10 Days in Portugal: The Classic Route
If you want to see the whole country in one trip without feeling rushed, ten days is the sweet spot. This route covers the big names and still leaves afternoons free.
At a glance
- Length: 10 days
- Bases: Lisbon (3 nights), Evora (1 night), Algarve (2 nights), Porto (2 nights), Douro (1 night)
- Best time: April to June, September to October
- Pace: Moderate
- Good for: First-time visitors who want the full picture
Day by day
Day 1
Welcome to Lisbon, where you can settle into your hotel and stretch your legs along the grand plazas of downtown Baixa. Take a gentle walk toward Praca do Comercio to see the Tagus River glinting under the afternoon sun. Find a quiet cafe terrace in Chiado for coffee and a warm custard tart before heading back. Keep the late afternoon completely free to rest and shake off your travels at your own pace.
Day 2
Spend your morning wandering through the winding cobbled lanes of Alfama, listening to church bells echo across the hills. Walk up to the Miradouro de Santa Luzia and nearby Portas do Sol to take in sweeping views over terracotta rooftops and the water. Stop by the historic Lisbon Cathedral along your route down toward the center. Your late afternoon is left open to browse small neighborhood shops or relax at a shaded sidewalk kiosk.
Day 3
Head out early to Sintra to wander the vibrant grounds and whimsical terraces of Pena Palace high in the mist. Afterward, make your way down toward the coast, pausing by the crashing waves of Cabo da Roca before rolling into sunny Cascais. Stroll along the seaside promenade and check out the calm sandy coves near the marina. The late afternoon is all yours to savor an ice cream by the beach or unwind before returning to the city.
Day 4
Cross the river and journey east into the rolling plains of the Alentejo, surrounded by sprawling cork oaks and olive groves. Arrive in the whitewashed walled town of Evora to check out the ancient Roman Temple and walk around the bustling Praca do Giraldo. Step inside the eerie Chapel of Bones at the Church of Saint Francis for a unique historical glimpse. Leave your late afternoon unscheduled to soak up the slower pace of life in a quiet square.
Day 5
Drive south from the quiet heartland toward the sparkling southern coastline of the Algarve. Check in to your coastal base and take a gentle stroll along the nearest golden beach to dip your toes in the Atlantic. Grab lunch at a friendly seaside tavern serving grilled sardines or local seafood stew. Your late afternoon remains open for lounging by the water or reading in the shade.
Getting around: Days like these are much easier with a private driver. Portugal Magik, the local partner we recommend, can handle luggage, timings and stops along the way, so you are not driving unfamiliar roads or chasing train connections.
Day 6
Start the day in historic Lagos with a morning walk along the clifftop paths leading to the dramatic rock formations at Ponta da Piedade. Take a scenic small boat tour from the marina to see the sea cave at Benagil from the water. Grab a light bite in the quiet old pedestrian streets of Lagos after stepping ashore. The late afternoon is yours to relax on the sands of Meia Praia or take it easy back at your hotel.
Day 7
Travel north toward Porto today, making an easy midway stop in the charming university town of Coimbra. Climb the hill to explore the grounds of the historic university and wander through the student quarter down to the Mondego River. Pick up a quick lunch in the pedestrian center before resuming your journey north into Porto. You will have a clear late afternoon to unpack, unwind, and settle into your new surroundings without any rush.
Day 8
Begin your day meandering down through the cobbled streets to the lively riverfront promenade of Ribeira. Cross the lower deck of the Dom Luis I Bridge into Vila Nova de Gaia to tour one of the historic port wine cellars for a guided tasting. Admire the colorful riverfront facades reflected in the Douro and watch traditional wooden rabelo boats bobbing along the shore. Keep your late afternoon free to linger with a drink along the river or explore back alleys at your leisure.
Day 9
Journey inland along the winding river road into the terraced landscapes of the Douro Valley. Stop at an authentic wine estate near Pinhao to learn about regional winemaking and sample local wines with lunch. Head up to a scenic viewpoint like Casal de Loivos for breathtaking panoramas across the stepped vineyards. Enjoy a wide open late afternoon back at your hotel terrace to take in the serene river valley quiet.
Day 10
Take a relaxed morning walk along Avenida dos Aliados or stop by the tile covered church of Santo Ildefonso for a final stroll. Pick up a warm pastry and fresh coffee at a local neighborhood bakery before completing your packing. Head over to Porto Airport in good time for your journey home. Spend your late afternoon settling in comfortably on your flight or relaxing if departing later in the evening.
Local tip
This route closely follows Portugal Magik’s 10 day bestseller. You can see their version in full at golden.portugal-magik.com.
Making it your own
Treat this as a starting point. Every day can be swapped, shortened or stretched. Most travellers keep the bases and change the day trips. Keep driving legs under about two and a half hours and leave the late afternoon free, and the trip will feel easy.
Plan this trip with a trusted local partner
We recommend Portugal Magik, a Lisbon based private tour operator, for tailor-made versions of routes like this one. They provide private drivers and guides, Mercedes-Benz vehicles and day by day planning, and will adjust the route to your dates, pace and interests.
Tailor-made
Request a tailored itinerary
Share your dates and interests. Portugal Magik will shape this route around you, with a private driver and guide.
Bestseller
The 10 day Golden Portugal tour
Our recommended partner’s most loved private journey, from Lisbon to Porto and the Douro.