7-Day Cultural and Relaxing Portugal Trip from Lisbon to Porto

Day 1: Lisbon Exploration

Lisbon, Portugal on April 20, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Manteigaria Silva

Start your day with traditional Portuguese pastries and coffee at this popular Lisbon delicatessen in Chiado.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:30am

Belém Cultural Walk

Visit Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and the Monument to the Discoveries for a cultural dive into Portugal's Age of Discovery, open 10am–5:30pm.
EUR12, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pasteis de Belém

Enjoy the iconic custard tarts along with lunch options at the legendary Pasteis de Belém near the monastery.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

Alfama District Walking Tour

Explore the historic Alfama district with its narrow streets, viewpoints, and the Lisbon Cathedral; enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and sunset from Miradouro de Santa Luzia.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ramirez Restaurant

A classic Lisbon eatery offering local specialties within your budget in Baixa.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 2: Sintra Palaces

Sintra, Portugal on April 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your Lisbon hotel

Simple breakfast to energize before the short trip to Sintra.
Included, 0h30m

8:30am

Train to Sintra

Take the 40-minute train from Lisbon Rossio Station to Sintra station for scenic countryside views.
EUR5, 0h40m

9:30am

Visit Pena Palace

Explore this colorful 19th-century Romanticist palace with surrounding gardens, open 9:30am–6:30pm.
EUR14, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tascantiga

Enjoy traditional Portuguese tapas in the heart of Sintra village.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Quinta da Regaleira

Discover the mystical palace and gardens with hidden tunnels and symbolism, open 10am–6pm.
EUR10, 2h

4:00pm

Walk in Sintra town center

Relax with coffee or gelato and stroll around the historic streets.
EUR5, 1h

5:30pm

Train back to Lisbon

Return to Lisbon and check into a hotel near Rossio or Baixa neighborhoods.
EUR5, 0h40m

7:00pm

Dinner at Time Out Market

Enjoy a variety of Portuguese and international dishes under one roof within budget and lively atmosphere.
EUR18, 1h30m
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Day 3: Óbidos Medieval Charm

Óbidos, Portugal on April 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your Lisbon hotel

Prepare for the day with a hotel breakfast before traveling to Óbidos.
Included, 0h30m

8:30am

Bus or drive to Óbidos

Take a 1h 10m bus or rent a car and drive along scenic roads to the medieval walled town of Óbidos.
EUR8 (bus) or EUR30 (car rental day rate), 1h10m

10:00am

Explore Óbidos Castle and walls

Walk the ancient walls and visit the castle interior for panoramic views; open 9am–6pm.
EUR3, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Petrarum Domus Restaurante

Dine on regional dishes in a charming location inside the town walls.
EUR20, 1h30m

2:00pm

Stroll through town and shops

Enjoy artisan shops and quaint streets with time for relaxing café breaks.
EUR5, 2h

4:30pm

Travel to Coimbra

Head to Coimbra by car or bus (approx. 1h 30m drive), a university city with cultural charm.
EUR15, 1h30m

6:00pm

Check-in at hotel near Coimbra historic center

Select from budget-friendly hotels close to the university for easy access to sights.
EUR50, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Loggia Restaurant

Dine with views overlooking the city and river within a moderate budget.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 4: Coimbra Culture

Coimbra, Portugal on April 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Santa Cruz

Enjoy breakfast in a beautiful historic café near the university.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Visit University of Coimbra & Biblioteca Joanina

Tour Portugal’s oldest university and its stunning Baroque library; open 9am–6pm.
EUR12, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Zé Manel dos Ossos

Have traditional Portuguese grilled dishes in a rustic setting nearby.
EUR15, 1h

1:30pm

Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha

Explore the ruins and museum highlighting medieval monastic life; open 10am–6pm.
EUR5, 1h30m

3:00pm

Walk along Mondego River and Botanical Garden

Relax on scenic riverside paths and visit the University Botanical Garden for tranquility.
EUR3, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Soleil Restaurant

Taste fusion cuisine blending Portuguese flavors in a welcoming environment within budget.
EUR28, 1h30m
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Day 5: Aveiro Canals

Aveiro, Portugal on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your hotel in Coimbra

Start with a light breakfast before traveling to Aveiro.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Train to Aveiro

Take a 1h 20m train ride to Aveiro, known as the ‘Venice of Portugal’ for its canals and moliceiro boats.
EUR12, 1h20m

10:30am

Moliceiro Boat Tour

Enjoy a 45-minute colorful boat tour along the picturesque canals.
EUR10, 0h45m

11:30am

Visit Aveiro Museum & Civic Art Gallery

Explore local history and art in a former convent, open 10am–5pm.
EUR4, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at Salpoente Restaurant

Dine on fresh seafood and regional dishes beside the Ria de Aveiro estuary.
EUR22, 1h30m

2:30pm

Relax at Costa Nova Beach

Unwind on this beautiful beach famous for its colorful striped houses, perfect for a beach stroll or rest.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Check-in hotel near Aveiro city center

Choose from budget hotels close to the train station or canals.
EUR45, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at O Bairro

Enjoy a cozy dinner with local ingredients and relaxed ambiance suitable for solo travelers.
EUR18, 1h30m
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Day 6: Guimarães History

Guimarães, Portugal on April 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Aveiro

Fuel up before the journey to Guimarães.
Included, 0h30m

8:30am

Train to Guimarães

Travel by train via Porto, total time about 2h 30m with transfer in Porto Campanhã station.
EUR15, 2h30m

11:00am

Guimarães Castle

Visit this medieval castle important to Portuguese history, open 9am–7pm.
EUR2, 1h

12:15pm

Lunch at Restaurante Histórico by Dom Afonso Henriques

Enjoy traditional Minho cuisine in the historic center of Guimarães.
EUR20, 1h30m

2:00pm

Palace of the Dukes of Braganza

Explore this 15th-century palace-turned-museum showcasing artifacts from Portuguese nobility, open 10am–6pm.
EUR3, 1h30m

3:45pm

Walk through Guimarães Old Town

Wander cobbled streets and plazas, soaking in UNESCO-listed architecture and atmosphere.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Check-in hotel near historic center

Choose budget accommodation within walking distance to sights.
EUR55, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Café Concerto

Have a quiet, satisfying meal with Portuguese and international menu options.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 7: Porto Arrival

Porto, Portugal on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your hotel in Guimarães

Start your last day with a fulfilling breakfast within your accommodation.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Train to Porto São Bento Station

Take a quick 50-minute train ride to Porto, arriving in the city center.
EUR7, 0h50m

10:00am

Porto Ribeira and Douro Riverfront

Explore the colorful waterfront district with its narrow streets and lively atmosphere.
Free, 2h

12:15pm

Lunch at Casa Guedes

Taste the famous pork sandwich with Serra cheese, a local favorite, near the city center.
EUR12, 1h

1:30pm

Clerigos Tower and Livraria Lello

Climb the iconic tower for city views and visit the stunning historic bookstore, open 10am–7pm.
EUR6 (tower) + EUR5 (bookseller entrance), 2h

4:00pm

Relax in Jardim do Palácio de Cristal

Unwind in these beautiful gardens overlooking the Douro River.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Check-in hotel near Ribeira or Aliados

Stay in budget hotels close to main sights for ease of exploration.
EUR60, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Taberna dos Mercadores

Enjoy a lovely dinner featuring fresh seafood and traditional dishes in an intimate setting, budget-friendly.
EUR30, 1h30m
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