7-Day Portugal Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Portugal itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaPortugal travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Days in Portugal, incl. Lisbon and Porto

  The itinerary connects 4 cities: Lisbon, Batalha, Coimbra, and Porto. UNESCO sites include Jerónimos Monastery, Batalha Monastery, and Coimbra University. Package offers 6 breakfasts, traditional Fado dinner, port wine tasting, and central hotels throughout.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Lisbon

    Visit the historic Belém district before 10 AM to avoid tour groups at Jerónimos Monastery. The district is closed on Mondays. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Fado dinner show in the charming Alfama neighborhood. Take a morning walking tour of downtown Baixa and ride the historic Tram 28 for great city views. You can also take a day trip to Sintra's palaces. Take the 40-minute train from Rossio Station before 9 AM to stay ahead of the crowds.

    
  • Day 3

    Lisbon to Coimbra via Batalha

    Leave Lisbon and stop at Batalha to see the ornate Gothic monastery that commemorates Portugal's victory at Aljubarrota. Then continue to medieval Coimbra on the hillside. A recent visitor shared: "Hotel Astoria in Coimbra, while dated, offers a beautiful slice of history with its central location and river views."

    
  • Day 4

    Coimbra

    Start your day at Portugal's oldest university. Visit the UNESCO-listed University of Coimbra at 9 AM opening to see the beautiful Joanina Library without crowds. The steep cobblestone streets can be tough in summer heat, so plan indoor activities like the Science Museum for afternoon. You can also take day trips to coastal Aveiro or the pilgrimage site of Fátima.

    
  • Days 5-7

    Porto

    Take the morning train (90 minutes) to Porto. Start by walking through the UNESCO-listed Ribeira district. Visit São Francisco Church early to beat the crowds. One traveler noted: "Don't miss the sunset from the Dom Luis I Bridge—the light on Porto's terracotta roofs is magical." On your final full day, visit the historic port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. A morning Douro River cruise offers beautiful vineyard views.

    

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• 7 Day São Miguel Itinerary, incl. Ponta Delgada and Furnas

  São Miguel's natural wonders await at Sete Cidades lakes, Furnas Valley, and Nordeste region. Three full-day tours cover major highlights including Gorreana tea plantation and thermal pools. Accommodations at Ponta Delgada's 4-star hotel with daily breakfast and airport transfers included.

  

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  • Day 1

    Arriving in Ponta Delgada

    A private transfer from São Miguel Airport takes you to your 4-star hotel in central Ponta Delgada. Spend the afternoon walking through the historic center. "The hotel was really well located, very close to everything and great for our night walks." Remember that many cafes close early so plan for dinner before 9 PM.

    
  • Day 2

    Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo

    Visit the traditional pineapple plantations before heading to the twin lakes of Sete Cidades. You'll get the best photos of the blue and green lakes from Vista do Rei viewpoint. Stop for lunch at a regional restaurant then visit Caldeira Velha's thermal pools. Pack water shoes since the rocks get slippery. Watch the sunset at Lagoa do Fogo. "The Sete Cidades day and the tea plantation/hotsprings day were highlights of our trip."

    
  • Day 3

    Furnas Valley Experience

    Start in Vila Franca do Campo to try their famous "Queijadas" pastries. Watch the unique preparation of "Cozido das Furnas" stew cooked by volcanic heat in Furnas. Visit Terra Nostra Garden's thermal pool. "Bring your swimsuit! The thermal bath is a must-do experience." Yes, there's a strong sulfur smell but you'll get used to it. End your day at Gorreana, Europe's oldest tea plantation.

    
  • Day 4

    Whale Watching

    Take a 3-hour morning whale watching trip where you might see some of the 28 cetacean species in Azorean waters. One visitor suggests: "Take motion sickness medication before the trip as multiple guests got seasick. Opt for larger boats if possible for better viewing." You'll have the afternoon free to explore Ponta Delgada's maritime history.

    
  • Day 5

    Free Day Exploration

    Take time to experience local life. Browse the local market or stroll along the marina. A solo traveler recommends: "The city is very walkable - use this day to try local restaurants and peek into churches." Ask locals where to find the best fresh catch of the day.

    
  • Day 6

    Nordeste Region

    Start early to see the island's eastern side. Visit Ribeira dos Caldeirões waterfall and take in views from Ponta do Sossego and Ponta da Madrugada. Travelers note this involves "quite a bit of driving time" so bring snacks and entertainment. Stop for lunch in Povoação, the island's first settlement.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure

    Your private transfer to the airport follows breakfast. "The transfers were perfectly timed - no stress about missing flights." If you have a late flight, the hotel can store your luggage while you explore.

    

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• 7 Day São Miguel Island Itinerary, incl. Ponta Delgada and Furnas

  The route covers 6 key destinations: Ponta Delgada, Sete Cidades, Furnas, Vila Franca do Campo, Faial da Terra, and Nordeste. Activities include whale watching, hiking volcanic trails, and kayaking crater lakes. Total costs around $1,000 for 3-star accommodation, guides, and daily breakfast.

  

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  • Day 1

    Arrival in Ponta Delgada

    After landing at João Paulo II Airport make your way to your 3-star hotel in central Ponta Delgada. Hotel check-in starts at 3 PM but you can leave your luggage earlier. Spend the afternoon walking through the historic center where you'll find the Portas da Cidade (City Gates) and local market about 10 minutes from most hotels.

    
  • Day 2

    Whale Watching & Lagoa do Fogo

    Get an early start with whale watching from Ponta Delgada harbor. One traveler shared: "The whale watching was incredible—we saw sperm whales and three different species of dolphins!" Pack layers since it gets cold on the water. After lunch drive to see Lagoa do Fogo's crater lake views. Finish your day at Caldeira Velha's thermal pools. Bring water shoes for the slippery rocks and dark swimwear since the iron-rich water can stain light colors.

    
  • Day 3

    Sete Cidades Hiking

    Take on the Serra Devassa trail. This challenging 5-hour hike shows you hidden lakes and aqueducts. Start early to beat the heat and wear proper hiking boots for the loose volcanic terrain. You'll get the best crater views at Grota do Inferno viewpoint. Pack at least 2 liters of water since refill spots are limited.

    
  • Day 4

    Sete Cidades Adventure Day

    Split your day between jeep rides kayaking and cycling around the twin lakes. Start with a morning jeep tour of the viewpoints before hitting the water. The kayaking works well for beginners but cyclists should be ready for some hills. Bring extra clothes and be prepared for mud if it's been raining.

    
  • Day 5

    Furnas Valley Experience

    Explore Furnas and its geothermal features. Visit the caldeiras (steam vents) early when they're most active. Stop for the local cozido a stew cooked underground by volcanic heat. Spend your afternoon at Terra Nostra Garden and take a dip in the thermal pool. A recent visitor noted: "The botanical gardens were magnificent but bring old swimwear for the thermal pool—the water will permanently stain light colors!"

    
  • Day 6

    Nordeste & Faial da Terra

    Begin with the Salto do Prego waterfall hike which takes about 2.5 hours round trip. Wear good shoes as the trail gets muddy. Visit Sanguinho village then drive to see Nordeste's coastal views. End your day at Caldeirões Park's waterfalls. This area gets more rain than others so pack a light raincoat.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure

    Check out by 11 AM. For later flights hotels usually store luggage while you take one last walk through Ponta Delgada. The airport is about 15 minutes away but plan extra time during cruise ship days when traffic gets heavy.

    

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