10-Day Portugal Road Trip: Lisbon to Porto Exploring Historic Cities and Coastal Charm

Day 1: Arrival and Lisbon Intro

Lisbon, Portugal on August 18, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Fabrica Coffee Roasters

Start your day with exceptional coffee and fresh pastries at this popular Lisbon coffee shop known for its quality brews.
EUR5, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Alfama District

Wander the narrow streets of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, to see historic architecture and enjoy stunning views from Miradouro de Santa Luzia.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Time Out Market

Sample a variety of Portuguese dishes from some of Lisbon's top chefs all under one roof at this famous culinary market.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Jerónimos Monastery

Discover this UNESCO World Heritage site celebrating Manueline architecture, a symbol of Portugal's Age of Discovery. Closes at 5:30pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

5:00pm

Walk along Belém Riverside

Enjoy a relaxed stroll along the Tagus River and try a famous Pastel de Belém from the original bakery.
EUR3, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cervejaria Ramiro

Taste fresh seafood specialties in this well-known Lisbon institution, perfect for savoring local flavors after a day of sightseeing.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Lisbon Cultural Deep Dive

Lisbon, Portugal on August 19, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Padaria Portuguesa

Enjoy traditional Portuguese breakfast offerings like pastel de nata and strong coffee at this local bakery chain.
EUR7, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit São Jorge Castle

Explore one of Lisbon’s iconic castles offering panoramic city views. Open 9:00am-6:00pm.
EUR10, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Zé dos Cornos

Try traditional Portuguese grilled meats at this popular, casual restaurant favored by locals.
EUR15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Ride Tram 28

Take a scenic and historic tram ride through Lisbon’s most charming neighborhoods.
EUR3, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit National Tile Museum

Learn about Portugal’s iconic azulejo tiles and see beautiful examples dating back centuries. Open 10:00am-6:00pm.
EUR5, 1h30m

6:00pm

Sunset at Miradouro de Senhora do Monte

Catch spectacular sunset views over Lisbon from a less touristy viewpoint.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Ramiro

Return to this beloved seafood spot or explore new dishes on their menu.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Day Trip to Sintra

Sintra, Portugal on August 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your Lisbon accommodation

Fuel up for the day ahead with a practical breakfast before traveling to Sintra.
Included, 0h30m

8:30am

Train to Sintra

Take a 40-minute train ride from Lisbon’s Rossio station to Sintra, known for its palaces and lush landscapes.
EUR5, 0h40m

9:30am

Visit Pena Palace

Explore this colorful Romanticist palace perched atop a hill. Opens at 9:30am and closes at 7:00pm.
EUR14, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Tascantiga

Enjoy traditional Portuguese tapas in the center of Sintra, perfect for a midday break.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Quinta da Regaleira

Tour the estate with secret tunnels and enchanting gardens, a highlight of Sintra’s mystical aura. Open 9:30am-6:00pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

3:30pm

Return to Lisbon by train

Head back to Lisbon to rest up for the next day.
EUR5, 0h40m

7:30pm

Dinner at Bairro do Avillez

Dine at one of Lisbon’s most popular restaurants offering contemporary Portuguese cuisine in Chiado neighborhood.
EUR45, 1h30m
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Day 4: Travel to Coimbra

Coimbra, Portugal on August 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Lisbon

Grab a quick breakfast before your journey north.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:30am

Train or drive to Coimbra

Travel approximately 2 hours to the university city of Coimbra, rich with culture and history.
EUR25, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit University of Coimbra

Tour one of the oldest universities in Europe, including its stunning Joanina Library. Open 10am-6pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Loggia

Enjoy lunch with panoramic views at the University’s museum restaurant.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Old Cathedral (Sé Velha)

Visit this impressive Romanesque cathedral famous for its fortress-like façade. Open daily 9am-6pm.
EUR3, 1h0m

4:00pm

Walk along Mondego River

Relax by the riverbanks in Coimbra’s beautiful park spaces.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at A Taberna

Taste traditional Portuguese dishes with a cozy atmosphere in Coimbra’s city center.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Aveiro & Canal Exploration

Aveiro, Portugal on August 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Coimbra

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading out.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Drive or take train to Aveiro

Travel roughly 1 hour to Aveiro, known as the Venice of Portugal for its canals and colorful boats.
EUR15, 1h0m

10:30am

Moliceiro boat tour

Take a classic boat ride through the canals of Aveiro to admire the Art Nouveau architecture.
EUR15, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at O Bairro

Savor fresh seafood and local dishes in a relaxed setting.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Aveiro Museum

Explore former Bishop’s palace showcasing regional art and history. Open 9:30am-6:30pm.
EUR5, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore salt pans and beaches

Visit nearby salt pans with birdwatching opportunities or relax on Costa Nova’s striped beach houses.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Salpoente

Enjoy creative seafood dishes in a contemporary restaurant by the Ria de Aveiro lagoon.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Explore Braga

Braga, Portugal on August 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Aveiro

Grab a light breakfast before the day’s trip.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:30am

Travel to Braga

Head 1.5-hour north to Braga, a city known for its baroque churches and vibrant history.
EUR15, 1h30m

11:00am

Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte

Climb or take the funicular to this magnificent hilltop sanctuary with stunning staircases and views. Open 8am-8pm.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante Brac

Indulge in regional cuisine with a modern twist in Braga’s city center.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Braga Cathedral

Explore the oldest cathedral in Portugal, rich in architecture and history. Open 9am-6pm.
EUR5, 1h0m

4:30pm

Stroll through Braga downtown

Wander the pedestrian streets lined with cafes, shops, and historic buildings.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Taberna do Félix

Enjoy excellent regional fare with a cozy atmosphere.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 7: Guimarães History

Guimarães, Portugal on August 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Braga

Quick breakfast at your accommodation or local cafe.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Travel to Guimarães

Short 30-minute drive or train ride to Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal.
EUR5, 0h30m

9:45am

Visit Guimarães Castle

Tour the medieval fortress where Portugal’s first king was born; open 9:30am-6pm.
EUR3, 1h0m

11:00am

Palace of the Dukes of Braganza

Explore this historic palace with period furnishings and art. Open 10am-6pm.
EUR5, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Historico by Tia Isabel

Savor authentic traditional dishes in a charming, historic setting.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Walk Guimarães Old Town

Enjoy the well-preserved medieval streets, shops, and cafes.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Braga or overnight in Guimarães

Relax and prepare for the next day's travel to Porto.
EUR5, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Brac Restaurant (if in Braga) or Historico (in Guimarães)

Choose your dining location depending on accommodation with excellent regional dishes.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 8: Arrival and Introduction to Porto

Porto, Portugal on August 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Braga or Guimarães

Enjoy your last breakfast in the Braga/Guimarães region.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Travel to Porto

Head to Porto by train or car, approximately 1 hour drive.
EUR15, 1h0m

10:30am

Check-in and rest

Settle into your accommodation and freshen up.
Included, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Mercado do Bolhão

Stop by this traditional market for fresh local produce and casual eateries.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Ribeira District

Walk along the scenic Douro River in this UNESCO World Heritage district known for colorful buildings.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit Livraria Lello

Tour one of the world's most beautiful bookstores with stunning architecture; open 10am-7pm.
EUR5, 1h0m

6:30pm

Port Wine Cellar Tour in Vila Nova de Gaia

Cross the river for a tasting and tour of famous port wine caves. Usually open till 7pm-8pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at Taberna dos Mercadores

Enjoy authentic Porto cuisine in a cozy, intimate setting with excellent seafood.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 9: Discover Porto

Porto, Portugal on August 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Nicolau Porto

Start your day with healthy and delicious breakfast options in a bright cafe.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:30am

Climb Clérigos Tower

Get panoramic city views from the top of this iconic baroque bell tower; open 9am-7pm.
EUR6, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit São Bento Railway Station

Admire beautiful azulejo tile panels illustrating Portuguese history inside the station.
Free, 0h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Casa d’Oro

Dine with views of the river and Douro bridges, enjoying Italian-Portuguese fusion pizza and pasta.
EUR25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Church of São Francisco

See one of Porto’s most ornate gothic churches with intricate gold interior; open 9am-7pm.
EUR8, 1h0m

3:00pm

Cruise on the Douro River

Take a 50-minute boat cruise along the Douro to view the six bridges connecting Porto and Gaia.
EUR15, 1h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Jardim do Morro

Enjoy sunset views across the river from this park opposite Ribeira.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at DOP by Rui Paula

Celebrate your final night at a high-end restaurant blending modern and traditional northern Portuguese cuisine.
EUR60, 2h0m
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Day 10: Departure Day

Porto, Portugal on August 27, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Prepare for your departure with a light meal.
EUR7, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel to Porto Airport

Allow time for airport check-in for your flight departure.
Taxied or transfer fees vary, 1h0m
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