Arrival at 10:00AM — clear passport control and pick up checked bags; expect 30–60 minutes. Buy a rechargeable Viva Viagem card for public transport (Metro/Tram/Train).
Check in or at least drop bags. Recommended: Memmo Alfama (upscale, Alfama views), My Story Hotel Rossio (central mid-range), or LX Boutique Hotel (cool LX Factory area).
Explore winding Alfama lanes, take the iconic Tram 28 for a short stretch and visit São Jorge Castle for panoramic city views; Castle usually open 9:00–21:00 (check seasonal times).
Enjoy traditional Portuguese dinner while listening to live Fado in an intimate Alfama casa de fado; dinners usually start 19:00–20:00, reserve in advance.
Drive or tram to Belém to see the UNESCO-listed Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower; most sites open ~10:00, but exterior strolls and gardens are possible earlier. Allow time for tickets if you go inside.
Allow 1–1.5 hours to reach the airport, security and boarding for domestic flight to Madeira; recommended to be at airport 90 minutes before departure.
Pick up bags and take a 20–30 min transfer to Funchal center. Recommended hotels: The Vine Hotel (boutique, central), Pestana CR7 (seafront), or mid-range: Hotel Madeira Plaza.
Take the cable car from Funchal to Monte for sweeping views and visit Monte Palace Garden (open ~9:30–18:00) — beautiful azulejos and landscaped gardens.
Choose a gentle levada walk (e.g., Levada do Caldeirão Verde or Levada dos 25 Fontes) — guided tours cost ~EUR35–50 and last 3–5 hours; wear good shoes and carry water.
Experience the traditional wicker toboggan descent from Monte back toward Funchal (short, tourist-run activity) and visit Monte Church if missed earlier; runs operate daily with varying frequency.
Visit Museo del Prado (open typically 10:00–20:00) to see classical European art; then relax in Retiro Park with a possible rowboat rental at the pond.
Take an early AVE train (approx 1.5–2h to Valencia) and a connecting bus to Buñol, or book a guided full-day tour from Madrid including transport — recommended for ease and luggage storage.
Follow local instructions, secure belongings, wear goggles and old clothes; official festival typically starts at 10:00AM and lasts about 1 hour (subject to T-shirt for entry).
Participate in the world-famous tomato fight (usually ~1 hour). The streets will be closed to vehicles and a massive cleansing and first-aid presence is on site; waterproof footwear and goggles advised.
After the event, head to Valencia for an authentic paella lunch (Valencian paella is a must) or return with your tour to Madrid depending on transfer schedule.
Evening return journey to Madrid — trains and buses have increased demand after the festival, so pre-booking is essential. Expect arrival late evening around 9–10PM depending on connections.
From Rossio station take the 40–45 minute train to Sintra for a half-day excursion to Quinta da Regaleira (open 9:30–18:30) and Pena Palace (open 9:30–18:30) — allow 4–5 hours including transfers.
Take a short train to Cascais for beaches and coastal walk (Cascais & Estoril line). Trains run frequently from Cais do Sodré and beaches are perfect for a relaxed day.
Enjoy a relaxed dinner close to your hotel and finish packing. Choose a restaurant near your accommodation to save time before an early airport transfer.
Pre-book taxi or hotel transfer to Lisbon Airport for an early international flight departing 08:15. Allow time for check-in and international security.