17 days in Portugal Itinerary

Built on seven hills, Lisbon has experienced a renaissance in recent years, making it the cultural star of Portugal.

Get out of town with these interesting Lisbon side-trips: Sintra (Quinta da Regaleira & Park and National Palace of Pena). The adventure continues: wander the streets of Belém Tower, contemplate the long history of Castelo de S. Jorge, admire the masterpieces at Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, and don't miss a visit to Praca do Comercio (Terreiro do Paco).

Plan a Lisbon trip in moments using our itinerary builder.

Toronto, Canada to Lisbon is an approximately 10-hour flight. You'll lose 5 hours traveling from Toronto to Lisbon due to the time zone difference. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from Toronto in September: highs in Lisbon hover around 32°C, while lows dip to 19°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 5th (Sun) so you can go by car to Lagos.

The allure of the beaches and the town's historical center draw visitors to Lagos, a coastal destination in the Barlavento region of the Algarve.

Explore Lagos' surroundings by going to Praia da Rocha (Casa do "Vo" Serafim & Praia Da Rocha), Stand-Up Paddleboarding (in Albufeira) and Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos (in Lagoa). There's much more to do: take some stellar pictures from Ponta Da Piedale, enjoy the sand and surf at Praia dos Tres Irmaos, head outdoors with Pro Putting Garden, and get in on the family fun at Zoomarine Algarve.

To find photos, where to stay, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Lagos online driving holiday planner .

Traveling by car from Lisbon to Lagos takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of flight and bus. In September in Lagos, expect temperatures between 30°C during the day and 21°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 8th (Wed) early enough to go by car to Tavira.

Tavira has succeeded at escaping the flood of tourism that has affected other coastal Portuguese towns over the years.

Tavira is known for nature, beaches, nightlife, historic sites, and shopping. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: get up close to creatures of the deep with a dolphin and whale watching tour, step off the mainland to explore Tavira Island, stroll through Caramelo Beach Club, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Igreja de Sao Pedro Goncalves Telmo.

To see photos, maps, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read Tavira tour itinerary tool .

You can drive from Lagos to Tavira in 1.5 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a train. September in Tavira sees daily highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Coimbra.

The university town of Coimbra exudes modern flair while embracing its roots as the medieval capital of Portugal.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Coimbra: Dolphin & Whale Watching (in Nazare) and Convent of Christ (in Tomar). There's still lots to do: admire the natural beauty at Jardim Botanico, don't miss a visit to Universidade de Coimbra Alta & Sofia, take in the architecture and design of University of Coimbra, and indulge your taste buds at Food & Drink.

For ratings, reviews, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Coimbra journey planner .

Getting from Tavira to Coimbra by car takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or do a combination of flight and taxi. Traveling from Tavira in September, expect little chillier with lows of 16°C in Coimbra. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Tue) early enough to take a train to Porto.

Called "Oporto" by many, the city of Porto along the Duoro River lent the country and Port wine their names. Portugal's second-largest metropolis dates back to the 4th century, representing both a rich cultural past and industrial present through its architecture and style.

Porto is known for historic sites, nightlife, shopping, nature, and museums. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: take in the views from Ponte de Dom Luis I, admire the masterpieces at Museu Serralves, make a trip to Palacio de Cristal, and awaken your taste buds at some of the top wineries in the area.

To see ratings, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Porto route maker .

Take a train from Coimbra to Porto in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or drive. In September, daytime highs in Porto are 27°C, while nighttime lows are 15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Fri) so you can travel back home.