12 Days in Portugal: Douro Vineyards to Algarve Beaches
A balanced trip with something for everyone: city, beach, vineyard and one day of rest in each.
At a glance
- Length: 12 days
- Bases: Lisbon (3 nights), Algarve (3 nights), Porto (3 nights), Douro (2 nights)
- Best time: May to October
- Pace: Moderate
- Good for: Families, mixed age groups, friends travelling together
Day by day
Day 1
Settle into your hotel and take an easy stroll down Avenida da Liberdade toward Rossio square. Pick up a warm pastel de nata and pause by the fountains to soak in the light. Keep your late afternoon completely open to unpack, rest, and adapt to the local rhythm.
Day 2
Wander the cobblestone streets of Alfama in the gentle morning breeze, pausing at the Miradouro de Santa Luzia for sweeping river views. Walk over to Praca do Comercio to sit beside the Tagus and watch the yellow trams rattle past. Your late afternoon remains free to sit at an outdoor cafe or simply wander wherever looks appealing.
Day 3
Head up into the misty hills of Sintra to see the colorful exterior and grounds of Pena Palace. Afterward, make your way down to the coast to walk the seaside promenade in breezy Cascais. Head back with the late afternoon left open for a quiet rest before dinner.
Day 4
Journey south across the rolling plains of the Alentejo toward the warm southern coast. Once you check into your hotel, take a gentle walk along the cliffs of Praia da Rocha to smell the salt air. Save your late afternoon for an unhurried rest by the pool or a cool drink in the shade.
Day 5
Spend a golden morning resting on the soft sands of Praia da Falesia beneath the red ochre cliffs. Dip your toes into the calm water and enjoy fresh grilled fish at a nearby beach shack. The late afternoon is completely free to read a book, nap, or linger over an iced coffee.
Day 6
Explore the walled historic center of Lagos and walk past the Church of Santo Antonio in the morning quiet. Continue to the headland at Ponta da Piedade to gaze down at the dramatic sea arches and turquoise coves from the wooden boardwalks. Keep your late afternoon free to wander the marina or relax without any schedule.
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 7
Make your way back toward Lisbon and board the comfortable train heading north to Porto. Watch the green landscapes and quiet towns roll past your window as you travel across the country. Check in upon arrival and enjoy a free late afternoon to settle in and stretch your legs around the neighborhood.
Day 8
Start your morning admiring the blue ceramic tiles at Sao Bento Station before walking across the upper deck of the Dom Luis I Bridge. Stroll through the lively Ribeira neighborhood along the riverbank to take in views of the traditional rabelo boats. The late afternoon is left entirely free for relaxing at a riverside terrace with a glass of local wine.
Day 9
Take a short train ride to Guimaraes to explore the medieval streets around Praca de Santiago and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza. If you prefer to stay in Porto, enjoy a slow morning browsing bookshops and gardens at your own pace. Either way, reserve the late afternoon for quiet downtime before an easy evening meal.
Day 10
Travel eastward into the terraced hills of the Douro Valley, following the gentle curve of the river. Stop in the town of Peso da Regua to look out over the sunlit vineyards carved into the slate slopes. Settle into your countryside accommodation with an open late afternoon to unwind and take in the peaceful views.
Day 11
Spend your morning exploring a historic wine quinta around Pinhao to learn how port wine is made among the vines. Step aboard a classic shared rabelo boat for an easy hour gliding past the steep terraced hillsides. Return to your terrace for a restful late afternoon with nothing on the calendar except scenery.
Day 12
Enjoy one last relaxed breakfast overlooking the valley before traveling back to Porto for your journey home. Pick up a sweet pastry or a tin of sardines near the center if you want an easy souvenir. Keep the late afternoon free for a calm final rest before heading to the departure gate.
Local tip
The train from Lisbon to Porto takes about 3 hours and is a good rest day after the beach.
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.
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