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Rail Escape

Highlights of Portugal: Lisbon, Coimbra and Porto

Eight-day rail journey through Lisbon, Coimbra, and Porto by first class.

Illustration of Highlights of Portugal: Lisbon, Coimbra and Porto

Rail Escape's Highlights of Portugal is an 8-day independent rail journey through three of Portugal's most historic cities. The tour departs Lisbon, travels north by first-class train to the university city of Coimbra, continues to the port-wine capital of Porto, then returns to Lisbon. You spend three nights in Lisbon, two in Coimbra, and two in Porto at 3-star and 4-star hotels, each near a train station for easy access. Daily breakfast and airport transfers are provided. Days are unguided: in Lisbon, you visit the UNESCO Belém district and Castelo de São Jorge fortress; in Coimbra, you explore medieval streets and the 500-year-old university; in Porto, you walk the Ribeira waterfront and tour port wine cellars. The pace is relaxed, with two-night stays in each city allowing full days of exploration without early morning departures.

What to know before you look closer

  • Entrance fees to attractions like Jerónimos Monastery, Castelo de São Jorge, the University of Coimbra, and port wine caves are not included.
  • Some regional trains offer only second-class seating, not first class.
  • Day 7 returns to Lisbon by train but does not include a hotel night; you check into a hotel upon arrival and must arrange your own onward journey on Day 8.
  • Local city transport (taxis, buses, subways) within Lisbon, Coimbra, and Porto is not included.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Lisbon

    Arrive in Lisbon

    Welcome to Portugal's capital! After checking into your hotel for two nights, spend your afternoon getting acquainted with Lisbon's historic Baixa neighborhood. Visit the iconic Praça do Comércio plaza facing the Tagus River and stroll along the nearby pedestrianized streets lined with restaurants and shops. [Night in Lisbon]

  2. Day 2overnight: Lisbon

    Lisbon's Highlights

    Today, experience some of Lisbon's top attractions like the Unesco-listed Belém district where you can see the ornate Jerónimos Monastery and the iconic Belém Tower. Other highlights include the hilltop Castelo de São Jorge fortress offering panoramic city views and the lively Alfama neighborhood. [Night in Lisbon]

  3. Day 3railovernight: Coimbra

    Travel to Coimbra

    After breakfast, depart Lisbon and take the train to the historic university city of Coimbra. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for two nights. Spend your afternoon strolling through Coimbra's medieval streets and visiting sights like the 12th-century Sé Velha (Old Cathedral) and the university's famous Biblioteca Joanina library. [Night in Coimbra]

  4. Day 4overnight: Coimbra

    More of Coimbra

    With a full day in Coimbra, you can further experience its rich history and culture. Visit the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe, including its 16th-century cathedral-like building and the baroque University Tower. You may also enjoy exploring the lively downtown shopping district. [Night in Coimbra]

  5. Day 5railovernight: Porto

    Journey to Porto

    Leave Coimbra after breakfast and continue north by train to the coastal city of Porto. After checking into your hotel for two nights, get oriented by visiting the historic Ribeira district along the Douro River and seeing the iconic Dom Luis I Bridge arching overhead. [Night in Porto]

  6. Day 6railovernight: Porto

    Explore Porto

    Devote today to discovering the highlights of Porto, perhaps starting in the UNESCO-listed Ribeira. Visit top sights like the neo-gothic São Bento railway station, the baroque Torre dos Clérigos tower, and at least one of the city's port wine caves or cellars across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia. [Night in Porto]

  7. Day 7railovernight: Lisbon

    Return to Lisbon

    After breakfast, take the train back to Lisbon. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day revisiting any attractions you missed or discovering new areas like the trendy Príncipe Real or Anjos neighborhoods known for their restaurants and nightlife. [Night in Lisbon]

  8. Day 8

    Depart Lisbon

    On your final morning in Portugal's capital, visit any last sights or simply relax at an outdoor cafe and soak in the lively atmosphere before departing Lisbon. You may want to pick up some classic Portuguese custard tarts or port wine as a souvenir.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: Visit the UNESCO-listed Belém district to see the ornate Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, then climb Castelo de São Jorge for panoramic views of Lisbon.
  • Day 3Day 3: Travel by train to Coimbra and explore the 12th-century Sé Velha cathedral and the University of Coimbra's Biblioteca Joanina library.
  • Day 5Day 5: Train north to Porto and walk the historic Ribeira district along the Douro River with views of the Dom Luis I Bridge.
  • Day 6Day 6: Visit the neo-gothic São Bento railway station, climb the baroque Torre dos Clérigos tower, and tour port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Included

  • Welcome Package: Receive a personalized welcome package upon arrival, including travel essentials and detailed itinerary information to ensure a seamless start to your journey.
  • First-Class Rail Travel: Experience the ultimate in comfort and style with first-class rail travel throughout your itinerary. Please note that some regional trains may only offer second-class seating.
  • 4-Star Plus Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy luxurious 4-star-plus accommodations in all cities, conveniently located near train stations for easy access and maximum convenience.
  • Daily Breakfast: Start each day with a delicious full breakfast, provided at all hotel accommodations, offering a variety of local and international options.
  • Airport Transfers: Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers upon arrival and departure, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

Not included

  • International Airfare: Flights to and from Europe are not included in the package price. Rail Escape can offer an additional reservation of flights.
  • Excursions Activities and Entrance Fees: Any tours, excursions, or activities are not included and may incur additional costs.
  • Meals Beyond Breakfast: While a full breakfast is provided daily, lunch, dinner, and any additional meals or snacks are not included and are the guest’s responsibility.
  • Local taxes or fees: The packages do not include additional local taxes or fees, such as hotel tourism taxes.
  • Personal Expenses: Personal shopping, souvenirs, and additional hotel services (e.g., minibar, laundry, room service) are not covered.
  • Tips and Gratuities: Gratuities for hotel staff, guides, and drivers are not included and are at the guest’s discretion.
  • Local Transportation: Transportation within cities, such as taxis, buses, and subways, is not included.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Rail Escape includes first-class rail travel between Lisbon, Coimbra, and Porto. Some regional trains may offer only second-class seating.
Is this an escorted tour or independent?
The itinerary is independent. You receive a welcome package and itinerary details, but days are unguided and you explore at your own pace.
What are the hotels?
Hotel Ikonik Lisboa (3-star, 3 nights), Vila Galé Coimbra (4-star, 2 nights), and Eurostars Heroismo (4-star, 2 nights). All include daily breakfast.
What is not included?
Meals beyond breakfast, entrance fees to attractions, local transport within cities, tips, personal expenses, and international airfare are not included.
How much walking is there?
Plan for city walking tours in each destination. Expect stairs and hills, particularly at Castelo de São Jorge in Lisbon and Torre dos Clérigos in Porto.

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