10 days in Portugal - 3 travel itineraries

Portugal is home to some of the world's most beautiful beaches, with over 800 kilometers of coastline. Here you’ll find every corner holds a piece of history, and every meal is to be cherished. Here’s your guide to creating the perfect 10-day itinerary in Portugal, whether you want to explore the colorful streets of Lisbon, wander through the palaces of Sintra, or soak up the sun on the sandy shores of the Algarve.

Itinerary #1: Madeira and Sao Miguel

This 10 days itinerary in Portugal will take you through two of Portugal's captivating autonomous regions: Madeira, renowned as the island of eternal spring, and São Miguel, fondly referred to as the green island.

Your journey kicks off on day one with your arrival in Madeira, giving you the chance to explore the vibrant city center of Funchal.

Days two and three are an exploration of Madeira's west and east sides. Highlights include visits to São Vicente, the natural swimming pools of Porto Moniz, and the dramatic cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço.

On day four, you have the chance to soak in the oceanic pools. Day five promises an exhilarating adventure with a wicker toboggan descent from Monte, followed by visits to Funchal's Botanical Garden and the local market.

As you ease into the sixth day, you'll have plenty of opportunities for further exploration or relaxation in Funchal.

On day seven, it's time to bid farewell to Madeira as you catch a flight to São Miguel. The eighth day unfolds with a guided tour of the stunning Sete Cidades Lagoon area.

Day nine brings you to the enchanting Furnas Valley, where you can soak in hot springs and embark on sailing excursions.

Finally, on day ten, your journey comes to a close with your departure from Ponta Delgada. Book this trip. 

Itinerary overview

Check out this 10 day itinerary in Portugal:

Day 1

• Welcome to Madeira
• Arrival at Funchal airport
• Free time to explore Funchal city center or hotel amenities

Day 2

• Tour of Madeira's west side
• Drive via Encumeada Pass
• Visit São Vicente, Porto Moniz natural swimming pools
• Stop in Seixal for lunch
• Visit Cabo Girão viewpoint

Day 3

• Tour of Madeira's east side
• Visit Ponta de Sao Lourenço, Porto da Cruz
• Explore Santana Village with triangular houses
• Short Levada walk in Laurissilva forest
• Visit the traditional market in Santo da Serra, taste Poncha

Day 4

• Explore the city, and oceanic pools, or relax at a hotel
• Visit the old town, Monte area, Tropical Garden

Day 5

• Wicker toboggan descent from Monte
• Visit Funchal's Botanical Garden and the local market

Day 6

• Free day in Funchal
• Explore or relax at leisure

Day 7

• Transfer to Madeira airport
• Flight to São Miguel
• Half-day guided tour of Sete Cidades lagoon area
• Option for hiking or scenic drive

Day 8

• Day trip to Furnas Valley
• Visit Furnas Lagoon, Nossa Senhora da Vitória chapel
• Explore hot springs and fumaroles
• Visit Terra Nostra Garden, Poça da Dona Beija
• Try "cozido das Furnas" stew cooked with geothermal heat

Day 9

• Full-day sailing excursion around São Miguel
• Sail around Vila Franca do Campo Islet
• Swim in Azorean crystal clear waters
• Enjoy local products onboard
• Opportunity to spot dolphins and other cetaceans

Day 10

• Departure from Ponta Delgada
• Transfer to airport

Ready to explore Portugal? Start preparing by finding out how to get there.

Itinerary #2: The Wines of Portugal

This 10 day itinerary in Portugal is an expedition through the country’s esteemed wine regions, with the stunning Duoro Valley taking the centre stage. You journey begins in Lisbon on day one, where you’ll try some local bites during a tour of the city.

Day two and three is all about soaking up Lisbon's charm. You’ll  explore iconic spots like Liberty Avenue and the historic St. George's Castle. Then, you’ll journey to Belem district's historical treasures before attending a traditional Fado show.

As day four rolls around, it's time to venture to the magical town of Sintra for a dose of fairytale beauty and a culinary experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Transitioning into the heart of Portugal's wine country on day five, you'll find yourself in the Alentejo region. Take it easy on day six with some well-deserved relaxation activities before taking a  jaunt to Coimbra for some top-notch wine tasting on day seven.

And then comes the crown jewel of your wine adventure – the eighth day brings you to the breathtaking Douro Valley for a scenic river cruise and, of course, more wine tasting.

Day nine sees you exploring the vibrant city of Porto, soaking in its highlights before bidding farewell. Book this trip. 

Itinerary overview

Check out this 10 day itinerary in Portugal:

Day 1

• Arrival in Lisbon
• Transfer to hotel
• Private city tour of Lisbon
• Experience local eateries and charming cafés
• Enjoy Portuguese tapas (petiscos) and drinks
• Casual dining experience with an expert guide

Day 2

• Liberty Avenue, Restauradores Square, Rossio Square
• Alfama Quarter, Lisbon Cathedral
• St. Georges Castle, Roman theatre ruins

Day 3

• Belem district, historical monuments, museums
• Evening: Fado Show with traditional music performance
• Evening stroll to Jerónimos Monastery and Belem Tower

Day 4

• Explore Sintra, associated with Lord Byron
• Visit Cabo da Roca, Europe's westernmost point
• Tour Cascais and Estoril
• Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant

Day 5

• Private transfer to Alentejo
• Visit the winery in southern Alentejo and Chapel of Bones in Evora
• Check-in at hotel
• Free time for leisure

Day 6

• Leisure activities: pool, spa, horse riding, wine-tasting

Day 7

• Private trip to Coimbra for wine-tasting
• Lunch at winery
• Continue to Douro Valley
• Check-in at hotel

Day 8

• Explore Douro Valley, home of Port wine
• Scenic river cruise in Regua
• Wine-tasting session at Mateus palace
• Enjoy Quinta Nova Luxury Winery House amenities

Day 9

• Transfer to Porto
• Visit Mercado do Bolhão, Torre dos Clerigos
• Optional Douro Cruise of Six Bridges
• Check-in at hotel

Day 10

• Free time to explore Porto
• Transfer to the airport for departure

Itinerary #3: Cultural Portugal

This 10-day itinerary will take you through Portugal’s picturesque landscapes and cultural gems. Day one kicks off your adventure in Lisbon, where you'll have some downtime to unwind.

In the heart of Lisbon, on day two you’ll explore iconic spots like Liberty Avenue, Restauradores Square, Rossio Square, Alfama Quarter, and Lisbon Cathedral.

Day three is all about digging even deeper into Lisbon's past. You’ll take a trip to St. George's Castle, roam the ancient ruins of the Roman Theatre, and discover the charming Belem District. The day wraps with an evening of traditional Fado music and a taste of local cuisine.

On day four, you’ll venture beyond Lisbon to the enchanting town of Sintra. Here you’ll get the chance to explore its fairy-tale landscapes, including a visit to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, before heading back to Lisbon.

Days five and six are a journey through the serene Serra do Bussaco and the legendary Douro Valley. Drink in the lush landscapes and savor the region's renowned wines.

Your adventure continues on days seven and eight with a scenic drive to the Douro Valley, where you'll have some free time to explore or simply relax at your hotel. You’ll also take a guided tour, including a leisurely river cruise and wine tasting at the historic Mateus Palace – the perfect way to experience the region's culture and hospitality.

Wrapping up your journey in Porto on day nine, you'll have the chance to explore this vibrant city, from the lively Mercado do Bolhão to the iconic Torre dos Clerigos. And on your final day, bid farewell to Portugal with a scenic Douro River cruise, Book this trip.

Itinerary overview

Check out this 10-day itinerary in Portugal:

Day 1

• Arrival in Lisbon
• Check in at hotel
• Leisure time

Day 2

• Exploring Lisbon
• Liberty Avenue
• Restauradores Square
• Rossio Square
• Alfama Quarter
• Lisbon Cathedral

Day 3

• More of Lisbon’s sites
• St. Georges Castle
• Roman Theatre ruins
• Belem District
• Fado Show with traditional music and local cuisine sampling
• Evening stroll to Geronimos Monastery and Belem Tower

Day 4

• Sintra exploration
• Cabo da Roca visit
• Cascais and Estoril tour
• Return to Lisbon for the evening

Day 5

• Check-out from accommodation
• Collect rental car
• Drive to Bussaco
• Visit Serra do Bussaco: Explore the lush forested area surrounding the Carmelite monastery, known for its diverse flora and fauna.
• Check-in at new accommodation

Day 6

• Explore Serra do Bussaco: Spend the day hiking or exploring the tranquil surroundings of Serra do Bussaco.
• Drive through scenic landscapes to the Douro Valley, one of the world's oldest wine regions.
• Check-in at new accommodation

Day 7

• Enjoy a scenic drive to Douro Valley, admiring picturesque landscapes along the way
• Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the surrounding area or simply relaxing at the hotel

Day 8

• Guided tour of Douro Valley
• River cruise in Regua: Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Douro River, surrounded by terraced vineyards and rolling hills.
• Mateus 18th-century palace for wine tasting: Visit the historic Mateus Palace and indulge in wine-tasting sessions.

Day 9

• On to Porto
• Morning drive to Porto
• Leisure time to explore the city
• Accommodation: Porto

Day 10

• Porto city tour
• Mercado do Bolhão: Explore Porto's historic market known for its vibrant atmosphere and fresh produce.
• Torre dos Clerigos: Climb the iconic Clerics' Tower for panoramic views of the city.
• Douro Cruise of Six Bridges: Take a scenic cruise along the Douro River to admire Porto's six iconic bridges.
• Transfer to the airport for your departure flight

Is 10 days enough for Portugal?

Yes, ten days is generally enough time for a satisfying trip to Portugal.  While you won't conquer every nook and cranny, you'll certainly get a hefty dose of Portuguese culture, history, and natural wonders.

Rather than attempting to cover every inch of the map, hone in on specific regions that pique your interest.

While it's wise to have a rough plan in place, leave room for spontaneity. You never know what hidden gem you might stumble upon or what local festival might be happening during your visit. 

With our tailor-made trip service, you can go on your dream trip without dealing with the details of planning and booking. Plus, you’ll receive 24/7 support from local experts, so you can rest easy knowing that help is just a call away if you need it.

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