Planning a one-week trip to Portugal can feel deceptively simple. The country isn’t large, distances are manageable, and everywhere you look, there seems to be something worth seeing. But the real challenge isn’t fitting everything in; it’s creating a route that flows naturally and gives you enough time in some of the most incredible places.
Here at Overland Portugal, we’ve mastered the art of the itinerary through our Small Group Tours of Portugal. In this guide, we break down the best seven-day itinerary for Portugal, which follows our carefully curated 7-Day Portugal Tour! Starting and ending in Lisbon, this route will take you north along the coast before heading inland and returning to the capital. Medieval towns, lush vineyards, and charming coastal villages await!
Day 1 — Lisbon to Sintra to Cascais
Your journey begins in Lisbon, but we won’t be staying long here. Instead, we’re heading west into the hills. After roughly 40 minutes of driving, Lisbon’s urban vibes give way to forested slopes and cooler air as you arrive in Sintra.
Sintra feels almost cinematic. Palaces emerge from the greenery, ornate villas hide behind stone walls, and winding roads lead to breathtaking viewpoints. The crown jewel is Pena Palace, perched dramatically on a hilltop. Its bold colours and eclectic Romanticist architecture contrast beautifully with the surrounding forest. From the terraces, you can see all the way to the Atlantic on a clear day.
After exploring Sintra’s historic centre, continue about 20 minutes southwest to the coast and the elegant town of Cascais. Once a summer retreat for royals, Cascais boasts seaside charm with understated sophistication. Walk along the marina, watch waves crash at Boca do Inferno, and enjoy a fresh seafood dinner as the sun dips into the Atlantic.
Day 2 — Cascais to Óbidos to Aveiro to Porto
Day two begins your gradual journey north along the coast. From Cascais, we drive just over one hour north to Óbidos, one of Portugal’s most enchanting medieval towns. Encircled by perfectly preserved stone walls, Óbidos is a maze of cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and bursts of bougainvillea. Discover this town’s literary heart in its numerous bookstores and savour the taste of ginjinha, the region’s sweet cherry liqueur.
Continuing north for roughly two hours, the landscape flattens as you approach Aveiro. Known for its canals and colourful moliceiro boats, Aveiro is known as the “Venice of Portugal” for good reason. Art Nouveau façades line the waterways, and a gentle boat ride offers a refreshing pause in the day’s journey — and one of the Best Things to Do in Portugal!
From Aveiro, it’s just an hour’s drive to Porto. As you approach, the terrain begins to rise again, and the Douro River appears beneath the iconic skyline. Arriving in Porto in the early evening allows time to stroll along Ribeira’s waterfront, where colourful buildings cascade down toward the river.
Day 3 — Discovering Porto
With no long drives today, you can immerse yourself fully in Porto. The historic centre is compact yet layered with history. Crossing the elegant Dom Luís I Bridge provides panoramic views over the Douro River and terracotta rooftops. Inside São Bento Station, thousands of blue-and-white azulejo tiles depict scenes from Portugal’s past, transforming a railway station into a work of art.
Stroll through the Riberia as you relish a pastel de nata (or two). In Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the water, centuries-old wine cellars age the city’s most famous export: Port. A guided tasting here brings context to the terraced vineyards you’ll soon visit inland!
Day 4 — Porto to the Douro Valley
Leaving Porto, you travel east for approximately 1.5 hours into the dramatic landscapes of the Douro Valley. Urban streets give way to winding mountain roads, and vineyards begin carving geometric patterns into the hillsides. The Douro is one of the world’s oldest demarcated wine regions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for both its Port and increasingly acclaimed table wines.A boat cruise along the river reveals just how steep and sculpted the terrain truly is. Terraces cling to slopes at improbable angles, shaped by generations of labour. Visiting a traditional quinta deepens your understanding of the region’s winemaking traditions. Tastings here are unhurried, often accompanied by local cheeses and olive oil, with panoramic valley views stretching in every direction. After a day of drinking delectable wines, settle into your vineyard hotel for the night! There’s little wonder why Douro is one of the Best Places to Visit in Portugal.
Day 5 — Douro Valley to Coimbra to Tomar
Today, you begin your journey south through central Portugal. The drive from the Douro Valley to Coimbra takes around two hours. As you descend from vineyard-covered slopes, the landscape softens into rolling farmland. Coimbra rises above the Mondego River, its university forming a commanding skyline.
Founded in the 13th century, the University of Coimbra is one of Europe’s oldest. The Joanina Library, with its gilded interiors and centuries-old volumes, is a highlight. The city also nurtures a unique style of fado, traditionally sung by students.
From Coimbra, continue about one hour south to Tomar. Dominating the town is the remarkable Convent of Christ, once headquarters of the Knights Templar in Portugal. Its intricate Manueline window carving and labyrinthine cloisters reflect centuries of architectural evolution and spiritual symbolism.
Day 6 — Tomar to Évora
From Tomar, drive approximately 2.5 hours southeast into the wide-open plains of Alentejo. The change in scenery is immediate. Forested hills give way to cork oak groves and expansive horizons.
Arriving in Évora, you step into one of Portugal’s most historically layered cities. Enclosed within medieval walls, Évora blends Roman, Gothic, and Renaissance influences. The Roman Temple stands remarkably preserved in the heart of town, while Évora Cathedral offers sweeping rooftop views over terracotta tiles.
Perhaps the most striking site is the Chapel of Bones, lined with human skulls and bones as a reminder of the transience of life. But don’t worry, there’s nothing morbid about Évora itself, especially when you can admire the setting sun from the comfort of your hotel.
Day 7 — Évora to Lisbon
On your final day, we begin the 1.5-hour drive northwest back toward Lisbon, but not without one final sensory experience. We stop at a traditional Alentejo olive oil estate along the way, walking through silvery groves beneath the wide sky, gaining insight into one of Portugal’s oldest agricultural traditions. A guided olive oil tasting, paired with regional delicacies, will leave you satisfied and content as you reach the end of your journey back in Lisbon.
Discover Portugal in 7 Days with Overland
For travellers seeking a seamless way to experience Portugal in one week, our 7-Day Portugal Tour is the perfect option. We follow this precise route, taking care of the driving, logistics, and 4-star accommodation for a truly immersive experience. Are you ready to discover Portugal? Then don’t hesitate to contact the Overland team with any questions or to start your journey!
