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.
