Porto/Lisbon
Lisbon and Porto showcase Portugal’s rich heritage and lively spirit. Lisbon, the vibrant capital, blends history and modernity, with landmarks like Belém Tower and the charming neighborhoods of Alfama and Baixa buzzing with life. Porto, perched along the Douro River, is enchanting with its colorful Ribeira district, historic architecture, and renowned Port wine cellars. Together, these cities offer an unforgettable journey through Portugal’s captivating culture and scenic beauty.
Sample 4 Day / 3 Night Itinerary
Day 1
- Fly to Porto from Ireland (flight options below).
- Begin your journey with a smooth arrival and a welcoming lunch at Concept 31, followed by a brief stop at Hotel Pão de Açúcar to drop off luggage and gather snacks. Ease into the day with a scenic cable car ride offering stunning views over the Douro River.
- Experience Porto from different perspectives! Start with a boat tour along Ribeira, taking in the city’s colorful waterfront. Afterward, join a guided photography course to capture Porto’s vibrant architecture and scenic landscapes. Enjoy a picnic with views, fueled by the packed snack from earlier.
- Delve into Porto’s charm on a night walking tour, discovering the city’s unique atmosphere as the lights come on. Wrap up the day at the lively Food Market Bolhão, where you’ll savor local dishes before returning to the hotel.
Day 2
- After breakfast and checking out, head to Arouca for an exhilarating morning on the Paiva Walkways. Enjoy scenic trails and breathtaking views as you cross the famous suspension bridge, surrounded by lush landscapes and river views.
- After a traditional Portuguese lunch at Tasquinha da Quinta, continue to Aveiro, known as the “Venice of Portugal.” Take in the city’s canals on a guided city tour, complete with a charming gondola boat ride to capture the coastal beauty and unique architecture.
- Conclude the day with dinner in Aveiro (guided recommendation), then board the coach to Coimbra. Arrive and settle into the Hotel Mondego, ready for another day of discovery in one of Portugal’s most historic cities.
Day 3
- Start with a hotel breakfast, then enjoy a guided walking tour through Coimbra’s historic streets and famous university, soaking up the city’s history and charm. By mid-morning, depart for Nazaré to experience its stunning cliffs and beaches, with some free time to explore.
- After a delightful seafood lunch at Maria do Mar in Nazaré, head to Sintra to explore the enchanting Park and Palace of Pena. Follow this with a visit to the mystical Quinta da Regaleira, where secret passageways and gardens await.
- Conclude the day with a visit to Boca do Inferno, a dramatic seaside cliff formation. Then, continue to the charming town of Cascais for dinner and check-in at the Pestana Cascais Ocean Hotel.
Day 4
- Start with breakfast at the hotel, followed by some pool time and relaxation. With packed lunches ready, embark on a scenic 4.5-hour circuit walk through Lisbon’s most stunning viewpoints, covering 14 kilometers and capturing breathtaking views of the city’s hills and riverside.
- Visit the historic Belém Tower, a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Then, stop at the renowned Pastéis de Belém for a sweet treat and a relaxing break to savor Lisbon’s famous custard tarts.
- Transfer to the airport for a return flight home. See below for an indication of the airports in Lisbon that serve the Irish market.
Building Your Itinerary - Cornerstones
Cornerstones are the attractions that should form the core of any itinerary – the “do not miss” items!
For us there are 4 such cornerstones to a Porto to Lisbon itinerary:
The Scenic Cable Car Ride in Porto: Your journey starts with a breathtaking cable car ride offering stunning views of Porto, particularly the Douro River and the city’s picturesque skyline.
Paiva Walkways & Suspension Bridge in Arouca: The walk along these wooden paths offers incredible views of the river and surrounding landscape. Crossing the Arouca Suspension bridge gives you a sense of adventure as you take in the stunning views of lush greenery.
Visit to Pena Palace & Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra: Sintra is famous for its fairy-tale castles and enchanting landscapes. The magical atmosphere of these places makes them unforgettable highlights of the trip.
Walking Tour and Viewpoints in Lisbon: The scenic walk is a perfect way to experience the heart of Lisbon and enjoy its beauty from various perspectives.
Itinerary - Day Trips
Porto – Tour of Peneda-Gerês National Park: Explore Portugal’s only national park, Peneda-Gerês, a breathtaking landscape of lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and rugged mountains.
Porto – Water Park Amarante: A thrilling water park featuring a variety of slides, pools, and attractions for all ages.
Porto – Azura Adventure Park: An outdoor adventure park offering a range of exciting activities, including zip-lining, climbing walls, and treetop obstacle courses.
Lisbon – Adventure Park: Spend two to three hours navigating awesome canopy challenges, swinging across ropes, and zipping down thrilling slides.
Lisbon – Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré & Óbidos: Embark on an unforgettable full-day tour from Lisbon, exploring some of Portugal’s most iconic destinations. This tour combines culture, history, and scenic beauty for an enriching day out!
Itinerary Fillers and Evening Activities
Filling time and gaps in an itinerary won’t be a problem in Porto and Lisbon – trying to cut out attractions will be the challenge!
The SeaLife Porto, where students can enjoy learning about sealife.
National Museum of Ancient Art: Dive into Portugal’s rich history at the National Museum of Ancient Art. Explore an impressive collection of European paintings, decorative arts, and ancient artefacts, providing insight into the cultural heritage of Portugal and beyond.
Lisbon 8 Viewpoints Walking Tour: Explore Lisbon’s beauty from its most iconic viewpoints on a 4-hour and 30-minute walking tour. Capture stunning panoramas of the city’s hills, historic neighborhoods, and the Tagus River, perfect for photography and a memorable introduction to Lisbon’s charm.
Porto 6 Bridges Cruise: Glide along the Douro River as you take in stunning views of the city’s iconic bridges, each with its own unique history and design.
Accommodation Options
Our preferred accommodation in Porto is Hotel Pão de Açúcar: a welcoming hotel situated in the heart of the city, just a short walk from the iconic Ribeira district and the Douro River. Ensuring a memorable stay!
In Lisbon, we recommend San Jordi Hostel: a lively and modern hostel located close to the city center, providing a friendly and social atmosphere for students. The perfect spot to immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Lisbon.
For a unique experience, consider Surfinn Lisbon Surf Hostel & Surf School: an exciting option located near the beautiful beaches of Costa da Caparica, this hostel offers comfortable accommodations along with surf lessons and equipment rentals.
We offer the possibility of staying in 2/3-star hotels, subject to price change and availability.
Breakfast and dinners are provided, unless specified in the itinerary.
Connections from Ireland
Flight routes change all the time, but currently the options include:
- Dublin to Porto is currently the only flights available that are non-stop direct flights.
