- 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 is a drive-free route — no car required.
- 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.
- Are there any practical tips for this route?
- Buy a rechargeable Viva Viagem card at any metro station. It covers trams, metro and the Sintra train and is cheaper than single paper tickets. Book Pena Palace entry online for the first morning slot. The onward train to Coimbra runs back through Lisbon, so allow extra time to connect. The university is a steep climb from the river. Book a timed Biblioteca Joanina slot in advance, as numbers allowed inside are strictly capped. Catch the Douro train from Sao Bento, not Campanha, to start in the old town. Sit on the right for the best river views heading east. Trains back to Porto run only a few times a day, so check return times on cp.pt before setting out. Quinta tastings are best pre-booked.