1-WEEK INTRODUCTION TO PORTUGAL ITINERARY 2

I’ve designed this delicious 1-week Portugal itinerary to give first time travellers a glimpse of the must sees and hidden gems.

In 8 days (7 nights), you’ll see some of the country’s unique highlights and get a real taste for Portuguese food and wine.

Discover the varied landscapes, architecture and local culture through a carefully selected range of expertly guided tours.

Get a good night’s sleep in the comfort of hand-picked 4 and 5 star boutique hotels and start each day with a satisfying breakfast.

The trip is booked and managed by my trusted local partner travel agency so all you need to do is get yourself to Portugal!

 

“I just wanted to drop you a short note to tell you how much we enjoyed our trip to Portugal. The choices in towns and sites were beautiful and fascinating. The drivers and tour guides were top notch. Everything ran smoothly and according to the plan. We loved having all the details in the app and we always felt like people were expecting us… and everyone was so warm and hospitable. Thank you for all the work that goes into creating such a flawless experience. Obrigado!”

Karen I.

Tour summary

Day 1: (Saturday) LISBON

  • Morning arrival at Lisbon International Airport
  • Meet private driver outside customs and drive towards 4-star hotel in Lisbon (hotel and room upgrade available upon request)
  • Afternoon Walking Food Tour (Alfama & Baixa): Develop a knowledge of and love for Portuguese flavours as you explore heaps of delicious recipes alongside a wide range of Portuguese wines and other beverages including one of my favourite, ginjinha (sour cherry liqueur). Explore the undiscovered flavors of traditional petiscos (Portuguese tapas), and a range of baked goods and savoury dishes. You’ll get to explore the oldest neighbourhood in the city as well s the grid-like streets of the Baixa.
  • Evening at leisure

Day 2: (Sunday) LISBON

  • Meet your English-speaking local expert guide at the hotel lobby and leave towards Belém area by taxi
  • Take a panoramic tour of Belém Tower and the Discovery Monument
  • Private guided visit to the National Coach Museum or Military Museum (depending on your preferences)
  • Lunch on your own at a local restaurant
  • Afternoon at leisure in Belém 
  • Sunset boat trip with wine tasting (seasonal). This 2-hour group cruise with a drink on board includes guided explanations regarding all the sights during the “magic” hour of sunset, when Lisbon is unforgettable!    
  • Return to hotel on your own

Day 3: (Monday) LISBON – SINTRA – CASCAIS – LISBON

  • Meet your private English-speaking driver at the lobby and leave towards Sintra
  • Arrive and walking guided visit to Sintra historical centre, classified as world heritage by Unesco. Visit the amazing Quinta da Regaleira Palace and Gardens.
  • Lunch at local restaurant in Sintra (not included)
  • Leave towards Colares after lunch
  • Arrive and visit with wine tasting at a local winery
  • Return to Lisbon following the beautiful Cascais – Estoril coastline via Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in mainland Europe.

Day 4: (Tuesday) LISBON – COIMBRA

  • Meet your private English-speaking driver/guide at the lobby and leave towards Coimbra
  • En-route stop at Alcobaça and visit the amazing Alcobaça Monastery where the elaborately carved tombs of Pedro and Inês lie
  • Continue towards Coimbra
  • Check in at a 5-star hotel in Coimbra in a former palace where Pedro and Inês conducted their affair 
  • Learn the full, tragic story of Portugal’s real life Romeo and Juliet on a private guided tour of the sites relevant to their story.

Day 5: (Wednesday) COIMBRA

  • Go back 2000 years and learn how the Romans lived in this area on a private guided Roman Legacy tour. Visit the (now underground) cryptoporticus, the astonishingly well-preserved open air mosaics at Conimbriga and take a guided tour of the relevant museums to help you make the most of your visit.
  • Learn what makes Coimbra Fado music unique during a late afternoon performance.

Day 6: (Thursday) COIMBRA – BUSSACO – AVEIRO – PORTO

  • Meet your private driver at the hotel lobby and leave towards Bussaco national forest, palace and convent
  • Arrive and enjoy a shaded walk in Bussaco and visit the stone-studded Carmelite convent
  • Leave towards Aveiro, city of canals and Art Nouveau
  • Lunch on your own at a local restaurant (not included) in Costa Nova, the fishing village of houses painted in colourful stripes with ocean beach on one side and the lagoon on the other.
  • Short panoramic tour of Aveiro
  • Drive towards Porto
  • Arrive and check in at 4-star hotel located in Porto city center (upgrade possible)
  • Evening at leisure

Day 7: (Friday) PORTO

  • Meet your expert local guide at the hotel lobby and set off for Porto’s historical centre, classified as World Heritage by UNESCO (taxi included)
  • Enjoy a half-day private walking guided tour with visit to Lello Bookstore, Stock Exchange Palace and St. Francis Church
  • Walk to the other side of the river crossing the D. Luis I Bridge
  • Private visit with wine tasting at local port wine cellar to learn about the Douro’s famous fortified wine
  • Lunch on your own at a local restaurant (not included)
  • Afternoon at leisure to shop for quality souvenirs, visit art galleries or museums or simply soak up the atmosphere of the Ribeira district.
  • Evening at leisure

Day 8: (Saturday) PORTO Leave

  • Take a taxi to Porto International Airport
  • Fly home from Porto

Note: If your travel dates don’t match a Saturday to Saturday itinerary, we can work around that, although opening hours may affect the itinerary in some way.


“This was our first trip to Portugal. And after 4 weeks of traveling through Europe, we made our way to Portugal. The accommodations were exceptional. The drivers & guides were so great. They all had a passion for what they do and it made our days very special. You might think the cost of these services is high, but you will not be disappointed. They will make you feel like royalty.”

Linda Mathias

Tour summary

What’s included in the price

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“Julie, along with Catavino Tours provided the absolute best vacation in Portugal. Every aspect was flawless, from the designing of tours for each city we visited, to the knowledgeable and friendly guides we met, to the excellent and perfectly located accommodations. Thank you for making this a perfect vacation getaway to a beautiful country!”

Don Grillot

Price:

From €3,900 per person based on 2 people sharing a double room as per the itinerary

What’s Included

  • 3 Nights at 4-star hotel in Lisbon in Double Standard Room with breakfast included
  • 2 Nights at 5-star hotel in Coimbra in Double Standard Room with breakfast included
  • 2 Nights at 4-star hotel in Porto in Double Standard Room with breakfast included
  • Private arrival and depart transfer by Deluxe Mercedes Sedan with English-speaking driver
  • Full day (8 hours) Deluxe Mercedes Sedan with English-speaking driver at disposal as per itinerary in Sintra and from Coimbra to Porto
  • Full day (8 hours) private driver/guide at disposal as per itinerary from Lisbon – Alcobaça – Coimbra and Conimbriga
  • Private walking Lisbon Food Tour – tastings included
  • 2 Half day (4 hours) with expert local guide service at your disposal as per itinerary in Lisbon and Porto
  • Entrance fees at National Coach Museum, Quinta da Regaleira, Alcobaça Monastery, Conimbriga Ruins, Stock Exchange Palace, St. Francisco Church and Lello Bookstore
  • Winery visit with wine tasting in Colares
  • Port wine lodge visit with wine tasting in Porto
  • Sunset group cruise in Lisbon
  • Welcome information pack, restaurant recommendations, 24 hour contact number
  • Local travel agent coordination and support

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Personal expenses

Make an enquiry

Please complete this form so that my partner travel agency can calculate the price for your specific dates and options. 

8-Day Introduction To Portugal Itinerary

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You can extend this 1-week Portugal itinerary with one of my 3 or 4 day extensions- see all my fully managed itineraries on this page. – or add an extra night in Porto so that you can take a day trip into the Douro Valley.

If you need to customise the itinerary, use my itinerary design service to create your perfect trip to Portugal.

“Steve and I truly enjoyed our 10 day glimpse of Portugal. Your company booked us in some great hotels strategically located in the cities of Lisbon, Coimbra and Porto with side trips to neighboring areas. Our drivers Rui and Diogo were extremely personable and knowledgeable about the locales and their food recommendations were spot on.  We also enjoyed getting to know our tour guides: Mika (Sintra), Leanore (Lisbon), Claudia (Porto) and Sandra with D’Ouro Exclusive. We would like to thank you for arranging this trip and making our adventure effortless! We look forward to returning to Portugal in the near future and will certainly be booking with your company!”

Susan & Steve J.

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Pena Palace. 1-Week Introduction To Portugal Itinerary By Julie Dawn Fox
1-Week Introduction To Portugal Itinerary By Julie Dawn Fox