How long is the Portugal by Train: Lisbon to the Douro Valley route?

This route takes 8 days taking in 5 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Lisbon to Pinhao in Lisbon, Centro and the Douro Valley, Portugal.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is April to June, September to October.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Easy-going. Easy-going and accessible for most fitness levels.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with no car (this is a drive-free route).

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Hotels accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Culture, Food & drink, City hop, Drive-free.

Portugal by Train: Lisbon to the Douro Valley

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The route · 5 stops

Lisbon

2 nights

Open the trip with two nights in Portugal's hilly capital. Ride tram 28 through the lanes of Alfama, climb to the Castelo de Sao Jorge for the river view, and make time for Belem and its warm pasteis de nata. Easy rail links make Lisbon the natural base before the day in Sintra.Open the trip with two nights in Portugal's hilly capital. Ride tram 28 through the lanes of Alfama, climb to the Castelo de Sao Jorge for the river view, and make time for Belem and its warm pasteis de nata. Easy rail links make Lisbon the natural base before the day in Sintra.

Recommendations

25m · 30 km drive to Sintra

Sintra

1 night

A short hop west of Lisbon into misty wooded hills. Staying one night lets you reach Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle early, before the day-trip crowds arrive, then wander the romantic gardens of Quinta da Regaleira at a calmer pace.A short hop west of Lisbon into misty wooded hills. Staying one night lets you reach Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle early, before the day-trip crowds arrive, then wander the romantic gardens of Quinta da Regaleira at a calmer pace.

Recommendations

3h 12m · 230 km drive to Coimbra

Coimbra

1 night

Portugal's oldest university town sits above the Mondego river, halfway up the main line. One night covers the hilltop university, the gilded Biblioteca Joanina and an evening of Coimbra fado, sung here by performers in dark student capes.Portugal's oldest university town sits above the Mondego river, halfway up the main line. One night covers the hilltop university, the gilded Biblioteca Joanina and an evening of Coimbra fado, sung here by performers in dark student capes.

Recommendations

1h 54m · 137 km drive to Porto

Porto

2 nights

The trip's northern anchor and the gateway to the Douro. Two nights cover the Cais da Ribeira, the azulejo-lined Sao Bento station, the Clerigos tower and the port lodges across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, reached on foot over the Dom Luis bridge.The trip's northern anchor and the gateway to the Douro. Two nights cover the Cais da Ribeira, the azulejo-lined Sao Bento station, the Clerigos tower and the port lodges across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, reached on foot over the Dom Luis bridge.

Recommendations

1h 37m · 116 km drive to Pinhao

Pinhao

1 night

The scenic Linha do Douro finishes deep in the terraced wine country. Pinhao's tiled 1937 station opens onto working quintas. Stay the night for a Port tasting, a slow river cruise and a quiet evening once the day-trippers have caught the train back.The scenic Linha do Douro finishes deep in the terraced wine country. Pinhao's tiled 1937 station opens onto working quintas. Stay the night for a Port tasting, a slow river cruise and a quiet evening once the day-trippers have caught the train back.

Recommendations

Portugal by Train: Lisbon to the Douro Valley