Day 1: Lisbon The Capital Gems
Lisbon, the capital, is the largest city in the country, with a population of almost 2 million people. Located at the mouth of the Tejo River on the Atlantic Ocean, this beautiful city is the starting point and a “must” for every tour of Portugal. We will enjoy a guided tour and explore the city mainly on foot, using the available and reliable public transportation. We will visit several areas of the city, including Castelo de São Jorge, Baixa, Avenida da Liberdade, Belém, and more.
Overnight in a 4 star hotel in Lisbon
Day 2: Magical Cintra And Cascais
We will dedicate the entire day to exploring Sintra and Cascais. Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its rich collection of historic residences and monuments dating from ancient times to the 19th century. We will begin our day in the historic center of Sintra, then continue to Pena National Park to visit its main attractions: the Moorish Castle and the extravagant palace of the Portuguese kings. We will also enjoy a pleasant walk through the surrounding forest.
Later, we will drive to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, to admire the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. We will end the day in Cascais, taking in the impressive sea cliffs at Boca do Inferno, before driving back to the capital.
Overnight in a 4 star hotel in Lisbon
Day 3: Palaces, Old Towns And Monasteries
We will drive north to visit Mafra Palace, the largest palace in Portugal. We will then continue to the small, picturesque town of Óbidos, where we will explore its medieval walls, narrow alleys, and main highlights.
Next, we will head to Nazaré on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, visiting its beach—famous for its giant waves—and the traditional market stalls. We will continue to Batalha to visit the Monastery of Batalha, considered one of the most beautiful monasteries in Portugal. At the end of the day, we will arrive in Tomar.
Overnight in a 4 star hotel in Tomar
Day 4: Monastery Of Tomar, Schist Village & Coimbra – “The Intellectual City”
We will start our day by visiting the main attractions in Tomar. We will explore the Convent–Castle of Christ, stroll through the narrow alleys of the old town, walk along the Nabão River, and see the convent’s aqueduct.
A short drive south will take us to the Castelo de Bode Dam on the Zêzere River. From there, we will continue north along scenic roads to visit the unique schist village of Talasnal. Later, we will arrive in Coimbra, known as the “Intellectual City” and Portugal’s first capital, where we will explore the historic center.
Overnight in a 4 star hotel in Coimbra
Day 5: Hiking In Serra Da Estrela National Park
We'll dedicate most of our day exploring the wild nature of the Serra da Estrela National Park on foot. The park is Portugal’s largest protected area, known for its rugged granite mountains, glacial valleys, and alpine landscapes. Home to the highest point in mainland Portugal, the park offers scenic hikes, mountain lakes, waterfalls, and traditional villages such as Manteigas and Loriga. It is also famous for its strong mountain culture and Serra da Estrela cheese, blending natural beauty with local heritage year-round. We will drive back to Coimbra.
Hiking Trails by Distance and Walking Pace - Of Your Choice:
Poço do Inferno Waterfall Hiking Trail: South of Manteigas → Poço do Inferno Waterfall → South of Manteigas
Distance & Duration: ~3 km, 1-1.5 hours
Highlights: Features shaded forest paths, wooden walkways, and the impressive Poço do Inferno waterfall.
São Lourenço Peak Hiking Trail: Cruz das Jugadas → Rota das Faias → São Lourenço Peak → Cruz das Jugadas
Distance & Duration: ~6 km, 2.5–3 hours
Highlights: One of the most scenic viewpoints in Serra da Estrela. The peak combines rugged granite formations with open alpine terrain.
The Six Lakes Hiking Trail: Comprida Lake → Covão dos Conchos → Redonda lake → Comprida Lake Distance & Duration: ~9.5 km, 3.5-4 hours
Highlights: Features the iconic bell-shaped spillway of Covão dos Conchos, high-altitude granite landscapes, open plateaus, and alpine scenery.
Zêzere Glacier Valley Hiking Trail: Covão d'Ametade → Cântaro Gordo → Peixão Lake → Covão d'Ametade
Distance & Duration: ~10.5 km, 4–5 hours
Highlights: Dramatic U-shaped valley, glacial moraines, pine forests, and views of Torre, the highest point in mainland Portugal.
Covão de Santa Maria Hiking Trail: Casa de São Lourenço → Rio Mondego → Casa de São Lourenço Distance & Duration: ~12.5 km, 6–7 hours
Highlights: Crosses a glacial hollow shaped by ancient ice. The trail follows gentle terrain through open high-mountain landscapes, granite outcrops, and a stream.
Overnight in a 4 star hotel in Coimbra
Day 6: Buçaco National Forest And The Largest Suspension Bridge
We will drive to the north to visit the national reserve of the Buçaco Forest and take a hike. We will continue driving north to the Arouca Suspension Bridge and take a walk along the bridge, crossing over the spectacular Paiva Valley. We will drive along the scenic Douro Valley, where the Alto Douro was chosen as a World Heritage Site for its manmade scenery, to the Sandeman Quinta do Seixo Winery & Vineyards for a wine tasting tour and lunch.
Suggested Hike:
Buçaco National Forest Hiking Trail: Cruz Alta → Caifaz Viewpoint → Big Lake → Buçaco Palace → Cruz Alta
Distance & Duration: ~4 km, 1.5–2 hours
Highlights: A scenic walk through one of Portugal’s most impressive historic forests. The trail winds through dense woodland, viewpoints, fountains, and Buçaco Palace.
Overnight in a 4 star hotel in the Douro Valley Area.
Day 7: Along The Douro Valley And The Port Wine Vinyards
We will drive to Peso da Régua, a small town located on the banks of the Douro River, and take a morning stroll in its center. We will drive along amazing winding roads, where grapes are cultivated all over the valley and the mountains rise up to 600 meters above sea level. We will continue driving to Vila Real and visit its old center. We will drive along the scenic road N101 to Guimarães via Amarante and stroll along the small alleys of the historical center. At the end of the day, we will arrive in Porto.
Overnight in a 4 star hotel in Porto
Day 8: The Marvelous City Of Porto
Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal, one of the oldest centers in Europe, and its old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will dedicate the entire day to exploring the main attractions of this beautiful city on foot, crossing over the Douro River, visiting the lovely train station, enjoying the pedestrian streets, seeing the highest tower, visiting the Bolsa, and taking a short boat trip along the Douro River connecting Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia
Overnight in a 4 star hotel in Porto
Day 9: Aveiro The Venice Of Portugal
We will drive south to the Atlantic coast and visit the city of Aveiro, also known as the "Venice of Portugal," and take a short boat trip on the traditional Moliceiro boats along the canals of the city. We will drive to the town of Praia da Costa Nova, a charming seaside destination near Aveiro, famous for its colorful striped houses and long stretch of Atlantic beach. On our way back to Porto, we will see many salt pools. We will continue driving to Porto.
End of trip.
