Itinerary · 8 days
Portugal Itinerary, 8 Days From India
Eight days is the smart Portugal rhythm: 3 days Lisbon (plus Sintra day trip), 2 days Porto (plus Douro Valley), 2 days Algarve coast, 1 day return. Shorter and you cut Porto; longer adds beach time. The country is compact enough that 8 days delivers depth.
The 8-day arc
Arrive Lisbon Airport plus metro to city.
Light Chiado district walk plus orientation.
Fado music dinner in Bairro Alto.
Belem Tower plus Jeronimos Monastery plus pastel de nata.
Tram 28 ride through Alfama.
Sunset at Miradouro plus tapas dinner.
Train to Sintra (40 min) plus Pena Palace.
Quinta da Regaleira plus Cabo da Roca (Europe's westernmost point).
Return to Lisbon plus dinner.
High-speed train to Porto (3 hours).
Ribeira riverside walk plus Sao Bento railway station tiles.
Port wine tasting plus dinner at Cantinho do Avillez.
Drive into Douro Valley (1 hour).
Wine estate tour plus Douro River cruise.
Return to Porto plus dinner.
Flight Porto to Faro (1 hour, cheapest internal route).
Drive to Lagos plus coastal walks.
Beach dinner.
Benagil Cave boat tour (most iconic Algarve photo).
Praia da Marinha plus Praia do Camilo beach time.
Final group dinner.
Drive to Faro Airport (1 hour).
Flight back to India via Lisbon.
Return.
Budget breakdown (per person)
Mid-range solo traveller estimate. Couples sharing rooms save around 25% per person. Luxury upgrades add 50% to 100%.
Booking tips
- Schengen visa for Portugal 15 working days; Portuguese consulate is reliable
- Sintra Pena Palace: book 30 days out (sells out)
- Douro Valley wine estates: book direct (Quinta do Crasto, Quinta do Bomfim)
- Algarve July to August is peak British tourist season; September is the smart shoulder
- Benagil Cave boat tours: book direct with local operators in Lagos
Frequently asked
Can I do Portugal in less than 8 days?
Possible but cuts. 5 days: Lisbon plus Sintra only. 6 days: add Porto briefly. 8 days is the comfortable rhythm for the country's geography.
Portugal or Spain for first European trip?
Portugal for value plus English coverage plus smaller crowds. Spain for iconic landmarks plus festival energy. See Spain vs Portugal comparison page.
What is the actual total cost from India?
INR 2,00,000 to 2,80,000 solo mid-range. Among the most affordable Western European trips.
Does OJ run a Portugal trip?
Not currently. Portugal is on the 2027 roadmap. Custom OJ private group trips available.