Essence of Portugal: A 7-Day Cultural Journey Through Lisbon and Porto

7 Day Tour of Lisbon and Porto

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Trip Map
Itinerary
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7 Days 6 Nights

Best Time: Jan-Dec

Cultural Exploration

Exploring Scenic Countryside

Experience the heart and soul of Portugal on a seven-day journey that delves deep into the culture of Lisbon and Porto, and also includes a scenic day trip to reveal the beauty of the country's countryside. Explore majestic Belem, enjoy the charming small town feel of Cascais, and take a breathtaking journey into the Douro River Valley. You'll get to know both cities on private guided tours with locals, that will reveal hidden gems and celebrated landmarks. You'll also enjoy comprehensive travel guidance via our mobile app, including detailed directions, tips, and insights.

Wander and explore through Lisbon's charming historical quarters of Bairro Alto, Chiado, and Baixa.
Take a scenic trip to Cascais, where royal beaches and the dramatic Boca do Inferno cliffside await.
Enjoy Porto on a private guided tour covering its highlights and Ribeira vibrant waterfront.
Savor the richness of Portuguese wine with a visit to Vila Nova de Gaia's famed port wine cellars.
Explore the picturesque landscapes and vineyards of the Douro Valley on a day trip.

Wander and explore through Lisbon's charming historical quarters of Bairro Alto, Chiado, and Baixa.
Take a scenic trip to Cascais, where royal beaches and the dramatic Boca do Inferno cliffside await.
Enjoy Porto on a private guided tour covering its highlights and Ribeira vibrant waterfront.
Savor the richness of Portuguese wine with a visit to Vila Nova de Gaia's famed port wine cellars.
Explore the picturesque landscapes and vineyards of the Douro Valley on a day trip.

Baixa

Neighborhood

Praça do Comércio

Architecture

Jerónimos Monastery

Belém Tower

Architecture

St. George's Castle

Castles & Chateaux

Ribeira Square

Neighborhood

Porto Cathedral

Churches & Monasteries

Porto Wine Cellars of Gaia

Clerigos Tower

Must see sights

Baixa

Neighborhood

Praça do Comércio

Architecture

Jerónimos Monastery

Belém Tower

Architecture

St. George's Castle

Castles & Chateaux

Ribeira Square

Neighborhood

Porto Cathedral

Churches & Monasteries

Porto Wine Cellars of Gaia

Clerigos Tower

Starting from

$1149

per person

4.8 (365 reviews)

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Lisbon

Day 1

Arrive Lisbon

To Be Determined

Transfer from Airport to Hotel by Taxi or Public Transport

Lisbon has one main airport, Aeroporto Humberto Delgado. The most affordable way from the airport to central Lisbon is by the Metro Red Line, up to a 40-minute ride. Oftern quicker are taxis, Ubers and Bolts. Taxi may be pick up by the stands directly outside your terminal and Uber and Bolt can pick up people at the airport (with certain complications). You can also arrange a private transfer. A ride to the city center will take 20-40 minutes depending on traffic and will cost between 12-25€ for a taxi.

Day 1

Arrive Lisbon

To Be Determined:

Taxi from Airport

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon:

Graca & Alfama

Late Afternoon/Early Evening:

Baixa

Day 1

Arrive Lisbon

Day 1

Arrive Lisbon

To Be Determined

Transfer from Airport to Hotel by Taxi or Public Transport

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon

The Beautiful Heights of Graça and Alfama

The heights of Alfama draw visitors from all over to look out upon Portugal, the broad, broad River Tejo, and the Atlantic shining beyond. Leave it to the Moors, er, Germanic tribes, uh, Iranian tribes (What?!), er, Romans, I mean, Phoenicians, uh, Celts, and heck, maybe even earlier cultures to choose such views... People have been staring at the sea, dreaming and thinking for untold thousands of years. Retaining a maze of streets dating back to the Moors or before, Alfama draws visitors in and lets them wander out, dazed by the beauty. Graça remains slightly less discovered than it's neighbor; understandably so, it's slightly higher in elevation. Its views are no less spectacular. You probably won't be alone when you visit the viewpoint (miradouro) in front of the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mountain, but just take a look at the river and ocean: dreams come all the same.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

The Heights of Beauty at the Base of Lisbon

The Baixa neighborhood, also known as Baixa Pombalina, is the bustling downtown district of Lisbon, meticulously rebuilt after the devastating 1755 earthquake under the direction of the Marquês de Pombal. This area is characterized by its grand neoclassical architecture, broad squares, and straight, grid-like streets. Highlights include the majestic Praça do Comércio, a riverside square offering stunning views of the Tagus River and a grand triumphal arch; Rossio Square, famous for its wave-patterned pavement and lively cafés; and Rua Augusta, a vibrant pedestrian street lined with shops, restaurants, and street performers. Baixa is the perfect place to experience Lisbon's rich history, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine.

Day 2

Lisbon

Day 2

Lisbon

Day 2

Lisbon

Day 2

Lisbon

Morning/Mid-Day

Visiting Belém and Jerônimos Monastery

Have your own Age of Discovery in this visit to Belém This picturesque district, situated near where the Tagus River reaches the Atlantic, is renowned for architectural marvels like the the Jerónimos Monastery, an exquisite example of Manueline architecture, and the burial place of Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama. Follow this with a stroll by the iconic Belém Tower. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Continue that scenic walk along the waterfront to the Monument to the Discoveries, which honors Portugal'sGlobe-sailing exploits. Don't miss the chance to savor the world-famous Pastéis de Belém at the historic bakery. Conclude your visit with a trip to the Belém Cultural Center, where contemporary art and performances enrich your experience. Belém seamlessly blends history, culture, and culinary delights, making it a must-visit destination in Lisbon.

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Introduction to Lisbon Tour: Bairro Alto, Chiado, and Baixa

Immerse yourself in the centuries of history on this 3 hour winding walking tour through the heart of Lisbon. Get acquainted with Lisbon's three most influential neighbourhoods, Bairro Alto, Chiado and Baixa with an expert Lisbon guide who specialises in history and archaeology.

Day 3

Lisbon to Porto

Day 3

Lisbon to Porto

Day 3

Lisbon to Porto

Day 3

Lisbon to Porto

Morning to Afternoon, Morning to Afternoon

Be a Royal Beach Bum at Cascais

Enjoy beaches fit for a queen, See the "Mouth of Hell," or get a nice meal and a glass of wine. They're all options in Cascais. This long famous beach-town boasts the Praia da Reinha, "The Queen's Beach." The queen in question: Amelia, the last of her status in Portugal. If this one is full, there will be space at the neighboring beaches, one titled "Beach of the Duchess." On the opposite side of this city, the oceans isn't so calm, and it roars and erupts under a natural bridge -- giving rise to the name, "Boco do Inferno." With a heritage of royalty, the standard of food has to be high. Whether in the center, or beyond the Boco, you'll find a wide selection of restaurants and demur bars for a regal time.

3:55 PM

Taxi from Hotel toTrain Station

Most trains depart from Lisbon's downtown station of St. Apolónia, and Uber, Bolt or a taxi isn't a bad idea if your lodging rests on one of Lisbon's many hills. Rides, depending on time of day, can take as little as 15m to an hour if traffic is very bad. It's good to leave with more time than less; one may always enjoy a coffee at the train station.

17:00 - 19:58

Rail Journey from Lisbon to Porto

Your coastal train journey from Lisbon to Porto will take around 3 hours. The journey will be onboard either the Alfa Pendular train or an Intercity train. Tickets for this journey are included in your itinerary package.

7:58 PM

Taxi Pick-up from Rail Station

Trains from Lisbon will arrive in Porto-Campanhã Station, a few kilometers outside the center. One can easily take the metro towards the center. However, if you do not want to deal with your luggage on the undulating landscape of Porto, a taxi is a very good idea, and it will cost you around 10 € give or take a few euros. Prices on weekends and holidays and after 9pm are 20% higher, and there is a 1,80€ fee for each bag over 55cm long. You could end up paying closer to 20€ euros if you come in late with big bags on a weekend. Most taxis in Porto are beige or black with a green roof. When you enter, make sure the meter is running, and that there is a price-list on the back of the driver's seat.

Day 4

Porto

Day 4

Porto

Day 4

Porto

Day 4

Porto

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Highlights of Porto Private Guided Walking Tour

Enjoy a 4 hour private guided tour of Porto, Capital of Northern Portugal and UNESCO World Heritage. Everything in this wonderful city makes this tour a memorable trip, from the Cathedral to the Port Wine Cellars, where you can enjoy two wine tastings. You will have the opportunity to discover also about Portuguese tradition and culture and important references will be given about the streets and squares of the historic centre.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Walk Up (and Down) Central Porto

There's no way around them; Porto has hills. They made the city quite hard to attack; they make 10,000 steps a work-out. Fortunately, they also create layer after layer of stupendous views. Walking through Virtudes Park, admiring the tiles of the Sao Bento train station, or evening climbing the heights of the Clérigos Tower, your eyes will never tire of the beauty of Porto's undulating center. Sunrises or sunsets mark the small neighborhoods that make up Porto's heart with beautiful light, creating unforgettable moments.

Late Afternoon to Evening

Discovering the Ribeira of Porto

The Ribeira is the touristic heart of Porto and certainly merits a stroll through its cobbled streets. Stunning views and sober grandeur will surround you, as well as the lively chatter of locals and visitors. You'll be able to fill your time here with food, drink, and a lot of architecture. The history here generally hides quietly, as quietly as Portuguese granite. But seek and you shall find; stories as bright as azulejos (traditional tiles) will begin to shine as soon as you look around. One clear highlight: the Sé of Porto (Porto Cathedral) This fortress-like cathedral has been serving the spiritual (and some temporal) needs of its flock since the 12th century.

Day 5

Porto

Day 5

Porto

Day 5

Porto

Day 5

Porto

Early Morning to Mid-Day

Matosinhos and its Ocean Views

Matosinhos, a happy town just a 30-minute metro-ride away from Porto, provides the beach-bum, or the traveling family, sand between their toes and the cool water of the Atlantic. But why limit yourself to an ocean breeze? The town's renowned municipal market is housed in an attractive architectural monument; Porto's largest green-space abuts the shoreline and invites passerbys to visit its aquarium, Sea Life. Get this, you can visit country's Center for Architecture and go on a tour of a working fish-tinning factory on the same street (It's better than it sounds)! There's even a fortress called "Cheese Castle" but please, don't let your kids try to bite it, and don't try yourself. So many things to see, so much sand and so little time!

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Civics, Magic, and the Crystal Gardens

Enjoy Porto as one would in the early 20th century: meet on a square, enjoy a good book, take in the arts, and promenade through an elegant garden. From Porto's grand city hall on Aliados Square to the sublime curves of Livraria Lello, from the exquisite sculptures of the National Museum Soares dos Reis to the strutting peacocks of the Crystal Palace gardens, visits to these areas will allow for some civilly relaxing hours. The points of interest here strike a balance between hectic and calm; the Lello Bookstore is worth the line to enter; but the only line in the gardens is the ducks following you if you give them food...

Late Afternoon to Evening

Get to Know Port on a Walk in Gaia

Brave the tall views from the Luiz I Bridge and visit the gustatory heights of Vila Nova de Gaia, located just across the Douro River from Porto. Renowned for its historic port wine cellars, Gaia offers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich heritage of Portugal's iconic fortified wine. Wander through the cobbled streets lined with centuries-old warehouses where famous port houses, such as Cockburn's, Taylor's and many more, invite you to experience guided tours. Learn about the intricate process of port production and savor a variety of exquisite port wines in atmospheric tasting rooms. Beyond Port, the waterfront on Gaia's bank offers a more spacious, festive vibe than the Ribeira across the Duoro.

Day 6

Porto

Day 6

Porto

Day 6

Porto

Day 6

Porto

Early Morning to Early Evening

Self-Guided Excursion by Train to the Douro River Valley (MVP)

Travel through the stunning depths of the UNESCO-protected Douro River Valley, and discover the wines of royalty. Taking a train from Porto through the Douro River Valley is an unforgettable journey that reveals some of Portugal's most stunning landscapes. As the train winds along the river, passengers are treated to panoramic views of terraced vineyards climbing steep hillsides, traditional quintas (wine estates), and quaint villages that dot the riverbank. This scenic railway route is often considered one of the most beautiful in Europe, offering a peaceful and picturesque way to experience the heart of Portugal's famous wine country. Along the way, the train passes through historic towns and stops at various points, allowing travelers the opportunity to explore the regional culture, cuisine, and, of course, sample the region's renowned wines. Many people say, "It's about the journey, not the destination." Not here. Here the journey and destination are rolled into one on the rails connecting Porto to Pinhão.

Day 7

Depart Porto

Day 7

Depart Porto

Day 7

Depart Porto

Day 7

Depart Porto

To Be Determined

Getting to the Airport by Taxi or Metro

A Taxi ride or Uber to the airport is generally the quickest way to arrive at Porto's airport, with little hassle about luggage. The metro is certainly the least expensive route to the airport, but can take considerably longer. Read on to choose which is right for you.

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Essence of Portugal: A 7-Day Cultural Journey Through Lisbon and Porto

7 Day Tour of Lisbon and Porto

$1149

Secure Your Customizable Trip Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.

Trip Map & Itinerary

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Transfer from Airport to Hotel by Taxi or Public Transport

Secure Your Customizable Trip
Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary
Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.