7-Day Classic Portugal: Lisbon, Sintra & Porto

Arrive via Lisbon Airport Metro Vermelha line. Check into your hostel in Baixa or Arroios. Spend the afternoon exploring the steep cobblestone alleys of Alfama and watching the sunset from Miradouro das Portas do Sol. Dinner at a neighborhood tasca for a €9 prato do dia.

Take tram 15E to Belém to view the Jerónimos Monastery and the Monument to the Discoveries. Eat warm pastéis de nata at Pastéis de Belém. Afternoon along the Cais do Sodré waterfront and sunset drinks at Miradouro de Santa Catarina.

Board the CP commuter train from Rossio station directly to Sintra (€2.40). Walk up the forested path to Castelo dos Mouros for sweeping Atlantic views, then explore the mysterious wells and subterranean grottos of Quinta da Regaleira (€12). Return to Lisbon for dinner in Bairro Alto.

Catch the morning CP Alfa Pendular high-speed train from Lisboa Oriente to Porto Campanhã (2h 50m, €15 booked 8 days ahead). Check into Cedofeita. Walk through São Bento station to admire the historic azulejo tile murals and stroll down to the vibrant Ribeira riverfront.

Walk across the upper deck of the Dom Luís I Bridge for stunning views of the Douro canyon. Tour a historic Port lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia with a tasting. Afternoon coffee in the artsy Cedofeita district and sunset at the Jardim do Morro with street musicians.

Ride the historic heritage tram line 1 along the riverbank to Foz do Douro where the river meets the Atlantic. Walk along the promenade past the ocean lighthouses, then enjoy fresh grilled sardines in the fishing quarter of Matosinhos.

Climb Clérigos Tower for a final 360-degree panorama of Porto’s terracotta roofs. Pick up canned artisan sardines and pastries before taking Metro Line E directly to Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (€2.15).