Morning: Depart from Washington DC on an overnight flight, arriving at Lisbon Portela Airport mid‑day. The family will take a pre‑booked airport shuttle to the hotel in the Baixa district.
Afternoon: After check‑in, stroll through the historic Baixa and enjoy the wide promenade of Praça do Comércio with river views and street performers.
Evening: Dine at a traditional restaurant in Alfama and experience a live Fado performance, introducing the teens to Portuguese music.
Find HotelsMorning: Head up to São Jorge Castle for panoramic city vistas; explore the towers and the archaeological museum.
Afternoon: Walk down to the Lisbon Cathedral and wander the narrow lanes of Alfama, stopping at a local café for a quick snack.
Evening: Experience the vibrant nightlife of Bairro Alto with a family‑friendly dinner and a view from the Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the grand Jerónimos Monastery and the iconic Belém Tower, both UNESCO sites.
Afternoon: See the Monument to the Discoveries and indulge in the famous custard tarts at Pastéis de Belém, a must‑try for the teens.
Evening: Return to central Lisbon, relax at Praça da Figueira and enjoy a casual dinner near the river.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a fast train to Sintra and explore the colorful Pena Palace, with its fairy‑tale towers and gardens.
Afternoon: Wander the mystical grounds of Quinta da Regaleira** and climb the ancient walls of the Moorish Castle for stunning views.
Evening: Return to Lisbon and dine in the artistic Chiado district, perhaps sampling Portuguese tapas.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore the contemporary waterfront of Parque das Nações, visiting the Vasco da Gama Tower and the modern art installations.
Afternoon: Spend several hours at the award‑winning Lisbon Oceanarium and take a scenic ride on the nearby cable car.
Evening: Enjoy a riverside dinner along the Tagus, watching the sunset from a terrace in the Docas area.
Find HotelsMorning: Shop for souvenirs on the upscale boulevard Avenida da Liberdade, picking up Portuguese wine and ceramics.
Afternoon: Relax in the green space of Eduardo VII Park**, then head back to the hotel to collect luggage.
Evening: Take the airport shuttle for the return flight to Washington DC, ending the Portuguese adventure.
Find HotelsIf you have extra time, add a day to explore the coastal town of Cascais and the stunning cliffs of Cabo da Roca; both are reachable by a short train ride and offer beach relaxation for the teens. To shorten the trip, you could combine Day 4 (Sintra) with a half‑day visit to Cabo da Roca and skip the evening in Chiado, allowing an early departure on Day 5 while still seeing the main highlights.