10-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Portugal

1. Day 1: Lisbon
   Take a stroll around Alfama (10 minutes from city center)

   Explore the traditional Portuguese neighborhood with winding streets, charming architecture, and Fado music.

2. Day 2: Lisbon
   Visit the Tower of Belém (25 minutes from Alfama)

   Discover the historical tower, a symbol of Lisbon’s maritime heritage and enjoy picturesque riverside views.

3. Day 3: Sintra
   Take a train from Rossio Station to Sintra (40 minutes)

   Visit the colorful Pena Palace and enjoy stunning views from the hilltop location.

4. Day 4: Porto
   Take a train from Lisbon to Porto (3 hours)

   Take a stroll through the old city streets, visit the São Bento train station and the Clérigos Tower.

5. Day 5: Porto
   Visit the Livraria Lello (5 minutes from Clérigos Tower)

   Walk through the iconic bookshop with a unique Neo-Gothic architecture and Harry Potter references.

6. Day 6: Coimbra
   Take a train from Porto to Coimbra (1.5 hours)

   Explore the medieval city and visit the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe.

7. Day 7: Aveiro
   Take a train from Coimbra to Aveiro (45 minutes)

   Take a traditional Moliceiro boat ride on the canals, admire the colorful Art Nouveau houses and try the traditional Ovos Moles pastry.

8. Day 8: Algarve
   Take a train from Aveiro to Faro (5 hours)

   Relax on Faro's sandy beaches and try local seafood at the waterfront restaurants.

9. Day 9: Algarve
   Visit Ria Formosa Natural Park (20 minutes from city center)

   Explore the wetlands with diverse bird and marine life and enjoy the panoramic views through the scenic trails.

10. Day 10: Lisbon
    Take a train from Faro to Lisbon (3 hours)

    Final day to explore more of Lisbon's culture or do last-minute souvenir shopping

Time and Costs Estimates

• Belém Tower (1 hour, €6)
• Pena Palace (2 hours, €14)
• Livraria Lello (1 hour, €5)
• University of Coimbra (2 hours, €12)
• Moliceiro boat ride (1 hour, €10)
• Ria Formosa Natural Park (2 hours, €4)
• Total Estimated Costs: €51 per person (excluding transportation and accommodation)

Useful tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Duoro Valley for wine tastings and scenic views. You can also spend more time in the Algarve region or visit the beaches in Cascais.

If you have less time, skip the Algarve region and head back to Lisbon earlier to explore more there.