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Exploring Portugal: A Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary

Friday, December 22: Arrival in Lisbon

Welcome to Lisbon, the vibrant capital city of Portugal! Start your trip by exploring the historic neighborhood of Alfama in the morning. Wander through its narrow streets, visit the beautiful São Jorge Castle, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, head to the iconic Belém district to see the Belém Tower and taste the famous pastéis de nata at Pastéis de Belém. For the evening, take a tram ride on Tram 28 and soak in the atmosphere of the city's charming neighborhoods.

  • Alfama: Free, 3-4 hours
  • Belém Tower: €6, 1-2 hours
  • Tram 28: €3, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
  • For breakfast, head to Café Tati located in Alfama. This cozy cafe offers a variety of delicious pastries and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 8 EUR per person.
  • For lunch, try Restaurante Pharmacia in Belém. This unique restaurant is located in an old pharmacy building and serves creative Portuguese dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 15 EUR per person.
  • For dinner, visit Taberna da Rua das Flores in Lisbon. This charming restaurant offers a menu inspired by traditional Portuguese cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about 20 EUR per person.
Saturday, December 23: Sintra Day Trip

Take a day trip to Sintra, a town filled with fairytale-like castles and palaces. Start your morning by visiting the colorful Pena Palace, perched on a hilltop with stunning views. In the afternoon, explore the enchanting Quinta da Regaleira, known for its mystical gardens and underground tunnels. End your day with a visit to the charming historic center of Sintra, where you can wander through its narrow streets and taste local delicacies.

  • Pena Palace: €14, 2-3 hours
  • Quinta da Regaleira: €8, 2-3 hours
  • Sintra Historic Center: Free, 1-2 hours
Sunday, December 24: Porto

Travel north to Porto, Portugal's second-largest city renowned for its charming old town and world-famous port wine. Start your morning by exploring the historic Ribeira district along the Douro River. Cross the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge to visit the Port Wine Cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia for a tasting experience. Spend the afternoon wandering through the picturesque streets of Porto, admiring its stunning architecture and enjoying the local cuisine. In the evening, stroll along the illuminated riverfront and soak in the festive atmosphere.

  • Ribeira District: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Port Wine Cellars: €10-20, 2-3 hours
  • Exploring Porto: Free, 2-3 hours
Monday, December 25: Aveiro and Coimbra

On this day, take a day trip to Aveiro, known as the "Venice of Portugal" for its picturesque canals and colorful moliceiro boats. Enjoy a morning boat ride along the canals and indulge in the traditional sweet treat "ovos moles." In the afternoon, continue your journey to Coimbra, home to one of Europe's oldest universities. Explore the university's historic campus, visit the stunning Coimbra Cathedral, and take a leisurely walk through the charming streets of the city.

  • Aveiro: €10-15, 2-3 hours
  • Coimbra University: €12, 2-3 hours
  • Coimbra Cathedral: €2, 1-2 hours
Tuesday, December 26: Évora

Visit the charming city of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved historic center. Start your morning by exploring the impressive Roman Temple and the Bones Chapel. Take a stroll through the narrow streets of the city, visit the Cathedral of Évora, and discover the fascinating history and culture of the region. In the afternoon, enjoy a wine tasting at one of the local wineries and savor the flavors of Alentejo.

  • Roman Temple: €3, 1-2 hours
  • Bones Chapel: €5, 1 hour
  • Exploring Évora: Free, 2-3 hours
Wednesday, December 27: Lisbon

Return to Lisbon and dedicate the day to exploring more of Portugal's capital city. Start your morning with a visit to the vibrant neighborhood of Baixa and take a walk along the elegant Avenida da Liberdade. Visit the historic neighborhoods of Chiado and Bairro Alto, known for their lively atmosphere and trendy shops. In the afternoon, venture to the Belém district to visit the impressive Jerónimos Monastery and the modern MAAT museum. End your day with a delicious dinner in one of Lisbon's traditional restaurants.

  • Baixa: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Chiado and Bairro Alto: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Jerónimos Monastery: €10, 1-2 hours
Thursday, December 28: Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Portugal, be sure to venture off the beaten path and discover hidden gems and local favorites. Consider visiting the picturesque town of Obidos, known for its medieval castle and charming streets. Families can enjoy a day at the Zoomarine theme park or explore the Parque das Nações area in Lisbon, which offers various attractions including the Lisbon Oceanarium and cable car rides. Don't forget to sample traditional Portuguese food such as pastéis de bacalhau and caldo verde soup.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

One off-the-beaten-path attraction loved by locals is the village of Monsaraz. Located in the Alentejo region, Monsaraz offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and is home to a well-preserved medieval castle. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Berlengas Islands, off the coast of Peniche, are a hidden gem with crystal-clear waters, stunning cliffs, and unique marine life. Explore the caves, go snorkeling, or take a boat tour to truly appreciate this natural paradise.

To check hotel and flight prices, you can visit KAYAK.

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