Discover the heart of Portugal on this thoughtfully curated 10-day adventure with True Hope Travel — designed for travelers who value beauty, connection, and meaningful experiences. From the cobbled charm of Lisbon to the vineyard-draped hills of the Douro Valley, this journey invites you into Portugal’s living story — one of warmth, tradition, and quiet wonder.

Our trip begins in Lisbon, where old-world alleys, seaside breezes, and local cafés create a city that feels both timeless and full of life. We’ll wander through ancient cathedrals, taste fresh market fare, and hear the echoes of Fado music in tucked-away corners.

In nearby Sintra, misty forests and colorful palaces transport us into Portugal’s romantic past. It feels like a place that never fully left the 19th century.

We will enjoy a gentle change of pace with a scenic countryside excursion to the coast south of Lisbon near Palmela, where vineyard-covered hills roll toward the sea. We’ll visit a family-run estate known for its regional Moscatel, stroll among cork oaks, and enjoy a long, relaxed lunch beneath wide skies. It’s a chance to experience rural Portugal’s quiet beauty — unhurried, warm, and deeply rooted in the land.

Traveling north, we pause in Coimbra — home to one of Europe’s oldest universities — where old libraries, hillside streets, and traditional charm meet spirted youthfulness.

Leaving Coimbra, we continue to Porto, a working city full of character. Its riverfront hums with life. We will visit the city's historic port lodges, and linger in its cafes. In the Douro Valley, we’ll follow the river’s winding path through terraced hills, stopping at traditional quintas for wine tastings, countryside walks, and meals shared under open skies.

Throughout the trip, you’ll stay in 4-star lodging chosen for comfort, and sense of place. Whether cycling through backroads, enjoying a picnic in the shade of cork trees, or sharing stories with a local chef, each day is designed to help you slow down and savor.

More than a vacation, this is an invitation to breathe deeply, taste fully, and travel with intention. Portugal is ready to welcome you — warm, alive, and unforgettable.

With bags packed and hearts full of anticipation, today marks the beginning of an unforgettable journey to Portugal.

As you board your flight from the United States to Lisbon, you leave behind the familiar and lean into the joy of discovery — the promise of winding streets, sunlit coastlines, and shared tables ahead. The overnight flight offers a chance to settle in, rest as much as possible, and begin following a gentle jet lag strategy: hydrate well, enjoy light meals, and adjust your watch to Lisbon time.

Tomorrow, a land of azulejo tiles, fado melodies, and rich heritage will welcome you — and a new adventure will begin.

Welcome to Portugal. You’ve landed in Lisbon—cobbled, coastal, full of color and corners to explore. Today’s a good day to stretch your legs, take in the view from one of the many shaded public terraces, and ease into the rhythm of the city with a slow coffee or a pastel de nata still warm from the oven.

You’ve also arrived during the Festas de Santo António, Lisbon’s most beloved celebration. The streets are strung with paper streamers, the smell of grilled sardines fills the air, and neighborhoods like Alfama come alive with music, dancing, and small tables spilling into the alleys. It’s loud and local, joyful and a little chaotic—the kind of night where strangers become friends and the city feels like one big backyard party. Lose, or find, yourself in its maze of narrow cobblestone streets, where laundry flutters from balconies and the soul-moving melodies of Fado music, Portugal's version of the Blues, echo from hidden taverns. With each step, you’ll feel the pulse of authentic Lisbon.

After a restful night and a delightful breakfast, your second day unfolds with a journey into the rich tapestry of Lisbon’s vibrant city center. The historic Belém District beautifully reflects Portugal’s Age of Discovery. See the breathtaking Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site and masterpiece of Manueline architecture and the iconic Belém Tower, standing watch over the Tagus River since the 16th century.

No trip to Belém would be complete without a sweet stop at the legendary Pastéis de Belém bakery, where you’ll enjoy Portugal’s most famous custard tarts, served warm with a dusting of cinnamon and powdered sugar — a beloved local treat that’s been perfected here since 1837.

Experience Lisbon like a local with a ride on the iconic Tram 28. This historic yellow tram winds its way through some of the city’s most picturesque neighborhoods — from the hills of Graça, through the storied alleys of Alfama, and into the elegant squares of Baixa. At Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, one of Lisbon’s most stunning viewpoints, take in sweeping views of the city’s terracotta rooftops, the castle, and the river beyond — the perfect ending to a full day immersed in Lisbon’s beauty and spirit.

Today, we venture beyond Lisbon on a day trip to Sintra, a fairytale town nestled in the forested hills just 40 minutes away. Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its whimsical palaces, romantic gardens, and air of magic. See the Pena Palace, a stunning 19th-century hilltop retreat painted in bold reds and yellows, with sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. Wander through its lavishly decorated rooms and then stroll the lush, misty trails of the Pena Gardens, where hidden pathways and exotic plants make every turn feel like a discovery.

Step back even further in time with a visit to the Moorish Castle, where ancient stone ramparts wind dramatically along the ridgeline. Climb the towers for incredible vistas and imagine the lives of those who once stood guard over Sintra. Continue your exploration at the mystical Quinta da Regaleira, a palace and garden estate brimming with symbolism, secret tunnels, and the famous Initiation Well — a spiral staircase descending into the earth like something out of a storybook.

Today invites you to enjoy the slower rhythms and the easy elegance of the Arrábida region. Set on a hilltop with sweeping views across vineyards and plains, Palmela is a wine country gem. The medieval Palmela Castle's panoramic ramparts invite you to explore.

The charming seaside town of Sesimbra is nestled between the cliffs and the sea. Known for its vibrant waterfront and rich fishing heritage, Sesimbra is a perfect place to take in local life and enjoy the Arrabida coastline.

This morning, we depart to Coimbra, a storied city set along the Mondego River, renowned for its scholarly legacy and youthful energy. The lively Mercado Municipal, is a modern covered market where you can gather picnic-style provisions — fresh cheeses, olives, fruit, and warm bread — to enjoy later on the campus green.

Our time in Coimbra centers around its crown jewel: the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe. As we explore its historic buildings, we’ll marvel at the awe-inspiring Baroque library of King João V, often regarded as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. After lunch and a relaxed wander through the cobbled streets of the old town, it’s time to continue our journey.

In the afternoon, we’ll make the 1.5-hour drive to Porto, Portugal’s second city, where the Douro River meets the sea. Once settled, take time to explore the Gaia neighborhood, where centuries-old wine lodges and riverfront cafés invite you to slow down and savor the moment.

Today is a celebration of Porto’s irresistible blend of culture, character, and culinary charm. Enjoy the São Bento Railway Station, where thousands of blue-and-white azulejo tiles tell stories from Portugal’s past — a masterpiece of artistry and heritage. Just a short walk away, you’ll arrive at the imposing Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto), a Romanesque monument offering sweeping views over the terracotta rooftops and winding river below. From there, step into the grandeur of the Palácio da Bolsa, the 19th-century Stock Exchange Palace, where ornate salons and Moorish Revival details capture the elegance of a bygone era.

Step into the beautifully restored Café Majestic, a Porto institution where Belle Époque décor meets rich, refined flavors. Lose yourself in the magical Livraria Lello, a neo-Gothic bookstore whose soaring staircases and stained glass ceilings have inspired readers and writers for over a century. Next, climb the iconic Clérigos Tower for panoramic views of the city’s red rooftops and the winding Douro River, consider a visit to the bustling Mercado do Bolhão, where locals gather for fresh produce, cheeses, and handmade goods.

As the day winds down, wander along Rua de Miguel Bombarda, Porto’s vibrant arts district, where contemporary galleries and playful boutiques offer a modern contrast to the city’s storied architecture. Hop aboard a vintage trolley bound for Foz, where the sun sets over the Atlantic and the golden light gives Porto one last, unforgettable glow.

Today is devoted to the breathtaking Douro River Valley, where terraced vineyards cascade down sunlit hillsides and time seems to slow with every turn in the river. After a scenic 1.5-hour drive from Porto, you’ll arrive at the heart of Portugal’s wine country. Tour the vineyards and cellars, learning about the heritage and process behind some of Portugal’s finest wines.

As the late afternoon sun begins to dip, you’ll return to Porto for a relaxed evening.

After days filled with history, vineyards, and discovery, today is yours to shape as you wish — a free day to dive deeper into Porto’s charms or simply savor the art of slowing down.

Begin your day on the peaceful side of the river — in Vila Nova de Gaia, home to some of Portugal’s most celebrated port wine cellars and a perfect perch from which to take in the charm of Porto across the Douro. You might start with a quiet coffee on a terrace overlooking the river before making your way to one of the iconic port lodges, such as Taylor’s, Sandeman, or Graham’s, for a guided tasting experience steeped in history, craftsmanship, and tradition. With cobbled streets and vine-covered courtyards, this part of the city invites a slower pace and a deeper sip of local culture.

From Gaia, cross the magnificent Dom Luís I Bridge on foot — a true architectural marvel offering panoramic views of the riverbanks, tiled rooftops, and boats drifting below. This graceful iron structure designed by a student of Gustave EiffelOn the other side lies Ribeira, Porto’s most photogenic district and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through its lively maze of narrow lanes, where laundry hangs above stone-paved alleys and the scent of grilled sardines drifts from tucked-away taverns. The waterfront promenade is a wonderful place to pause, take in the energy, and enjoy lunch at a café by the quay.

There are endless corners still waiting to be explored. You might stroll the elegant avenues of Avenida dos Aliados, admire the Art Nouveau facades and tiled churches, or pause for coffee at a sidewalk café and watch the rhythm of Porto life unfold.

Nature lovers might head west to discover Porto’s ocean side, where the Douro River meets the Atlantic. Take a vintage tram ride to Foz do Douro, a breezy coastal neighborhood where locals walk the promenade, waves crash against rocky outcrops, and the air carries the scent of salt and grilled sardines. Wander along the seaside boardwalk, dip your toes in the surf, or enjoy a seafood lunch with a view at a beachside café.

The afternoon is yours to explore as you wish. You may choose to return to Gaia for a relaxing riverboat cruise along the Douro, offering a unique vantage of Porto’s hills and bridges.

If you prefer something quieter, Porto’s botanical gardens, art museums, or local boutiques offer tranquil alternatives for the curious and creative.