Itinerary
- Day 1
Faro to Évora
Start by collecting your rental car at Faro airport and drive to Évora. Once you arrive at this UNESCO World Heritage city, you'll find yourself surrounded by 14th-century walls that make the whole place feel like an open-air museum. Walk through the preserved monasteries, check out the historic churches, wander the winding alleyways, and see the Roman temple. The area has a strong food and wine reputation, so you might want to sample some local specialties this evening.
Included Activities
- Rental car collection at Faro airport
Optional Activities
- Explore historic city walls and archways
- Visit preserved monasteries and old churches
- See the Roman temple
- Walk through winding alleyways and historic squares
- Sample local Alentejo cuisine and red wines
Landmarks Évora - Day 2
Évora
You have the whole day free in Évora to explore at your own pace. Spend time getting lost in the narrow streets, ducking into churches and monasteries whenever something catches your eye, or just sitting in a local café. This is a good time to try regional wines and traditional dishes without any scheduled activities.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore historic city walls from the 14th century
- Visit preserved monasteries and old churches
- Discover the Roman temple
- Wander through winding alleyways and historic squares
- Sample local Alentejo cuisine and red wines
Landmarks Évora - Day 3
Évora to Coimbra
Drive about 260 km north to Coimbra, a historic university city and former capital. Along the way, consider stopping in Fatima if you're interested in the Catholic pilgrimage site, or swing through Tomar to see the impressive monastery castle. When you reach Coimbra, you'll see the university and Sé Velha cathedral sitting on the hilltop overlooking the Rio Mondego. The baroque library here is particularly worth seeing before you settle in for the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Stop in Fatima, an important Catholic pilgrimage site
- Visit Tomar and the Castelo dos Templários e Convento de Cristo monastery castle
- Explore the university and Sé Velha cathedral
- Visit the baroque library at the university
- Explore the shopping area in the Baixa district
- Visit beautiful parks and interesting church buildings
Landmarks Fatima Castelo dos Templários e Convento de Cristo Coimbra Sé Velha 
- Day 4
Coimbra
Spend your day in Coimbra exploring the university city and its historic sites at whatever pace you prefer. Walk around the old town, check out the university buildings, wander through the cathedral area, and explore the baroque library if you didn't get to it yesterday. There's enough here to keep you occupied without feeling rushed.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore the university and its baroque library
- Visit the Sé Velha cathedral
- Wander through the historic old town on the hill
- Shop in the Baixa district
- Explore parks and church buildings
Landmarks Coimbra Sé Velha 
- Day 5
Coimbra to Porto
Head to Porto today, making stops in Aveiro and Costa Nova along the way. In Aveiro, known as the 'Venice of Portugal,' you'll see colorful fishing boats called Moliceiros in the canals. Stop in Costa Nova, a coastal village famous for its striped wooden houses in bright colors. When you reach Porto later in the afternoon, you'll see why it's called the lively northern metropolis. The historic old town is UNESCO-listed, and the cityscape from various viewpoints across the city is really something.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Aveiro and see the colorful Moliceiros fishing boats
- Explore Costa Nova and its distinctive striped wooden houses
- Sample port wine in Porto
Landmarks Aveiro Costa Nova Porto - Day 6
Porto
Spend the day exploring Porto's main attractions. Walk along Avenida dos Aliados to see the town hall and tower. Pop into S. Bento train station to see the tiled azulejos porch. Head to the university district to see the grand city palaces, then climb the 75-meter baroque Torre dos Clérigos. You'll want to visit the cathedral and Bishop's Palace too. Later, head down to the Ribeira district and take a boat trip on the Douro to see the famous Ponte Dom Luis I bridge. Before you finish, check out the Bolsa stock exchange with its richly decorated interior and have some port wine.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Walk along Avenida dos Aliados
- Visit S. Bento train station with its azulejo porch
- Explore the university district and city palaces
- Climb Torre dos Clérigos (75 meters high)
- Visit the Sé cathedral and Bishop's Palace
- Explore the Ribeira district
- Take a boat trip on the Douro River to see Ponte Dom Luis I
- Visit the Bolsa stock exchange
- Sample port wine or enjoy a meal at local restaurants
Landmarks Avenida dos Aliados S. Bento Train Station Torre dos Clérigos Sé Ponte Dom Luis I Bolsa Ribeira - Day 7
Porto to Braga
Drive to Braga, Portugal's third largest city and a major religious center since the 12th century. There's a Portuguese saying that people work in Porto, study in Coimbra, live in Lisbon, and pray in Braga. Head south about 5 km to Bom Jesus, a pilgrimage mountain with beautiful old trees and parks. You can climb the 500 zigzagging steps decorated with wall fountains, or there's an alternative route if you prefer. The baroque Igreja Bom Jesus sits at the top and offers nice views over the area.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Bom Jesus pilgrimage mountain
- Walk through the park with old trees
- Climb the 500 steps of the Way of the Cross to Igreja Bom Jesus
- See the baroque church and wall fountains
- Explore Braga's religious sites and city center
Landmarks Bom Jesus Igreja Bom Jesus Braga - Day 8
Braga
You have a free day in Braga to explore Portugal's religious center more thoroughly. Walk around the old town, visit additional churches and religious sites, explore the city center, or spend more time at Bom Jesus if you enjoyed it yesterday. The religious atmosphere throughout the city is distinctive, so take time to just wander and soak it in.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Bom Jesus pilgrimage mountain
- Explore parks and walking trails with old trees
- Climb the Way of the Cross
- Discover Braga's religious sites and city attractions
Landmarks Bom Jesus Braga - Day 9
Braga to Óbidos
Drive to Óbidos, a charming hilltop village surrounded by a historic castle wall. You'll notice the whitewashed houses decorated with blue and yellow flowers right away. Walk through the winding alleyways and under archways. From the panoramic walls, you can see vineyards and windmills in the surrounding area. This is one of Portugal's most atmospheric towns, so allow time to just explore without a specific agenda.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore the castle walls and enjoy panoramic views
- Wander through winding alleyways and historic archways
- See whitewashed houses with blue and yellow flower decorations
- Enjoy views of surrounding vineyards and windmills
Landmarks Óbidos Castelo - Day 10
Sintra
After a one-hour drive from your previous location, you'll arrive in Sintra to explore the former summer retreat of Portugal's royal family. Start with Palácio Nacional da Pena, which sits high on a hilltop and offers views across the region. From there, head to Palácio Nacional de Sintra, the royal residence in the town center, then make your way to Castelo dos Mouros, the Moorish fortress with its distinctive walls perched above the landscape. If you have time before evening, you can also check out some of the other palaces scattered throughout town that were built for Lisbon's aristocracy. You'll stay overnight in Sintra, so grab dinner somewhere in town and settle in for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Palácio Nacional da Pena
- Visit Palácio Nacional de Sintra
- Visit Castelo dos Mouros
- Explore aristocratic palaces in Sintra
Landmarks Palácio Nacional da Pena Palácio Nacional de Sintra Castelo dos Mouros 
- Day 11
Óbidos to Lisbon
Head to Lisbon, one of Europe's most beautiful capitals. The city sits on several hills overlooking the Rio Tejo estuary, which makes it easier to navigate than you might expect and gives you great views throughout your stay. Portuguese poet António Nobre wrote, 'If you haven't seen Lisbon, you haven't seen anything beautiful,' which sets the tone for what you're about to experience.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Lisbon's historic sites and attractions
- Enjoy views over the Rio Tejo estuary
- Discover the city's neighborhoods and landmarks
Landmarks Lisbon Rio Tejo 
- Days 12 - 13
Lisbon
You have two full days to discover Lisbon's cultural and food scene. The right bank of the Tagus has over 2,000 years of history to explore, so you can spend your time visiting museums, walking through historic neighborhoods, trying local restaurants, or just experiencing the city's vibe. Break it up however you like, and make sure to sample both traditional and contemporary Portuguese food.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore cultural attractions and museums
- Discover Lisbon's gastronomic offerings
- Visit historic sites along the Tagus
Landmarks Lisbon Rio Tejo - Day 14
Lisbon to Lagos
Drive to Lagos in the western Algarve, one of the oldest towns in the region with impressive fortifications. The town center is nice, with a beautiful marina. Once you settle in, you have options for the rest of your time here. Miles of beach with dunes are available if you want to relax, or you can explore the small rocky coves with clear water perfect for swimming and diving.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore the town's historic fortifications
- Walk through the town center and visit the marina
- Enjoy the beaches with dunes or rocky coves
- Swimming and diving in crystal-clear waters
Landmarks Lagos Luz - Day 15
Lagos to Faro
Either arrange your individual departure or extend your trip if you'd like to stay longer. Make your way back to Faro airport to return the rental car, then head to the airport for your flight home.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Return rental car at Faro airport
Landmarks Faro Airport
