7 days in Portugal — 5 travel itineraries

Thinking of visiting Portugal but don’t have time to plan your trip? Read on to find out about five travel itineraries that’ll see you enjoy 7 days in Portugal in immersive style. From uncovering culture and cuisine in a duo of stunning cities, to a 7-day itinerary in Portugal that’ll see you discover the Douro Valley in style, there’s something here for every taste.

Itinerary #1: from Lisbon to Porto

Many first-time visitors to Portugal find themselves pondering the same question: Porto or Lisbon — which should I visit first? 

Rather than wracking your brain over this conundrum, how about taking a trip that takes in the best of both cities on a thoughtfully curated 7 day itinerary in Portugal? 

Your experience begins in Lisbon, when you’ll be met at the airport by your local guide. After settling into your hotel, the rest of day one is yours to explore at leisure.

Come day two, you’ll embark on a private half-day tour of the city, seeing celebrated attractions like Liberty Avenue, Lisbon Cathedral, the Roman theatre ruins and Belem — a delightful district that boasts a bounty of cafés.

After dusk, you’ll experience the soulful passion of a traditional Fado show while dining on Lisbon’s notable local dishes. 

Next, a post-dinner evening stroll will serve atmospheric views of Geronimos Monastery and Belem’s 16^th-century tower.

Day three will see you venture further afield to explore scenic sites along Lisbon’s coastline. These include Sintra — replete with its palaces, Roman retreat and ravines — and Cabo de Roca, the most westerly point of continental Europe.

Porto awaits on day four, with a stop at the Serra de Bussaco Mountain Range to take in the forested surroundings and Carmelite Monastery.

After enjoying a walking tour of the medieval-meets-modern city on day five, you can spend day six further exploring the city. 

Don’t miss meandering the riverside bairro of Ribeira – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s stacked with waterfront cafés — or enjoying a cruise on the Douro.

On day seven, you’ll be transported to Porto airport. Book this trip.

Itinerary overview

Day one — welcome to Lisbon

• Arrive in Lisbon; leisure time in the afternoon.
• Overnight in Lisbon.

Day two

• Half-day tour of Lisbon; Fado show with dinner and evening stroll.
• Overnight in Lisbon.

Day three

• Explore scenic sites along Lisbon’s coastline, including Sintra and Cabo de Roca
• Overnight in Lisbon.

Day four

• Transfer to Porto via the Serra de Bussaco Mountain Range.
• Overnight in Porto.

Day five

• Tour of Porto.
• Overnight in Porto.

Day six

• Free time to explore Porto at your leisure.
• Overnight in Porto.

Day seven — goodbye Porto

• Return to Porto airport.

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

Itinerary #2: Real Algarvian experience

If you love authentic trips that deliver hands-on food experiences, along with the chance to discover truly beautiful beaches and islands, our Real Algarve 7-day itinerary in Portugal is sure to whet your appetite. 

You’ll be based in the charming fishing village of Olhão for the duration of this trip. On arrival, you’ll have time to get your bearings on the afternoon of day one. 

Day two will see you take a private tour of town to discover Olhão’s history and culture. Be sure to stop off in a traditional tasca tapas restaurant to taste Algarvian dishes and wines alongside visiting the fish and fruit markets.

Next, a cruise to the islands of the Ria Formosa lagoons delivers sublime scenery on day three. With your boat skippered by a local, you’ll also get to eat fresh seafood and learn about local flora and fauna.

Day four is all about food, glorious, food! In the morning, you’ll visit a local olive farm, explore the grove, and taste several notable regional varieties of oil before lunching in Loulé.

Come the afternoon, you’ll take a hands-on sweet workshop and discover pastry chef secrets.

Further hands-on foodie experiences will be enjoyed on day five courtesy of a market-to-table cooking class. 

Your own private chef and tutor will take you to Faro’s markets to select fresh produce before showing you how to create cataplana, a traditional Algarvian seafood dish. 

Day six is yours to chill before your day seven departure. Alternatively, you could use your last day to go on a catamaran cruise to see secret caves or dolphins, or enjoy a wine-tasting experience. Book this trip.

Itinerary overview

Day one — welcome to Portugal

• Check into your Olhão hotel.
• Overnight in Olhão.

Day two

• Tour town and eat in a traditional restaurant.
• Overnight in Olhão.

Day three

• Boat trip to the Ria Formosa lagoons.
• Overnight in Olhão.

Day four

• Visit a local olive farm; lunch in Loulé; take a sweet workshop.
• Overnight in Olhão.

Day five

• Market-to-table cooking class in Faro.
• Overnight in Olhão.

Day six

• Day of leisure, or take a catamaran cruise or wine-tasting experience.
• Overnight in Olhão.

Day seven

• Depart Portugal.

Itinerary #3: Discover the Douro Valley

From world-class wine, to gentle walks on the wild side, this Discover the Douro Valley 7 day itinerary in Portugal is one for folks to love to combine the finer things in life with rural charm.

After landing in Porto, day one will see you transfer to romantic Amarante and check-into the luxurious Casa da Calvada Relais and Chateaux.

Spend the afternoon exploring town — don’t miss stopping off in one of its riverside cafés — before dining in Casa da Calvada’s Michelin restaurant. 

On day two, you’ll take a private excursion to Braga and Guimaraes — both historic, picturesque pearls of Minho — rounded off with a stop in beautiful Barcelos. Here you'll visit the Romanesque Bridge and archaeological museum before returning to Amarante.

Day three invites you to discover the Douro Valley on a scenic cruise from Regua. After soaking up the scenery of vineyard-flanked mountains, you’ll visit an 18^th-century palace to taste wine, before moving to enjoy more wine-based activities in a luxurious 19^th-century manor.

You can take your pick from trekking local villages or enjoying a fruit-picking experience on day four, with more wine-tasting opportunities on hand, too. 

On day six, you’ll transfer to Porto and tour its mix of medieval and modern attractions, with day seven free for you to further explore the city before your departure. Book this trip.

Itinerary overview

Day one 

• Arrive in Porto, transfer to Amarante.
• Overnight in Casa da Calvada Relais and Chateaux, Amarante.

Day two

• Private excursion to Braga, Guimaraes and Barcelos.
• Overnight in Amarante.

Day three

• Cruise from Regua; wine tastings in an 18th-century palace and 19th-century manor.
• Overnight in Amarante.

Day four

• Explore the Douro Valley through trekking, fruit-picking experiences or wine-tastings.
• Overnight in Amarante.

Day five

• Transfer to Porto, take a private city tour.
• Overnight in Porto.

Day six

• Day of leisure in Porto.
• Overnight in Porto.

Day seven

• Depart Porto.

Itinerary #4: Porto and Galicia

If you fancy immersing yourself in two countries — Portugal and Spain — along with enjoying a spot of adventure, this 7-day Porto and Galicia itinerary is a great option.

The trip kicks-off when you arrive in Porto on day one, with an immersive private walking tour in store on day two. During this, you’ll explore its UNESCO-designated treasures and take a deep dive into its ancient riverside neighbourhood. 

Day three offers an opportunity to unleash your inner adventurer by climbing the incredible Arrabida Bridge. Exhilarating, and offering epic views, it’s likely to be an experience you’ll never forget.

Spain’s glorious Galicia region awaits on day four, when you’ll take a train to Vigo. After soaking up views of the Atlantic coastline en route, you’ll be met by your private guide and transported to your hotel. 

On day five, Vigo’s traditions and diverse heritage will be revealed on a tour of the old city and fishing port — the largest in Europe. Be sure to taste local seafood specialties after checking out catches of the day.  

Day six offers opportunities to further explore Vigo at your leisure before your day seven departure. For example, you could take a trip to the Cien Islands, part of the Atlantic Island National Park. Book this trip.

Rough Guides tip: Want to explore Spain and Portugal in one go? Choose one of our itineraries combining the best of both countries.

Itinerary overview

Day one

• Arrive in Porto.
• Overnight in Porto.

Day two

• Private tour of Porto.
• Overnight in Porto.

Day three

• Climb Arrabida Bridge.
• Overnight in Porto.

Day four

• Train to Vigo, Galicia.
• Overnight in Vigo.

Day five

• Tour Vigo old town and fishing port.
• Overnight in Vigo.

Day six

• Day of leisure in Vigo, or take a trip to the Cien Islands.
• Overnight in Vigo.

Day seven — goodbye Galicia

• Transfer to the airport.

Itinerary #5: Porto's Hidden Gems

If you’re the kind of traveller who likes to get off the tourist trail, but don’t want to compromise on comfort, this 7-day itinerary covering Porto's hidden gems might just be your perfect cup of tea (read: glass of port).

Mainly based in Porto, it’ll see you stay in exclusive accommodation and enjoy the region’s top cultural experiences — from taking wine tours and private cooking classes, to enjoying a luxurious river cruise to the Douro Valley.

On arrival in Porto on day one, you’ll check into the Yeatman Hotel — a luxurious wine hotel and spa that’s renowned as being the best in Porto.

Day two will be devoted to a private port wine tasting experience to discover the history of port wine and its production process, alongside tasting classic vintage ports. 

Foodies will be in their element on day three, thanks to a market tour and hands-on cookery class led by a notable local chef. 

The delights of the Douro Valley are yours to absorb on day four when you’ll take a river cruise, visit the Douro Valley Heritage Site and taste 8+ varieties of local wine at three quintas (wineries).

Come the afternoon, you’ll continue your cruise to Pinhão and enjoy cocktails and a sumptuous dining experience at Vintage House Hotel — your home for the night.

After a morning of leisure exploring the hotel grounds — it has an outdoor pool and stunning views over the Douro River — you’ll return to Porto on day five, driven by a private chauffeur.

The luxury keeps coming on day six, when you’ll be treated to a divine vinotherapy spa experience at your hotel, with your private chauffeur ready to take you to the airport in style on day seven. Book this trip.

Itinerary overview

Day one — welcome to Portugal

• Arrive in Porto.
• Overnight in the Yeatman Hotel, Porto.

Day two

• Private port wine tasting experience.
• Overnight in the Yeatman Hotel, Porto.

Day three

• Market tour and hands-on cookery class.
• Overnight in the Yeatman Hotel, Porto.

Day four

• Douro Valley cruise and wine tastings.
• Overnight in Pinhão.

Day five

• Morning in Pinhão.; afternoon transfer back to Porto.
• Overnight in the Yeatman Hotel, Porto.

Day six

• Vinotherapy spa experience.
• Overnight in the Yeatman Hotel, Porto.

Day seven

• Private chauffeur transfer to the airport.

Is 7 days enough for Portugal?

We’re not going to lie — if you have more time, we suggest considering spending 10 days in Portugal to take in more of its diverse delights. 

But, as should be apparent from the five seven-day Portugal itineraries detailed above, it’s perfectly possible to pack a lot into seven days.

That’s especially the case if you spend time planning your trip carefully, or else enlist the help of a local expert to take the hassle out of planning, and deliver travel experiences that are personalised to your needs.

Overall, seven days will give you a tantalising taste of Portugal’s culture, cuisine and beautiful landscapes, though a longer stay would allow for a more in-depth exploration of each region.

In the market for more Portugal inspiration? Read up on the best things to do in Portugal, and browse all our customisable Portugal itineraries.

Want to explore Europe even more? We have prepared the most convenient European itineraries for you to explore the continent.