In the morning, explore the historic district of Alfama, with its narrow winding streets and charming architecture. Visit the iconic São Jorge Castle for panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, head to Belém to see the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery. End the day with a scenic tram ride on Tram 28, passing through Lisbon's most picturesque neighborhoods.
Alfama: Explore the district's narrow streets and architecture. Cost: Free. Time: 3 hours.
São Jorge Castle: Enjoy panoramic views of Lisbon. Cost: €10. Time: 2 hours.
Jerónimos Monastery: Visit this impressive UNESCO World Heritage site. Cost: €10. Time: 1 hour.
Tram 28: Take a scenic tram ride through Lisbon's neighborhoods. Cost: €2.90. Time: 1 hour.
Friday, September 1: Porto
Start your day with a visit to Ribeira, Porto's historic district, and wander along the Douro River. Explore the Livraria Lello, a stunning bookstore known for its architecture and connection to Harry Potter. In the afternoon, visit the Porto Cathedral and enjoy the panoramic views from its terrace. End the day with a Port wine tasting experience at one of the local cellars.
Ribeira: Stroll along the Douro River. Cost: Free. Time: 2 hours.
Porto Cathedral: Enjoy the views from the terrace. Cost: Free. Time: 1 hour.
Port Wine Tasting: Experience local Port wines. Cost: €15-30. Time: 2 hours.
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Majestic, a charming café with stunning Art Nouveau interiors and a wide selection of pastries and coffees. Average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
For lunch, try ODE Porto Wine House, a cozy restaurant offering traditional Portuguese dishes with a modern twist, paired with a great selection of local wines. Average cost for a meal is about €15-€20 per person.
For dinner, dine at Pedro Lemos, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its innovative take on Portuguese cuisine. Enjoy dishes made with fresh, local ingredients in an elegant setting. Average cost for a meal is about €50-€70 per person.
Saturday, September 2: Sintra
Embark on a day trip to Sintra, a fairytale-like town known for its palaces and gardens. Start by visiting the colorful Pena Palace and its surrounding park. Explore the mystic Quinta da Regaleira with its stunning gardens and underground tunnels. In the afternoon, visit the romantic Monserrate Palace and enjoy the serene atmosphere of its botanical gardens.
Pena Palace: Admire the colorful palace and park. Cost: €14. Time: 2 hours.
Quinta da Regaleira: Explore the mystical gardens and tunnels. Cost: €10. Time: 2 hours.
Monserrate Palace: Enjoy the romantic palace and botanical gardens. Cost: €8. Time: 2 hours.
Sunday, September 3: Aveiro
Begin your day in Aveiro, known as the "Venice of Portugal," by taking a leisurely boat ride along the picturesque canals. Explore the charming town center and try the local delicacy, "ovos moles." In the afternoon, head to Costa Nova and admire the colorful striped houses along the beachfront. Enjoy the sandy beaches and relax by the sea.
Aveiro Canals: Take a boat ride along the canals. Cost: €10. Time: 2 hours.
City Center: Explore the charming town and try "ovos moles." Cost: Free. Time: 2 hours.
Costa Nova: Admire the colorful striped houses and enjoy the beach. Cost: Free. Time: 3 hours.
Monday, September 4: Coimbra
Spend the morning exploring Coimbra, home to one of the oldest universities in the world. Visit the University of Coimbra and its magnificent library, Biblioteca Joanina. Explore the historic center, known for its narrow streets and medieval architecture. In the afternoon, take a relaxing stroll along the Mondego River and visit the beautiful Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery.
University of Coimbra: Discover the historic university and library. Cost: €12. Time: 2 hours.
Coimbra City Center: Explore the charming historic center. Cost: Free. Time: 2 hours.
Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery: Visit the beautiful riverside monastery. Cost: €2. Time: 1 hour.
Tuesday, September 5: Évora
Head to Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in the morning. Visit the iconic Roman Temple and the impressive Cathedral of Évora. Explore the picturesque streets and squares, such as Praça do Giraldo, and try the local cuisine. In the afternoon, visit the eerie Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) and the beautiful Diana Temple.
Roman Temple: Admire the well-preserved Roman ruins. Cost: €2. Time: 1 hour.
Cathedral of Évora: Explore the grand cathedral. Cost: €4. Time: 1 hour.
Praça do Giraldo: Enjoy the lively square and local cuisine. Cost: Free. Time: 2 hours.
Capela dos Ossos: Visit the intriguing Chapel of Bones. Cost: €5. Time: 1 hour.
Diana Temple: Discover the Roman temple remains. Cost: €2. Time: 1 hour.
Wednesday, September 6: Lisbon
Return to Lisbon and spend your last day exploring the city's vibrant neighborhoods. Visit the trendy district of Bairro Alto and enjoy its lively atmosphere. Explore the trendy LX Factory, a creative hub with shops, cafes, and street art. In the evening, take a sunset cruise along the Tagus River and admire the city's skyline.
Bairro Alto: Experience the vibrant nightlife and trendy shops. Cost: Free. Time: 2 hours.
LX Factory: Discover the creative hub with shops and cafes. Cost: Free. Time: 2 hours.
Sunset Cruise: Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Tagus River. Cost: €30. Time: 2 hours.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
When in Lisbon, don't miss the chance to visit LX Market, a hip flea market where locals go to find unique vintage items and delicious street food. For a quieter experience, escape the city buzz and visit the picturesque village of Óbidos, with its medieval walls and charming streets lined with colorful houses. Another hidden gem is the charming town of Guimarães, known as the "birthplace of Portugal," where you can explore its medieval castle and historic center.
For more details on hotel and flight prices, you can check here.