12-Day Portugal Transit Travel Itinerary Starting and Ending in Lisbon

Day 1: Lisbon Arrival & Exploration

Lisbon, Portugal on June 29, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Fabrica Coffee Roasters

Start your trip with a fresh artisanal coffee and a light breakfast at this popular Lisbon café near Avenida Liberdade, open from 8am.
EUR10, 1h

10:00am

Explore Belém District

Visit the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, iconic UNESCO sites rich with Manueline architecture, both open from 10am - 5:30pm.
EUR15, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Pastéis de Belém

Enjoy traditional Portuguese pastries and light lunch at the famous bakery where the original Pastel de Nata is served.
EUR15, 1h

3:00pm

Lisbon Tram 28 Ride

Take the classic Tram 28 route through historic neighborhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto, giving you an authentic local experience.
EUR3, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cervejaria Ramiro

End your day with fresh seafood dishes at this iconic Lisbon spot, famous for garlic shrimp and shellfish, open until 11pm.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 2: Sintra Palaces Tour

Sintra, Portugal on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Train to Sintra from Rossio Station

Catch the direct train to Sintra, a scenic 40-minute ride through beautiful countryside, trains run every 30 minutes starting at 6:30am.
EUR5, 40m

9:00am

Visit Pena Palace

Tour the colorful 19th-century Romanticist palace with stunning views over Sintra, open 9:30am - 8pm in summer.
EUR14, 2h

11:30am

Explore Moorish Castle

Walk the ancient castle walls dating back to the 8th century for panoramic vistas, open 9:30am - 6pm.
EUR8.5, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Tascantiga

Enjoy traditional Portuguese tapas and local wines in a cozy setting in Sintra village.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Quinta da Regaleira

Explore the enchanting estate with gothic architecture, gardens, and underground tunnels, open 10am - 6:30pm.
EUR10, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Lisbon by train

Evening train back to Lisbon for rest and dinner.
EUR5, 40m

7:30pm

Dinner at Time Out Market Lisbon

Sample diverse Portuguese and international cuisines all under one roof at this vibrant food hall open until midnight.
EUR25, 2h
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Day 3: Coastal Cascais & Estoril

Cascais, Portugal on July 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Galeria House of Wonders

Enjoy breakfast with great views of Cascais’ old town and fresh local juices, opening at 8am.
EUR12, 1h

10:00am

Bike rental and coastal ride

Rent a bike to cycle the scenic 7 km coastal route from Cascais to Guincho Beach, enjoying fresh ocean air.
EUR15, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Mar do Inferno

Dine on fresh seafood with ocean views near Boca do Inferno cliffs, open 12pm - 5pm on weekdays.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Boca do Inferno

Explore the dramatic sea cliffs known as 'Hell’s Mouth' with powerful Atlantic waves crashing below.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Stroll around Cascais Marina & Town Centre

Walk around the picturesque marina and charming town for shops and cafes.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Return to Lisbon for dinner

Travel back to Lisbon by train and dine at Sea Me Peixaria Moderna, combining traditional Portuguese flavors with sushi.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 4: Historic Évora Discovery

Évora, Portugal on July 2, 2025

7:30am

Bus to Évora from Lisbon Sete Rios Station

Take a direct bus to Évora, approximately 1.5 hours, allowing early arrival to explore this UNESCO city.
EUR12, 1h30m

9:30am

Visit Roman Temple and Évora Cathedral

Explore these ancient monuments showcasing Roman and Gothic architecture, open 9am - 6pm.
EUR5, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Fialho Restaurant

Enjoy Alentejo regional cuisine known for hearty flavors and local wines in an historic setting.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Chapel of Bones

Visit the eerie yet fascinating chapel decorated with human bones, open 9am - 6pm.
EUR3, 1h

3:00pm

Walk around Évora old town

Take a leisurely walk through narrow streets and quaint squares, soaking in the historic ambience.
Free, 2h

5:30pm

Return to Lisbon by bus

Evening bus ride back to Lisbon for a relaxed dinner.
EUR12, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Taberna da Rua das Flores

Taste authentic and creative Portuguese dishes in a cozy tavern atmosphere, reservations recommended.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 5: Southern Alentejo: Beja Visit

Beja, Portugal on July 3, 2025

7:30am

Train to Beja via Sete Rios and connections

Travel to Beja using regional trains, approx 2.5 hours with a transfer in Vendas Novas.
EUR15, 2h30m

10:30am

Beja Castle & Museum

Explore the medieval castle tower and visit local collections at the Museum of Beja, open 9am - 6pm.
EUR4, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at O Talho

Experience regional cuisine and fresh ingredients in this local eatery within walking distance from the castle.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Museu Regional de Beja

Learn about the history and cultural heritage of the Alentejo region with fascinating exhibits.
EUR3, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk through historic centre and Praça da República

Enjoy an afternoon stroll through charming streets and lively squares with cafés and shops.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Lisbon by train

Evening train back to Lisbon to prepare for southern coastal travel.
EUR15, 2h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Ramiro or similar in Lisbon

Revisit tried and true seafood at Ramiro or explore alternative Lisbon dining.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 6: Faro & Algarve Coast

Faro, Portugal on July 4, 2025

7:00am

Train from Lisbon to Faro

Take an early direct train from Lisbon Oriente to Faro, approximately 3 hours journey time.
EUR25, 3h

10:30am

Explore Faro Old Town

Walk the cobbled streets of Faro’s historic centre, including the Faro Cathedral and city walls, open 9am - 6pm.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Faaron Steakhouse

Enjoy high-quality meat dishes and local Algarve flavors in a modern setting.
EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Visit the Ria Formosa Natural Park

Take a boat tour or nature walk around this beautiful coastal lagoon, perfect for bird watching and scenic views, tours operate from 9am-6pm.
EUR20, 3h

6:00pm

Evening stroll and dinner in Faro

Relax with a seafood dinner at Vila Adentro Restaurant within the Old Town, open until 10pm.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 7: Tavira Day Trip

Tavira, Portugal on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Ferry/Bus to Tavira

Travel about 40 minutes from Faro to Tavira by bus or ferry to explore this charming Algarve town.
EUR5, 40m

9:00am

Visit Tavira Castle & Camera Obscura

View panoramic town scenes from the castle and explore the unique camera obscura, open 10am - 7pm.
EUR3, 1h30m

11:00am

Wander Tavira Old Town

Explore old churches, the Roman bridge, and local artisan shops along the Gilão River.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Brisa do Rio

Enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Portuguese dishes with river views, open midday to 5pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Relax on Tavira Island Beach

Take water taxi or ferry to the beach for an afternoon of sun and sand.
EUR7, 3h

6:00pm

Return to Faro by ferry or bus

Evening return to Faro for rest and dinner.
EUR5, 40m

8:00pm

Dinner at Vila Adentro

Taste Algarve specialties in Faro’s cozy old town restaurant.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 8: Albufeira Beach Leisure

Albufeira, Portugal on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Bus to Albufeira

Travel by bus from Faro to Albufeira, approx 45 minutes.
EUR6, 45m

9:00am

Breakfast at Pastelaria Riviera

Start your day with Portuguese pastries and coffee at this classic bakery.
EUR7, 1h

10:00am

Beach time at Praia dos Pescadores

Enjoy sunbathing and swimming at the town’s main beach, open all day and free access.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at O Marinheiro

Dine on Mediterranean and Portuguese dishes in a charming garden setting.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Albufeira Old Town

Discover pedestrian streets lined with shops, bars, and historic sites.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Casa da Fonte

Enjoy fresh seafood and regional specialties in a relaxed atmosphere.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 9: Historic Lagos Exploration

Lagos, Portugal on July 7, 2025

8:00am

Bus to Lagos from Albufeira

Approximately 1-hour bus journey north along the Algarve coast.
EUR8, 1h

9:30am

Breakfast at Goji Lounge Café

Healthy breakfast options in a bright setting near Lagos marina.
EUR12, 1h

10:30am

Visit Forte da Ponta da Bandeira

Explore this well-preserved seaside fort with views over Lagos Bay, open 10am - 6pm.
EUR3, 1h

11:30am

Walk Lagos Marina and Old Town

Stroll through streets featuring colorful shops, cafes, and churches.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante dos Artistas

Savor creative fusion dishes in an elegant ambiance, reservations recommended.
EUR40, 1h30m

3:00pm

Ponta da Piedade Boat Tour

Take a boat tour to see stunning sea caves and rock formations, tours run 9am - 6pm.
EUR20, 2h

6:00pm

Evening leisure and dinner

Relax at a café or have dinner along the marina, such as at O Camilo, open till 10pm.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 10: Sagres & Southwestern Portugal

Sagres, Portugal on July 8, 2025

7:30am

Bus to Sagres from Lagos

Travel about 1 hour 15 minutes by bus to the southwestern tip of Portugal.
EUR7, 1h15m

9:00am

Breakfast at A Sagres

Simple Portuguese breakfast serving fresh coffee and pastéis, perfect before sightseeing.
EUR8, 1h

10:00am

Visit Sagres Fortress

Explore this historic 15th-century fortress overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, open 10am - 7pm.
EUR3, 1h30m

11:30am

Cabo de São Vicente Lighthouse

Walk to the iconic lighthouse at Europe’s southwesternmost point for breathtaking ocean views.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante Azenha do Mar

Seafood lunch with oceanfront views, serving traditional Algarve dishes, open 12pm - 5pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Relax or surf at Praia do Tonel

Spend the afternoon at this popular beach known for consistent waves, ideal for surfers and beach lovers.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Return to Lagos by bus

Evening bus back to Lagos for final Algarve night.
EUR7, 1h15m

8:00pm

Dinner at Goji Lounge Café or similar

Enjoy your last night dinner with healthy and creative local cuisine.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 11: Return to Coimbra

Coimbra, Portugal on July 9, 2025

8:00am

Train from Lagos to Coimbra

Longer train journey north, approx 5 hours with a transfer; enjoy scenic views of Portuguese interior.
EUR35, 5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Loggia Restaurant

Delight in contemporary Portuguese dishes situated near Quinta das Lágrimas gardens.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit University of Coimbra & Joanina Library

Explore one of Europe’s oldest universities and its stunning Baroque library, open 10am - 5pm.
EUR12, 2h

5:30pm

Stroll Coimbra old town

Enjoy the riverside views, lively streets, and quaint cafés of this historic city.
Free, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Zé Manel dos Ossos

Taste hearty traditional dishes in a rustic setting, known for its grilled meats and atmosphere.
EUR20, 2h
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Day 12: Return to Lisbon & Departure

Lisbon, Portugal on July 10, 2025

8:00am

Morning train back to Lisbon

Take a direct train from Coimbra to Lisbon, about 2 hours journey to reach in the late morning.
EUR20, 2h

11:00am

Brunch at Café A Brasileira

Historic café in Chiado famous for its ambiance and classic Portuguese pastries.
EUR15, 1h

12:30pm

Last-minute shopping and stroll

Walk through Baixa and Chiado districts for souvenirs and final sightseeing.
Free, 2h

3:00pm

Head to Lisbon Airport for departure

Use local transit or taxi to airport depending on flight time.
EUR10, 1h
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