1 week portugal itinerary
From Alfama's alleys to Belem's historic sites
- Jerónimos Monastery (9:00-11:00)
- Details: Begin your journey at the iconic Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning Manueline architecture. This 16th-century monastery whispers tales of Portugal's Age of Discovery.
- Rating: 4.9/5
- Visit Duration: 2 hours
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Followed by a leisurely walk along the Tagus River.
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Belém Tower (12:00-13:30)
- Details: Continue to the Belém Tower, another symbol of Portugal's maritime glory, where you can climb up for panoramic views of the river.
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Must-Eat: Don't miss out on trying Pasteis de Belém, the original custard tart from the nearby bakery.
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Alfama (15:00-18:00)
- Details: Explore Alfama, Lisbon's oldest neighborhood, wandering through narrow streets lined with traditional houses and Fado music filling the air.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in one of Alfama's cozy restaurants, savoring seafood delicacies.
A daytrip into fairy tale landscapes
- Pena Palace (10:00-13:00)
- Details: Venture to Sintra, a town famous for its whimsical castles. Start with Pena Palace, a colorful palace perched atop a hill, showcasing an eclectic mix of architectural styles.
- Rating: 4.8/5
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Visit Duration: 3 hours
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Sintra Town (14:00-16:00)
- Details: Stroll through Sintra's charming streets, stopping at local cafes and shops.
- Must-Eat: Try the queijadas de Sintra, a local sweet pastry.
Relaxation and scenic coastal walks
- Cascais Beaches (10:00-13:00)
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Details: Head west to Cascais, known for its pristine beaches and laid-back atmosphere. Spend the morning soaking up the sun or strolling along the shore.
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Boca do Inferno (14:00-15:30)
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Details: Visit Boca do Inferno, a dramatic cliff formation with crashing waves, perfect for photo opportunities.
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Estoril Casino (16:00-18:00)
- Details: Later, explore the glamorous town of Estoril, home to Europe's largest casino and beautiful gardens.
Discover the birthplace of Port wine and Douro River's charm
- Port Wine Cellars (Day 4, 10:00-12:00)
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Details: Cross to Porto, and delve into the world of Port wine with a tour and tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia's cellars.
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Ribeira District (Day 4, 14:00-18:00)
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Details: Meander through Porto's historic Ribeira district, filled with colorful buildings and lively bars.
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Douro River Cruise (Day 5, 10:00-13:00)
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Details: Take a scenic river cruise on the Douro, admiring terraced vineyards and picturesque villages.
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Lello Bookstore (Day 5, 15:00-17:00)
- Details: Visit Livraria Lello, an exquisitely ornate bookshop said to have inspired parts of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series.
Bask in the beauty of southern Portugal
- Praia da Rocha (10:00-13:00)
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Details: Travel south to the Algarve and relax on Praia da Rocha, known for its golden sands and dramatic cliffs.
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Benagil Cave Tour (14:00-17:00)
- Details: Take a boat tour to explore the enchanting Benagil Cave, with its naturally formed dome ceiling.
Uncover the UNESCO-listed city before departure
- Roman Temple of Évora (10:00-12:00)
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Details: Visit Évora, a well-preserved medieval town. Begin at the Roman Temple, a relic from the 1st century AD.
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** Chapel of Bones** (12:30-13:30)
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Details: Experience the eerie yet fascinating Chapel of Bones, a chapel adorned with human skeletons.
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Évora Old Town Exploration (14:00-18:00)
- Details: Wind down your trip by wandering through Évora's old town, exploring its winding streets and sampling local cuisine before heading back to Lisbon for departure.