Here’s a perfect itinerary for travelers who have around a week to explore some of the highlights of this majestic country. The itinerary covers the country’s vibrant capital city of Lisbon, the charming medieval town of Coimbra in the central region, and the old world charm of Porto, the northern city that is best known for the sweet wine produced in its local wine cellars.
The beauty of this itinerary is that it can just as easily be done by car or by train, so you can decide how you want to get around. The roadways in Portugal are quite good and these cities are all connected via major highways, which makes it an easy and very pleasant drive. The benefit of renting a car is that you don’t have to be tied to a schedule and you have the flexibility of taking detours along the way if you find an interesting place you want to see.
Since you won’t really need a car once you arrive at your destinations, the benefit of taking the train is that you can skip the car rental and leave the driving to Comboios de Portugal, the national railway. There won’t be a need to worry about directions or traffic; you can just sit back, relax in your comfortable train seat and watch the beautiful countryside go by.
For more information about getting around in Portugal, click here. The times mentioned below for train travel are based on the high-speed Alfa Pendular service that runs between Lisbon-Coimbra-Porto. Service is also offered on Regional and Inter-regional lines, but these lines will add 15-30 minutes to the times quoted below. Tickets can be bought online and discounts may be available for advance ticket purchases. For more information on Comboios de Portugal, including schedules, pricing and ticket purchase information, click here.
You will begin your itinerary in Lisbon, the cosmopolitan capital city of Portugal that is located on the Atlantic at the mouth of the Tagus River. Here you can explore the historic Alfama neighborhood that is topped off with a 12th C. castle, ride the wooden trams that traverse the city’s narrow streets, visit museums that feature everything from paintings, to tiles to royal coaches, and finish off your day by enjoying a meal at a top rated restaurant with chefs that are gaining worldwide acclaim and Michelin stars. For more information on what to see in Lisbon, click here.
The next stop on the itinerary is the enchanting city of Coimbra, whose historic roots date back to Roman times. Coimbra served as Portugal’s first capital in the 12th C., is the birthplace of six of the country’s kings, and the final resting place of the first two. This thriving and vibrant city is perhaps best known for its university, which was established in 1290 and is one of the oldest in the world. The beautiful university buildings, especially the incomparable Baroque library, Biblioteca Joanina, are not to be missed. Many also visit Coimbra to see the gardens where the tragic love story of Prince Pedro and Inés de Castro, Portugal’s version of Romeo and Juliet, played out. For more information on what to see in Coimbra, click here.
The last stop on the itinerary is Porto, and no visit to Porto would be complete without touring the wine cellars and tasting its delicious wines. Portugal’s second largest city has much more to offer than just its eponymous wine. The city has a special old world charm and enchantment that you can feel as you stroll along its riverfront, visit its monuments, or walk down its ancient narrow streets and alleyways. For more information on what to see in Porto, click here.
Additional information on what to see and do, where to stay and where to eat in these cities can be found on our website or on our blog. Simply search by city.
You may want to consider booking private tours in some or all of these cities. Private tours are a great way to make the best use of the limited time you have in each. Your English-speaking local guide will make sure you don’t miss any must-see sights, and will provide you with the history and insights behind the places you will visit. For more information on the private tours we offer, click here.
Coimbra is a city that has deep historical and cultural roots that date back to its founding in Roman times. It has played an important part in Portugal’s history over the centuries, and even served at the country’s first capital from 1131-1255. Six of Portugal’s kings were born here, and the country’s first two kings are buried here.
Portugal’s 4th largest city is a thriving and vibrant city. It is perhaps best known for its university, which is the oldest in the country and one of the oldest universities in the world. Established in 1290, the University of Coimbra continues to be a draw for both international students as well as tourists who come to visit the beautiful buildings of this esteemed institution.
The medieval city of Coimbra sits alongside the banks of the Mondego River, and is divided into the Lower Town (the Baixa) that is located by the river, and the Upper Town (Cidade Alta). The Lower Town is the commercial hub of the city, with shops, restaurants and cafes. The Upper Town is the old town that sits atop a hill and consists of narrow, winding cobblestone streets and buildings dating back to medieval times. You can enter the Upper Town through the Moorish town walls at the Arco de Almedina, which dates back to the 9th C. In the old town you will find the 12th C. Old Cathedral, the 17th C. New Cathedral, and the beautiful buildings of the university. If school is in session you will see students roaming through the courtyard and buildings in their traditional black gowns, which is a vision that will transport you back in time.
Coimbra is home to the legend of the tragic love story of Prince Pedro and Inés de Castro, Portugal’s version of Romeo and Juliet. Located just on the other side of the river, many visit the gardens of Quinta das Lágrimas (Estate of Tears) to see the place where Inés was murdered in 1355 by Pedro’s father, King Afonso IV, in order to end their forbidden love affair. Today the estate is operated as a luxury hotel.
If you are visiting Coimbra with children you you may want to include a visit to Portugal dos Pequenitos (Portugal of the Little Ones), a popular theme park for children. Built in 1940, the park recreates in miniatures Portugal’s most important national monuments, along with typical houses and buildings from former colonies. There is a dress museum that features miniature outfits from Portuguese everyday life throughout the centuries, as well as a Barbie museum with over 300 dolls. The theme park is located just across the river near the Convent of Santa Clara-a-Velha.
One last site of interest that is located about 20 minutes south of Coimbra is the ancient Roman city of Conímbriga. The ruins at this archaeological site are the best preserved Roman ruins in Portugal, with city walls, mosaic floors and building foundations that are still intact.
Photo Credit: © Christopher Pappas · All rights reserved. Photo of Coimbra.