10 Days in Portugal: Relaxation Itinerary

• Day 1: Lisbon - Start your trip in Portugal's vibrant capital, Lisbon. Explore the charming neighborhoods of Alfama and Bairro Alto, and visit iconic landmarks such as Praça do Comércio and Belém Tower. End the day with a sunset view from São Jorge Castle.
• Day 2: Sintra - Take a day trip to the picturesque town of Sintra, known for its colorful palaces and castles. Visit the whimsical Pena Palace, and don't miss the Moorish Castle and the Quinta da Regaleira estate.
• Day 3: Algarve - Head down south to the sunny region of Algarve. Relax on the golden beaches of Lagos and Albufeira, or explore natural wonders such as Benagil Cave and Ponta da Piedade.
• Day 4: Alentejo - Drive to Alentejo, where you can experience Portugal's countryside charm. Stop by Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage city with a beautiful Roman temple and a remarkable cathedral.
• Day 5: Évora - Spend a day in Évora and indulge in delicious Alentejo cuisine. Visit the Chapel of Bones and the Church of São Francisco, and don't forget to try the local wines.
• Day 6: Porto - Travel north to the enchanting city of Porto. Walk along the colorful Ribeira riverside and visit the impressive Palácio da Bolsa. End the day with a glass of Port wine in one of the city's quaint taverns.
• Day 7: Douro Valley - Take a day trip to the beautiful Douro Valley, known for its wineries and stunning landscapes. Enjoy a river cruise, and savor the region's renowned Port wine.
• Day 8: Guimarães - Explore the medieval city of Guimarães, considered the birthplace of Portugal. Visit the majestic Castle of Guimarães and the charming Praça de Santiago.
• Day 9: Braga - Visit the lively city of Braga, known for its baroque churches and beautiful gardens. Don't miss Bom Jesus do Monte, a majestic sanctuary with stunning views of the city.
• Day 10: Aveiro - End your trip in Aveiro, the "Venice of Portugal". Stroll along its canals and ride a moliceiro boat, and try the delicious ovos moles pastry.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Lisbon landmarks (1 day) - Free
• Sintra day trip (1 day) - $30 transportation + $25 entrance fees
• Algarve beaches (2 days) - $100 for car rental + $150 for accommodation
• Évora city tour (1 day) - $50 transportation + $30 entrance fees
• Porto city tour (1 day) - Free
• Douro Valley day trip (1 day) - $50 transportation + $50 river cruise + $30 wine tasting
• Guimarães city tour (1 day) - $50 transportation + $20 entrance fees
• Braga city tour (1 day) - $50 transportation + $20 entrance fees
• Aveiro day trip (1 day) - $50 transportation

Total Estimated Costs - $605 per person

Transportation

Most of this itinerary requires a car rental. It is recommended to book in advance to get the best rates. In some cities, such as Lisbon and Porto, public transportation is a great way to get around, and Uber is also widely available. Travel costs estimations are around $300 for car rental and $100 for gasoline.

Useful Tips

If you have more than 10 days, consider adding a visit to the Azores islands for lush natural scenery and amazing whale watching. If you have less time, prioritize Lisbon and Porto, as they are the country's major cultural hubs. If relaxation is your top priority, consider staying more days in Algarve or adding a spa day in Alentejo. Remember to try the seafood and the local wines, and leave some time for unplanned adventures.