Portugal: A Kaleidoscopic Doorway to Iberia

(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