Portugal 7-Day Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon & Orientation

Morning: Arrive in Lisbon and pick up your rental car. Start your day exploring the historic Belém Tower.

Afternoon: Visit the nearby Jerónimos Monastery and enjoy pastel de nata at Pastéis de Belém.

Evening: Stroll through the vibrant Alfama district and have dinner at a traditional Portuguese restaurant.

Day 2: Lisbon to Sintra & Cascais

Morning: Drive to Sintra and tour the magnificent Pena Palace.

Afternoon: Explore the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira, then head towards the coastal town of Cascais for a relaxing walk by the sea.

Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood dinner overlooking the ocean in Cascais.

Day 3: Sintra to Óbidos & Nazaré

Morning: Depart Sintra and visit the charming medieval town of Óbidos. Wander its cobbled streets and castle walls.

Afternoon: Continue to Nazaré to view the famous giant waves and visit the Sítio viewpoint.

Evening: Dinner by the beach in Nazaré, enjoying local specialties like grilled fish.

Day 4: Nazaré to Coimbra

Morning: Head towards Coimbra, stopping at the historic Batalha Monastery on the way.

Afternoon: Explore the ancient University of Coimbra and its famous library.

Evening: Experience fado music at a local venue or enjoy a quiet walk along the Mondego River.

Day 5: Coimbra to Porto

Morning: Drive to Porto and begin with a visit to the iconic Livraria Lello bookstore.

Afternoon: Explore the waterfront at Ribeira, take a cellar tour and tasting at a Port wine lodge.

Evening: Dine at one of Porto’s renowned riverside restaurants with views of the Dom Luís I Bridge.

Day 6: Porto & Douro Valley Day Trip

Morning: Drive up the scenic Douro Valley, visiting terraced vineyards and wine estates.

Afternoon: Enjoy wine tastings and a river cruise on the Douro River.

Evening: Return to Porto for a casual dinner and evening walk through the historic center.

Day 7: Porto to Lisbon & Departure

Morning: Begin the drive back to Lisbon, stopping at the town of Coimbra for a brief break or lunch.

Afternoon: Return your rental car and spend some final hours shopping or visiting Praça do Comércio in Lisbon.

Evening: Head to the airport for your departure flight home.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Belém Tower: 1.5 hours, €6 entrance fee
• Jerónimos Monastery: 2 hours, €10 entrance fee
• Pena Palace: 3 hours, €14 entrance fee
• Quinta da Regaleira: 2 hours, €10 entrance fee
• Óbidos Castle: 1.5 hours, free or €3 for museum
• Batalha Monastery: 1.5 hours, €6 entrance fee
• University of Coimbra: 2 hours, €12 entrance fee
• Livraria Lello (Porto): 1 hour, €5 entrance fee (redeemable on purchase)
• Port Wine Cellar Tour: 2 hours, €15 tasting fee
• Douro River Cruise: 2 hours, €20
• Car Rental (7 days): Approximately €200–€300 depending on vehicle
• Fuel Estimate (1,200 km): ~€100
• Meals (average per day): €30–€50 daily, approx. €210–€350 total
• Total Estimated Cost: €650 – €800 (not including flights)

Tips

To extend your trip, consider adding a day in the Algarve region for beautiful beaches and coastal towns like Lagos and Tavira. If you prefer a shorter trip, focus on Lisbon and Porto with day trips, reducing travel distances and allowing more time to relax in fewer locations.