Romantic Portuguese Escape – Lisbon, Sintra & Porto (Dec 7‑16, 2025)

Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon & Evening Stroll

Morning: Depart Delhi on a comfortable flight (see options below) and arrive at Lisbon Portela Airport in the early afternoon, clearing immigration and transferring to your hotel.

Afternoon: Check‑in at the elegant Tivoli Avenida Liberdade (5‑star) and unwind with a welcome drink while enjoying the city’s festive December lights.

Evening: Take a relaxed walk along the Tagus River, dine at a cosy riverside restaurant, and admire the illuminated Belém Tower from the promenade.

Day 2: Lisbon – Historic Heart & Culinary Delights

Morning: Explore the winding alleys of Alfama, visit the stunning São Jorge Castle, and sip a traditional coffee at a local pastelaria.

Afternoon: Tour the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery and the iconic Belém Tower, then savour the famous pastéis de nata at Pastéis de Belém.

Evening: Enjoy a romantic dinner in the vibrant Bairro Alto district, followed by a Fado performance that captures the soul of Portugal.

Day 3: Day Trip to Sintra – Palaces & Gardens

Morning: Take a private transfer to Sintra (≈40 km) and begin with a visit to the fairy‑tale Pena Palace, perched atop the hills.

Afternoon: Wander through the mystical grounds of Quinta da Regaleira, then enjoy a leisurely lunch in the historic town centre.

Evening: Return to Lisbon, freshen up at the hotel, and take a moonlit stroll across the 25 de Abril Bridge for panoramic city views.

Day 4: Lisbon – Art, Shopping & Sunset Cruise

Morning: Visit the contemporary MAAT Museum and admire the modern art collection at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum.

Afternoon: Shop for Portuguese ceramics and cork products in the chic Chiado district, pausing for a light lunch at a local café.

Evening: Embark on a sunset cruise on the Tagus River, sipping Portuguese wine while the city lights reflect on the water.

Day 5: Journey to Porto – Riverside Arrival

Morning: Check out of Tivoli and board a high‑speed train to Porto (≈3 hours), enjoying scenic countryside views.

Afternoon: Arrive and check in at the luxurious The Yeatman (5‑star) overlooking the Douro River, followed by a brief orientation walk.

Evening: Dine at the hotel’s Michelin‑starred restaurant, tasting regional specialties and sampling fine port wine.

Day 6: Porto – Heritage & River Views

Morning: Explore the historic Ribeira District, wander across the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, and visit the São Bento Train Station famed for its azulejo tiles.

Afternoon: Tour the renowned Livraria Lello bookstore, then enjoy a tasting session at a traditional port cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Evening: Relax on a leisurely boat ride along the Douro, watching the city glow under the night sky.

Day 7: Douro Valley Day Excursion – Vineyards & Scenic Views

Morning: Depart for a private guided tour of the Douro Valley, visiting a historic vineyard such as Quinta do Crasto for a tasting.

Afternoon: Enjoy a gourmet lunch overlooking terraced vineyards, then continue to the picturesque town of Pinhão for a short river cruise.

Evening: Return to Porto, unwind with a couples’ spa treatment at the hotel, and relish a quiet dinner on the hotel terrace.

Day 8: Porto – Leisure & Culinary Exploration

Morning: Stroll through the lush Crystal Palace Gardens and sip coffee at a local café overlooking the Douro.

Afternoon: Attend a hands‑on cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Portuguese dishes such as bacalhau à Brás.

Evening: Celebrate your final night with a romantic dinner at a riverside restaurant, followed by a gentle walk along the illuminated riverbank.

Day 9: Return to Lisbon – Last-Minute Shopping

Morning: Take a morning train back to Lisbon, arriving in time for a relaxed check‑in at the boutique Altis Avenida Hotel (4‑star).

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring the trendy LX Factory district for unique souvenirs and a light lunch.

Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant with sweeping views of the city, toasting to an unforgettable journey.

Day 10: Departure

Morning: Pack and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, taking in the last moments of Portuguese charm.

Afternoon: Transfer to Lisbon Portela Airport for your return flight to Delhi, carrying memories of a romantic, scenic adventure.

Evening: Flight departs; arrive back in Delhi safely.

Flight Options

• Option 1: Air India – Delhi (DEL) → Lisbon (LIS) – 1 stop in Dubai; INR 68,000 per person (round‑trip).
• Option 2: Emirates – Delhi (DEL) → Lisbon (LIS) – 1 stop in Dubai; INR 74,500 per person (round‑trip), includes extra legroom.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Belém Tower – 1 hour – INR 800
• Jerónimos Monastery – 1.5 hours – INR 1,200
• Pena Palace (Sintra) – 2 hours – INR 2,500
• Quinta da Regaleira – 1.5 hours – INR 1,800
• Ribeira District & Dom Luís I Bridge (Porto) – 2 hours – INR 0 (free)
• Livraria Lello – 1 hour – INR 1,100
• Port Wine Cellar Tasting – 1 hour – INR 2,200
• Douro Valley Vineyard Tour – 5 hours – INR 12,000
• Cooking Class (Porto) – 3 hours – INR 5,500
• 4‑Star/5‑Star Hotels (9 nights) – INR 120,000
• Round‑trip Flights (couple) – INR 140,000
• Meals, local transport & incidentals – INR 30,000
• Total Estimated Cost: INR 322,800

Tips

Indian citizens need a Schengen visa for Portugal; apply at the Portuguese consulate at least 3 weeks in advance and include flight, hotel and travel insurance documents. Bring around €800‑€1,000 (≈ ₹70,000‑₹90,000) in cash and a debit card for additional expenses. Travel insurance covering medical, trip cancellation and COVID‑19 is essential. December weather is mild (10‑16 °C) with occasional rain, so pack warm layers, a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a smart‑casual outfit for evenings. For a longer stay, add a day in the Algarve’s coastal towns; to shorten, combine Sintra with Lisbon in a single day and skip the Douro Valley excursion, still keeping the romantic essence of the trip.