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7-Day City Experiences Itinerary for Portugal in December 2023

  1. Day 1: Lisbon
    20 minutes (6.4 miles) from Lisbon Portela Airport

    Begin your trip by exploring the vibrant city of Lisbon. In the morning, visit the historic Belem district to see the Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery. Followed by mid-day, take a tram ride through Alfama's narrow streets, visit the Lisbon Cathedral and the Castle of Sao Jorge. Finally, at night, enjoy dinner and Fado music performances from the local restaurants in Bairro Alto.

  2. Day 2: Sintra
    40 minutes (15.5 miles) from Lisbon

    Discover the fantasy-like city of Sintra. In the morning, visit the National Palace of Sintra and its beautiful gardens. Afternoon, explore the Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle, followed by a visit to Quinta da Regaleira. Finally, finish off your day by sipping a traditional Ginginha in the historic center of Sintra.

  3. Day 3: Porto
    3 hours (195 miles) from Sintra

    Travel to the beautiful northern city of Porto. In the morning, walk through the historic city center and visit the Clérigos Tower, the Lello Bookstore, and the Porto Cathedral. Afternoon, cross the D. Luis I Bridge and enjoy views of the Douro River. Finally, at night, discover the nightlife in Ribeira, where you can enjoy local food and drinks.

  4. Day 4: Coimbra
    1 hour and 20 minutes (80 miles) from Porto

    Visit the city of Coimbra, known for its rich history and culture. In the morning, explore the University of Coimbra, the Biblioteca Joanina, and the Sé Velha. Then, take a stroll through the botanical gardens. Afternoon, visit the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha and Quinta das Lágrimas. Finally, enjoy a traditional Coimbra-style dinner and live Fado music performances.

  5. Day 5: Braga
    1 hour and 30 minutes (44 miles) from Coimbra

    Visit the city of Braga, rich in culture and history. In the morning, explore the historic city center, the Cathedral of Santa Maria de Braga, and the Bom Jesus do Monte. Afternoon, visit the medieval castle of Guimarães. Finally, at night, enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants in Rua do Souto.

  6. Day 6: Aveiro
    1 hour and 20 minutes (52 miles) from Braga

    Visit the picturesque city of Aveiro, known for its canals and Art Nouveau architecture. In the morning, explore the city center, the Ria de Aveiro, and the Art Nouveau Museum. Afternoon, take a boat tour through the canals and visit the Costa Nova Beach. Finally, enjoy dinner at one of the local seafood restaurants.

  7. Day 7: Lisbon
    2 hours and 30 minutes (166 miles) from Aveiro

    End your trip by revisiting the city of Lisbon. In the morning, visit the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, the Parque das Nações, and the Vasco da Gama Bridge. Afternoon, take a day trip to the nearby town of Cascais and visit the Boca do Inferno and the Cascais Citadel. Finally, at night, enjoy dinner and drinks at one of the rooftop bars in the city center.

Recommendations

You can also consider visiting the Algarve region, home to stunning beaches and coastal cliffs. Another option is to take a day trip to the Douro Valley, where you can experience wine tastings and stunning views of the vineyards. To maximize your fun, try to immerse yourself in the local culture by taking a cooking class or attending a traditional festival. Finally, don't forget to try the local cuisine, such as Pastéis de Belém, Bacalhau, and Francesinha.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Belem Tower (1 hour, €6)
  • Jeronimos Monastery (1 hour, €10)
  • Lisbon Cathedral (1 hour, €4)
  • Castle of Sao Jorge (2 hours, €10)
  • Pena Palace (1.5 hours, €14)
  • Moorish Castle (1 hour, €8)
  • Quinta da Regaleira (1.5 hours, €6)
  • Clérigos Tower (1 hour, €5)
  • Lello Bookstore (1 hour, €5)
  • Porto Cathedral (1 hour, €3)
  • D. Luis I Bridge (1 hour, Free)
  • University of Coimbra (2 hours, €10)
  • Biblioteca Joanina (1 hour, €7)
  • Sé Velha (1 hour, €2.50)
  • Botanical Gardens (1 hour, €4)
  • Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha (1 hour, €3)
  • Quinta das Lágrimas (2 hours, €10)
  • Cathedral of Santa Maria de Braga (1 hour, €2.50)
  • Bom Jesus do Monte (2 hours, €5)
  • Medieval Castle of Guimarães (2 hours, €8)
  • Art Nouveau Museum (1 hour, €3)
  • Boat Tour in Aveiro (1 hour, €8)
  • Costa Nova Beach (1 hour, Free)
  • Calouste Gulbenkian Museum (2 hours, €12)
  • Parque das Nações (2 hours, Free)
  • Cascais Citadel (2 hours, €5)
  • Boca do Inferno (1 hour, Free)
  • Pastéis de Belém (1 hour, €1.20)
  • Bacalhau (1 hour, €15)
  • Francesinha (1 hour, €10)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €180.20

To check hotel and flight prices, click here.

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