Itinerary
- Day 1
Porto
You'll arrive at Porto São Bento Station and get right into exploring the city's charming historic center. From there, wander through the Ribeira district, which is listed as a UNESCO site and features colorful buildings right along the riverside with narrow winding streets. The whole area gives you great views of the Dom Luís I Bridge stretching across the Douro River.
Optional Activities
- Explore Porto's historic center
- View Dom Luís I Bridge
- Wander Ribeira district (UNESCO World Heritage site)
Landmarks Dom Luís I Bridge Ribeira District Porto São Bento Station 
- Day 2
Porto
This morning you'll head to one of Porto's port wine cellars, either Graham's or Sandeman, where you can do a tasting and tour through the cellar itself. After that, you'll cross the Dom Luís I Bridge over to Vila Nova de Gaia to take in the panoramic views of Porto's skyline from that vantage point. By evening, grab dinner at a riverside restaurant in the Ribeira district and try some traditional Portuguese specialties.
Optional Activities
- Port wine tasting and cellar tour (Graham's or Sandeman)
- Cross Dom Luís I Bridge on foot to Vila Nova de Gaia
- Dine at riverside restaurant with Portuguese cuisine
Landmarks Dom Luís I Bridge Vila Nova de Gaia Ribeira District - Day 3
Porto to Lisbon
You'll board a scenic train at São Bento Station heading toward Lisbon, and during the journey you'll see the Portuguese countryside roll by outside your window. Once you arrive in Lisbon, Portugal's capital, you're entering a city with historic neighborhoods, viewpoints throughout the area, and a mix of contemporary culture mixed in with older traditions.
Optional Activities
- Scenic train journey through Portuguese countryside
Landmarks Porto São Bento Station 
- Day 4
Lisbon
Start the day by walking through Alfama, where the streets wind around in narrow paths between colorful buildings, and you'll likely hear Fado music playing from various spots. Next, climb up to São Jorge Castle where you can see out over Lisbon and explore the medieval fortress and its gardens. Later, take time to visit the Lisbon Cathedral, a Romanesque structure that's been around since the 12th century.
Optional Activities
- Explore Alfama district with Fado music
- Climb São Jorge Castle and visit gardens
- Visit Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)
Landmarks Alfama District São Jorge Castle Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa) 
- Day 5
Lisbon
You can either take a tram or walk to the Belém district where you'll find the Jerónimos Monastery, an important example of Manueline architecture. The Belém Tower is right nearby and represents Portugal's Age of Discovery. Don't miss stopping by the Pastéis de Belém bakery to try their famous pastéis de nata, which come fresh from the oven.
Optional Activities
- Visit Jerónimos Monastery
- Visit Belém Tower
- Sample pastéis de nata at Pastéis de Belém bakery
Landmarks Jerónimos Monastery Belém Tower Belém District - Day 6
Lisbon to Faro
From Lisbon's Santa Apolónia Station, you'll take a train heading south to Faro, and the route gives you views of the Portuguese coastline as you get closer to the Algarve region. When you arrive in Faro, check in at your hotel and then explore the Old Town, also called Cidade Velha, which has historic streets and older architecture worth seeing.
Optional Activities
- Stroll through Faro Old Town (Cidade Velha)
Landmarks Santa Apolónia Station Faro Old Town (Cidade Velha) - Day 7
Faro
Head out to Ria Formosa Natural Park, a coastal lagoon that's good for watching birds and offers a quiet atmosphere. You can relax on beaches like Praia de Faro or Ilha Deserta, or take a boat trip if you'd rather explore the lagoon at your own pace.
Optional Activities
- Explore Ria Formosa Natural Park
- Relax on Praia de Faro or Ilha Deserta beach
- Take a boat trip through the lagoon
Landmarks Ria Formosa Natural Park Praia de Faro Ilha Deserta - Day 8
Faro
You'll prepare to leave Faro and continue onward from here, taking with you memories of the rail journey through different parts of Portugal and all the different landscapes and culture you've experienced throughout the trip.
