Lisbon → Coimbra → Porto & the Douro
In 60 seconds
The route in 60 seconds
Portugal's two great cities with its old university town between them, all on one fast line, and a last day on the slow train up the Douro. Lisbon is light and hills; Coimbra is a medieval university on a hilltop; Porto is granite, tiles and port. The Douro Valley, where the wine comes from, finishes the trip in the vineyards.
Stops
Where you sleep
Coimbra
Portugal
The old university and its Baroque library.
Day by day
How the days fall
The order we would follow, with the transfers already in the right place.
Day 1
LisbonAlfama and the castle.
- Morning
Alfama
Lose yourself in the lanes before the heat.
- Evening
A miradouro
Sunset over the river.
Day 2
LisbonBelém and the river.
- Morning
Belém & the Jerónimos Monastery
At opening or after four.
- Evening
Cervejaria Ramiro
Seafood at the counter.
Day 3
Lisbon → CoimbraNorth by Alfa Pendular.
- Morning
Train to Coimbra
About an hour and forty minutes.
- Afternoon
The University of Coimbra
The Joanina library and the view from the tower.
Day 4
Coimbra → PortoOn to Porto.
- Morning
Train to Porto
About an hour to Campanhã.
- Afternoon
Ribeira and the Dom Luís I bridge
The upper deck at sunset.
Day 5
PortoLodges and the Baixa.
- Morning
Livraria Lello
Book the first slot.
- Afternoon
Graham's 1890 Lodge
Book the cellar tour ahead.
- Evening
Café Santiago
A francesinha, the local institution.
Day 6
Douro ValleyUp the river to the vineyards.
- Morning
Train to Pinhão
From São Bento, about two hours twenty.
- Afternoon
A quinta visit
Book a tasting at an estate near Pinhão before you travel.
Transport
Between destinations
- Lisbon → CoimbraTrainAbout 1 h 40
CP Alfa Pendular from Lisboa Santa Apolónia or Oriente to Coimbra-B. Seats are reserved.
- Coimbra → PortoTrainAbout 1 h
The same Alfa Pendular line north to Porto Campanhã.
Highlights
Key experiences
If the trip is cut short, these are the four to protect.
Lisbon from a miradouro
Santa Luzia or Graça at the end of the day.
The Biblioteca Joanina, Coimbra
The university's gilded Baroque library. Timed tickets.
A port lodge in Gaia
A cellar tour and tasting across the river from Porto.
The Douro by train
The line hugs the river through the terraced vineyards to Pinhão.
Stay
Where to stay
- Lisbon
- Baixa and Chiado for flat streets and the train stations.
- Coimbra
- Stay in the lower town by the river; the university is a climb, not a commute.
- Porto
- The Baixa is central and on the metro; the Ribeira has the view and the hills.