12-Day Cultural and Scenic Journey Through Lisbon, Lago, and Porto

Day 1: Lisbon Introduction

Lisbon, Portugal on May 19, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pastéis de Belém

Start your trip with the iconic Portuguese custard tarts at Pastéis de Belém, open from 8am, renowned for their authentic flavors.
EUR5, 1h

10:00am

Visit Belém Tower

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, a symbol of Portugal’s maritime discoveries, open 10am-5:30pm.
EUR6, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Time Out Market

Enjoy diverse Portuguese dishes at this popular food hall in downtown Lisbon, perfect for sampling various regional foods.
EUR15, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Alfama District

Wander through Lisbon’s old quarter famous for its winding alleys, historic charm, and vibrant culture.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Ramiro

Savor fresh seafood at Ramiro, one of Lisbon’s top seafood restaurants known for quality and atmosphere.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 2: Lisbon Highlights

Lisbon, Portugal on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fabrica Coffee Roasters

Enjoy artisan coffee and light pastries at this popular spot open from 8am, a great start to the day.
EUR7, 1h

9:30am

Visit Jerónimos Monastery

Tour this impressive 16th-century monastery with stunning Manueline architecture, open 10am-5:30pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

11:30am

Visit MAAT - Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology

Experience contemporary culture and innovative exhibitions in this striking riverside museum, open 11am-7pm.
EUR9, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Cervejaria Trindade

Relax and enjoy classic Portuguese dishes in a historic brewery setting located downtown.
EUR20, 1h

3:00pm

Ride Tram 28

Take the iconic Tram 28 through Lisbon’s picturesque neighborhoods like Baixa, Graça, and Alfama for a local experience.
EUR3, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Solar dos Presuntos

Indulge in traditional Portuguese seafood and meats at this well-known Lisbon restaurant, open until 11pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 3: Travel to Lago

Lago, Portugal on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at your Lisbon hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to prepare for your travel day ahead.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel Lisbon to Lago

Take a car or bus for approximately 3.5-hour drive heading north-east to Lago region.
EUR30, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante Lago Azul

Dine lakeside, enjoying fresh fish specialties and local dishes while appreciating Lago’s nature views.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Lake Shore Walking Tour

Explore the scenic lakeside trails around Lago, ideal for light hiking and birdwatching. Accessible anytime.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Boat Rental

Rent a small boat or kayak to enjoy the peaceful water and nature at Lago, available until sunset.
EUR25, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at O Pescador

Taste local specialties with a focus on fresh lake fish dishes at this cozy restaurant in Lago.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 4: Nature & Relaxation

Lago, Portugal on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy fresh local fruits and pastries for a filling start.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Hiking in Lago Natural Park

Spend your morning hiking trails within Lago Natural Park to enjoy diverse flora, fauna, and lakeside panoramas. Park open from sunrise to sunset.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Miradouro

Dine with views overlooking the lake, sampling fresh seasonal dishes and light meals.
EUR18, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Lago Museum

Learn about the regional history and ecology of the Lago region in this small but informative museum, open 10am-4pm on weekdays.
EUR5, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Lago Thermal Baths

Unwind in natural thermal spas offering mineral-rich waters, open 10am-8pm.
EUR20, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Quinta do Lago

Experience a gourmet dining evening at a restaurant specializing in innovative Portuguese cuisine near the lake.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 5: Travel to Porto

Porto, Portugal on May 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a fulfilling breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel Lago to Porto

Enjoy a scenic 3.5-hour drive northwest to the historic city of Porto.
EUR30, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercado do Bolhão

Taste local flavors and fresh market produce from Porto’s iconic market, open from 7am-3pm.
EUR15, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Ribeira District

Stroll the colorful UNESCO-listed riverside neighborhood full of lively cafes and scenic views.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Port Wine Cellar Tour

Discover Porto’s famous port wine in Vila Nova de Gaia’s cellars, tours available 10am-6pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Casa Guedes

Enjoy Porto’s famous pork sandwich with Serra cheese at this casual and highly recommended eatery.
EUR12, 1h

Day 6: Porto Discovery

Porto, Portugal on May 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Majestic

Experience this historic Belle Époque café's elegant atmosphere and traditional Portuguese breakfast items, open from 8am.
EUR15, 1h

10:00am

Clérigos Tower & Church

Climb the 240 steps for panoramic views of Porto; the church offers exquisite baroque architecture, open 9am-7pm.
EUR6, 1h30m

11:45am

Lello Bookstore

Visit one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, inspiration for Harry Potter, open 10am-7pm.
EUR5, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Adega São Nicolau

Try traditional northern Portuguese cuisine in this quaint and authentic restaurant near the riverside.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Serralves Museum and Park

Explore contemporary art exhibitions and beautifully landscaped gardens, open 10am-6pm.
EUR20, 3h

6:00pm

Return and rest

Enjoy some downtime at your hotel before dinner.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Brasão Cervejaria

Sample local Francesinha sandwich and other Porto specialties in a lively brasserie setting.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 7: Douro River Day Trip

Porto, Portugal on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Light and energizing breakfast before day trip.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Douro River Cruise

Take a 6-hour scenic river cruise on the Douro with winery stops; boats depart from Porto’s riverside.
EUR55, 6h

3:30pm

Return to Porto & rest

Relax at hotel or explore nearby areas on your own.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Tapabento

Experience contemporary Portuguese tapas with creative twists; a great way to end a day in Porto.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 8: Historic & Scenic Porto

Porto, Portugal on May 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Nicolau Porto

Enjoy a healthy breakfast with fresh juices and artisanal bakery options, open from 8am.
EUR12, 1h

10:00am

Palácio da Bolsa

Tour the 19th-century stock exchange palace featuring Moorish Revival architecture, open 9am-6pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

12:00pm

Walk Dom Luís I Bridge

Walk across this iconic double-deck metal bridge with beautiful city and river views.
Free, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Casa d'Oro

Enjoy Italian-Portuguese fusion dishes and river views in a relaxed setting.
EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Visit São Bento Railway Station

Admire the stunning azulejos (tiles) depicting Portuguese history in this bustling train station.
Free, 30m

4:00pm

Coffee break at Café Progresso

Savor fine coffee in Porto’s oldest café, open until 8pm.
EUR5, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at DOP

Enjoy Michelin-starred innovative Portuguese cuisine by renowned chef Rui Paula, reservations recommended.
EUR60, 2h

Day 9: Day in Vila Nova de Gaia & Porto

Porto, Portugal on May 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a day with a nutritious breakfast.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Serra do Pilar Monastery

Cross over to Gaia to see this historic circular monastery with magnificent views of Porto, open 10am-6pm.
EUR5, 1h

11:00am

Beach visit at Praia de Miramar

Relax at this nearby beach; enjoy the Atlantic breeze and beautiful coastline.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Praia da Luz

Enjoy fresh seafood with ocean views at this renowned beachfront restaurant.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit World of Discoveries Museum

Learn about Portugal’s maritime history interactively; open 10am-6pm.
EUR15, 2h

6:00pm

Return to Porto & rest

Free time to shop or rest before dinner.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Adega Vila Mea

Enjoy authentic northern Portuguese cuisine in an informal and lively atmosphere.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 10: Leisure & Departure Prep

Porto, Portugal on May 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Nicolau Porto

Relaxed breakfast with healthy options and excellent coffee.
EUR12, 1h

10:00am

Shopping in Rua de Santa Catarina

Explore Porto’s main shopping street for souvenirs and local goods.
Free to browse, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Café Santiago

Taste the famous Francesinha sandwich at this popular local restaurant.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

Relax in Jardim do Palácio de Cristal

Enjoy relaxing afternoons in this scenic and peaceful park with great views of the Douro River.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Early dinner at Mercado Bom Sucesso

Enjoy a variety of food stalls offering a wide range of Portuguese and international cuisine in this lively food market.
EUR20, 1h30m

Day 11: Final Day in Porto

Porto, Portugal on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Porto with a leisurely start.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis

Explore Portuguese art from the 19th century to the present, with a rich collection of paintings and sculptures, open 10am-6pm.
EUR5, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Taberna dos Mercadores

Small cozy restaurant serving authentic and traditional Portuguese dishes with excellent reviews.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Free time for last minute exploration/souvenirs

Spend your afternoon relaxing or revisiting favorite spots before departure.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Restaurante Fish Fixe

End your trip with fresh seafood dishes and a cozy ambiance near the river.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 12: Departure Day

Porto, Portugal on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast before your journey home.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Departure

Head to Porto airport or train station for onward travel.
Varies, N/A