Lovely Portugal Itinerary: Lisbon to Porto

Seven staggering hillsides soar above Lisbon, a coastal city cradled by the sweeping water of the Tagus River. In pastel colors that paint its skyline, Lisbon will welcome you to its entrancing scenes the moment you arrive and transfer to your accommodation. By exploring the streets, you will be besotted with the charming atmosphere that emanates from iconic monuments, antique shops, and spacious town squares. There is beauty to behold in every narrow alley and manicured garden.

The Portuguese capital is bursting with discoveries that you will appreciate on a guided tour of its humming districts. By perusing flower-flanked streets, you will encounter the character of the Alfama and Castelo areas. Endless panoramas of your surroundings can be seen from shadowy viewpoints, and spectacular moments may allow you to trace Portuguese history within the monasteries and museums throughout Lisbon. In Chiado and Bairro Alto, the bohemian atmosphere is captured in the colorful artwork, streets, and stores.

The Romantic Era swept Europe by storm, and its creations are indelibly imprinted in the staggering city of Sintra, such as the Palace of Monserrate. You will transfer with a knowledgeable guide to this heritage site and be seduced by images of Sintra’s incredible art and architecture. Afterward, you will visit the Palácio and Quinta da Regaleira to admire the decorative masonic references that dominate their distinct designs. An evening stroll through Cascais and Estoril will conclude your fabulous excursion beyond Lisbon. Afterward, you will return to your accommodation in Lisbon.

On the banks of Rio Douro, the city of Porto shines in a blend of hues. Bright reds, deep oranges, and golden yellows veil its buildings and present a skyline as marvelous and enchanting as the culture it protects. Before you reach Porto, you will stop in Tomar for a brief visit of its highlights. The Templar City is shrouded in history that dates back centuries to a time where knights roamed the lands and spread the word of the church. Tomar Castle will be the highlight, as within its walls are the Covenant of Christ and the famous round church.  Aqueducts, cathedrals, and castles dominate the city, showing off its medieval origins.

Today, you will tour more of Porto and immerse yourself in its history and culture, starting at the São Bento Station. Its walls are plastered with an incredible azulejo, a specific type of colorful ceramic tilework utilized in Portuguese architecture. This type of artwork spotlights Porto’s stories through vivid colors, distinct shapes, and fascinating forms. Deeper into the city lies the Clérigos Tower, where you will ascend its steep steps to a lookout point that offers panoramas of the city. Finally, you will visit the Lello bookshop, a library steeped in history with thousands of books overflowing its towering shelves.

There are two cities in Portugal that one cannot afford to miss on a discovery of the country: Braga and Guimarães. Braga once stood as the Roman Empire’s judicial capital in the Iberian Peninsula, and its entrenched roots can be traced back within its cathedral, which is the oldest in the country and inspiration for those that came after it. Guimarães is as much a significant destination as it is regarded as the birthplace of Portugal. The World Heritage Site is said to be the location on which the foundations of Portugal's identity were first established.

Porto is a gateway into the Douro Valley, a breathtaking slice of natural paradise that sweeps up from the banks of the Douro River. You will course the rugged roads that wind through the viridian region in a 4x4 to see the spectacular scenes for yourselves en route to Portugal’s finest wineries. Bathing in the golden sunshine, evergreen vineyards cascade the valley and produce delicious grapes from which the region's prestigious wines are pressed. To these stellar spectacles, you will discover the crafting process behind the very best Portuguese vintages and sip on them slowly on a stylish terrace that overlooks the luxuriant greenery.

Your morning in Porto will kick off as soon as the light filters through your blinds and the echoes of local chatter rise to meet you on your balcony. You may spend the rest of your time in Portugal treasuring every minute, whether you settle in at a local cafe with a good book or lounge around the pool. Before you know it, you will be back home, reminiscing about these magical memories discovering Portugal’s charm.