27 days in Portugal Itinerary

Small in size but rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, Portugal features contrasting landscapes that include long beaches, lush vineyards, verdant valleys, and rolling hills dotted with tiny settlements where old traditions still prevail. The country's serene interior, often overlooked by foreigners, remains largely unspoiled by mass tourism and offers visitors a chance to discover this less-trodden part of Europe at their own pace. Ripe for leisurely adventures on foot or by bicycle, Portugal's fertile countryside boasts well-preserved medieval castles and outstanding wineries, producing some of the world's finest ports. The country's cities offer a lively culinary scene known for its many award-winning restaurants, topping the itineraries of foodies from around the globe.

Central Portugal contains some of the most prosperous and densely populated areas in Portugal, as well as thick pine and chestnut forests spread across a series of rugged mountain ranges. Inhabited since well before the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, this part of the country remains best known for its capital Coimbra, which features a historic Old Town retaining much of its medieval look and feel. Beyond the busy regional capital lies Portugal's tranquil countryside, frequently overlooked by foreign visitors despite its ancient sites and hospitable small towns. Along the region's mountainous border with Spain you can tour a series of age-old castles and fortified villages, once the first line of defense against foreign invaders.