DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Day one Arrive in Lisbon
Fly from Heathrow to Lisbon , the vibrant capital city of Portugal . It ’ s a short taxi ride of about 25 minutes from the airport to the city centre and your base for the next three nights , conveniently located in Praça do Comércio , near to the River Tagus .
Days two and three In Lisbon
Lisbon is an attractive and vibrant city and you have two whole days to become acquainted . Firstly , visit the Alfama district , Lisbon ’ s Moorish quarter , home to narrow alleys and cobbled streets . Here you can find Castelo de São Jorge , reached by a steep climb . The castle dates back to the 5th century and is worth visiting to take in the views of the city and the river . Explore Belém and be sure to sample a famous Pastel de Nata ( traditional Portuguese egg tart ) from the café where they were first created ; Pastéis de Bélem . Visit the Torre de Belém , a five-storey tower with Moorish features and good views of the area . You will also see the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Manueline masterpiece . Whilst in Lisbon , you may want to experience Fado music , a traditional form of music which originated in the Alfama district in 1825 . Casa do Fado e da Guitarra Portuguese is a small museum showcasing the history of Fado . For those who are a fan of the coast , take a train to Cascais , a fishing village and beach resort . Finally , we recommend visiting Sintra , situated 28 kms northwest of Lisbon . Sintra has exquisite architecture and the neo-gothic Pena Palace is well worth a visit .
Day four Lisbon to Porto
Today you travel by rail north to Porto with a journey time of under three hours . Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal and known for its production of port wine and picturesque location on the banks of the River Douro .
Days five and six In Porto
Porto is a unique and impressive city , at the mouth of River Duoro , offering golden beaches and an important port . The city is best explored on foot . Begin in the ancient Ribeira district , a labyrinth of cobbled streets and medieval buildings . Lavish churches and monuments are visible on every corner , alongside striking modern architecture , Baroque and Romanesque masterpieces , and quaint independent cafes and bars that have a loyal local following . Places to visit include the Church of São Francisco , situated in the city ’ s Old Town , which is in itself a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site . The Church of São Francisco combines a Gothic exterior with an elaborate Baroque interior . It is the
Porto river front
most notable example of Gothic architecture in the city . It is possible to take a guided visit of Palácio da Bolsa , where you will see the cloister , the palace ’ s main chambers and the Arabic ballroom that was inspired by the Alhambra Palace in Granada . Climb the 200 steps to the top of the Clérigos Tower to take in the panoramic views of over the city . To see a more modern side to the city , Santa Caterina is Porto ’ s busiest street , where you can find Art Nouveau cafés nestled amongst converted historic buildings . Finally , many Port cellars line the southern banks of the River Duoro in Vila Nova de Gaia and a tour and tasting is a must whilst in the city . To explore further afield , Guimarães can be reached by train in 1 hour 10 minutes . Witness the extensive history of the city is reflected in the gothic buildings , ancient castle which dates from the 10th century and compact , cobbled streets .
Day seven Porto to London
Today , depending on the time of your flight , you check-out after breakfast and make your way to Porto Airport for your flight back to London . The journey generally takes about 20 minutes by taxi .
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