(Photos from this trip are located here)
Our journey through Portugal was a beautiful blend of history, culture, coastline, and wine country. Over the course of eleven days, we explored vibrant cities, charming villages, sacred sites, and breathtaking landscapes—each stop adding its own unique flavor to the experience.
We began our adventure in the seaside town of Cascais, where the ocean breeze and a welcome dinner set the perfect tone for our days ahead. From there, we spent time in Lisbon, exploring its lively streets, historic neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks like Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery, and the charming old town. A day in Sintra brought us to the colorful Pena Palace, straight out of a fairytale, and we stood in awe at the dramatic cliffs of Cabo da Roca before returning to Cascais for a relaxed afternoon.
As we traveled north, we stopped in Peniche, a traditional fishing village, and wandered the storybook lanes of Obidos, complete with a taste of its famous cherry liqueur. Our stay in Nazare introduced us to sweeping ocean views, the sacred sanctuary of Fatima, and the cliffside Sitio with its spectacular outlook over the Atlantic. One of the highlights was our boat ride to Almourol Castle, followed by a private tour of the Convent of Christ in Tomar, where the world of the Knights Templar came vividly to life. We also spent time in Alcobaça, discovering its grand monastery, before continuing on to Porto, where we enjoyed the city’s rich history, riverside charm, and lively atmosphere. In Porto, we also had the opportunity to visit the Livraria Lello, a beautiful bookstore famous for being the inspiration for the Harry Potter series.
The journey continued with a stop in Guimarães to explore its castle before we made our way into the breathtaking Douro Valley. Here, rolling hills covered in vineyards became our backdrop for a private river cruise, wine tastings, and the chance to soak in the beauty of one of Portugal’s most celebrated regions. Our adventure wrapped up with a visit to Coimbra, where we admired the ancient university and its remarkable King João’s Library (one of only 2 libraries in the world where bats are used to keep insects from destroying the books!), before returning to Lisbon for a festive farewell dinner.
From seaside villages and medieval castles to sacred sites and vineyard sunsets, every day offered something new and unforgettable. Together, we discovered the warmth, culture, and flavors that make Portugal such a special place—and we left with memories we’ll treasure for years to come.
As always, if this all sounds like something you would enjoy, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I would be happy to repeat the route, either as is or with adjustments to suit your preferences. Or, if there’s a different route you’d like to try, I would be happy to come up with a custom itinerary! Make sure to check out some of the images from this trip in the website photo gallery!