Lisbon, Porto & Douro
Duration : 8 days
Route : Lisbon (3 nights) → Sintra & Cascais (1 night) → Coimbra (1 night) → Porto (3 nights, Douro cruise)
Custom travel to Portugal
Portugal is one of Europe's most captivating destinations, where Lisbon and its yellow trams meet Porto and its port wine cellars, where the wild Alentejo coast dialogues with the golden Algarve beaches, and where every region reveals a strong character. From romantic Sintra to Douro vineyards, from subtropical Madeira to volcanic Azores, the country offers a diversity of landscapes, flavors, and heritage that makes it one of Europe's most complete destinations — at still-accessible prices.
Highlights
- Lisbon: trams, viewpoints, fado, pastéis
- Porto: port wine cellars, UNESCO Douro Valley
- Sintra: romantic palaces (Pena, Quinta da Regaleira)
- Algarve: golden beaches, cliffs, and caves
- Alentejo: vineyards, olive groves, and white villages
Sample itineraries
Full Portugal
Duration : 14 days
Route : Lisbon (3 nights) → Sintra (1 night) → Évora & Alentejo (2 nights) → Algarve (3 nights) → Coimbra (1 night) → Porto (3 nights) → Douro (1 night)
Portugal & Azores
Duration : 16 days
Route : Lisbon (2 nights) → Sintra (1 night) → Porto (3 nights) → Douro (2 nights) → flight Azores São Miguel (4 nights) → Pico (2 nights) → Faial (1 night) → return flight
Essential Madeira
Duration : 8 days
Route : Funchal (3 nights) → Caldeirão Verde and Risco Levadas (2 nights, north) → Peaks and Pico Ruivo (2 nights, center) → west coast and Porto Moniz (1 night)
Full Madeira & Porto
Duration : 12 days
Route : Porto (3 nights, Douro cruise) → flight Funchal (3 nights) → levadas and peaks (3 nights, Santana) → Porto Santo by ferry (2 nights, golden sand beach) → return flight
Madeira & Azores: double Atlantic archipelago
Duration : 14 days
Route : Lisbon (1 night) → flight Funchal Madeira (5 nights, levadas, Pico Ruivo, Porto Moniz) → direct Azores São Miguel flight (4 nights, Sete Cidades, Furnas) → Pico (3 nights, volcano ascent) → return flight
When to go
Portugal is ideally visited April-June and September-October: pleasant temperatures (20-28 °C), little rain, few crowds. Summer (July-August) is hot (32-38 °C inland, pleasant on the coast) and saturated in the Algarve. Winter is mild (10-15 °C) and ideal for Lisbon and Porto without crowds, but the Algarve loses its charm and the Azores are rainy.
- Spring (April – June) — Lisbon, Porto, Sintra, Alentejo
- Summer (July – August) — Algarve, beaches, festivals (Lisbon, Porto)
- Autumn (September – October) — Douro harvests, calmer Algarve
- Winter (December – March) — Lisbon, Porto without crowds, springlike Madeira
Practical information
Portugal is one of the world's safest countries. A few cultural codes: meals are eaten a bit late (lunch 1-2pm, dinner 8-9pm); tipping (5-10%) is appreciated; greeting with 2 kisses; don't ask for lemon on bacalhau (sacrilege). Portuguese are proud of their identity distinct from Spain — don't say it's 'like Spain but smaller'. Tap water is drinkable. A few Portuguese words (obrigado/obrigada depending on speaker gender, bom dia, saúde) always appreciated.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Portugal?
April-June and September-October offer the ideal balance: pleasant temperatures, little rain, few crowds. Summer is hot and saturated in the Algarve. Winter is mild and ideal for Lisbon without crowds.
How long for a Portugal trip?
8 days for Lisbon, Porto, and the Douro. 14 days to add Algarve, Alentejo, Coimbra. 16-21 days to combine with Madeira or Azores.
What budget for a custom Portugal trip?
As a guideline, €1,400-€2,000 per person for 8-10 days at mid-range comfort, excluding flights. For an upscale trip with pousadas and bespoke experiences: €3,500-€5,500.
Do I need a visa to travel to Portugal?
Portugal is part of the EU and Schengen Area. No visa is required for French, Belgian, Swiss, and EU citizens.
Should I rent a car in Portugal?
Essential for the Douro, Alentejo, Algarve, and hinterland. Not needed in Lisbon or Porto (excellent public transport). The Alfa Pendular train suffices to link Lisbon and Porto.
How to get around in Portugal?
The Alfa Pendular train links Lisbon to Porto in 2h45. Car for the Douro, Alentejo, Algarve. Tram and metro in Lisbon and Porto. Domestic flights to Madeira and Azores.
How to pay in Portugal: card or cash?
Cards are accepted everywhere. Cash remains useful for markets and small taverns. Portugal is part of the eurozone.
Is Portugal suitable for a family trip?
Absolutely. One of Europe's most family-friendly countries: safety, warm welcome for children, family beaches, kid-friendly experiences (tram, romantic palaces, cruises). Favor Algarve + Lisbon for a first trip.
Can you do a honeymoon in Portugal?
Portugal is a romantic honeymoon destination. Between historic pousadas, Madeira's Belmond Reid's Palace, Azores caldera-view villas, Douro cruises, intimate fado shows, experiences for two abound.
Can you combine continental Portugal with Madeira or Azores?
Yes, direct flight from Lisbon (1h30 to Madeira, 2h to Azores). Plan 14-18 days for a balanced combination. Madeira is ideal year-round, Azores more stable June-September.