Porto, Madrid & Lisbon Road Trip

Suggestion for the day: Visit the Douro Valley

Imagine yourself winding through the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dramatic landscapes unlike any other unfold before you - terraced vineyards cascading down impossibly steep hillsides alongside the shimmering Douro River. The air carries the intoxicating scent of grapes ripening in the warm sun. 

The Douro Valley holds fame for two main reasons:

• World-Renowned Port Wine: The Douro Valley is the only place in the world where you can find true Port wine. This fortified wine boasts a rich history dating back centuries, and the specific growing conditions and grape varietals of the Douro Valley contribute to its unique flavor profile.
• Breathtaking, UNESCO-Recognized Landscapes: The Douro Valley's dramatic scenery is awe-inspiring. Imagine steep hillsides meticulously carved into terraces, each one cradling rows of grapevines. The Douro River snakes through the valley, adding another layer of beauty to the landscape. This unique combination of human effort and natural wonder earned the Douro Valley a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 2001.

Drive from Porto to Salamanca (approximately 350 km / 217 miles, or 3.5 to 4 hours by car). The drive is straightforward, mostly along highways (A25 in Portugal and A62 in Spain), with tolls along the way. Consider a quick stop in Ciudad Rodrigo for a scenic break before arriving in Salamanca.

One Day in Salamanca: Itinerary Suggestion

• Plaza Mayor – Start your day at this iconic square, one of Spain’s most beautiful. Grab a coffee and enjoy the baroque architecture.

• University of Salamanca – Explore the oldest university in Spain (founded in 1218). Don’t miss the ornate façade—try to spot the famous frog hidden in the carvings for good luck!

• Casa de las Conchas – A unique 15th-century building adorned with over 300 shell carvings on its exterior.

• Enjoy a traditional Castilian lunch at a local restaurant—try hornazo (meat pie), Iberian ham, or a hearty lentil stew.

• New Cathedral & Old Cathedral – Visit both, as they’re connected. Climb the Ieronimus towers for panoramic city views.

• Roman Bridge – Take a short stroll across the ancient bridge and admire the views of the city and the River Tormes.

• Convento de San Esteban – A lesser-known gem with stunning interiors and peaceful cloisters.

• Return to Plaza Mayor to see it beautifully lit up at night and enjoy some tapas and a glass of local wine or sangria at one of the surrounding cafés.

The distance from Salamanca to Madrid is about 210 km (130 miles), and the drive takes around 2.5 hours via the A-50 and A-6 highways—both well-maintained and easy to navigate. Expect tolls along the way, and try to avoid rush hour when approaching Madrid.

Suggestion for the day: Discover the Heart of Madrid

• Begin your journey in the city center. Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid, then explore the Almudena Cathedral next door. 
• Walk through the Austrian Quarter toward Plaza Mayor, where you can enjoy lunch at a traditional tavern.
• Continue to Puerta del Sol, the city’s symbolic center.
• Later, stroll through the Gran Vía, Madrid’s iconic shopping and entertainment boulevard.
• End your day with dinner in the Chueca or La Latina neighborhood.

Suggestion for the day: Art, Parks & Local Life

• Spend the day exploring Retiro Park, including the Crystal Palace and the Monument to Alfonso XII.
• Then head to Madrid’s “Golden Triangle of Art”—Prado Museum, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza—pick one or two depending on your interest and pace.
•  In the late afternoon, visit the charming Lavapiés neighborhood for multicultural vibes and authentic local eats.
• Drive up to Temple of Debod for sunset views over the city.

Suggestion for the day: Day Trip With the Car – Toledo or Segovia
Use your rental car for a rewarding day trip.

• Toledo (approx. 1 hr): A medieval hilltop city with a blend of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim heritage. Don’t miss the Cathedral, El Greco masterpieces, and the Alcázar.

• Segovia (approx. 1 hr 15 min): Famous for its towering Roman aqueduct, fairy-tale Alcázar, and rich Castilian cuisine (cochinillo is a must-try).

The distance from Madrid to Évora is roughly 430 km (267 miles), and the drive takes around 5 hours via the A-5 and A-6 highways. It's a scenic route that crosses into Portugal through the Elvas border; remember to check your rental car’s toll setup for Portuguese roads and adjust your clock for the one-hour time difference.

Suggestion for the day: Historical Évora

This UNESCO World Heritage city is known for its well-preserved Roman and medieval architecture, as well as its picturesque streets and vibrant atmosphere. 

Don’t Miss:

• Roman Temple: Begin your exploration with a visit to the iconic Roman Temple, also known as the Temple of Diana. This well-preserved structure dates back to the 1st century AD and stands as a testament to the city’s Roman heritage.

• Évora Cathedral (Sé de Évora): Visit the Évora Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic structure that dominates the city’s skyline. 

• Chapel of Bones: Head to the Chapel of Bones, a fascinating and macabre site built from the bones of thousands of monks. This unique chapel serves as a reminder of the transience of life.

• Giraldo Square (Praça do Giraldo): Stroll through Giraldo Square, the vibrant heart of Évora. 

• University of Évora: Visit the University of Évora, one of the oldest universities in Portugal.

• Aqueduct of Água de Prata: See the Aqueduct of Água de Prata, an impressive 16th-century aqueduct that once supplied water to the city. 

The distance from Évora to Lisbon is about 135 km (84 miles), and the drive takes roughly 1.5 hours via the A6 and A2 highways. It’s a smooth and direct route with tolls, and as you approach Lisbon, be prepared for city traffic, especially during peak hours.

Suggestion for the day: Stroll Around Downtown Lisbon

Lace up your walking shoes and embark on a journey through Lisbon's captivating historical neighborhoods. It’s time to explore Lisbon's vibrant neighborhoods on foot. 

• Start in Chiado, a charming district with elegant shops and cafes. Don't miss Livraria Bertrand, a historic bookstore.
• Move to Baixa, the bustling downtown area with Praça do Comércio, a grand waterfront square. Climb the Arco da Rua Augusta for city views.
• Immerse yourself in Bairro Alto's lively nightlife scene. Wander its maze-like streets filled with bars, restaurants, and traditional Fado music venues.

Suggestion for the day: Unveiling Belém's Maritime Marvels

Head to Belém, a UNESCO site showcasing Portugal's maritime past. See the iconic Torre de Belém and Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, and savor Pastéis de Belém, a delicious custard tart.

Don’t Miss:

• Torre de Belém (Belém Tower): Start your exploration at this imposing 16th-century fortress. Marvel at its Manueline architecture, a unique Portuguese style characterized by nautical motifs and intricate stonework. Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries): A short walk away stands this impressive monument commemorating Portugal's Golden Age of Exploration.
• Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery): Immerse yourself in the grandeur of this magnificent 16th-century monastery. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's a masterpiece of Manueline architecture, showcasing intricate stonework and stained-glass windows.
• Pastéis de Belém: No visit to Belém is complete without indulging in the world-famous Pastéis de Belém, a traditional Portuguese custard tart. This iconic bakery, established in the 18th century, follows a secret recipe that has been passed down through generations.
• MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology: If you have extra time, consider visiting the MAAT, a contemporary museum housed in a striking modern building on the waterfront. 

Suggestion for the day: Day Trip to Fairytale Sintra

A short 28-kilometer drive whisks you away from the bustling capital and into a world of enchanting palaces, captivating gardens, and romantic charm. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts a mesmerizing cultural landscape, characterized by winding mountains, lush forests, and remarkable architectural wonders. In the 19th century, Sintra emerged as the epicenter of Romantic architecture in Europe, renowned for its distinctive palaces and whimsical designs that could easily inspire fairytales.

Don’t Miss:

• Early Start & Pena Palace: Start your exploration with the iconic Pena National Palace, a vibrant masterpiece perched atop a hill. Marvel at its eclectic architectural styles, ranging from Romanticism to Moorish Revival. 
• Quinta da Regaleira: If you have time and a taste for adventure, delve into the mysteries of Quinta da Regaleira. This enigmatic estate features a labyrinth of hidden grottoes, tunnels, and secret passages waiting to be discovered. 
• Moorish Castle: For history buffs, the Moorish Castle offers a glimpse into Sintra's medieval past. 
• Sintra Village & Lunch: Head back to the charming village of Sintra. Wander through the narrow cobbled streets lined with colorful houses and quaint shops. Explore the Sintra National Palace, the former summer residence of the Portuguese royal family. 
• Monserrate Palace: For those seeking a different architectural style, consider visiting Monserrate Palace. This 19th-century palace boasts a captivating blend of Gothic, Moorish, and Indian influences. 
• There’s More of Sintra! Add Cabo da Roca to your itinerary. Experience the stunning views from the westernmost point of mainland Europe, where dramatic cliffs meet the Atlantic Ocean. This natural landmark, located within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, is perfect for breathtaking scenery, sunsets, and a touch of adventure.

Tips for Your Trip:

• Purchase your tickets to Sintra attractions in advance, especially during peak season.
• Consider purchasing the Sintra Card for discounted entry to several attractions and public transportation within Sintra.
• Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking.
• Pack a light jacket or sweater as the weather in Sintra can be cooler than Lisbon, especially in the mornings and evenings.
• The drive from Lisbon to Sintra takes about 30 to 40 minutes, while the train journey takes approximately 40 minutes.

One last stop: returning your rental car.

Thank you for choosing us to be your travel companions on this adventure! It's been a pleasure assisting you in creating unforgettable memories. We wish you happy travels and until next time!