Is 10 days enough for Portugal?

Yes, 10 days covers the highlights well. You'll see 2 major cities plus get a taste of central Portugal's smaller towns and coast. Add more days if you want beach time in the Algarve.

Should I rent a car for the whole trip?

No. Skip the car in Lisbon and Porto where parking is expensive (€15-25/day) and traffic is heavy. Only rent for the central Portugal portion (days 4-7) when you need flexibility between smaller towns.

When should I visit Sintra?

Go on day 2 or 3 from Lisbon. Take the 8:23am train to beat crowds at Pena Palace. Return by 4pm to avoid rush hour trains. Don't try to see more than 2 palaces in one day.

How much should I budget for port wine tastings?

€15-25 per person for standard cellar tours with 3-4 tastings. Premium experiences with older ports cost €40-60. Book directly with cellars like Sandeman or Taylor's for better prices than hotel concierges.

How to Plan a 10-Day Portugal Itinerary

Split 10 days between Lisbon (3 days), Porto (3 days), and central Portugal (4 days) covering Óbidos, Nazaré, and Coimbra. Book trains in advance, rent a car for day 4-7, and expect to spend €80-120 per day including accommodation.

Book your base cities first. Reserve 3 nights in Lisbon, 3 nights in Porto, and 2 nights each in Óbidos and Coimbra. Book Lisbon and Porto accommodations 2-3 weeks ahead, especially March-October.
Plan your transportation. Buy train tickets Lisbon-Óbidos and Coimbra-Porto on CP website. Rent a car for days 4-7 to drive Óbidos-Nazaré-Coimbra loop. Skip car rental in Lisbon and Porto - public transport works better.
Map out your daily activities. Lisbon: Alfama district, Belém Tower, day trip to Sintra. Central: Óbidos medieval walls, Nazaré giant waves, Coimbra university. Porto: Ribeira waterfront, port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, Livraria Lello bookstore.
Book key reservations. Reserve Pena Palace tickets in Sintra online (€14). Book port wine cellar tours in Porto (€15-25). Make dinner reservations at traditional tascas 1-2 days ahead.
Pack for varied terrain. Bring comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets, light rain jacket (Portugal gets surprise showers), and layers for temperature changes between coast and inland.

Is 10 days enough for Portugal?: Yes, 10 days covers the highlights well. You'll see 2 major cities plus get a taste of central Portugal's smaller towns and coast. Add more days if you want beach time in the Algarve.
Should I rent a car for the whole trip?: No. Skip the car in Lisbon and Porto where parking is expensive (€15-25/day) and traffic is heavy. Only rent for the central Portugal portion (days 4-7) when you need flexibility between smaller towns.
When should I visit Sintra?: Go on day 2 or 3 from Lisbon. Take the 8:23am train to beat crowds at Pena Palace. Return by 4pm to avoid rush hour trains. Don't try to see more than 2 palaces in one day.
How much should I budget for port wine tastings?: €15-25 per person for standard cellar tours with 3-4 tastings. Premium experiences with older ports cost €40-60. Book directly with cellars like Sandeman or Taylor's for better prices than hotel concierges.