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11-Day Portugal Loop: Lisbon, Sintra, Évora, Algarve, Porto & Douro — Best Route and Daily Plan

Viewed by 203 travelers

Day 1: Lisbon arrival

Lisbon, Portugal on September 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Manteigaria / Café A Brasileira

Start with a pastel de nata and coffee at a classic Lisbon café in Chiado; great for people-watching and fuel for the day.
EUR6, 0h30m

9:00am

Walking Baixa & Rossio

Stroll the main central plazas and pedestrian streets to get oriented; see Praça do Comércio and Rua Augusta Arch.
EUR0, 1h30m

11:00am

Tram 28 & Alfama

Catch the iconic Tram 28 route for a scenic ride through Alfama to São Jorge Castle — a classic introduction to Lisbon's hills and tiles.
EUR3, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Taberna da Rua das Flores

Small, popular tavern serving elevated Portuguese petiscos; arrive early or expect a short wait.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Castelo de São Jorge

Explore the hilltop castle for panoramic city and river views; open typically around 9:00am–6:00pm — check seasonal times.
EUR10, 1h30m

4:00pm

Chiado & LX Factory (optional)

Browse design shops and galleries in Chiado or head to LX Factory for creative shops and a relaxed late-afternoon vibe.
EUR0, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner & Fado in Bairro Alto — Clube de Fado or Tasca do Chico

Enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine with live Fado (book ahead); most shows start around 8:30pm–9:00pm.
EUR35, 2h0m
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Day 2: Belém & museums

Lisbon, Portugal on September 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast — Pastéis de Belém

Taste the original custard tarts at Pastéis de Belém; bakery opens early and can get busy so arrive soon after opening.
EUR6, 0h45m

10:00am

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

Visit the ornate 16th-century monastery in Belém (usually open ~10:00am–5:30pm); a must-see for Manueline architecture.
EUR10, 1h15m

11:30am

Belém Tower & Padrão dos Descobrimentos

Walk the riverside monuments celebrating Portugal's Age of Discovery; Belém Tower typically open ~10:00am–6:00pm.
EUR6, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch — À Margem or local riverside café

Casual riverside lunch with seafood and salads, perfect after a morning of monuments.
EUR18, 1h0m

2:30pm

MAAT or National Coach Museum

Pick one: MAAT for modern art and architecture (usually 11:00am–7:00pm) or the Coach Museum for historic royal carriages (closed Mondays historically).
EUR10, 1h30m

5:00pm

Golden hour at Miradouro de Santa Catarina

Relax with a river view, great photo spot and local atmosphere as the sun sets.
EUR0, 0h45m

8:00pm

Dinner — Cervejaria Ramiro

Famous seafood house — order the tiger prawns and garlic clams; expect a queue or book ahead if possible.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Sintra day-trip

Sintra & Cascais, Portugal on September 24, 2025

8:00am

Train to Sintra

Take the early train from Lisbon Rossio to Sintra (~40–50 minutes) to maximise time at the palaces.
EUR5, 0h50m

9:30am

Pena Palace

Visit the colourful Romantic-era palace with sweeping views — opens typically 9:30am–6:30pm; buy timed tickets if possible.
EUR14, 1h30m

11:30am

Quinta da Regaleira

Explore the mystical estate, gardens and Initiation Well; usually open ~10:00am–6:00pm — allow plenty of time for the grounds.
EUR10, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch — Tascantiga or Cantinho Gourmet

Enjoy tapas-style dishes or a light meal in Sintra village before heading to the coast.
EUR18, 1h0m

3:00pm

Cascais via coastal train or drive

Head down to the coastal town of Cascais to walk the marina and Praia do Guincho if time allows; relaxing seaside contrast to Sintra’s hills.
EUR6, 2h0m

7:30pm

Return to Lisbon + Dinner — Sea Me or Time Out Market

Back in Lisbon for dinner; Time Out Market offers many local chefs under one roof if you prefer variety.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 4: Évora & Alentejo

Évora, Portugal on September 25, 2025

8:00am

Drive/train to Évora

Travel from Lisbon to Évora (drive ~1h30–1h45 or intercity bus/train) and check into your accommodation.
EUR10, 1h45m

10:30am

Roman Temple & Praça do Giraldo

Walk Évora’s compact historic centre to see the Roman Temple and lively town square — great introduction to Alentejo architecture.
EUR0, 0h45m

11:30am

Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones)

Visit the somber 16th-century chapel decorated with human bones; usually open around 9:00am–7:00pm — a striking cultural visit.
EUR2, 0h30m

1:00pm

Lunch — Fialho (traditional Alentejo)

Savour hearty Alentejo cuisine: slow-cooked meats, bread, regional cheeses and wines.
EUR25, 1h15m

3:00pm

Évora Cathedral (Sé) & rooftop

Climb the cathedral rooftop for sweeping views over the whitewashed town; cathedral opening hours usually morning to late afternoon.
EUR5, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — Local tasca

Relax at a small local restaurant and sample Alentejo wines; quiet, authentic evening atmosphere in town.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 5: Travel to Algarve

Lagos, Algarve, Portugal on September 26, 2025

8:00am

Morning in Évora — quick market or museum

Use a final morning to stroll Évora’s streets or visit a small museum before heading south; check museum opening times.
EUR5, 1h0m

10:00am

Drive to Lagos (Algarve)

Drive south to Lagos (approx 3h15–3h45 depending on route), enjoying rural Alentejo landscapes en route.
EUR0, 3h30m

2:00pm

Lunch — Lagos marina or local seafood

Arrive in Lagos and eat at a marina restaurant or local tavern serving fresh grilled fish and seafood.
EUR22, 1h0m

3:30pm

Ponta da Piedade cliffs

Walk the dramatic cliff paths of Ponta da Piedade for spectacular rock formations and sea views; ideal in late afternoon light.
EUR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — O Camilo or A Forja

Choose a well-regarded seafood restaurant in Lagos for fresh catches and local sides; book if possible in high season.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 6: Algarve boat day

Lagos/Benagil, Portugal on September 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast — Pastelaria local

Light Portuguese breakfast: coffee, toast, local pastries to prepare for a boat tour day.
EUR6, 0h30m

9:30am

Benagil cave boat/kayak tour

Take a morning boat or kayak tour to Benagil cave and Algarve sea caves — tours typically run 9:00am–5:00pm, weather dependent; book ahead.
EUR40, 2h0m

12:00pm

Praia da Marinha or Praia Dona Ana

Relax on one of the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches close to the caves; beach access is usually open all day.
EUR0, 2h0m

3:00pm

Explore Lagos old town & shops

Wander the cobbled streets, local craft shops and waterfront cafés of Lagos.
EUR0, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — Restaurante dos Artistas or local seafood

Enjoy an evening meal with regional flavours; many Algarve restaurants focus on fresh seafood and Mediterranean sides.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 7: Travel north to Porto

Faro → Porto, Portugal on September 28, 2025

6:30am

Transfer to Faro airport or train station

Head to Faro airport for a domestic flight to Porto (flight ~1h20) or take a long-distance train; flying saves time on this long leg.
EUR60, 2h0m

10:30am

Arrive in Porto — check in

Arrive midday in Porto and settle into your accommodation in the Ribeira or near Avenida dos Aliados.
EUR0, 0h45m

12:30pm

Lunch — Casa Guedes or local francesinha spot

Try a local sandwich like the famous francesinha or a casual lunch of roasted pork sandwiches.
EUR12, 1h0m

2:00pm

Ribeira & Douro riverside walk

Stroll the historic riverfront, cross Dom Luís I Bridge for views and photo ops of Porto and Gaia.
EUR0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia

Visit a cellar for a guided tasting and history of Port wine — most cellars have tours from ~10:00am–6:00pm.
EUR18, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner — Ribeira riverside restaurant

Evening meal by the river; choose a place with local dishes and views across the Douro.
EUR28, 1h30m
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Day 8: Porto city

Porto, Portugal on September 29, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast — Café Majestic

Classic belle-Époque café experience in central Porto; ideal before a day of sightseeing.
EUR10, 0h45m

9:30am

Livraria Lello & Clerigos Tower

Visit the ornate bookstore (timed entries often required) and climb Clerigos Tower for city panoramas — both usually open 9:30am–7:00pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

11:30am

São Bento Station & Palacio da Bolsa

See the beautiful azulejo tiles at São Bento and the neoclassical stock exchange palace; guided tours of Palacio da Bolsa usually run midday.
EUR10, 1h15m

1:00pm

Lunch — Mercado do Bolhão or local tasca

Sample market foods or small-plate Portuguese dishes in a traditional eatery.
EUR15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Cruise on the Douro (short Rabelo boat)

Take a 50-minute traditional boat trip under the six bridges for a different perspective of the city; afternoon departures common.
EUR15, 0h50m

7:30pm

Dinner — Casa d'Oro or seafood trattoria

Dine with views of the Douro; end the day with a relaxed, scenic meal.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 9: Douro Valley

Douro Valley (Pinhão), Portugal on September 30, 2025

7:30am

Full-day Douro Valley tour (guided) or train to Pinhão

Join a guided day tour with winery tastings and scenic viewpoints or take the picturesque train to Pinhão; tours typically depart early (8:00am–9:00am) and run all day.
EUR75, 9h0m

10:30am

Wine estate visit & tasting

Visit a quintas (wine estate) for a cellar tour and tasting of Douro wines and Port; tastings often included in tours or are available by appointment.
EUR25, 1h15m

1:00pm

Lunch — Quinta or riverside restaurant

Lunch at a quinta or local restaurant with views of terraced vineyards and the Douro river.
EUR28, 1h30m

3:30pm

Scenic viewpoint & short river cruise option

Stop at viewpoints for photos and consider a short river cruise segment if time allows — most operators run early–late afternoon trips.
EUR20, 1h0m

7:30pm

Return to Porto + dinner

Arrive back in Porto for a relaxed dinner and reflect on the day’s vineyards and vistas.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 10: Coimbra stop

Coimbra, Portugal on October 1, 2025

8:30am

Travel to Coimbra (train or drive)

Depart Porto for Coimbra (train ~1h30; driving ~1h30–1h45) — Coimbra makes a good historic stop en route back to Lisbon.
EUR15, 1h30m

10:15am

University of Coimbra & Biblioteca Joanina

Tour the ancient university and the baroque Joanina Library; opening hours usually mid-morning to late afternoon — book guided visits where possible.
EUR12, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — Loggia or student-run cafés

Have lunch with views over the Mondego River; student cafés offer inexpensive traditional dishes if you prefer a budget option.
EUR18, 1h0m

2:30pm

Mondego riverside & Old Town stroll

Wander the historic old town, visit the Coimbra Cathedral, and enjoy the mellow university town atmosphere.
EUR0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Lisbon (evening)

Take the afternoon/evening train or drive back to Lisbon and check into your hotel for the last night.
EUR20, 2h30m

8:00pm

Farewell dinner — Bairro Alto or Alfama

Enjoy a final Lisbon dinner at a restaurant you loved or try a new one; choose a table with a view if possible.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 11: Last morning

Lisbon, Portugal on October 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — LX Factory or local café

Casual breakfast at LX Factory if you want artsy shops and last-minute souvenirs; many cafés open from 8:00am.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:30am

MAAT or quick shopping in Chiado

If you missed MAAT or need last-minute shopping in Chiado and Carmel Market, use the morning; confirm MAAT opens ~11:00am on some days.
EUR10, 1h30m

11:30am

Check-out & transfer to airport

Allow ample time for transfer to Lisbon Airport (Humberto Delgado) and security; typical transfer 20–40 minutes from central Lisbon depending on traffic.
EUR15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Departure from Lisbon

Fly out from Lisbon — leave buffer for international check-in and any last-minute issues; safe travels home.
EUR0, N/Am
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