After collecting your hire car at Faro Airport, take a gentle first drive to Ria Formosa Natural Park for a morning boat tour among salt flats and birdlife, then stroll the boardwalks of Ilha de Faro to feel the Atlantic breeze. Follow this with a relaxed coffee and gluten-free pastel de nata at Faro Old Town's Praça Largo do Carmo before heading west along the coast toward Lagos to continue your Algarve explorations.
Drive west from Faro to the clifftop village of Cacela Velha for sweeping views over the Ria Formosa and a relaxed seafood lunch at Restaurante O Caniço, which offers gluten-free options on request; wander the sandy spit to the tiny beach for postcard-perfect photos. Continue to Tavira to explore its Roman bridge and riverside cafés, visit the atmospheric Castelo de Tavira terraces for golden-light panoramas, and sample a GF ice cream or pastry in the old town before checking into your Algarve base for the evening.
As the sun softens, drive to the fishing village of Almancil for a relaxed dinner at O Leão de Porches (ask ahead for their gluten-free options) and sample regional Algarvian flavours without the gluten worry. Afterwards, wander the fragrant gardens and tiled courtyards of Quinta do Lago lakeside paths for a peaceful sunset stroll, finishing with a nightcap at the stylish terrace of Vale do Lobo while listening to distant waves - a calm, scenic close to your first day before heading west tomorrow.
Set off from the Algarve along the N125/A2 and pause for a coastal detour at Praia da Rocha to stretch your legs on the wide sandy beach and grab a seaside coffee with gluten-free pastries at Pastelaria Vitória. Continue north to explore the dramatic cliffs and viewpoints of Cabo Espichel, where a short walk leads to the atmospheric Fishermen's Chapel and sweeping ocean panoramas, then arrive in Lisbon in time for a relaxed lunch in the historic Belém district-try gluten-free options at Ao 26 - Vegan Food Project while admiring the riverside gardens and the Belém Tower from across the quay.
After lunch in Belém, head uphill to explore the mosaic-streets of Alfama-wander its winding alleys, pop into a tiny tile shop and climb to Miradouro de Santa Luzia for intimate river and terracotta-roof panoramas. Then cross to the artsy neighborhood of Chiado to browse independent bookshops and stop for a gluten-free coffee and pastry at Pois Café (they accommodate GF requests), finishing the afternoon with a slow tram ride on Electric Tram 28 to absorb Lisbon's layered history as you descend toward the Baixa for evening plans.
As twilight falls, wander the lively pedestrian streets around Rossio Square and pause for photos beneath the wave-patterned pavement before slipping into a cosy meal at Taberna Moderna, which can prepare gluten-free traditional dishes on request. After dinner, enjoy a short riverside walk to Praça do Comércio to watch the lights reflect on the Tagus, then step into the intimate fado house Tasca do Chico (Baixa branch) for an authentic live performance to end the evening with Portuguese music and atmosphere.
Begin with a sunrise stroll through Praça do Comércio and cross the river briefly to catch morning light on the waterfront before returning to the city for a relaxed breakfast of gluten-free toasts and coffee at Fábrica da Nata (GF options available). Then wander the elegant streets of Bairro Alto by day, popping into independent artisan shops and climbing to Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara for sweeping city and river views, finishing with a visit to the hidden gardens of Convento do Carmo to take in its evocative ruins and tranquil atmosphere.
Head to the riverside neighborhood of Cais do Sodré for a leisurely market browse at Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market) where several stalls offer clear gluten-free choices-sample petiscos from different vendors and pair with a glass of Portuguese vinho verde. From there stroll along the waterfront to Docas de Santo Amaro, enjoy views of the 25 de Abril bridge, then take a short taxi up to the leafy terrace of Miradouro da Graça to watch the late afternoon light paint the city before an early dinner at The Food Temple (or another nearby GF-aware bistro) to continue your gluten-free dining exploration.
As the city shifts to amber light, head to the leafy terraces of Jardim do Torel to watch locals unwind and enjoy panoramic views before a short stroll down to the riverside. For dinner, reserve a table at DaTerra (Chiado) which offers a clearly marked gluten-free menu and inventive plant-forward plates, then finish the night with cocktails at the rooftop bar Topo Chiado while taking in sweeping vistas of the illuminated skyline and the Tagus - a mellow, elevated close to your day of Lisbon discoveries.
Drive south from Lisbon into the Arrábida foothills and begin your morning with a private tasting at the family-run Quinta da Bacalhôa estate, where you can tour mosaic gardens and sample unusual blends alongside artisanal olive oils; their staff are usually happy to note gluten-free pairings. Next, head to the organic vineyards of Quinta do Piloto for a guided walk through cork oaks and vineyard rows followed by a cellar tour and a light GF-friendly tasting platter of regional cheeses and charcuterie, enjoying sweeping views over the Setúbal estuary to continue the journey deeper into the region's lesser-known wine traditions.
After a morning of cellar tours, drive up the slopes to Quinta do Anjo for a relaxed alfresco tasting of their lesser-known Moscatel vintages paired with a gluten-free mezze board of local cheeses and roasted peppers while overlooking the Arrábida hills. Then continue to the intimate family-run Adega do Caniço, where a guided vineyard walk introduces traditional amphora ageing techniques before a riverside picnic featuring GF breads and preserves sourced from nearby producers-an unhurried, sensory afternoon that bridges Lisbon's city discoveries with the rural rhythms of Setúbal/Palmela.
As dusk falls, drive to the hilltop village of Castelo de Palmela to wander its quiet ramparts and enjoy panoramic views over vines and the Sado estuary, then descend to Quinta do Gradil for a candlelit tasting room experience featuring their small-batch reds paired with a clearly labelled gluten-free dessert plate. Finish with a relaxed riverside dinner at Aldeia do Meco (select a GF-friendly fish dish and local wine) while listening to evening cicadas-a calm, pastoral close that neatly follows your daytime cellar visits and brings you back toward Lisbon with mellow countryside memories.
Set off early from Lisbon and pause en route at Conímbriga to wander remarkably preserved Roman mosaics and the museum's shaded gardens before continuing north; the site's quiet morning light makes the ruins especially atmospheric. Arrive in Coimbra for a riverside stroll along the Mondego to the hilltop Sé Velha (Old Cathedral), then climb the university quarter to tour the baroque splendour of the Joanina Library and enjoy a late-morning gluten-free brunch at Dux Taberna Urbana, which offers GF-friendly regional plates and local coffee while you soak in panoramic views over the city.
After lunch, wander through the shaded terraces and winding lanes of Portugal dos Pequenitos to enjoy its whimsical miniature monuments, then walk along the riverbank to the leafy [Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra](https://www.google.com/search?q=Jardim+Bot%C3%A2nico+da+Universidade+de+Coimbra+Portugal%0AFly+into+Faro+on+27th+April+%4011am.+Wish+to+visit+Lisbon+and+Porto+including+some+off+the+beaten+track+places+to+visit+wineries%0ALeave+on+the+3rd+May+%406am%0ACar+hire+is+booked%0ANeed+gluten+free+eating+included+in+itinerary+official+site) for a peaceful stroll among magnolias and camellias. Late afternoon, join a guided tasting at the nearby family-run A Quinta dos Roques for organic cheeses and a gluten-free bread pairing while watching the golden light fall across the Mondego valley-an easy, sensory transition from Coimbra's historic hilltop sights toward your evening meal.
As dusk falls, take a gentle riverside drive to the atmospheric hilltop Penedo da Saudade to watch students and locals gather while the city lights begin to sparkle, then descend to the cobbled alleys around Praça do Comércio for an aperitif. For dinner, reserve a table at Loggia (ask for their gluten-free menu) to savour creative regional dishes with a view over Sé Velha lit at night, finishing with a relaxed digestif at the intimate bar in Arco da Almedina to round off a day of medieval sights and local flavours.
After checking into your Porto base, enjoy a relaxed riverside morning with a coffee and gluten-free pastry at Café Progresso, then stroll the mosaic-lined quays of Cais da Estiva to watch rabelos glide on the Douro. Continue with a guided tasting and behind-the-scenes cellar tour at the family-run Quinta do Olival on the Vila Nova de Gaia slopes, where smaller-batch tawny and ruby ports are paired with a clearly labelled gluten-free cheese board-an intimate introduction to the region's wine traditions that follows naturally from your southern winery visits.
Drive or take a short taxi across the river to explore the colourful riverside quarter of Ribeira-wander the narrow alleys, stop for a gluten-free francesinha alternative at Casa d'Oro's terrace (they offer GF options on request) and enjoy views of the Douro. In the late afternoon, head up to the hillside district of Miragaia for a quieter tasting at the boutique urban cellar Graham's Lodge or a small-producer tasting room in Vila Nova de Gaia, then relax on the grassy steps of Jardins do Palácio de Cristal to watch the light soften over the river before evening plans.
As night falls, wander the lantern-lit backstreets toward Câmara de Gaia for a riverside aperitif and panoramic views of Porto's illuminated bridge before crossing at a quieter pedestrian point. Dine at Casa de Pasto da Palmeira, a neighbourhood spot known for clearly marked gluten-free dishes and seasonal seafood, then finish with a leisurely post-dinner stroll to Foz do Douro's Atlantic promenade to listen to waves and close the day with a coastal nightcap.
Rise early and take one last gentle walk along the Atlantic-front promenade of Praia do Carneiro, breathing in sea air before returning to your accommodation; pick up a takeaway gluten-free pastry from Padaria Ribeiro (Foz branch) to enjoy en route. Drive to the compact Matosinhos Fish Market area for a quick seaside coffee and a final taste of Porto's coastal atmosphere, then refuel and return your hire car at Aeroporto Francisco Sá Carneiro with time to spare for check-in and a relaxed pre-flight snack.
Spend a relaxed final afternoon exploring the quieter, leafy side of Porto with a slow wander through Jardim de Serralves, visiting the contemporary art museum and its sculpture gardens before pausing for a gluten-free light lunch at the museum café. Later, take a scenic drive to the seaside district of Leça da Palmeira to walk the iconic Piscinas de Leça rock pools and enjoy fresh Atlantic views, then return toward the airport via a detour to Casa da Música for a quick photo stop and coffee before handing back your hire car.
Before your early transfer, enjoy a calm final Porto evening with a gentle riverside walk along Avenida dos Aliados to take in the city's lit civic architecture, then pause for a final GF-friendly tasting menu at ODE Porto Wine House which can prepare clearly labelled gluten-free options paired with regional wines. Finish with a short, reflective stroll through the lantern-lit gardens of Jardim do Infante D. Henrique, sipping a last digestif while the Douro glitters, a tranquil close that ties together your coastal and wine-focused journey before tomorrow's departure.