Cities of Portugal & Beach

Weave your way through Portugal’s most notable cities on a scenic train route, soaking up Porto’s historic charm, Coimbra’s ancient university, Lisbon’s vibrant energy, Évora’s Roman ruins, and finally unwinding on the Algarve’s stunning coastline. You can also chose to do this itinerary as a self drive, giving you more flexibility and the possibility of discovering hidden treasures along the way.

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Weave your way through Portugal’s most notable cities, Porto, Coimbra, Lisbon and Évora, finally unwinding in the Algarve.

3 Nights – Porto
3 Nights – Coimbra
3 Nights – Lisbon
2 Nights – Evora
5 Nights – Faro/Algarve

This rail holiday is a true adventure, however this itinerary is also great as a road trip as the distances are 2 hours or less between stops, so if you enjoy driving, a hire car can offer more flexibility and the chance to discover hidden treasures along the way.

✈️ UK – Porto (3 nights): Your private transfer will be waiting at the airport to whisk you away to your hotel for a 3-night stay in the charming city of Porto, in the north of Portugal. Start your exploration in the historic area of Ribeira, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can wander through its narrow, cobbled streets, admire the beautiful Palácio da Bolsa and Sé do Porto (Porto Cathedral), and stop for a coffee at one of the many cafés. From here, head down to the Cais da Ribeira, the lively riverside promenade. Stroll alongside the glistening Douro River, take a traditional rabelo boat trip, or simply relax and soak up the views of the river and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. Book lovers will love the stunning Livraria Lello, often hailed as the world’s most beautiful bookstore. And of course, no visit to Porto is complete without crossing the river to Vila Nova de Gaia, where you can tour the famous port wine cellars and enjoy a tasting or two.

🚆 Porto – Coimbra (3 nights): Next, you’ll board a train south to Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, the Universidade de Coimbra. This is an absolute must-see, featuring the breathtaking Biblioteca Joanina, a Baroque library, and the Torre da Universidade bell tower, where you can enjoy stunning city views. Make sure you visit the Romanesque Sé Velha (Old Cathedral) and explore the Machado de Castro Museum, a former bishop’s palace with Roman ruins beneath it. As night falls, the best way to experience Coimbra is by heading to a traditional Fado house. While Fado is beloved across Portugal, Coimbra’s version has a unique twist – it’s often sung by men and tied to the city’s university culture.

🚆 Coimbra – Lisbon (3 nights): You’ll hop on another train and make your way to Lisbon, Portugal’s sun-soaked capital. Famous for its iconic trams, large squares, irresistible pastéis de nata, and a perfect mix of historic meets modern culture. Alfama’s maze-like streets are perfect for getting lost in, where you’ll stumble across landmarks such as the beautiful Lisbon Cathedral, the ancient São Jorge Castle, and the lively Mercado de Santa Clara, where you can hunt for antiques. Stop for a coffee in one of the many squares and watch the world go by and as dusk falls head to Bairro Alto where the cocktails are free-flowing and music spills from the bars. If you have time for a day trip, head to Sintra, a fairy-tale town tucked away in the Serra de Sintra mountains. Explore the Pena Palace and lose yourself in the Quinta da Regaleira, where secret gardens and hidden tunnels make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world.

🚆 Lisbon – Évora (2 nights): Board a train heading east and you’ll arrive in Évora, a beautiful UNESCO-listed town where Roman ruins and medieval streets sit side by side with pretty white-washed houses. Once a royal residence in the 15th century, the city’s centre has many sights to explore. Begin your journey at Praça do Giraldo, the lively heart of the city, surrounded by bustling cafés, quirky shops, and centuries-old landmarks. Don’t miss the Roman Temple, the medieval city walls, Évora’s grand cathedral, and the Chapel of Bones in São Francisco Church, where human bones line the walls. For more history, head to the Museum of Évora, the Eugénio de Almeida Foundation, and the 16th-century University. Just outside the city, stroll through the tranquil Garden of the Palace of D. Manuel and then visit the prehistoric Cromeleque dos Almendres, a circle of ancient stone structures with unknown origins.

🚆 Évora – Algarve (5 nights): Your final train journey takes you south to Faro, the gateway to the Algarve’s golden beaches and stunning coastline. The choice is yours when it comes to where you stay in the Algarve – but one thing’s for sure, you’ll be treated to spectacular seaside views, charming towns, and a chance to recharge your batteries before heading back home. Unwind in style in Quinta do Lago with its pristine beaches and luxury hotels, choose Vale do Lobo for stunning villas and coastline, or opt for the quiet charm of Porches or Sagres. Whether you want to relax on the beach with a good book, walk along coastal trails, play golf, or dive into water sports, you can be as chilled or as active as you wish. The local restaurants are fantastic, where you can enjoy fresh seafood with stunning Atlantic views.

✈️ Algarve – UK: Your private transfer will take you to Faro airport for your flight back to the UK.