Lisbon, Porto & Algarve Classic
A first-time route connecting Lisbon, Sintra, Porto, the Douro Valley, and the Algarve.
In via Lisbon and out via Faro to avoid backtracking from the south. Spend the first six days exploring the two major cities on foot and by train, with a day trip from each, then fly to Faro and pick up a car to explore the western Algarve coast. A fast-paced itinerary with minimal hotel changes, perfect for first-timers. Central towns are skipped; add Coimbra if you prefer a slower pace.
The Algarve is crowded and expensive in Jul–Aug; spring and autumn offer a more relaxed experience.
Day by day
Day 1 · Stroll through Baixa and Chiado
Lisbon（Praça do Comércio、Rua Augusta Arch、Bairro Alto & Chiado、Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara）
Take the metro or a taxi from the airport to the city center (about 30 minutes), and explore the Baixa area on foot in the afternoon.
Stay: Baixa and Chiado
Day 2 · Alfama Old Town and Belém
Lisbon（São Jorge Castle、Alfama、Jerónimos Monastery、Pastéis de Belém、Belém Tower）
Explore Alfama on foot in the morning, take Tram 15 to Belém in the afternoon (about 30 minutes), and return to the city center in the evening.
Jerónimos Monastery is closed on Mondays; it is advisable to buy tickets in advance.
Stay: Baixa and Chiado
Day 3 · Sintra Palaces Day Trip
Sintra（Pena Palace, Sintra、Castle of the Moors、Quinta da Regaleira、Sintra Historic Centre）
Take the suburban train from Rossio Station to Sintra (about 40 minutes), transfer to a local bus or walk up the hill, and return in the evening.
Pena Palace requires timed-entry tickets; book in advance and arrive early.
Stay: Baixa and Chiado
Day 4 · Train North to Porto
Porto（São Bento Railway Station、Ribeira、Dom Luís I Bridge）
Take the Alfa Pendular or Intercidades train to Porto (about 3 hours), and stroll along the riverbank in the afternoon.
Tickets for popular weekend trains sell out quickly; book your train tickets before booking accommodation.
Stay: Baixa and Avenida dos Aliados
Day 5 · Porto Old Town and Wine Cellars
Porto（Livraria Lello、Clérigos Church & Tower、Palácio da Bolsa、Church of São Francisco、Vila Nova de Gaia Port Wine Cellars）
Walk to all attractions in the old town, and cross the Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia (about 15 minutes); expect plenty of slopes.
Livraria Lello requires entry tickets; booking is recommended for port wine cellar tours.
Stay: Baixa and Avenida dos Aliados
Day 6 · Douro Valley Train Day Trip
Douro Valley (Peso da Régua)（Pinhão & Railway Station、Douro River Cruise）
Take the train from São Bento Station to Pinhão (about 2 hours 20 minutes), take a boat trip or train to Régua after lunch, and return by train.
Train services are infrequent; check the latest CP timetables before departing.
Stay: Baixa and Avenida dos Aliados
Day 7 · Fly to Faro and Transfer to Lagos
Western Algarve（Lagos Old Town、Ponta da Piedade）
Fly from Porto to Faro (about 1 hour), pick up your car at the airport, and drive along the A22 to Lagos (about 1 hour 15 minutes).
Stay: Lagos Old Town
Day 8 · Benagil and Seven Hanging Valleys
Western Algarve（Benagil Sea Cave、Seven Hanging Valleys Trail & Praia da Marinha）
Drive from Lagos to Benagil or Marinha (about 50 minutes), and return the same way after a boat trip or hike.
Disembarking and swimming inside Benagil Cave is prohibited; entry is only allowed via licensed boats or guided kayak tours.
Stay: Lagos Old Town
Day 9 · Sagres and Cape St. Vincent
Western Algarve（Fortaleza de Sagres、Praia do Beliche、Cape St. Vincent）
Drive from Lagos to Sagres (about 1 hour), continue to Cape St. Vincent (about 15 minutes), and return in the evening.
Stay: Lagos Old Town
Day 10 · Faro Old Town and Departure
Eastern Algarve（Faro Old Town、Carmo Church & Chapel of Bones）
Drive from Lagos along the A22 to Faro (about 1 hour 15 minutes), explore the old town, and return the car at the airport.