Portugal: A Kaleidoscopic Doorway to Iberia
Updated 2 min read
(This post is still under construction, but the itinerary stands! Check back soon for the full details and narrative.)
In a whirlwind week-long trip to Portugal one fall, we managed to push our little ones along the hilly streets of Lisbon, Porto and Sintra.
With its terra-cotta roofs and walls paneled in azulejos tiles, walking the streets of Portugal is a view into the melange of Roman, Germanic and Moorish influences.
Given the jetlag that sets in after the red-eye flight to Europe from the U.S., I would suggest allowing more time for rest and a slower pace compared to the itinerary below, but know that it is possible to explore all of this within just a few days, all while trudging up and down hills with a double stroller! Below, I updated the itinerary of what we actually did to offer a more leisurely itinerary to explore the Pena palace in Sintra.
We booked exclusively through aggregator sites like hotels.com to find affordable accommodations.
Day 1
- REST after arrival.
- After napping, enjoy a late afternoon sunset stroll along the water and Terriero de Paco
- Dinner at Carnal in Barrio Alto
Day 2
- Coffee at Simpli
- Trek up to to the historic Sao Jorge Castle
- Look over the rooftops of the Alfama neighborhood
- Lunch at Dama E Vagabundo near Praca de Figueroa
- Step through Chiado
- Dinner at Tamarind (Indian restaurant)
Day 3
Take the train to Sintra in the morning – spend the whole day at one of the palaces. Our pick was the colorful Pena Palace. If we visit Portugal again, I think we would actually stay in the town of Sintra and spend one day each to explore the three main palaces.
Day 4
- Ride the train to Porto from the Lisboa Oriente station.
- Sip sweet port wine along the Duoro River
Day 5
- Tour by foot, stopping at Stock Exchange Palace, Sao Lorenco Church, Porto Cathedral, Igreja do Carmo, Mercado de Balhao, Avenue of the Allies, Church of Saint Ildefonso
- Lunch at Puro 4050– excellent!
- Scamper around the Jardim de Cordoaria
- Ride the Gaia cable cars up to the viewpoint at the upper deck of Luis I bridge
- Float along the river by boat
Day 6
Depart from Porto
Comments