Porto to Lisbon: Hidden Surprises Road Trip

Day By Day Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Porto & Car Pick-up

   Welcome to the lively city of Porto! Once you arrive at Porto's airport, you'll pick up your car and drive to your hotel - we strongly recommend booking an early hotel check-in to make your arrival more comfortable.

   • Suggestions for the day:
     • D. Luís I Bridge
     • Ribeira District
     • Livraria Lello
     • Torre dos Clérigos
     • Porto Cathedral (Sé Catedral do Porto)
     • São Francisco Church
     • Majestic Café

   Spend the night in Porto.

2. Day 2 Free Day for Personal Activities

   • Suggestion for the day: Go on a day trip to the magnificent Douro Region following the A4 route.
     • Douro: This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts dramatic landscapes unlike any other, with terraced vineyards cascading down steep hillsides alongside the Douro River. Witness the fruits of this labor with winery tours and tastings, savoring the world-renowned Port wines produced here for centuries.  Beyond the wine, the Douro Valley offers charming villages, historic sites, and breathtaking viewpoints – a perfect escape for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone seeking a taste of Portuguese serenity.

   Spend the night in Porto.

3. Day 3 Free Day for Personal Activities

   • Suggestions for the day: Explore other highlights in Porto. You can easily walk or catch the metro to visit these places, in case you don't feel like driving on this day.
     • Capela das Almas: 
     • Mercado do Bolhão
     • Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
     • Casa da Música
     • Serralves Museum & Gardens
     • Vila Nova de Gaia
     • Farewell with Fado: In the evening/night, bid farewell to Porto with a traditional Fado dinner (click here to book in advance), or go on a bridges cruise on the Douro River with a live Fado performance (click here to schedule in advance).

   Spend the night in Porto.

4. Day 4 Drive to Tomar (approx. 2 hours)

   Continue your journey to Tomar for about 2 hours, following the A1 e A13 routes and, on your way there, consider stopping in Aveiro (the "Venice of Portugal") to stroll around the river (or go on a moliceiro boat tour) and taste some traditional oves moles, or stop in Coimbra, a charming city known for its historic sites and home to the oldest university in Portugal, and one of the oldest in Europe.

   Suggestions for the day:

   • Visit the Convento de Cristo (Convent of Christ), an incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once a stronghold of the Knights Templar
   • Stroll along the Nabão River
   • Visit the Synagogue of Tomar, one of the oldest synagogues in Portugal
   • Explore the Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes (Seven Hills National Forest), a beautiful park with hiking and biking trails, or the nearby town of Constância
   • Have a regional Tomar dish for dinner, like "Coelho an abóbora" (rabbit caked in a pumpkin) or "Morcela de arroz" (black pudding with rice) and for dessert try a "Beija-me depressa" ("kiss me quickly"), a small sweet pastry made with egg yolks and sugar.

   Spend the night in Tomar.

5. Day 5 Drive to Évora (approx. 2.5 hours)

   Drive from Tomar to Évora following the N2 route (2 hour and 30-minute drive).

   Psst: Don't miss the charming, medieval town of Óbidos on your way! Explore its cobbled streets, dramatic castle, and independent bookstores, all while sipping the local ginjinha liqueur for a taste of history and romance.

   Suggestions for the day (when you get to Évora):

   • Capela dos Ossos
   • Évora Cathedral
   • Roman Temple of Évora
   • Diana’s Garden
   • Évora’s Winding Streets
   • Évora University
   • If you still have some time left in the day, we strongly recommend driving to Monsaraz. Nestled on a hilltop overlooking the Guadiana River, Monsaraz is a charming medieval village in the Alentejo region. Here, explore the historic center, wander through narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses, and be captivated by the imposing castle walls that offer breathtaking panoramic views.

   Spend the night in Évora.

6. Day 6 Drive to Lisbon (approx. 1.5 hour)

   Bid farewell to Évora and drive your way to the last destination of your trip - the capital city of Lisbon! The drive from Évora to Lisbon will take you about 1 hour and 30 minutes via the A6 and A2 routes. On your way to Lisbon, consider stopping in Setúbal to indulge in Moscatel wine tasting and explore the beautiful Península de Tróia, in Sesimbra to marvel at the natural beauty of the Serra da Arrábida, or stop in Almada for a glimpse of the iconic Cristo Rei statue, offering breathtaking views of Lisbon.

   Suggestions for the day (after arriving in Lisbon): Visit the Chiado, Baixa, Belém, and Bairro Alto districts, and make sure to try a traditional pastel de nata and drink a local ginjinha! These are the spots not to miss in the city:

   • São Roque Church
   • São Pedro de Alcântara Garden
   • The ruins of Carmo Church
   • Santa Catarina Viewpoint
   • Luís de Camões Square
   • Augusta Street
   • Terreiro do Paço
   • Santa Justa Lift
   • São Jorge Castle
   • Belém Tower
   • Jerónimos Monastery

   Spend the night in Lisbon.

7. Day 7 Free Day for Personal Activities

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Visit Sintra: Historically known as being the illustrious home to Portugal’s most storied monarchs, the town of Sintra is not only historically relevant but aesthetically speaking, it is a true marvel of magnificence and romantic beauty. This dream destination is also known as being filled with heavenly mansions tucked among rolling green hillsides, and fantastical castles that make you feel as if you have stepped into an actual real-life fairytale. Make sure to cover these incredible places while in Sintra:
     • Pena National Palace
     • Quinta da Regaleira
     • Monserrate Palace
     • Mouros Castle
     • Local pastries (travesseiros de Sintra)
     • Ginginha (local licour)
     • Old-Town 

   Spend the night in Lisbon.

8. Day 8 Free Day for Personal Activities

   Suggestions for the day:

   • Day trip to Cascais: From soaking up the sun on stunning beaches to exploring charming historic sites, Cascais offers a delightful mix of relaxation, rich history, and outdoor adventures. This charming town boasts a beautiful coastline for sunbathing or surfing, a walkable town center filled with colorful architecture, and delicious fresh seafood restaurants. 
   • Boat trip to Berlengas Archipelago: This hidden gem offers a stunning natural paradise with dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and protected wildlife. Explore the charming main island, Berlenga Grande, hike scenic trails with breathtaking ocean views and discover historical landmarks like the imposing São João Baptista Fort. With limited daily visitors, pristine waters perfect for diving or snorkeling, and unforgettable scenery, the Berlengas Archipelago is ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers. You can schedule this unique experience in advance here.

   Spend the night in Lisbon.
9. Day 9 Car Drop-off in Lisbon & Return Flight Home

   Thank you for choosing Portugal Getaways! Drop-off your car at Lisbon'a airport and catch your flight back home. We hope you had an incredible time exploring Portugal and we can't wait to embark on more adventures with you soon.