Sample one-week portugal basic Itinerary
This is a sample basic itinerary for a client looking for a trip filled with good food and 1-2 days at the beach in sunny August. Note that the basic itinerary does not include food recommendations, but I will include them in your itinerary if I have personal suggestions.
Lisbon (2-3 days)
Things to do:
- Visit the Castelo de Sao Jorge and explore the castle's battlements, hidden paths, views of Lisbon, and more. Price: 10 euro
- Take a half or full day trip to Belem (45 min by train) – famous for being home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites - Tower of Belem and Jeronimos Monastery. Note: You can also visit the Pasteis de Belem, known as the birthplace of Pastel de Nata
- Visit Sintra (45 min by train) and explore the beautiful castles and palaces there. Option to hike to the castle or visit by Tuk Tuk.
- Go up the Arco da Rua Augusta for only 3 euros. To reach the lift, walk towards the arch from Rua Augusta and go into the last store on your left, before you reach the arch. Go into the store and you'll be able to take the elevator up.
Activities:
- Free tour Lisbon: Essential history, fun facts, and free tastings (tours of my life) - includes Pastel de Nata, 'illegal' Ginjinha from a grandmother, free access up the Santa Justa Lift with guide Jorge (Hope will message contact info privately)
- Take a traditional cooking class where you'll make a full three-course meal while sipping on Portugal's famous wines
Porto (1-2 days)
Things to do:
- Climb the Clerigos Church (200 steps!) for a great view of Porto
- Visit the Livraria Lello (bookstore built in an Art Nouveau style), located right by the Clerigos Church
- Stroll along the Douro and walk across the Dom Luis I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia. There, you can stop by one of many port wine cellars to learn how port wine is aged and enjoy a port wine tasting
Activities:
- Experience a traditional Fado concert in the evening (Ideal Clube de Fado) and sample a free glass of port wine
- Go on a food tour to learn more about Portuguese cuisine - Option 1 or Option 2
- If you still haven't had enough port wine, go on a Douro Valley wine tour
Beach (1-2 days)
Beach options from Lisbon:
- Zambujeira do Mar (~3h drive - rent a car & stay a night): This little fishing village has no shortage of beautiful beaches, traditional food from Alentejo, and small local shops for you to browse. You can also join the locals from Aug 2-6 for the Festival do Sudoeste, one of Portugal's most popular summer music festivals.
- Comporta (1.5h drive): This beach town is more high-end and may be crowded because of its proximity to Lisbon and infrastructure/amenities. Here, you can opt for one of the three main beaches - Praia do Pego, Praia da Comporta, or Praia do Carvalhal - and even experience riding a horse through the beach and rice paddies.