Portugal in 7 Days: An Itinerary From India

Seven days in Portugal is enough for three nights in Lisbon with day trips to Sintra and Cascais, a scenic drive north through Óbidos, Nazaré and Coimbra, and three nights in Porto with a day in the Douro Valley. Fly into Lisbon and out of Porto, and travel north by car or train. Portugal's compact size makes it one of Europe's most relaxing week-long trips.

Portugal rewards slow travel: hilltop viewpoints, long lunches and evenings by the river. This itinerary covers a realistic route with transfers, explains what to cut and offers variations for families, couples and travellers with parents.

The route at a glance

Days 1–3: Lisbon, Sintra and Cascais

Begin in Lisbon's Baixa and Chiado districts, then watch the sunset from a miradouro such as Senhora do Monte or São Pedro de Alcântara. On day two, visit Belém's Jerónimos Monastery and tower, taste the original pastel de nata, and explore the Alfama's lanes before a fado evening. On day three, take the train to Sintra for the colourful Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle and Quinta da Regaleira, then continue to the seaside town of Cascais.

Day 4: Óbidos, Nazaré and Coimbra

Drive north through the walled village of Óbidos, the fishing town of Nazaré, famous for giant winter waves, and the Alcobaça Monastery. Arrive in Coimbra, home to one of Europe's oldest universities, for the night.

Days 5–7: Porto and the Douro

Visit Coimbra University's Joanina Library, then drive to Porto (about one and a quarter hours) and watch the sunset from the Ribeira riverfront. On day six, take a day trip to the Douro Valley for terraced vineyards, a quinta visit and a river cruise. On day seven, visit Livraria Lello and the port cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia before your flight home.

Variation: Portugal and Spain

For an Iberian combination, our Lisbon to Madrid overland trip links Lisbon and Porto with Salamanca and Madrid. With eight nights, Portugal in depth adds Tomar, Viseu, Belmonte and Évora. See our Spain itinerary for the Spanish half.

Where to stay

Getting there and around

Lisbon and Porto have one-stop connections from Indian cities. Trains link Lisbon, Coimbra and Porto; for central Portugal's towns and the Douro, a car or private driver is best. Lisbon's trams, metro and funiculars help with the hills.

Food along the route

Portuguese food centres on seafood, but vegetarians will find soups, salads, cheeses, fresh bread and pastries. Lisbon and Porto have many vegetarian and Indian restaurants, with Lisbon's Goan community adding variety.

Why this order works

Lisbon has the most flight connections, and driving north through central Portugal turns the transfer into a sightseeing day. Ending in Porto gives a relaxed riverside finish. Keep one evening unscheduled in each city for a long dinner and a walk by the water.

Before you book

Book Pena Palace and Livraria Lello as soon as your dates are fixed, and decide whether to drive or take the train north from Lisbon. A private driver lets you stop at Óbidos, Nazaré and Alcobaça, while trains are faster but skip the smaller towns. Start your Schengen visa preparation at least two months before travel.

Keep one evening unscheduled in Lisbon for a walk through the Alfama at dusk, when the lanes are quiet and fado drifts from small restaurants.

If it rains

Lisbon's Gulbenkian Museum and the National Tile Museum are excellent indoor choices, and Porto's port cellars, Palácio da Bolsa and São Bento station's tiled hall are perfect for a wet afternoon.

In each city, start early at the most visited sights. Sintra, Belém and Livraria Lello are calmest in the first hour after opening, and Lisbon's viewpoints are quieter at sunrise than at sunset. Leave the evenings for long dinners and river walks, when Portuguese cities are at their most relaxed.

Allow a slow lunch on the drive north; small towns such as Óbidos and Nazaré have simple restaurants serving soups, grilled fish and fresh bread, and the pace of central Portugal is part of its appeal.

Porto is especially beautiful at dusk from the upper deck of the Dom Luís I bridge.

What to cut if you are short on time

• Five days: Lisbon (3) and Porto (2), by train.
• Do not add: the Algarve to a seven-day Lisbon–Porto trip.

Variations for families and parents

For older parents, stay in flatter areas, use taxis and tuk-tuks for hills, and keep Sintra to one palace. Children enjoy the Oceanário, trams and Cascais beaches.

For couples and honeymooners

Couples can add a fado dinner, a Douro quinta stay and a sunset river cruise in Porto.

Timing this route

April to June and September to October are best. See our month-by-month Portugal guide.

Budget levers

• Use trains between Lisbon, Coimbra and Porto.
• Eat the prato do dia at lunch.
• Choose one paid palace in Sintra rather than several.
• Travel in spring or autumn rather than August.

With an extra day

Add Évora in the Alentejo for its Roman temple and chapel of bones, or two nights in the Algarve for the Benagil sea caves and golden cliffs. Guimarães and Braga, north of Porto, make an easy day trip for history lovers.

Packing for this route

• Shoes with good grip for steep, polished cobbles.
• Layers and a light jacket for breezy Atlantic evenings.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses.
• A compact umbrella from October to April.

Practical tips

• Check Schengen visa requirements on the official Portuguese visa portal.
• Wear shoes with good grip for cobbled pavements.
• Bread and olives brought to the table are charged only if eaten.

For the full planning overview, see our Portugal trip planning guide. With one named planner and WhatsApp support throughout, your trains, drivers and hotels are arranged.

Your questions, answered

Is 7 days enough for Portugal?

Seven days is enough for Lisbon, Sintra, central Portugal and Porto with the Douro Valley. The Algarve needs two or three extra nights.

How long is the train from Lisbon to Porto?

The fastest trains take about three hours between Lisbon and Porto. Driving takes a similar time and allows stops in central Portugal.

Is Sintra a day trip from Lisbon?

Yes. Sintra is about 40 minutes by train from Lisbon. Pre-book Pena Palace and arrive early to avoid queues.

Can I combine Portugal and Spain in 7 days?

Yes, with Lisbon, Porto and Madrid, though it is brisk. Ten days gives a more comfortable Iberian trip.