Search

Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Lisbon, Porto, and the Douro River

Rail trip through Lisbon and Porto with a Douro River cruise

Illustration of Lisbon, Porto, and the Douro River

Railbookers sells Lisbon, Porto, and the Douro River as an 8-day, 7-night independent rail vacation with small-group tours built into each stop. Three nights in Lisbon include a food tour through Tascas, the city's traditional taverns, and a day trip to Sintra's Pena Palace and the coastline at Cabo da Roca and Cascais. A high-speed train follows the coastline to Porto for a food tour of the city's landmarks and open-air market, then day 6 is a full day aboard a Douro River cruise past steep, vineyard-covered hills to Pinhão, with an overnight in the Douro Valley. Day 7 visits a Quinta for a vineyard tour, wine tastings, and a traditional lunch cooked in iron pots, before a scenic train ride back to Porto from Pinhão's tiled station. With guided tastings and tours layered onto independent city time, this trip suits travelers drawn to food, wine, and river scenery across Portugal.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers lists five hotel options in Lisbon and six in Porto; the specific hotel included depends on which tier you choose.
  • The evidence's day-by-day description is cut off mid-sentence in a few places (after the fishing village stop on day 3, the transfer after arriving in Pinhão on day 6, and the exploring near Pinhão station on day 7); confirm the full day plan with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Lisbon

    Your Journey Begins in Lisbon

    Welcome to Lisbon! On arrival head to your hotel for check-in, then get out to explore one of Europe's most beautiful cities. Aside from being packed with history, character and culture, the city also boasts colourful, century-old wooden trams and iron funiculars that travel up and down the charming, narrow streets.

  2. Day 2overnight: Lisbon

    Lisbon

    This morning, have a light breakfast as you will be discovering Lisbon's rich history and vibrant flavors on your small group food tour. Enjoy local favorites like Portuguese cheeses, traditional fish, pork sandwiches, Pastel de Nata, fine wines, and a surprise secret dish, all in charming Tascas at the heart of the city.

  3. Day 3overnight: Lisbon

    Sintra, Cabo Da Roca, Cascais and Estoril Day Trip

    Join a very small group tour today to Sintra – a village of UNESCO World Heritage. The former summer residence of the Portuguese Kings is home to the Pena Palace. Dating from the 16th century it is considered one of the world's most beautiful castles. Following lunch, you will slowly return to Lisbon via the coast and following stops at Cabo da Roca – the most westerly point of Europe, the pretty fisherman village of Cascais and the beaches of Estoril. In the evening be sure to wander the historic Barrio Alto neighborhood for a great selection of local bars and restaurants for dinner, as well as some fantastic views of the city to match.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Porto

    Lisbon to Porto

    Travel by highspeed train to Porto and enjoy the wonderful scenery as the line follows the coastline. Famous for its delicious wine and cuisine, historic city centre, and friendly locals, this is one destination that does not disappoint.

  5. Day 5overnight: Porto

    Porto

    Discover the flavors and charm of Porto on your small-group food tour, where you'll explore historic landmarks, sample local delicacies and drinks, visit a lively open-air market, and experience the rich culture and architecture that make this city unforgettable. Come hungry, this is your true taste of Portugal!

  6. Day 6overnight: Alijó

    The Douro River

    Make your way down to the river this morning and enjoy breakfast onboard as your boat sets sail up-stream along the picturesque Douro River. Sit back and enjoy the fantastic views as the river winds around beautifully steeped hills. Lunch is served on board to the sound of nearby crickets, and the boat navigates its way through several impressive dams before arriving in Pinhão, from where you will be transferred to your hotel in the heart of the Douro Valley. Dinner is included this evening.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Porto

    The Douro Valley

    Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then visit a nearby Quintas. Here, explore the spectacular gardens and vineyards before tasting some of the wines this land produces. You will be served a delicious lunch cooked the traditional way in iron pots and be treated to some wonderful local music. Following lunch, you are transferred to Pinhão station for your scenic train ride back to Porto but be sure to explore the small station before you leave as it is recognized as being Portugal's most beautiful!

  8. Day 8

    Your Journey Ends in Porto

    Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home, or continue your travels elsewhere.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A small group food tour of Lisbon through Tascas, traditional Portuguese taverns, tasting Pastel de Nata, cheeses, fish, and a surprise secret dish.
  • Day 3A very small group day trip to Sintra's 16th century Pena Palace and Cabo da Roca, the most westerly point of Europe.
  • Day 5A small group food tour of Porto, exploring historic landmarks and a lively open-air market.
  • Day 6A full day aboard the Douro River cruise upstream past steep hills, with lunch served on board before arriving in Pinhão.
  • Day 7A Quinta visit with vineyard tours, wine tastings, and a traditional lunch cooked in iron pots, then a scenic train ride from Pinhão's tiled station back to Porto.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 3 nights' accommodation with breakfast in Lisbon
  • 3 nights' accommodation with breakfast in Porto
  • 1 night's accommodation with dinner and breakfast in the Douro Valley
  • Small group food tour of Lisbon
  • Day trip to Sintra and Cascais
  • Small group food tour of Porto
  • Douro river cruise from Porto to Pinhão including lunch
  • Tour of a Douro wine estate including tastings and lunch
  • Local train from Pinhão to Porto

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Rail travel is included as per the itinerary, including a high-speed train from Lisbon to Porto on day 4 and a local train from Pinhão back to Porto on day 7.
Is it an escorted tour or independent travel?
It is an independent rail vacation with small-group tours at each stop, including food tours in Lisbon and Porto and a very small group day trip to Sintra and Cascais.
Which hotels are used?
Railbookers lists five hotel options in Lisbon, including the InterContinental Lisbon Bairro Alto and Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade, and six in Porto, including the InterContinental Porto - Palacio das Cardosas. The hotel you get depends on the tier you choose.
How many nights are spent where?
Three nights in Lisbon, three nights in Porto split across two stays, and one night in the Douro Valley.
Does the trip include a river cruise?
Yes. Day 6 is a Douro River cruise from Porto to Pinhão, including lunch on board.
What is the starting price?
From $1,739 per person, about $217 a day.

Similar journeys