10-Day Cultural Immersion Itinerary in Portugal

• Day 1 - Lisbon: Start your trip with a visit to the historic Belem district, located on the outskirts of Lisbon. Visit the Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and indulge in some traditional Portuguese pastries at Pasteis de Belem. In the evening, head to Alfama, the oldest district in Lisbon, to experience the Fado music culture.
• Day 2 - Sintra: Venture out to the beautiful town of Sintra, located just 30 minutes from Lisbon by train. Visit the colorful and magical Pena Palace, roam the gardens of Quinta da Regaleira, and hike up to the Moorish Castle for stunning views of the town.
• Day 3 - Coimbra: Travel further north to the charming university city of Coimbra. Visit the prestigious University of Coimbra, the old cathedral, and the Biblioteca Joanina, one of the most stunning libraries in the world. End the day with a traditional Portuguese dinner at A Cozinha da Maria.
• Day 4 - Porto: Make your way to Porto, located in the northwest of Portugal. Visit the historic Ribeira district and cross the iconic Dom Luis I Bridge to get amazing views of the city. Take a tour of the Porto wine caves and treat yourself to a tasting.
• Day 5 - Douro Valley: Spend the day in the beautiful Douro Valley, the oldest wine region in the world. Take a scenic train ride from Porto to Pinhão and then jump on a boat tour to explore the stunning vineyards along the river. End the day with dinner at DOC, a Michelin-starred restaurant with picturesque views of the river.
• Day 6 - Braga: Head to the religious capital of Portugal, Braga. Visit the stunning Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, the oldest cathedral in the country and the historic city center filled with baroque architecture. Finally, indulge yourself with a dish of Francesinhas at Conga.
• Day 7 - Guimaraes: Explore the birthplace of Portugal, Guimaraes. Visit the Castle of Guimaraes, the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, and the historic city center. In the evening, enjoy a local Portuguese dinner at A Cozinha das Clara.
• Day 8 - Alentejo: Travel south to Alentejo and visit the beautiful fortified city of Evora. Visit the bones chapel, the Roman temple, and the Sé Cathedral. Take a break at a cozy cafe to try out some regional specialties like Migas, Açorda or Alentejo's famous wine.
• Day 9 - Faro: Head to the southernmost region of Portugal, the Algarve, and explore the city of Faro. Visit the Cathedral of Faro, the Arco da Vila and the Old Town. Later head to Ria Formosa, nature reserve to experience birthplace of seafood delicacies like Cataplana or Octopus rice.
• Day 10 - Lagos: Wrap up the trip exploring Lagos. Visit the Praia do Camilo beach, the Ponta da Piedade lighthouse, and the historic city center. End the trip with a traditional Portuguese dinner at O Camilo.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Belem Tower (2 hours, €6)
• Pena Palace (3 hours, €14)
• University of Coimbra (2 hours, €15)
• Porto Wine Cave Tour (2 hours, €15)
• Sightseeing in Douro Valley (8 hours, €50)
• Francesinhas at Conga (2 hours, €10)
• Palace of the Dukes of Braganza (2 hours, €5)
• Bones Chapel in Evora (1 hour, €6)
• Ria Formosa Nature Reserve (3 hours, €20)
• Dinner at O Camilo (2 hours, €25)
• Total Estimated Costs: €156

Transportation

Getting around Portugal is relatively easy and affordable. Train rides are the best option for long distances. Car rentals are also an option, but parking can be challenging, and Portuguese roads are not always easy to navigate. The costs for transportation will vary based on your chosen mode of transport.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can explore other regions of Portugal, such as the Azores or Madeira islands. Or if you have less time, consider focusing only on Lisbon and Porto or one region. It's also important to note that Portugal is a popular tourist destination, so be sure to book your accommodations and activities in advance, especially during peak season.