Portugal without a car

At 10.10h landing at Lisbon airport. Upon arrival purchase a Viva Viagem card for public transport that you top up and pay as you go. You can buy it at the airport. Transport by metro to the city center and go to the accommodation.

We choose Central Apartment Lisbon, Rua Maria da Fonte 52. Situated in center and close to public transport. Very clean cosy old fashioned flat with charm. The famous old trams go just below the window.

At 14h go on foot to the lookout Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte with a stunning view over Lisbon. Enter a Igreja da São Vicente de Fora that is situated on the lookout.

Walk to the nearby hill to explore the Castelo de S. Jorge. It is located at the top of São Jorge hill, Lisbon's highest hill. The castle surrounded with the monumental fortifications has very remarkable history.

Walk through the charming alleys of Alfama district. Visit the church of St. Anthony (on the spot where the Saint was born) and take a tour of the Cathedral of Se de Lisbon. Have dinner in a local restaurant in Alfama.

Around 8h depart to Rossio train station, and purchase a train ticket to Sintra. At 9.01h train ride to Sintra (until 9.41h).

In front of the train station in Sintra, board the local bus no. 434 (goes every 15 minutes) to Pena Palace. It is a round tour bus and with one ticket you can go in and out of the bus on that tour. From 10.30h sightseeing of the Pena Palace and the park until 13h. Return by bus 434 to Sintra. At 13.30h walk to the palace Quinta da Regaleira - see a well in the park, return to Sintra. Have a snack in a local pastry shop. At 15.10h or 15.40h take the bus no. 403 to Cascais (about 35 minutes drive).

At 15.50h or 16.20h arrival in Cabo da Roca, the most western point of continental Europe. Step down from the bus and take a walk along the cliffs and the lighthouse for an hour. Take the next bus no. 403 at 16.50h or 17.20h.

After about 25 minutes arrive in Cascais a beautiful seaside town with sandy beaches. Go sightseeing in the town, and walk by the sea for 15 minutes to Boca do Inferno, a unique sea arch and cliff formation. Have a drink in a caffe along the sea promenade.

At 19.34h return by train to Lisbon, and at 20.14h arrive at the station Cais do Sodre. (ATTENTION!! It is a different station from the one you started in the morning!!!) In front of the station visit Mercado da Ribeira – the famous food market and have dinner.

At 9h go on foot through Baixa centre of the city, to Praca do Comercio square and look at the Arco Triunfal da Rua Augusta and the view over river Tejo. From the square board the tram no.15E and ride to the Belem district.

Visit the most famous Lisbon patisserie Pasteis de Belem from 1837. It is situated across the last tram station where you get off. Do not hesitate to wait in the line in front of the shop to buy and try this original delicious popular cake. It's totally worth it!

Make a tour of the amazing monastery of St. Jerome. The long line to enter went rather fast. The complex is huge and absolutely impressive. Must visit!

Walk to the Belem Cultural Center and the Discovery Monument. Have a view over the longest Bridge The April 25th, and the monumental statue of Jesus across the river.

Stroll along the banks of the river Tejo to the Tower of Belem and Oceanearo. Around 14h return to the centre by tram to Cais do Sodre. Take the metro to Avenida da Liberdade the farthest point, and slowly walk down to the centre.

Stroll through the Baixa district with its characteristic streets, and take a ride on the famous St. Just elevator up to district Bairro Alto. On the lookout, Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara, enjoy the beautiful view of Lisbon. Visit the Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the Museum of Sao Roque, and the Sacred Art Museum. Walk around the neighbourhood with lovely cafes and restaurants and have dinner there.

On our list of cities that we wanted to see were a lot of them so today we chose the excursion of 5 cities as one private trip with a minivan at a reasonable price. Booked the tour with Get Your Guide. The itinerary covered 5 cities: Fatima, Batalha, Alcobasa, Nazare and Obidos. The minibus pick up is at 8h at the apartment.

Drive to Fatima, next to Lourdes, the most famous Marian shrine in Europe. Tour of the sanctuary: the basilica, the promenade with the Chapel of the Apparitions.

Followed by a visit to the distinctive, unfinished Gothic monastery and church of Santa Maria da Vitoria in Batalha, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch in a local restaurant in Batalha.

We had excellent fish meals from local recipes. Moderate prices.

Continue to the Monastery of Alcobaça also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Very big and beautiful complex. Must see the extraordinary kitchen complex in the monastery.

Next was Nazare (Nazareth) the town on the coast. Go to the top of the cliff for a view of the beach and the ocean. The place is known for the biggest waves in the world. Unfortunately we did not see them. And learn about the legend in the Chapel of Our Lady of the Nazareth.

Finally, visit Obidos, a picturesque town known for its monumental fortress. A tour of the town and tasting the famous local speciality ginja – a cherry liqueur that is drunk from chocolate cups, which are eaten after drinking. The return in Lisbon around 20h.

At 8h leave the apartment, and take the metro to the train station Oriente (designed by famous architect Calatrava). At 9.39h take the train to Coimbra.

Coimbra is almost halfway between Lisbon and Porto and therefore a logical stop between them on our tour through Portugal. It is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive at 11.32h, then take the local train (approx. 5 min) to the centre of the town. Go on foot to "Gowalksportugal" Rua Visconde da Luz, nr. 75, where you can leave the suitcases. (ATTENTION!! There are no baggage lockers at the train stations!!!)

From 12.30h sightseeing: University with fantastic Chapel of São Miguel and Biblioteca Joanina, Santa Cruz Monastery, Romanesque Cathedral. Students from the University of Coimbra look like they stepped out of the pages of a Harry Potter book. But the black cape and academic uniform they wear is a tradition that started 500 years ago. Some say that J.K. Rowling was inspired by them when creating the clothes of Hogwarts students.

Around 16.30h pick up the suitcases, and depart to Coimbra B station. Take a 17.33h train to Porto. At 18.46h arrive in Porto, go on foot or by metro 1 station to the apartment.

We chose the simple and modern Lovely Central Apartment in Rua do Heroísmo, 278. It was close to the train station and walking distance from the centre.

Sightseeing of the city. See the Chapel of Souls famous for its blue white tiles facade. Next to it is rather popular old caffe Majestic. If you are lucky you might get a seat. We didn't 😔

Go to the old São Bento railway station wilth all the walls full of pictures made from azulejos (blue tiles).

Next place is Liberdade Square with City Hall and then walk to very old Church of St. Francis. In the centre you will find a very famous book shop Lello where J.K.Rawling wrote Herry Potter book.

Go down to Ribeira Square, pass next to the Bolsa palace (Stock Exchange building). Stroll along the Douro River with the view of the Dom Luis Bridge. Lunch by the river: calamari and tripe (Portugal's speciality). Go up the hill with the cable car next to the Bridge. Walk to the accommodation. Have a rest.

In the evening visit Casa da Musica and attend the fado concert. We were lucky to hear the famous fado singer Maria Anna Babbone.

Take a train at 8.20 or 8.50 to Braga from Campanha station in Porto. (50 min drive) Braga has a history of two thousand years and the name "Portuguese Rome". In front of the train station in Braga take a bus nr. 2 to Bom Jesus do Monte. Walk up the stairs (very many) or ride by the old elevator. The stairs are monumental and many but are worth climbing. It goes slow because of the many stops to enjoy the view of Braga and look at the numerous statues and decorations on the way. See the church on the top have a drink. Descend the stairs and go back to the centre by the same bus.

Make a short tour of the city: Se- the cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, Rua do Souto, Arco da Porta Nova… Have lunch: try famous Francesinha sandwich. It's delicious.

After lunch take the bus at 14.15 to the nearby Guimaraes, the ancient stone city where the kingdom of Portugal originated. Make a tour of the well-preserved medieval buildings of the city, the old granite walls, the Romanesque fortress, Braganza Palace, then Oliviera Square, Toural Square, the Church of Our Lady of Consolation… Have a sangria and beer in one of many lovely caffes. In the evening take a train back to Porto. Less than an hour ride.

A whole day's walk around Porto. Start with the Cathedral of Porto situated on the top hill overlooking the river. Very beautiful romanesque cathedral.

Enter the 15. century Church of St. Claire and enjoy the stunning interior rich with the beautiful gilded woodwork. Must see!

Go towards the Dom Luis Bridge and walk over the upper level of the bridge to the other side of river Duro. Get down the narrow streets to Vila Nova de Gaia, the winemakers side.

Have lunch in one of the restaurants from local wineries. We stepped in to the Tappas Caffe Regional because it was not on the promenade and it looked very old. The food and wine were delicious and moderate price. Our choice was fish and trippe.

Walk back to Dom Luis Bridge and cross over the river along the lower level. Finish sightseeing in lovely streets of Porto and look for some souvenirs. Tipical souvenirs are Porto wine 🍷, canned fish, cork accessories, pasteis de nata and many more.

Check out from the apartment and go to Campanha train station. At 8.45h take the train to Lisbon.

11.52h arrive at the train station Oriente in Lisbon also made by architect Calatrava. On the other side of the street visit the big shopping centre Vasco da Gamma and a nearby Park of Nations, where in 1998. EXPO was held. View of the longest bridge in Europe Vasco da Gamma. Walk around and take the cable car to Oceaneario. 15.30h take Metro to the airport