10 Days in Portugal: A Family-Friendly Itinerary
After a string of international trips in 2021, I felt it was time to plan something truly special—with my family. It had been nearly three years since our last adventure together (a memorable trip to Japan), and I was eager to create new memories with my dad and younger brothers.
At first, I considered Iceland—a place I absolutely love and have visited more than five times. But while it’s breathtaking, it’s not exactly budget-friendly for a group trip. So I shifted gears and looked elsewhere.
Portugal quickly rose to the top of my list. I had only visited Lisbon once before, back in 2008, and while my memories were faint—a scenic port and a charming outdoor restaurant—I remembered loving it. With Portugal’s growing popularity in recent years, I was curious to revisit and dive deeper into this still somewhat underrated destination. And I’m so glad I did.
Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon
Transportation: Upon arrival, take a taxi or Uber to your accommodation (approximately €25–30).
Evening: Begin your culinary journey with dinner at Sucolento Santos, a cozy spot serving flavorful Portuguese fare.
Day 2: A Day Trip to Sintra
Morning: Embark on a guided tour to Sintra, a fairytale town known for its romantic palaces and lush hills. Highlights include Palácio da Pena and Quinta da Regaleira.
Evening: Head back to Lisbon and enjoy dinner at Fumeiro de Santa Catarina, a local favorite for authentic and creative dishes.
Day 3: Flavors and Fado in Lisbon
Afternoon: Sample Portuguese cured meats, cheeses, and pastel de nata from neighborhood markets and bakeries.
Evening: Dine at Fado ao Carmo and enjoy a live Fado performance, one of Portugal’s most moving cultural experiences.
Day 4: Travel to Coimbra
Morning: Board the train at Lisbon’s Santa Apolónia Station for Coimbra-B.
Sightseeing: Visit the historic University of Coimbra, Museu Académico, and the gardens of Quinta das Lágrimas.
Evening: Try regional dishes at No Tacho, known for its home-style Portuguese cooking.
Day 5: Welcome to Porto
Morning: Take the Alfa Pendular express train from Coimbra to Porto for a comfortable, scenic ride.
Lunch: Enjoy the famous pork sandwiches at Casa Guedes.
Coffee Break: Grab a well-crafted espresso at Combi Coffee Roasters.
Sightseeing: Explore São Bento Station, Clérigos Tower, and the Ribeira waterfront district.
Dinner: Visit Oficina dos Rissóis for casual dining with local flavors.
Day 6: Day Trip to Braga and Guimarães
Take a full-day guided tour to Braga and Guimarães, two cities rich in history and essential to understanding Portugal’s cultural identity.
Evening: Return to Porto for a relaxed dinner and evening stroll.
Day 7: Douro Valley Wine Experience
Day Trip: Explore the Douro Valley, home to scenic vineyards and world-renowned port wine. Enjoy wine tastings, river views, and picturesque landscapes.
Evening: Back in Porto, enjoy rooftop cocktails or a quiet dinner overlooking the city.
Day 8: Pastel de Nata Workshop and Fado Performance
Afternoon: Join a hands-on pastry class to learn how to make Portugal’s iconic pastel de nata.
Evening: Attend a live Fado performance at Taberna Real do Fado to experience the depth of Portuguese musical heritage.
Day 9: Return to Lisbon
Morning: Travel back to Lisbon by train.
Evening: Celebrate your final night with dinner at Eneko Lisbon, a Michelin-starred restaurant blending Basque technique with Portuguese ingredients.
Day 10: Departure
Morning: Head to the airport with unforgettable memories, meaningful cultural encounters, and perhaps a few extra pastries tucked into your bag.
Travel Tips and Insights
Getting Around – Lisbon’s beautiful but hilly terrain can be challenging. Hiring a tuk-tuk driver for a half-day private tour (around $50 USD per hour) is a fun and efficient way to explore without the uphill climb.
Portuguese Cuisine – Portuguese food is rich in flavor, with a heavy emphasis on seafood and spices. If you’re not a fan of fish, don’t worry—there are plenty of options, especially when it comes to pastries and regional meat dishes.
Just a heads-up—Lisbon is incredibly hilly, which made it a bit tough for my 75-year-old dad. To make things easier, I hired a tuk-tuk driver for a half-day tour (about $50 USD/hour), and it ended up being a great solution.
As for the food, I found Portuguese cuisine to be on the saltier side. I wasn’t a fan of the steaks, and since I’m not big on seafood (aside from crustaceans), a lot of the traditional dishes didn’t quite hit the mark for me. That said, I did enjoy several of their pastries—especially the iconic egg custards—though not all of them were to my taste.
Why Portugal?
Portugal is an ideal introduction to Europe. Its well-preserved architecture, welcoming locals, family-friendly pace, and cost-effectiveness make it a standout destination. Whether you’re wandering medieval alleys, sipping wine in the Douro, or listening to Fado in a candlelit tavern, Portugal leaves a lasting impression.
Need help planning your Portugal itinerary?
Let Nomoon Travel create a custom experience just for you. From boutique hotels to local guides and curated culinary stops, we’ll design a trip that’s meaningful, seamless, and unforgettable.
