Itinerary Overview

Days 1–2: Lisbon → Day 3: Sintra and Cape Roca → Day 4: Coimbra → Day 5: Porto → Day 6: Douro Valley → Day 7: Return to Lisbon and head south to the Algarve. The Alfa Pendular train from Lisbon to Porto takes about 2 hours 45 minutes, and Porto to Pinhão in the Douro Valley takes around 1.5 hours.

Days 1–2: Lisbon

• Day 1: Praça do Comércio → Alfama Old Town and Lisbon Cathedral → São Jorge Castle for panoramic red rooftops → Ride tram 28 through the old city → Evening sunset at Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara.
• Day 2: Belém District (Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, Monument to the Discoveries) → Try authentic Portuguese egg tarts next to the monastery → National Tile Museum or the LX Factory creative hub → Evening stroll along the Cais do Sodré waterfront.

Day 3: Sintra and Cape Roca

Take a train to Sintra and explore the colorful Pena Palace, Sintra National Palace, or Moorish Castle, then visit the Quinta da Regaleira to see its spiral well. In the afternoon, head to Cape Roca (the westernmost point of mainland Europe) for Atlantic views, passing through the seaside town of Cascais on the way back to Lisbon.

Day 4: Coimbra

Take a northbound train to Coimbra to visit the UNESCO-listed University of Coimbra, with highlights including the stunning Joanina Library and the Old Cathedral. In the afternoon, continue by train to Porto.

Day 5: Porto

Luis I Bridge → Ribeira riverside district → Porto Cathedral → Livraria Lello bookstore → Tile panels at São Bento Train Station → Cross the river in the evening to Vila Nova de Gaia to tour port wine cellars and enjoy tastings.

Day 6: Douro Valley

Take a train from Porto along the Douro River to Pinhão, where terraced vineyards (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) line both riverbanks. Visit wineries for tastings or take a river cruise. Return to Porto in the evening.

Day 7: Departure or Head South

Return to Lisbon, or depart directly from Porto. If time allows, head south to the Algarve and finish your trip with cliffside beaches in Lagos or Faro.

Tips

• Sintra’s attractions are spread out and often have long queues; it’s recommended to book Pena Palace tickets in advance and arrive early.
• Port wine cellar tours require reservations, and tastings can be arranged in the evening.
• Discounted tickets for intercity trains are often available when booked in advance on the CP official website.