lisbon and Porto is approximately 195 miles (314 kilometers), with an average travel time of 2.5 to 3.5 hours. While several transportation options are available, the train offers the most convenient and comfortable way to traverse between these two major cities. Enjoy the scenic views as you travel through the Portuguese countryside.
**Reaching Évora from Lisbon**
Traveling from Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital, to Évora, nestled in the heart of the Alentejo region, covers a distance of around 83 miles (134 kilometers). Opting for the bus is the quickest option, offering frequent daily departures and completing the journey in approximately 1.5 hours. This allows you to maximize your time exploring the historical wonders of Évora.
**Accessing the Douro Valley**
The Douro Valley was rightfully designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The picturesque hillsides, adorned with grapevines, give rise to the region’s celebrated table wine and port. The scenic beauty is further enhanced by the Douro River, which meanders gracefully along the valley floor. Porto serves as the closest major transportation hub, located just an hour away by car (or approximately two hours by train or bus). Expect a drive of around 3.5 hours from Lisbon, with bus or train journeys taking approximately five hours. No matter your mode of transport, the Douro Valley is a must-see destination.
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