A Week in Portugal: Wine, Beaches and More

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Advisor - Anna Hahn
Curated By

Anna Hahn

  • Portugal

  • Active Travel

  • Arts & Culture

  • City Travel

  • Sightseeing

  • Local Culture

  • Winery

  • Beach Town

Exploring the street of Ponta Delgada, Portugal during the daytime.
Curator’s statement

Portugal is the ideal destination for your European vacation. It offers a diverse landscape, vibrant tourism scene and rich cultural heritage. To make the most of your getaway, follow the itinerary below. It includes exploring Lisbon on foot, taking a guided wine tour through the Douro Valley and relaxing on the sandy beaches of Cascais.

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Day 1: Lisbon

A view of the historical Sao Jorge Castle at Lisbon on a sunny day.

To enjoy a perfect day in Lisbon, begin with a visit to the imposing São Jorge Castle. Here you can take in panoramic views of the old city's pastel-colored buildings, the Tagus Estuary and the iconic Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge. Then, explore the charming streets of the Alfama district, renowned for its narrow alleys, traditional Fado music and historic architecture. Pause at a local café for a coffee and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere.

Day 2: Baixa District and Tagus River

Belém Tower is a historic fortress renowned for its stunning Manueline architecture.

Today, head to the Baixa district for some shopping and savoring Lisbon's culinary delights at a traditional Portuguese restaurant. After lunch, visit the Belém district to see the Jerónimos Monastery and the iconic Belém Tower, making sure to try the famous Pastéis de Belém custard tarts.

In the late afternoon, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Tagus River. Explore the LX Factory, a trendy area filled with shops, cafes and street art. Conclude your day with a sunset drink at one of Lisbon’s many rooftop bars, taking in the stunning views of the city and the river.

Day 3: Porto

The Ribeira district is a charming riverside neighborhood.

Start your day by taking a scenic train ride through the hillsides of Portugal to reach your next destination, Porto. Upon arrival, you'll immediately take in this city's rich history and coastal air. Porto is one of the oldest European centers and one of the largest producers of Port Wine in the world. Upon arrival, make sure to stop for lunch at the Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colorful buildings and vibrant atmosphere. Next, head to the Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. After, make your way to the Clerigos Tower to see panoramic views of Porto. Climb the 225 steps to the top for a breathtaking perspective of the city’s red-tiled roofs, the Douro River and beyond. End your day with dinner at a local Porto restaurant and get ready for tomorrow!

Day 4: Douro Valley

View of vineyards at Douro Valley during the daytime.

The Douro Valley is a stunning wine-producing region in northern Portugal, known for its terraced vineyards that line the Douro River. Today, you'll head out for an all-day guided wine tour. You will taste wine from many different wineries and even cruise down the Douro River on your lunchbreak.

Day 5: Caiscais

Kids playing at the sandy beach of Caiscais.

Travel from Porto to Caiscais to end your trip on the sandy beaches of the Portuguese coast. Start your beach day off right with a personalized surfing lesson right on the coast. Catch some waves and hang ten after you master standing up on your board!

Additional days

The beautiful coastal town of Caiscais.

Cascais is a picturesque coastal town in Portugal, located about 30 kilometers west of Lisbon. Known for its stunning beaches, charming historic center and vibrant cultural scene, Cascais is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. End your trip by exploring the downtown region and getting ready for your departure tomorrow.

Advisor - Anna Hahn

Travel Advisor

Anna Hahn

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This itinerary is part of our ongoing series on travel to Portugal. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my itinerary, How to Make the Most of Florence in 48-Hours.