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

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
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Day 2: Lisbon Cultural Deep Dive

Lisbon, Portugal on August 19, 2025

9:30am

Visit São Jorge Castle

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

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
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Day 3: Day Trip to Sintra

Sintra, Portugal on August 20, 2025

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

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
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Day 4: Travel to Coimbra

Coimbra, Portugal on August 21, 2025

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

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
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Day 5: Aveiro & Canal Exploration

Aveiro, Portugal on August 22, 2025

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

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
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Day 6: Explore Braga

Braga, Portugal on August 23, 2025

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

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
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Day 7: Guimarães History

Guimarães, Portugal on August 24, 2025

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

2:00pm

Walk Guimarães Old Town

Enjoy the well-preserved medieval streets, shops, and cafes.
Free, 2h0m
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Day 8: Arrival and Introduction to Porto

Porto, Portugal on August 25, 2025

9:00am

Travel to Porto

Head to Porto by train or car, approximately 1 hour drive.
EUR15, 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
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Day 9: Discover Porto

Porto, Portugal on August 26, 2025

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

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
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Day 10: Departure Day

Porto, Portugal on August 27, 2025

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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