Portugal Adventure Itinerary

  • Day 1: Sintra National Palace
    40 minutes (29 km) from Lisbon

    Explore the history and architecture of the Sintra National Palace, the former royal palace of Portugal. The palace features stunning Gothic and Mudéjar-style designs, including 33 meter-tall twin chimneys, a conical kitchen chimney, and luxurious rooms like The Swan Room.

  • Day 2: Ponta da Piedade
    45 minutes (33 km) from Lagos

    Experience breathtaking views of the Algarve region while kayaking through the sea caves and rock formations at Ponta da Piedade. A highly trained and certified guide will enhance the experience, leading visitors through the entrance of "Cathedral," a stunning natural tunnel.

  • Day 3: Peneda-Gerês National Park
    2 hours and 30 minutes (170 km) from Porto

    Get up close and personal with nature by hiking or cycling through Peneda-Gerês, one of Portugal's largest national parks. The park offers visitors a range of outdoor activities, including canyoning, bird watching, and horseback riding.

  • Day 4: Clube de Voo Livre do Minho
    1 hour and 10 minutes (60 km) from Braga

    Experience the thrill of paragliding over the Douro Valley with Clube de Voo Livre do Minho. This exciting activity allows visitors to soar through the skies, taking in breathtaking views of the region's vineyards and lush landscapes.

  • Day 5: Douro River Cruise
    1 hour and 30 minutes (113 km) from Porto

    Relax and unwind on a scenic Douro River cruise, exploring some of the region's historic and cultural landmarks. Highlights include the stunning salt pans at Régua and the perfectly cylindrical Torre de Ucanha tower.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Sintra National Palace (2 hours, €10)
  • Kayaking at Ponta da Piedade (2 hours, €35)
  • Peneda-Gerês National Park (4-6 hours, free admission)
  • Paragliding at Clube de Voo Livre do Minho (2 hours, €75)
  • Douro River Cruise (3-4 hours, €40)
  • Total Estimated Costs (per person): €160

Transportation

While in Portugal, visitors can utilize public transportation options such as trains, buses, and metro systems to get around. However, for optimal adventure and exploration, renting a car is highly recommended. Car rentals typically start at €25 per day and can add to the total estimated costs of the trip. Travel times can vary depending on the selected mode of transportation, with more remote national park areas requiring upwards of an hour of travel time.

Useful tips

If you have more time, consider exploring additional areas such as Madeira Island in the autonomous region of the same name, known for its stunning volcanic landscapes and steep coastal cliffs, or Arrábida Natural Park in Setúbal, known for its rare flora and fauna. If you have less time, consider cutting out a half-day activity such as the Douro River Cruise, and allocating that time to exploring the vibrant cityscapes of Lisbon or Porto.

Airports

The main airport in Portugal is Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS), located approximately 7 km from the city center. Other airports include Porto Airport (OPO) and Faro Airport (FAO).

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