I’m currently designing trips to Portugal for a few clients, which is making me wistful about my previous visits to both the mainland and to the Azores. From family vacations to solo exploration to river cruising, Portugal is perfect for all types of travelers.
Portugal shares a border with Spain and lies along the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. In addition to the mainland, Portugal boasts the islands of the Azores in the mid-Atlantic and Madeira 500 miles west of Casablanca, Morocco.
Here is a fantastic itinerary for spending a week visiting Lisbon and Porto:
The birthplace of Portugal, Lisbon enjoyed a history of splendor still visible in spectacular castles, churches and plazas. I recommend a half day tour with a guide who can bring to life the city’s history of colonization that included the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors, and finally the Portuguese. The Alfama is the oldest quarter of Lisbon where you’ll find the Castelo de São Jorge. You can enjoy the Manueline architecture of Belem and the lively Baixa and Chiado neighborhoods. Ride on a historic streetcar, take the time to walk through the neighborhoods and enjoy some Pestiscos (similar to tapas) and Portuguese wine.
Take a day trip to the coastal towns of Sintra for Palacio da Pena, Cascais – once a small fishing village, and picturesque Estoril. Visit a local winery to learn about Portuguese wine or to an atelier for a hands on lesson in the art of creating beautiful Portuguese tiles.
On the way to Porto, I recommend a stop in Coimbra. Among the many archeological structures, there is well-preserved Roman aqueduct in town. Once the capital of Portugal in the Late Middle Ages, it became a major political and cultural center, helped in part by the University of Coimbra in 1290.
Porto was previously known as Cale, a little Celtic settlement located on the mouth of the Douro River. When the Romans added a port, Portus Cale, it gave its name to the city of Porto as well as the country.
Staying in the city center keeps you close to major cultural highlights that you can discover on foot, such as the Bolhão Market, Ribeira District and Clérigos Church. Take a guided tour to discover this amazing, hilly city with its soaring bell towers, extravagant baroque churches and stately beaux-arts buildings. Don’t miss the Stock Exchange Palace, the Gothic São Francisco church with its Baroque interior, the historic Lello bookstore, and admire the signature blue and white tiles in the Sao Bento train station.
Hop on a classic fishing boat to visit Afurada, a traditional fishing village where colorful azuleijo tiles line the streets and fishermen’s wives fill the plaza to hang their laundry. You must visit the port wine houses to learn the difference between tawny and ruby port and taste the delicious wine.
Portugal is one of my favorite countries in Europe and it could be one of yours too! One visit and you’ll wonder why you haven’t visited sooner.
Helen Jordan is the owner of Jordan Luxury Travel, an independent affiliate of Brownell Travel, a member of Virtuoso. She can be reached at 602-692-9379 or [email protected].
