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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Porto, Coimbra, and Lisbon

Portugal rail trip through Porto, Coimbra, and Lisbon

Illustration of Porto, Coimbra, and Lisbon

Railbookers operates this 8-day, 7-night independent rail vacation through Portugal, from Porto to Lisbon via Coimbra. Two nights in Porto include the UNESCO-listed Old Town, the Mercado do Bolhao market, and a tour of the Port Wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, alongside a 6 Bridges river cruise. A short train journey on Day 3 reaches Coimbra, home to Portugal's oldest university, founded in 1290, where a guided tour takes in the Baroque Johannine library. The train continues to Lisbon on Day 5 for a three-night stay, with a small-group tour of the Barrio Alto and Praça do Comercio, and a Day 7 visit to the hilltop Castelo de S. Jorge for views over the city and its Moorish history. The trip suits independent travelers with an interest in Portuguese history and architecture, who want short, manageable rail hops between three distinct cities and a choice of hotel tiers along the way.

What to know before you look closer

  • Accommodation is chosen from 15 options across price tiers, so your final hotel in each city depends on the tier you select at booking.
  • The 6 Bridges river cruise in Porto is named in the included list but not described in the day-by-day itinerary text; confirm the exact day and details with Railbookers.
  • The evidence does not list specific departure dates; confirm scheduling directly with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Porto

    Your Journey Begins in Porto

    Upon arrival in Porto, make your way to your hotel and check in for a two-night stay. Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town, witness the market hustle and bustle of the Mercado do Bolhao, and don't miss a tour of the Fundaceo de Serralves contemporary art gallery.

  2. Day 2overnight: Porto

    Porto

    No visit to Porto would be complete without a tour around the Port Wine cellars, situated in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river by bridge from Ribeira. You can make your own way around or pick up a guided tour.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Coimbra

    Porto to Coimbra

    After breakfast, make the short train journey from Porto to Coimbra and then check in for a two-night stay at your hotel. Coimbra's university was founded in 1290, making it the oldest university in Portugal.

  4. Day 4overnight: Coimbra

    Coimbra

    Enjoy an informative guided tour of Coimbra university, including entrance to the beautiful Baroque Johannine library. Visit the Dr Manuel Braja Park, designed in the 1920s with a grand bandstand and beautiful sculptures.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Lisbon

    Coimbra to Lisbon

    After a final leisurely breakfast in Coimbra, head over to the station and take the train directly to Lisbon and then check in at your hotel for a three-night stay.

  6. Day 6overnight: Lisbon

    Lisbon

    Portugal's historic capital city is draped over seven hills overlooking the mouth of the River Tagus. Your included small group tour is the best way to enjoy the narrow streets of the Barrio Alto and the majestic Praça do Comercio, plus a stop for Lisbon's Pasteis de Nata.

  7. Day 7overnight: Lisbon

    Lisbon

    After breakfast, why not head up to the impressive hilltop castle, the Castelo de S. Jorge, for spectacular views and an insight into the city's Moorish history.

  8. Day 8rail

    Depart Lisbon

    After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and continue with your travels. If you wish to extend your journey, one of our Rail Vacation Specialists will be happy to assist you with the details.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The Porto stay opens with the UNESCO-listed Old Town, the bustling Mercado do Bolhao, and the Fundação de Serralves contemporary art gallery.
  • Day 2A tour of the Port Wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, reached across the river by bridge from Ribeira, can be self-guided or joined as a guided tour; the stay also includes a 6 Bridges river cruise.
  • Day 4A guided tour of the University of Coimbra, founded in 1290, includes entrance to the Baroque Johannine library.
  • Day 6A small-group tour covers the narrow streets of Barrio Alto and the Praça do Comercio, with a stop for Lisbon's pasteis de nata.
  • Day 7A visit to the hilltop Castelo de S. Jorge offers spectacular views and insight into Lisbon's Moorish history.

Included

  • Onward rail travel throughout your trip
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Porto
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Coimbra
  • 3 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Lisbon
  • 6 Bridges river cruise in Porto
  • Guided Tour of the University of Coimbra
  • Small group tour of Lisbon

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, onward rail travel is included throughout the trip, covering Porto to Coimbra and Coimbra to Lisbon.
Is the trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation. Guided elements include the option of a guided Port Wine cellars tour in Porto, a guided tour of the University of Coimbra, and a small-group tour of Lisbon.
Which trains are used?
The trip's listed rail carrier is CP (Comboios de Portugal), running the Porto to Coimbra to Lisbon route.
What hotels are used?
Railbookers offers 15 accommodation options across price tiers in Porto, Coimbra, and Lisbon; sample properties include the Intercontinental Porto Palacio das Cardosas and the Sapientia Boutique Hotel in Coimbra.
How much walking is involved?
The trip includes city walking throughout, including Porto's Old Town, the University of Coimbra, Lisbon's Barrio Alto, and a visit to the hilltop Castelo de S. Jorge.
What is included?
Onward rail travel, seven nights of hotel accommodation with breakfast, a 6 Bridges river cruise in Porto, a guided tour of the University of Coimbra, and a small-group tour of Lisbon.

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