Your hunt for the perfect Portugal itinerary ends here. The ideal 11-day Portugal itinerary should give you a taste of the best of the country, taking in the small Iberian nation’s colorful cities, calm coastal towns, and stunning countryside scenes.
On the Best of Portugal trip you’ll see the country from top to toe, starting in Lisbon, exploring the Algarve coast, iconic Alentejo landscapes, and the second city of Porto. As you carve a lap of the country you’ll see lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the 2,000-year-old city of Évora, the medieval capital Coimbra, and former Templar stronghold Tomar.
When you go guided with Trafalgar, you can squeeze more into each day, plus you’ll get to relax and go with the flow while your Travel Director leads the charge and organizes logistics. Portugal is petite yet extraordinarily varied, so driving is the best way to explore.
11-days-portugal-itineraryLet’s dive into a day-by-day breakdown of the Best of Portugal trip and discover the best things to do and see on Portugal tours.
Day 1: Kick-off in sunny Lisbon
Bem-vindo! Welcome to beautiful Lisbon, Portugal’s gorgeous capital that instantly charms anyone lucky enough to wander along its cobblestone streets. Few people know that Lisbon is actually older than Rome, with a rich history dating back to the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans. You can feel the history as you explore the colorful streets and admire tile-covered buildings.
Your first day in Lisbon is a chance to settle in and explore this historic city on your own before meeting your fellow travelers at this evening’s Welcome Reception.
Day 2: Explore beautiful Lisbon
Lisbon was once at the heart of Portugal’s adventurous and daring 15th and 16th century maritime explorations to discover the ‘New World’. Today you’ll join a sightseeing tour across the city, ending in the western suburb of Belém where Portugal’s fearless explorers once set sail from.
Discovering a sea route to India connected Portugal with the lucrative spice trade, making the small country into a wealthy and powerful empire. The riches from the discoveries can still be seen in the city’s architecture, such as the Belém Tower. A Local Specialist will lead an insightful tour through Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO treasure that embodies the opulent 16th-century Manueline style.
After, you can choose from free time or join an Optional Experience and tick off the most popular day trip from Lisbon. You’ll explore the historic seaside town of Cascais and the charming village of Sintra. In Sintra you’ll visit one of the splendid historic palaces to discover the details and legends of this special place. Later, return to Lisbon and discover the soulful melodies of Fado, a traditional Portuguese music that captures the essence of Lisbon’s spirit, over a delicious Portuguese dinner.
Day 3: Travel south to the Algarve via the Alentejo
Day 3 whisks you across the Tagus River, leaving Lisbon’s charm behind. This Portugal itinerary takes you south towards the sunshine, sand and sea of the Algarve, but there’s a special stop en route.
The Alentejo is considered one of the hidden gems of Portugal, a sparse and remote region famous for its fields of cork tree, olives groves, and vineyards. Here in the heart of the countryside you’ll stop for a special Be My Guest experience at a historic stud ranch. It was here that Lusitano horses were bred for King João VI in the 18th century. Here you’ll learn about the history of this Portuguese breed while enjoying the warm hospitality of a traditional lunch.
After lunch, the drive continues south to the sun-blessed shores of the Algarve, a blissful coastal region known for its stunning beaches.
Day 4: Adventure in the Algarve
Today’s Algarve adventure kicks off with a scenic coastal drive along the dramatic Sagres Peninsula. Prepare to be wowed by stunning views as you wind past turquoise waters and towering orange cliffs. Pause at Baleeira Beach to snap pictures and take in the dramatic scenery. The drive ends the historic resort town of Lagos, once home to the legendary Prince Henry the Navigator, a key figure in Portugal’s Age of Exploration.
This afternoon you could kick back in Lagos and wander to nearby beaches, or join an Optional Experience. Choose to go east to Faro, the Algarve capital, see the wetlands of the Ria Formosa, and stop by the Church of Saint Lawrence in Almancil, which is filled with stunning hand-painted tiles. Later this evening, enjoy a solo meal or join a traditional dinner experience and taste the regional and traditional ‘Cataplana’ dish.
Day 5: Exploring Évora
Wave goodbye to Portugal’s southern coastline as you return inland through the expansive plains of the Alentejo. Your final destination is Évora, the regional capital and a city with more than 2,000 years of history. A Local Specialist will unveil the UNESCO World Heritage city’s rich history, showcasing the awe-inspiring cathedral, a stoic Roman temple, and the hauntingly beautiful Chapel of Bones.
The rest of the day is yours to explore. You could go shopping for locally made souvenirs in the old town, or relax the bustling main square of Praça do Giraldo with a coffee or drink. Alternatively, join an Optional Experience to the medieval hilltop village of Monsaraz. This evening you’ll gather at the hotel for dinner and to swap stories about the adventure so far.
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Day 6: Into the mountains, ending in Viseu
On Day 6 of this Portugal itinerary, you’ll dive even deeper into the heart of the country. Drive past quaint villages with whitewashed houses as you cruise through the Alentejo. The first stop today is the charming hilltop town of Castelo de Vide. Wander through narrow alleyways adorned with colorful flowers and explore the historic Jewish Quarter. Soak up the slower pace of life in this remote and traditional village.
Then, watch the scenery transform as you drive north into the majestic Serra de Estrela mountains. The final destination for the day is Viseu, a city perched atop a plateau and surrounded by the famed Dão wine region. Here, delve into the city’s rich artistic heritage and marvel at the imposing 12th-century Sé cathedral that dominates the skyline.
Tonight, wine lovers can join an Optional Experience to discover the profile of well-known Dão wines. Sit down for a traditional dinner in a cellar and get to know the local profile of the best wines of this region.
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Day 7: Drive the Douro Valley to Porto
The world-famous Douro Valley is a landscape sculpted by time and the relentless pursuit of delicious wine. The Romans were the first to cultivate grapes here, and in 1756 the Douro Valley became the first classic wine region to be legally demarcated. Keep an eye on the spectacular scenery where terraced vineyard-covered hills cascade down into the Douro River. This is where Port wine comes from!
You’ll visit the grand Palácio de Mateus, a Baroque jewel that features on the label of Mateus Rosé bottles. Wander through the wonderful gardens, then continue north to Guimarães. This petite ancient city is consider the “birthplace” of Portugal and its medieval city centre feels frozen in time. You’ll visit the impressive 10th-century castle, then continue on the road to Porto, Portugal’s second largest city.
Day 8: A perfect day in Porto
Porto feels even older than Lisbon, but you won’t get lost while exploring. A Local Specialist will lead you through the city’s maze of charming cobbled streets, all lined with Baroque churches and colorful buildings covered in azulejos (tiles). Stop to admire the double-deck Dom Luis I bridge that spans the Douro River, and see the opulent interiors of the Stock Exchange Palace.
After exploring the Douro Valley in person yesterday, today you’ll taste Portugal’s famous Port wines at a historic cellar. The grapes, grown in the Douro, were once shipped down the river in small wooden boats to be aged in the more humid coastal climate of Porto. Enter a historic cellar to about the centuries-old production techniques and taste a handful of Port wines.
Later, find a terrace by the river to take in the city over a drink, go shopping in the historic centre, or visit Livraria Lello, Porto’s famous historic bookstore. If you have the energy, you could also join an Optional Experience into the lush green Minho region to explore the city of Braga and see Europe’s largest and most magnificent sculpted Baroque staircase. You’ll side a 19th-century water-powered funicular to the top, where the UNESCO ‘Bom Jesus’ sanctuary lies.
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Day 9: Pilgrimage through Coimbra, Tomar and Fátima
It’s another big day on the road as this Portugal itinerary returns south towards Lisbon – but don’t worry, you’ll have the right amount of time in each spot. The first stop is Coimbra, Portugal’s medieval capital and home to the country’s oldest university. Open since 1290, you’ll soak up the academic atmosphere while touring the magnificent University of Coimbra with a Local Specialist.
Then, continue to Tomar, a small city that’s home to the enigmatic Convent of Christ. Built as a 12th-century Templar stronghold, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is now a fascinating mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Manueline architectural influences.
Finally, you’ll reach Fátima, one of the world’s holiest sites. This pilgrimage center is visited by millions of Catholics, drawn to this site by the reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary to three young shepherds. Pay homage at the Chapel of the Apparitions or see the basilica.
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Day 10: Explore Batalha, Nazaré and Óbidos on return to Lisbon
Today the Portuguese adventure winds down on the return to Lisbon, but it’s still a huge day! First stop is the imposing Batalha Monastery, a UNESCO treasure and Portugal’s finest example of late Gothic architecture. A Local Specialist will share details about the structure and the royal ambition behind it. After, continue to the relaxed fishing town of Nazaré, which is famous for its dramatic waves that attract daredevil surfers. These pump in the winter months, so the rest of the year expect a charming whitewashed village.
Finally, step back in time at the walled medieval town of Óbidos. A Portuguese king famously gifted the village to his queen on their wedding day! Wander a handful of cobblestone streets and try the local ginjinha liqueur.
This Portugal itinerary ends with a very memorable Farewell Dinner at a family-run vineyard. This “MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience” connects you with local producers and traditional regional cuisine. Savor organic wines alongside delicious plates, and toast to the past 10 full days exploring Portugal!
Day 11: Adeus, Lisbon!
Wake up on the final day of the Best of Portugal itinerary and say adeus or goodbye to your fellow travelers. Pack your bags and get ready to depart from Lisbon airport. Don’t forget to swap contacts with your new friends! Later on you can reminisce on all the incredible memories you’ve made together in Portugal.
This is the perfect Portugal itinerary as it squeezes in cities, coastal, and off-beat gems. Have you been to Portugal or are you planning a trip? Leave a comment….