Extended 4-Week Portugal Journey: Azulejos, Culinary Treasures & Historical Wonders

Day 1: Lisbon Arrival

Lisbon, Portugal on July 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pastéis de Belém

Begin your Portuguese adventure with the iconic custard tarts at this historic Lisbon bakery, open from 8am.
EUR3 per tart, 1h

10:00am

Jerónimos Monastery Visit

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Manueline architecture and impressive azulejo panels, open 10am-5:30pm.
EUR10, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Time Out Market

Sample a variety of contemporary Portuguese dishes from diverse vendors, open 10am-midnight.
EUR15-20, 1h

2:00pm

National Tile Museum

Witness centuries of Portuguese tile art in a former convent, open 10am-6pm weekdays.
EUR5, 1.5h

4:00pm

Alfama District Walk

Meander Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood adorned with azulejos and immerse yourself in its soulful atmosphere.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Clube de Fado

Experience traditional Portuguese cuisine paired with live Fado music, open 7pm onward.
EUR35, 2h

Day 2: Lisbon to Sintra

Lisbon and Sintra, Portugal on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fabrica Coffee Roasters

Enjoy artisan coffee and pastries near Rossio Square, open 8am.
EUR7, 1h

9:30am

Train to Sintra

Board a 40-minute train to Sintra, renowned for fairy-tale palaces and tile decorated gardens.
EUR5 round trip, 0.75h

10:30am

Pena Palace Tour

Visit this colourful Romanticist palace with eye-catching tiles and panoramic views, open 9:30am-7pm.
EUR15, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Tascantiga

Savour traditional Portuguese tapas in the heart of Sintra village, open from noon.
EUR15-20, 1h

2:30pm

Quinta da Regaleira

Explore enchanting gardens and architecture full of symbolic azulejo tiles, open 9:30am-7pm.
EUR12, 1.5h

5:00pm

Explore Sintra Old Town

Stroll through quaint streets with colourful tile storefronts and artisan shops.
Free, 1.5h

7:30pm

Return to Lisbon for Dinner at Ramiro

Delight in fresh seafood cooked to perfection at this popular restaurant, open till 11pm.
EUR30-40, 2h

Day 3: Explore Lisbon Museums

Lisbon, Portugal on July 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Padaria Portuguesa

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee at this popular chain, open from 7am.
EUR5, 0.5h

9:30am

Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

Discover one of Europe’s finest private art collections with exquisite tiles, open 10am-6pm.
EUR10, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Sea Me - Peixaria Moderna

Sample a blend of traditional and modern seafood dishes, open 12pm-3pm and evening hours.
EUR35, 1h

2:00pm

Museu de Lisboa - Palácio Pimenta

Explore Lisbon’s history with notable azulejo collections, open 10am-6pm.
EUR5, 1.5h

4:00pm

Walk Baixa & Chiado Districts

Enjoy the city’s elegant streets decorated with tile façades and lively shops and cafés.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bairro do Avillez

Experience modern Portuguese culinary creations in a stylish setting, open from 7pm.
EUR40, 2h

Day 4: Lisbon to Porto

Lisbon and Porto, Portugal on July 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Nicolau Lisboa

Healthy breakfast options in a popular local café, open from 8am.
EUR7-10, 1h

8:00am

Alfa Pendular train to Porto

Fast train taking just over 2.5 hours, comfortable and scenic.
EUR30-40, 2.5h

11:00am

Check-in and Refresh

Settle into your accommodation and relax before exploring Porto.
Varies, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Mercado Bom Sucesso

Try local specialties in a modern setting, open 10am-midnight.
EUR15-20, 1h

2:00pm

São Bento Station

Admire iconic azulejo tile panels depicting Portuguese history, free to visit.
Free, 0.5h

3:00pm

Clérigos Tower

Climb for panoramic city views, open 9am-7pm.
EUR5, 1h

4:30pm

Livraria Lello

Visit one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, open 10am-7pm.
EUR5 (deductible with purchase), 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Taberna dos Mercadores

Enjoy authentic Portuguese dishes in this intimate dining spot, open from 7pm.
EUR30, 2h

Day 5: Porto & Vila Nova de Gaia

Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal on July 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Majestic

Enjoy elegant Belle Époque architecture with coffee and pastries, open 8am to 6pm.
EUR10-15, 1h

10:00am

Palácio da Bolsa Tour

Historic stock exchange palace featuring azulejo wall art, open 9am-6:30pm.
EUR10, 1.5h

12:00pm

Ribeira Riverside Walk

Stroll along the Douro River with vibrant tiled façades and charming cafés.
Free, 1.5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Adega São Nicolau

Taste the francesinha sandwich and other regional dishes, open noon to 3pm.
EUR15-20, 1h

3:00pm

Port Wine Cellar Tour

Join a guided tour and tasting at one of Vila Nova de Gaia’s famed port lodges, open 10am-6pm.
EUR15-20, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cantinho do Avillez

Creative Portuguese cuisine by acclaimed chef José Avillez, open 7pm-11pm.
EUR40, 2h

Day 6: Braga and Guimarães Day Trip

Braga and Guimarães, Portugal on July 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Fuel up before exploring two historic northern cities.
EUR5-10, 0.5h

8:30am

Travel to Guimarães

An hour’s drive or train to the city known as Portugal’s birthplace.
EUR5-10, 1h

10:00am

Guimarães Castle and Palace of the Dukes

Visit medieval and Renaissance landmarks decorated with azulejos, open 9am-6pm.
EUR8 combined ticket, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante Historico by Correio Velho

Traditional northern Portuguese dishes in an atmospheric setting, open noon-3pm.
EUR15-20, 1h

2:00pm

Travel to Braga

Short 30-minute journey to this religious and historical city.
EUR5, 0.5h

2:30pm

Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary

Ascend the ornate stairway with beautiful tile features, open 8am-8pm.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Porto

Relax on your return to Porto.
EUR10, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Casa Guedes

Known for the delicious pork sandwich with Serra cheese, open 7pm-11pm.
EUR10-15, 1.5h

Day 7: Porto to Coimbra

Porto and Coimbra, Portugal on July 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Nicolau Porto

Healthy options with excellent coffee to start the day, open 8am.
EUR7-10, 1h

9:30am

Train to Coimbra

Approximate 1.5-hour journey to this historic university city.
EUR15, 1.5h

11:00am

University of Coimbra & Biblioteca Joanina

Tour one of Europe’s oldest universities and its stunning baroque library, open 9am-7pm.
EUR12, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Loggia

Upscale dining with a Portuguese menu and city views, open noon-3pm.
EUR20-25, 1h

3:00pm

Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha

Medieval ruins featuring tile decorations and exhibitions, open 10am-6pm.
EUR4, 1h

4:30pm

Old Town Walk

Enjoy charming streets and azulejo facades in Coimbra’s historic quarter.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Zé Manel dos Ossos

Traditional, affordable Portuguese dishes known for authenticity, open 7pm onward.
EUR15, 1.5h

Day 8: Coimbra to Aveiro

Coimbra and Aveiro, Portugal on July 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Santa Cruz

Historic café offering Portuguese pastries and coffee, open from 8am.
EUR7, 1h

9:30am

Travel to Aveiro

40-minute train to the scenic water city abundant with colourful azulejos and moliceiro boats.
EUR5-7, 0.75h

10:30am

Canal Boat Tour

Relax on a 50-minute boat ride along the canals, open 9am-7pm.
EUR15, 1h

12:00pm

Museu de Aveiro Visit

Former convent with rich tile decorations and art, open 10am-6pm.
EUR5, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at O Bairro

Popular seafood and regional cuisine, open noon-3pm.
EUR15-20, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Aveiro’s Historical Centre

Discover tile-covered facades, art nouveau architecture and charming streets.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Lisbon

Approx. 3-hour train journey back to Lisbon for rest.
EUR25-30, 3h

8:00pm

Dinner at Ramiro

Celebrate your return with fresh seafood in one of Lisbon's top restaurants, open until 11pm.
EUR35-40, 2h

Day 9: Lisbon to Évora

Lisbon and Évora, Portugal on July 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Copenhagen Coffee Lab

Start with excellent coffee and pastries, open 8am.
EUR8, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Évora

Approx. 1.5-hour bus or car ride to this UNESCO-listed city famous for Roman and medieval heritage.
EUR15, 1.5h

10:30am

Visit Roman Temple & Cathedral

Explore iconic Roman ruins and the gothic cathedral adorned with azulejo tiles, open 9am-5:30pm.
EUR5, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Fialho

Savour traditional Alentejo cuisine in a historical setting, open 12:30pm-3pm.
EUR25-30, 1h

2:00pm

Chapel of Bones

Remarkable chapel decorated with human bones and accompanying tiles, open 9am-6pm.
EUR3, 1h

3:30pm

Walk Évora Old Town

Enjoy cobbled streets and tiled façades in this atmospheric city.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Overnight stay at historic guesthouse

Immerse in local hospitality and regional wine.
Varies, Overnight

Day 10: Alentejo Villages

Alentejo Region, Portugal on July 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Évora

Start your day with local specialties and coffee.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Vila Viçosa

Visit the Ducal Palace and local tile art displays.
EUR5, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at local tasca

Taste authentic Alentejo dishes in a traditional setting.
EUR15-20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Monsaraz

Explore this medieval village atop a hill with stunning views and decorated buildings, open throughout daylight hours.
Free, 3h

5:00pm

Return to Évora

Evening at leisure in Évora with dinner on your own schedule.
Varies, Evening

Day 11: Évora to Algarve Coast

Évora to Lagos, Portugal on July 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and depart Évora

Prepare for a scenic drive southward to the Algarve coast.
Varies, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Lagos

Approx. 3-hour drive or combination train and bus, arrival by midday.
EUR30-40, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at A Forja

Enjoy fresh seafood specialties in Lagos, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR20-25, 1h

2:00pm

Ponta da Piedade

Visit these dramatic sea cliffs and grottoes — ideal for photography and short walks, open daylight hours.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Explore Lagos Old Town

Wander cobbled streets famed for historic buildings and tiled decorations.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at O Camilo

Renowned for seafood with ocean views, open evenings from 7pm.
EUR30-40, 2h

Day 12: Algarve Coastal Exploration

Lagos and nearby Algarve towns, Portugal on July 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pastelaria Gombá

Local pastries and coffee to start your day, open from 7am.
EUR5, 1h

9:30am

Day trip to Sagres

Visit the Sagres Fortress and Cape St Vincent lighthouse with spectacular sea views, open 9am to 7pm.
EUR4, 4h round trip

2:00pm

Lunch in Sagres at A Sagres

Taste freshly caught fish and regional dishes, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR20, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Lagos and relax on the beach

Enjoy Praia Dona Ana or Meia Praia with golden sands and clear waters.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurante dos Artistas

Refined dining with Portuguese fusion cuisine, reservation recommended.
EUR40, 2h

Day 13: Algarve to Tavira

Lagos to Tavira, Portugal on July 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and depart Lagos

Prepare for a picturesque journey to Tavira, approx 1.5-hour drive.
Varies, 1.5h

9:30am

Arrival and Explore Tavira

Discover the charming riverside town, known for Renaissance architecture and tiled churches.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Brisa do Rio

Enjoy riverside dining with fresh seafood specialties, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Tavira Castle & Camera Obscura

Explore the castle ruins and unique camera obscura for panoramic views, open 10am-6pm.
EUR3, 1.5h

4:00pm

Relax at Tavira Island Beach

Take a ferry from the town centre to the island beach with golden sand and clear waters.
Ferry approx EUR3, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurante Brisa do Rio

Return for evening dishes alongside the river if desired or pick nearby tavern.
EUR20-30, 2h

Day 14: Return to Lisbon via Évora

Tavira, Évora, Lisbon, Portugal on July 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at local café

Light breakfast before departure.
EUR5, 0.5h

8:00am

Travel to Évora

Approximately 3.5-hour drive or bus trip stopping at scenic locations.
EUR30-40, 3.5h

12:00pm

Lunch in Évora

Enjoy a relaxed meal at one of the local restaurants such as Fialho.
EUR25-30, 1h

1:30pm

Short visit places missed earlier or stroll the city

Spend an afternoon walk to enjoy local atmosphere before traveling on.
Free, 1.5h

3:00pm

Travel to Lisbon

Return journey approx 1.5 hours.
EUR15, 1.5h

5:00pm

Check-in Lisbon hotel & rest

Relax before your final days in Lisbon.
Varies, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ramiro

Another chance to savour Lisbon’s famed seafood at a beloved venue.
EUR35-40, 2h

Day 15: Leisure Day in Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal on July 15, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Fabrica Coffee Roasters

Favourite spot for great coffee and relaxed breakfasts, open 8am.
EUR7, 1h

10:30am

Explore LX Factory

Visit this trendy arts and dining complex with mural art and azulejo-inspired shops, open from 9am.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Cantina LX

Popular spot inside LX Factory offering modern cuisine, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Afternoon Tram 28 tour

Enjoy a scenic tram ride through Lisbon’s historic quarters full of tiled facades and viewpoints.
EUR3, 1.5h

4:30pm

Shopping and rest

Explore Chiado’s shops or relax in a café.
Varies, 2h

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Belcanto

Luxury Michelin-starred dining by José Avillez celebrating Portuguese flavours, reservation essential.
EUR80+, 3h

Day 16: Departure Day

Lisbon, Portugal on July 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Light breakfast to prepare for journey home.
EUR5-10, 1h

10:00am

Transfer to Lisbon Airport

Ensure ample time for international flight check-in.
EUR15 taxi or shuttle, 0.5h