Itinerary
- Day 1
Lisbon
You'll arrive in Lisbon and take the metro or streetcar to your hotel to check in. From there, head down to the waterfront at Praça do Comércio and take some photos at the Arco da Rua Augusta. Later on, make your way to Bairro Alto where you'll find street art covering the walls, rooftop bars with city views, and plenty of evening activity to explore.
Optional Activities
- Metro, streetcar or local transport to accommodation (payable locally)
- Explore Praça do Comércio and Arco da Rua Augusta
- Visit Bairro Alto for street art and evening bars
Landmarks/POIs Praça do Comércio Arco da Rua Augusta Bairro Alto - Day 2
Lisbon
Ride the iconic yellow Tram 28 through Lisbon's old town and see the winding streets from the car. Head west afterward to the Palácio Nacional in the Ajuda district to walk through the opulent royal interiors. Then travel to Belém where you'll check out the Mosteiro dos Jerônimos and Torre de Belém. Grab the famous Pastéis de Belém pastries before heading to the waterfront for a sunset snack by the water.
Optional Activities
- Tram 28 journey through old town
- Visit Palácio Nacional in Ajuda district
- Pastéis de Belém pastries
- Mosteiro dos Jerônimos visit
- Torre de Belém visit
Landmarks/POIs Palácio Nacional da Ajuda Mosteiro dos Jerônimos Torre de Belém - Day 3
Lisbon to Sintra
Start with breakfast, then head to Rossio station to catch a train to Sintra (get your ticket there). Walk through the Palácio Nacional de Sintra to see its distinctive twin chimneys up close. After that, hike up to the Palácio da Pena which sits on top of the green hills with sweeping views of the landscape below and colorful architecture you won't find elsewhere.
Optional Activities
- Breakfast at Fauna & Flora or similar
- Train journey from Lisbon to Sintra
- Visit Palácio Nacional de Sintra
- Hike to Palácio da Pena
Landmarks/POIs Rossio Station Palácio Nacional de Sintra Palácio da Pena - Day 4
Lisbon to Sal, Cape Verde
Board your flight to Sal in Cape Verde and watch the golden sandy island surrounded by turquoise ocean from above as you descend. A driver meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel. After checking in, change into your swimsuit and head straight to the beach to jump into the clear turquoise waters.
Included Activities
- Flight from Lisbon to Sal
Optional Activities
- Airport transfer to hotel
Landmarks/POIs Sal Island - Day 5
Sal
Spend the day at the beach however you want. Relax on the sand with a cool cocktail in hand, or try water sports like kitesurfing, windsurfing, snorkeling, or diving if you're feeling active (these cost extra and you pay locally). Alternatively, head to Ponta Preta Beach and just unwind with the local 'no stress' attitude.
Optional Activities
- Beach day at Santa Maria
- Water sports: kitesurfing, windsurfing, snorkeling, diving (payable locally)
- Relax at Ponta Preta Beach
Landmarks/POIs Santa Maria Beach Ponta Preta Beach - Day 6
Sal
Get yourself to the Buracona rock formation to explore the volcanic basalt pools and swim into caves with shimmering water inside. The main highlight is the Blue Eye, a natural opening where sunlight creates a glowing effect on the water below. On the way back, stop by the fishing village of Palmeira to experience local life with its bars, cafés and markets, then explore the nearby town of Espargos.
Optional Activities
- Self-guided visit to Buracona rock formation
- Swimming in volcanic basalt pools and caves
- View Blue Eye natural light phenomenon
- Visit Palmeira fishing village
- Explore Espargos town
Landmarks/POIs Buracona Palmeira Espargos - Day 7
Sal
Head to the Pedra de Lume salt mine where you can swim and float in the natural salt lake (you access it by tunnel and pay on site). The water is so salty you'll float effortlessly. Later, go to Shark Bay to watch small lemon sharks glide through the lagoon while your feet stay in the cool water. End the day with a walk through Pedra de Lume village and grab some local ice cream.
Optional Activities
- Cab or tour to Pedra de Lume (payable locally)
- Tunnel walk to salt lake
- Float in Pedra de Lume salt crater
- Visit Shark Bay to see lemon sharks
- Walk through Pedra de Lume village
Landmarks/POIs Pedra de Lume Shark Bay - Day 8
Sal
Go to the coastal village of Santa Maria where Portuguese and African cultures mix together. Wander through the alleyways and try street food at the local markets, then have a ponche (Cape Verde's national cocktail) with locals or other travelers. Walk out to the pier extending into the sea for ocean views, then watch the sunset before deciding whether to spend the evening with locals or head back to your hotel.
Optional Activities
- Self-guided visit to Santa Maria village
- Explore local market and street food
- Taste ponche (Cape Verdean national cocktail)
- Walk to the pier
- Watch sunset
Landmarks/POIs Santa Maria - Day 9
Sal
Spend your final day on Sal relaxing on the golden sand with the sound of waves around you. Bring sun protection and something cold to drink. If you want to stay active, join surfers in the water for water sports (optional and you pay on site), or simply soak up more of the island's sunshine before you leave.
Optional Activities
- Beach relaxation day
- Surfing or other water sports (payable on site)
