Portugal: A Week from Lisbon to Porto

Arrive in Lisbon at any time. The city's core is a straightforward transfer from the airport. If you land early, consider a run out to the Belém district to see the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower before the crowds descend. Just note that most of the area’s major sites are closed on Mondays.

A morning walk through the city helps get your bearings, sorting out the main squares and landmarks. The rest of the day is open. You can use the time to take a day trip into the foothills to Sintra, with its pastel houses and palaces, or dig deeper into Lisbon's own neighborhoods. The day ends in one of Lisbon’s oldest districts for a traditional Portuguese dinner set to the sound of a live fado performance.

The route pushes north from Lisbon, breaking the overland journey in the small town of Batalha. The main draw here is the Monastery of Batalha, a massive Gothic structure built to commemorate a 14th-century Portuguese victory over the Castilians. There's time to walk the grounds and take in the scale of the UNESCO site before continuing on to Coimbra, the medieval capital of Portugal.

A full day to explore Coimbra on your own terms. The main landmark is the city's famous university, a UNESCO site since 2013. Beyond the campus, you can follow the winding streets down to the riverfront, which is lined with restaurants and bars. For a longer excursion, consider a day trip by rail to the coastal town of Aveiro or the pilgrimage site of Fátima.

The morning is for transit. A local train covers the 120km route from Coimbra to Porto, Portugal's vibrant second city. After settling in, an afternoon walk through the city center helps to get oriented, mapping out the main landmarks and the lay of the land. The rest of the afternoon is free to begin exploring.

A full day is needed to get a handle on Porto. The city's historic Ribeira district is a UNESCO World Heritage site, best explored on foot. You can climb the Clerigos Tower for a panoramic view, see the opulent São Francisco church, or bargain at the Bolhão Market. Other options include a cruise down the Douro River or a visit to the 19th-century stock market, Palácio de Bolsa. In the evening, cross the river to the port cellars for a tour and tasting.

The route ends here in Porto. Pack up and depart at any time; there are no planned activities. From here, you can connect to onward flights or continue your travels through Portugal by train or bus.