Coastal Portugal and Lisbon

With close to 600 miles of coastline, one is never far from the water when in Portugal. Even within a short distance of the cosmopolitan city of Lisbon, charming seaside villages and spectacular beaches can be found. This 6-day itinerary takes you to the coastal town of Sesimbra, located at the foothills of the Serra da Arrábida mountain range, with time to enjoy the beach and ocean. Then travel to Lisbon to explore all the city has to offer. You’ll also enjoy a day trip to Sintra and the resort town of Cascais, both to the west of Lisbon.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

Welcome to Portugal

Upon arrival in Lisbon, you will meet your driver and head south for less than an hour to Sesimbra and your 4-star hotel by the beach. The rest of the day is yours to get settled.

Day 2:

Free Day

Today is yours to spend however you wish. Hit the beach or explore town. The fishing village of Sesimbra is known for its history and its gastronomy. Be sure to try its signature dish, Arroz de Marisco (shellfish stew served in a large clay pot and meant to be shared). Aside from town, you are also in the heart of Serra da Arrábida National Park, with Lagoa de Albufeira and Cabo Espichel nearby.

Day 3:

Lisbon

After breakfast, meet your driver and return to Lisbon, where you will stay the next three nights in your 4-star hotel in the city center. The rest of the day is free, so start exploring Lisbon using your Yellow Bus passes. These passes allow you access to the hop-on-hop-off bus, the local trams, and the water taxi. For an amazing view of the city, take the tram to the Alfama hilltop and then walk up to Castelo de São Jorge. Check out the bustling, hip neighborhoods of Bairro Alto and the Chiado, or stroll down Avenida Liberdade - one of the best high-end shopping areas in Europe. Or visit the waterfront and the Praça do Comércio, a magnificent plaza that is one of the highlights of the city. While there, go up to the top of the Rua Augusta Arch for views of the water and the city.

Day 4:

City Tour

Continue to explore the city at your own pace using your Yellow Bus passes. We recommend heading out to Bélem by taking the water taxi. Here, you can visit the Tower of Belém, the Discoveries Monument, Jerónimos Monastery, and other popular tourist attractions.

Day 5:

Sintra and Cascais

Escape the hustle and bustle of Lisbon on a full-day tour of Sintra and Cascais. These two villages are within easy access of the city center and located in an area of protected natural beauty. Following a pick-up from your hotel, drive to Sintra Hills, home to fairytale palaces and castles. Look inside Pena Palace, considered one of the most beautiful castles in Europe. Enjoy a pleasant walk in the grounds and admire views of Lisbon on the horizon from its balconies. Next, explore the picture-postcard village of Sintra, stopping to taste the local pastries and shop for souvenirs. Continue to Cabo da Roca to stand at the westernmost point of mainland Europe. Next, travel along the coastal road where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Tagus River. En route, stop at the fishing village of Cascais, transformed into a home for kings-in-exile and also a site of espionage during World War II. Return to Lisbon along the magnificent Avenida Marginal, enjoying views of the Estoril Coast along the way.

Day 6:

Until Next Time

After breakfast, transfer back to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!

Testimonials

We had an amazing trip to Portugal - everything about it was just perfect. The accomodations, people, food, wine were all amazing - we couldn't ask for more. We had the perfect mix of planned tours and downtime - we were very happy with the attention to detail of our trip - there was absolutely nothing that we would have changed about it! Highly recommend!

Jill R, Portugal - 2023

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