Lisbon, Portugal 12-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive in Lisbon

Arrive at Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) after your flight from Melbourne.

Transfer to your hotel in the city center to check in and freshen up.

Alfama District Stroll

Take a leisurely walk through the winding, ancient streets of the Alfama district, Lisbon's oldest neighborhood.

Discover hidden viewpoints (miradouros) and soak in the historic atmosphere.

Wear comfortable shoes as the streets are steep and cobbled. Enjoy the stunning views from Miradouro das Portas do Sol or Miradouro de Santa Luzia.

Fado Dinner Show

Experience an authentic Portuguese Fado show, a traditional musical performance, while enjoying a classic dinner in a local restaurant in Alfama.

Many Fado houses offer dinner and a show. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially on a Sunday evening.

Jerónimos Monastery

Visit the stunning Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a prime example of Manueline architecture.

Arrive early to avoid crowds. You can visit the church for free, but there's a fee for the cloisters.

Taste Pastéis de Belém

Indulge in the original and famous Pastéis de Nata (custard tarts) at the Pastéis de Belém bakery.

A must-do culinary experience in Lisbon!

Be prepared for a queue, but it moves quickly. You can eat inside or take them to go.

Belém Tower & Monument

Explore the iconic Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) and the Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos), both symbols of Portugal's Age of Discoveries.

Consider purchasing a combined ticket if you plan to enter both the Monastery and the Tower. Enjoy a walk along the Tagus River.

LX Factory Exploration

Visit the trendy LX Factory, a vibrant industrial area transformed into a hub of shops, restaurants, cafes, and creative businesses under the 25 de Abril Bridge.

Perfect for unique souvenir shopping, enjoying a coffee, or browsing independent boutiques. It's a great spot for dinner and drinks too.

Dinner with River Views

Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants along the riverside, offering fresh seafood and beautiful views of the Tagus River.

São Jorge Castle

Explore the historic São Jorge Castle, offering panoramic views over Lisbon and the Tagus River, as well as a fascinating glimpse into the city's past.

Walk along the ramparts, visit the museum, and enjoy the resident peacocks. Arrive early to avoid queues.

Lisbon Historical Walking Tour

Embark on a personalized historical walking tour of Lisbon with Goncalo Murta, a local historian and tour guide. Delve deeper into the city's rich past and culture.

Gonçalo Murta is a highly-rated guide for a reason! This tour will provide fantastic historical context.

Santa Justa Lift & Views

Ride the iconic Santa Justa Lift for stunning views of the Baixa district and Rossio Square. Explore the Chiado and Baixa neighborhoods.

The queue for the lift can be long; consider accessing the platform from the top via Largo do Carmo for fewer waits, especially if you have a Viva Viagem card (metro card) for cheaper rides.

Dinner in Bairro Alto

Dine in the vibrant Bairro Alto district, known for its traditional restaurants and lively nightlife.

Enjoy a meal before soaking in the evening ambiance.

Pena Palace & Park (Sintra)

Take a scenic train ride to Sintra and visit the fantastical Pena Palace, a Romanticist castle perched atop a hill with vibrant colors and lush gardens.

Explore Sintra Village

Wander through the charming historic center of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Enjoy lunch at a local cafe and browse the artisan shops.

Relax on Cascais Beach

Head to the coastal town of Cascais for an afternoon of relaxation on its beautiful beaches.

Enjoy the refreshing Atlantic waters.

Popular beaches include Praia da Rainha or Praia da Conceição. Perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Seafood Dinner in Cascais

Savor fresh seafood for dinner in Cascais, a town renowned for its excellent coastal cuisine.

Enjoy the lively marina atmosphere.

Parque das Nações

Explore Parque das Nações (Park of Nations), Lisbon's modern district built for Expo '98.

Enjoy the contemporary architecture, waterfront promenade, and the Oceanário de Lisboa (optional).

Consider visiting the Oceanário de Lisboa (Lisbon Oceanarium) if you enjoy aquariums (booking recommended). Ride the Telecabine Lisboa for aerial views.

Gourmet Food Market Lunch

Enjoy a diverse lunch at a local gourmet food market, sampling different Portuguese delicacies.

A great way to try various dishes.

Time Out Market is a popular choice with many vendors under one roof. Mercado da Ribeira offers a more traditional market experience upstairs.

Souvenir Shopping

Spend your afternoon picking up last-minute souvenirs or gifts in the Baixa or Chiado districts, or revisit a favorite spot.

Farewell Lisbon Dinner

Enjoy a final dinner in Lisbon, perhaps trying a restaurant you've noted or revisiting a favorite for one last taste of Portuguese cuisine.

Travel from Lisbon to Seville

Take a flight from Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) to Seville San Pablo Airport (SVQ).

Upon arrival, take a taxi or airport bus to your hotel.

Hotel Check-in & Settle In

Check into your hotel in Seville.

Take some time to freshen up and relax after your journey.

Explore Triana Neighborhood

Cross the Triana Bridge to explore this traditional and lively neighborhood, known for its ceramic workshops, vibrant market, and flamenco heritage.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Calle Betis overlooking the Guadalquivir River.

Triana Tapas Experience

Indulge in an authentic Sevillian tapas crawl in Triana.

Sample various traditional dishes and local wines or sherry.

Try patatas bravas, espinacas con garbanzos, and solomillo al whisky. Don't be afraid to try standing-room-only bars for a true local experience.

Live Flamenco Show

Experience the passion and emotion of a live flamenco performance in an intimate tablao.

Many venues offer dinner and show options.

Book tickets in advance, especially for popular venues. Arrive early for good seats.

Real Alcázar of Seville

Explore the stunning royal palace, a masterpiece of Mudejar architecture with intricate courtyards, lush gardens, and ornate halls.

Pre-booking is essential to avoid long queues.

Book your tickets online well in advance. Consider an early morning visit to beat the crowds and the summer heat.

Lunch in Santa Cruz

Enjoy a leisurely lunch in the charming Santa Cruz neighborhood, just outside the Alcázar.

Seville Cathedral & Giralda Tower

Visit the world's largest Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and climb the Giralda bell tower for panoramic views of Seville.

Home to Christopher Columbus's tomb.

Purchase tickets online to save time. The climb up the Giralda is via ramps, not stairs, making it accessible.

Stroll through Santa Cruz

Wander through the narrow, winding streets of the former Jewish Quarter, Santa Cruz.

Discover hidden patios, flower-filled alleys, and charming squares.

Rooftop Drinks & Dinner

Enjoy evening cocktails at a rooftop bar with views of the Cathedral and Giralda, followed by dinner at a traditional Sevillian restaurant.

Try 'Pura Vida Terraza' or 'Terraza EME' for stunning views. Make a dinner reservation if you have a specific place in mind.

Plaza de España & María Luisa Park

Visit the magnificent Plaza de España, built for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929.

Admire the semi-circular building, canals, and tiled alcoves representing different Spanish provinces. Afterwards, enjoy a stroll or rent a rowboat in the adjacent María Luisa Park.

Entry is free. A horse-drawn carriage ride around the park is a popular option.

Lunch near the Park

Enjoy a casual lunch at a cafe or restaurant close to María Luisa Park.

Torre del Oro

Visit the Torre del Oro (Tower of Gold), a historic watchtower on the bank of the Guadalquivir River.

It now houses a small naval museum, and offers views from the top.

Guadalquivir River Cruise

Take a scenic boat trip along the Guadalquivir River, offering unique perspectives of Seville's landmarks such as the Torre del Oro, Triana Bridge, and Maestranza Bullring.

Dinner in El Arenal

Dine in the vibrant El Arenal district, once the port area of Seville, now known for its traditional tavernas and restaurants.

Try 'El Baratillo' for a classic atmosphere.

Metropol Parasol (Las Setas)

Ascend to the top of the Metropol Parasol, also known as 'Las Setas' (The Mushrooms), for contemporary architecture and unique panoramic views of Seville from its winding walkways.

Entry fee for the walkways. There's an archaeological museum (Antiquarium) in the basement.

Explore Alameda de Hércules

Wander through Alameda de Hércules, a lively public garden and promenade.

It's a popular spot for locals, filled with cafes, bars, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Lunch at Mercado de Triana

Enjoy a casual lunch at Mercado de Triana, located on the site of the former Castillo de San Jorge.

Sample fresh local produce, seafood, and tapas from various stalls.

Triana Ceramics Shopping

Explore the traditional ceramics shops in Triana, known for its unique tiles and pottery.

Find a special souvenir to take home.

Farewell Dinner in Seville

Enjoy a special farewell dinner in Seville, savoring your favorite Andalusian dishes or trying a highly-rated gourmet experience.

Consider a restaurant in the upscale El Arenal area or a modern tapas bar in Alameda de Hércules.

Leisurely Morning & Last Souvenirs

Enjoy a relaxed morning.

You can revisit a favorite spot, enjoy a final Spanish coffee, or do some last-minute souvenir shopping in the city center.

Hotel Check-out

Check out from your hotel.

You can store your luggage at the hotel if you have a later flight.

Lunch Before Departure

Have a quick and satisfying lunch near your hotel or on the way to the airport.

Travel from Seville to Barcelona

Head to Seville San Pablo Airport (SVQ) for your flight to Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN).

This will be an internal flight within Spain.

Allow ample time for transit to the airport and security checks. Consider an afternoon flight to maximize your time in Seville.

Sagrada Familia Visit

Marvel at Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece, the Basílica de la Sagrada Família.

Explore its intricate facades, stunning stained glass, and unique architectural vision.

Book your tickets online well in advance to secure your preferred time slot and avoid long queues. Consider an audio guide for a deeper understanding of Gaudí's work.

Passeig de Gràcia Stroll

Walk along Barcelona's elegant Passeig de Gràcia, admiring more of Gaudí's iconic buildings like Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera) from the exterior.

This avenue is also home to high-end shops.

The architecture here is stunning; don't forget to look up! If time permits, you could opt for an interior visit to one of the houses (requires separate tickets and additional time).

Lunch near Gothic Quarter

Enjoy a traditional Catalan lunch or a selection of tapas at a local restaurant before exploring the historic heart of Barcelona.

Gothic Quarter Exploration

Lose yourself in the winding, narrow streets of the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter).

Discover hidden squares, the impressive Barcelona Cathedral, Plaça Sant Jaume, and remnants of Roman walls.

Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking. Pop into small artisan shops or enjoy a coffee in one of the charming plazas.

Tapas & Flamenco Show

Savor a delightful evening of authentic Spanish tapas, followed by an exhilarating flamenco performance, experiencing the passion and energy of this traditional art form.

Many venues offer dinner and show packages. Book your flamenco show tickets in advance, especially during peak season.

Park Güell Visit

Explore Gaudí's whimsical Park Güell, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring unique architectural elements, colorful mosaics, and panoramic views of Barcelona.

Tickets for the monumental zone must be booked online well in advance, as capacity is limited and they often sell out. Arrive early to enjoy it with fewer crowds.

Beachside Lunch

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at one of the many restaurants along the Barceloneta beachfront, savoring fresh seafood or traditional Spanish dishes with sea views.

Relax at Barceloneta Beach

Spend your final afternoon unwinding on Barceloneta Beach.

Enjoy the Mediterranean sun, take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk, or dip your toes in the sea.

This popular city beach is a great spot for people-watching and soaking in the relaxed vibe. There are facilities for changing and renting chairs/umbrellas if desired.

Transfer to Barcelona Airport

Begin your journey to Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) for your international departure.

Allow ample time for traffic and airport procedures.

Airport Check-in & Departure

Complete check-in procedures for your Qantas Business Class flight back to Melbourne.

Enjoy the lounge facilities before boarding your flight.