18 days in Portugal Itinerary

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

Attractions like Jardim Zoologico and Vila Natal make great kid-friendly stops. Step out of Lisbon with an excursion to Sao Tiago Church in Obidos--about 1 hour away. There's much more to do: step into the grandiose world of Castelo de S. Jorge, admire the masterpieces at Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, see the interesting displays at Museu Nacional do Azulejo, and pause for some photo ops at Santuario Nacional de Cristo Rei.

For ratings, photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Lisbon travel tool .

Sao Paulo, Brazil to Lisbon is an approximately 14-hour flight. You can also do a combination of bus and flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Sao Paulo to Lisbon is 3 hours. In January, Lisbon is colder than Sao Paulo - with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Mon) to allow enough time to take a train to Cascais.

A mere 32 km (20 mi) from Lisbon, the coastal town of Cascais has a long history of entertaining royals.

Start off your visit on the 20th (Mon): take a stroll through Centro Historico de Cascais, explore the striking landscape at Boca do Inferno, then kick back and relax at Guincho Beach, and finally stop by Maria Madrugas.

To see maps, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, use the Cascais trip maker site .

You can take a train from Lisbon to Cascais in an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In January, plan for daily highs up to 17°C, and evening lows to 8°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Mon) so you can take a train to Lisbon.

For where to stay, photos, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the Lisbon tour planner .

You can take a train from Cascais to Lisbon in an hour. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. You will leave for Ponta Delgada on the 21st (Tue).

As the busy capital of São Miguel, Ponta Delgada represents the most visited place on the island. Known for its historical buildings, the city offers 17th- and 18th-century convents and churches, as well as cobbled pedestrian streets and hidden squares.

Family-friendly places like Santana Astronomical Observatory and Priolo Environmental Center will thrill your kids. Get out of town with these interesting Ponta Delgada side-trips: Ribeira Grande (Praia Calhau D'Areia & Frade Natural Pools), Furnas (Poca Da Dona Beija, Parque Terra Nostra, & more) and Mosteiros (Mosteiros Beach & Piscinas Naturais). The adventure continues: explore the striking landscape at Caldeira das Sete Cidades, make a trip to Portas da Cidade, pause for some serene contemplation at Igreja Matriz Ribeira Grande, and engage your brain at Observatorio Vulcanologico e Geotermico dos Acores.

To find photos, where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Ponta Delgada road trip site .

You can fly from Lisbon to Ponta Delgada in 5 hours. Traveling from Lisbon to Ponta Delgada, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Lisbon in January, expect a bit warmer with lows of 15°C in Ponta Delgada. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Sun) to allow time to travel to Lisbon.

To find more things to do, reviews, traveler tips, and more tourist information, use the Lisbon sightseeing planner .

Traveling by flight from Ponta Delgada to Lisbon takes 5 hours. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from Ponta Delgada to Lisbon due to the time zone difference. Plan for slightly colder nights when traveling from Ponta Delgada in January since evenings lows in Lisbon dip to 9°C. You will leave for Cascais on the 24th (Fri).

Start off your visit on the 26th (Sun): look for gifts at The Sintra Gift.

To find reviews, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Cascais itinerary maker .

Traveling by train from Lisbon to Cascais takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Sun) early enough to drive 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.

Start off your visit on the 27th (Mon): observe the fascinating underwater world at SEA LIFE Porto, see the interesting displays at World of Discoveries - Museu Interativo & Parque Tematico, then snap pictures at Ponte de Dom Luis I, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Porto Cathedral (Se Catedral).

To see photos, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Porto travel route website .

You can drive from Cascais to Porto in 3.5 hours. Other options are to fly; or take a train. In January, daily temperatures in Porto can reach 16°C, while at night they dip to 7°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Mon) to allow time to travel to Belmonte.

Belmonte is a municipality in the district of Castelo Branco, Portugal. Venture out of the city with trips to Museu da Fundacao do Coa (in Vila Nova de Foz Coa), Senhora da Boa Estrela (in Covilha) and Serra da Estrela (Serra da Estrela & Torre). And it doesn't end there: examine the collection at Museu dos Descobrimentos, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceicao, make a trip to Torre de Centum Cellas, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Sinagoga de Belmonte.

To see ratings, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Belmonte sightseeing planner .

Traveling by car from Porto to Belmonte takes 2.5 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Fri) to allow time to travel to Lisbon.

Start off your visit on the 31st (Fri): test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, then shop like a local with Chiado, then make a trip to Elevador de Santa Justa, and finally don't miss a visit to Rua do Carmo.

To see reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Lisbon travel planner.

Traveling by car from Belmonte to Lisbon takes 3 hours. On the 1st (Sat), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.