10-Day Adventure Itinerary in Portugal

• Day 1 - Porto: Start your adventure in the city of Porto, known for its port wine and stunning riverside. Take a stroll in Ribeira Square and admire the colorful houses and the views over the Douro river. Then, visit the São Bento Station, a magnificent building covered in traditional azulejos (Portuguese tiles) that depict the country's history. End the day with a wine tasting tour in Vila Nova de Gaia.
• Day 2 - Gerês National Park: Get ready for a day full of adventure in Gerês National Park. Hike to the Tahiti Waterfalls and have a refreshing swim in its crystal-clear waters. Then, visit the Castro Laboreiro Castle and explore the ruins of this medieval fortress that offers breathtaking views over the park. End the day with a relaxing soak in the hot springs of Caldelas.
• Day 3 - Coimbra: Head to Coimbra and visit the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the city's historic center and admire its charming streets and buildings. End the day with a traditional meal at O Telheiro do Mondego.
• Day 4 - Lisbon: Take a train to Lisbon and get ready to explore Portugal's capital city. Marvel at the Torre de Belém, a 16th-century tower that served as a defense system for Lisbon's harbor. Then, visit the Jeronimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture that also holds the tomb of Vasco da Gama. End the day with a sunset view from the Alfama district.
• Day 5 - Sintra: Head to the picturesque town of Sintra, known for its fairytale palaces and castles. Visit the Pena Palace, a colorful and eclectic palace that offers stunning views over the town. Then, explore the Quinta da Regaleira, a mysterious and magical estate that is filled with surprises. End the day with a refreshing swim at the Azenhas do Mar beach.
• Day 6 - Algarve: Take a flight to Faro and head to the Algarve region, known for its crystal-clear waters and golden sand beaches. Explore the stunning Barranco das Belharucas Beach and then hike to the Benagil Cave, one of the most famous sea caves in the world. End the day with a seafood dinner at Restaurante O Pescador.
• Day 7 - Lagos: Visit the charming town of Lagos and explore its historic center, including the Igreja de Santo António and the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira. Then, rent a kayak and paddle to the famous Ponta da Piedade, a set of breathtaking rock formations that can only be accessed by sea. End the day with a cocktail at the Onion Bar.
• Day 8 - Évora: Head to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Évora and visit its iconic landmarks, including the Diana Temple and the Almendres Cromlech. Explore the city's charming streets and enjoy a lunch of Alentejo bread soup at Adega do Alentejano. End the day with a wine tasting at Herdade da Mingorra.
• Day 9 - Douro Valley: Take a train to the Douro Valley and embark on a wine tour of the region, visiting some of the best vineyards and wine cellars in Portugal. Sample the famous port wine and enjoy the stunning views of the valley's terraced vineyards. End the day with a dinner at DOC Restaurant, known for its inventive cuisine and panoramic views.
• Day 10 - Braga: Head to the city of Braga and visit its iconic landmarks, including the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary and the Sé Cathedral. Stroll through the city's charming streets and end your adventure with a traditional cozido at Casa de Capela.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Ribeira Square (2 hours, free)
• São Bento Station (1 hour, free)
• Vila Nova de Gaia wine tasting tour (3 hours, €30-€60)
• Tahiti Waterfalls hike (4 hours, free)
• Castro Laboreiro Castle visit (2 hours, free)
• Caldelas hot springs (2 hours, €5)
• University of Coimbra visit (2 hours, €10)
• O Telheiro do Mondego meal (2 hours, €20-€40)
• Torre de Belém visit (1 hour, €6)
• Jeronimos Monastery visit (2 hours, €12)
• Alfama district sunset view (1 hour, free)
• Pena Palace visit (3 hours, €14)
• Quinta da Regaleira visit (2 hours, €10)
• Azenhas do Mar beach swim (2 hours, free)
• Barranco das Belharucas Beach visit (2 hours, free)
• Benagil Cave hike (2 hours, free)
• Restaurante O Pescador dinner (2 hours, €20-€40)
• Lagos historic center visit (2 hours, free)
• Ponta da Piedade kayak tour (3 hours, €20-€40)
• Onion Bar cocktail (1 hour, €10)
• Diana Temple visit (1 hour, €5)
• Almendres Cromlech visit (2 hours, free)
• Adega do Alentejano lunch (2 hours, €15)
• Herdade da Mingorra wine tasting (2 hours, €20)
• Douro Valley wine tour (6 hours, €50-€100)
• DOC Restaurant dinner (2 hours, €50-€100)
• Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary visit (2 hours, free)
• Sé Cathedral visit (1 hour, free)
• Casa de Capela meal (2 hours, €20-€40)
Total Estimated Costs: €386-€748

Transportation

During this trip, you will need to consider transportation by train, flight, kayak, and car rental. Train travel is both affordable and efficient in Portugal, and it is recommended to book your tickets in advance. Domestic flights are available for longer distances, such as from Lisbon to Faro. For the kayak tour, rentals are available on-site, but it is recommended to book in advance during peak season. For the Douro Valley wine tour, it is suggested to rent a car and book a guided tour for a more comprehensive experience.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider a day trip to the Azores islands or hiking the Rota Vicentina trails in the Alentejo region. If you have less time, skip the Algarve region and spend more time exploring Lisbon and its surroundings. Additionally, it is recommended to visit Portugal in the shoulder seasons, from April to June or September to November, to avoid the crowds and high prices.