10-Day Adventure Itinerary in Portugal

  • Day 1 - Lisbon: Begin your adventure with a bike tour through the historic district of Alfama, which boasts stunning views of the city. Stop by Praça do Comércio to explore its incredible arches and the serene Tagus River. Cap off your day with a delectable seafood dinner at Mercado da Ribeira.
  • Day 2 - Sintra: Head to picturesque Sintra and hike to the Moorish Castle, a hidden gem that was built in the 8th century. Continue on to the stunning Pena Palace and its surrounding gardens, where you can take a leisurely stroll through the lush greenery.
  • Day 3 - Cascais: Rent a wetsuit and hit the waves at Guincho Beach! Take a break from the sun and sand to explore the Boca do Inferno, a cliffside cavern that offers breathtaking views. End your day with a dinner of grilled sardines at a local seaside restaurant.
  • Day 4 - Porto: Take a scenic train ride to Portugal's second largest city, Porto. Walk across the Luís I Bridge, then savor a port wine tasting at one of the many vineyards in the Douro Valley. Enjoy traditional Porto cuisine such as Francesinha or grilled fish for dinner.
  • Day 5 - Coimbra: Explore the ancient city of Coimbra and immerse yourself in Portugal's history at the University of Coimbra's Biblioteca Joanina, a Baroque library full of antique books. Visit the stunning Sé Velha and explore the narrow streets of the historic center.
  • Day 6 - Évora: Rent a car and head to Évora, a picturesque city known for its well-preserved ancient Roman ruins, including the Temple of Diana. Enjoy a hearty meal of pork and clams, a local delicacy, for dinner.
  • Day 7 - Algarve: Take a kayak tour of the breathtaking caves and grottoes of the Algarve coast, followed by a dip in the crystal clear waters. Stop by the charming town of Lagos for lunch and explore its colorful streets.
  • Day 8 - Madeira Island: Take a flight to Madeira Island and hike along the beautifully scenic Madeira Levada walks. Visit the stunning gardens of the Monte Palace and end your day with dinner at a cliffside restaurant overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Day 9 - Azores Islands: Fly to the Azores Islands and go canyoning in the lush greenery of the Sao Miguel Island. Take a dip in the thermal waters of Furnas, then try the island's famous cozido, a traditional Portuguese stew.
  • Day 10 - Lisbon: End your adventure in Lisbon with a thrilling experience - skydiving over the coastal town of Cascais. Celebrate your trip with a dinner at Belém, where you can try Portugal's most famous pastries, the Pastel de Nata.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Alfama Bike Tour (3 hours, €35)
  • Pena Palace and Gardens (2 hours, €14)
  • Moorish Castle Hike (2 hours, €8)
  • Port Wine Tasting (1 hour, €12)
  • University of Coimbra's Biblioteca Joanina (2 hours, €12)
  • Kayak Tour of Algarve (2 hours, €35)
  • Madeira Levada Walks (3 hours, €15)
  • Canyoning in Sao Miguel (4 hours, €75)
  • Skydiving in Cascais (2 hours, €199)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €405

Transportation

For this itinerary, most of the transportation is self-guided. Consider renting a car for the days in Évora and the Azores Islands, and take advantage of Portugal's famous train system for longer distances. Flights between the mainland and the islands are also available, varying in price and flight duration depending on the season.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the charming village of Óbidos or taking a surfing lesson at Nazaré. For a shorter trip, consider eliminating a few days and focusing on a specific region or activity, such as hiking in Madeira or exploring the Algarve. Don't forget to pack comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure for this trip of a lifetime!

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