Portuguese Road Trip: Lisbon, Douro and Porto

Arrive in Lisbon and make your way to the Hotel Alegria. Meet the friendly staff and get acquainted with your cozy room overlooking the Praca da Alegria. Take a walk through the neighborhood and grab a drink at the local kiosk.

Visit two historical sites, The Lisbon Cathedral and Sao Jorge Castle. Stop for lunch at Prado Wine Bar. Then make your way to Fundação Ricardo do Espírito Santo Silva to learn about antique furniture and how these arts are still practiced today. For Drinks, head to Quattro Teste to enjoy Basque-inspired cocktails and ciders.

Spend the morning touring the Tower of Belem, Jeronimos Monastery, and the Monument to the Discoveries. Have lunch at a kiosk and enjoy some people watching. For dinner make a reservation at Taberna Sal Grosso for authentic Portuguese cuisine.

Book a day trip with a guide to visit the Palaces of Sintra. There are so many you can’t go wrong! You’ll stop for coffee and make sure to try a pastel de nata, a Portuguese custard tart. When you get back to Lisbon, walk through the streets of Principe Real and stop at the kiosk in the gardens. This is a great place for shopping, too!

Pick up your rental car and hit the road! You are heading north to the Douro Valley. But you will stop in Tomar to visit the Templar Castle and monastery. If you have time, check out the Museum of Matchbooks as well! Continue your drive to your next hotel, Ventozelo Hotel and Quinto.

Wake up to the beautiful Douro Valley. Enjoy breakfast in the hotel restaurant and grab an audio guide to explore the vineyard grounds. The hotel staff can book activities such as guided wine tastings, boat rides along the Douro River or picnics on the property.

Relax by the pool, go for a hike and visit some local quintas to taste what they’re famous for, Port! If you haven’t yet, take that boat ride down the Douro River to enjoy the beautiful landscapes.

Pack up the car and drive to your next destination, Porto. A lively city full of art, shopping, dining and history. Check into your hotel at the end of the Rua Das Flores, the Porto A.S. 1829 Hotel. Walk through your new neighborhood and stop by the local bakery for a Bola de Berlim, a Portuguese cream-filled pastry. Continue along the river and learn about the Port industry by visiting one of the many wine cellars.

Visit the Porto Cathedral and the Palacio da Bolsa in the morning and spend the afternoon shopping for souvenirs. If your idea of a good souvenir is some local flavor, go to Comer e Chorar por Mais to buy local olive oil, tinned fish and Portuguese candies. Make a reservation at Taberna Dos Mercadores for an intimate and delicious meal.

Spend your last day in Portugal enjoying some art and nature. The Botanic Garden of Porto includes a beautiful 19th century palace. Or spend the day at The Serralves Foundation, a world-renowned art museum nestled into gardens with an art deco home and a nature trail built into the tree canopy. Back in Porto, have a cozy dinner at Lareira Baixa and a glass of wine Prova.