Lisbon tram climbing Alfama at golden sunset

Celebrating

Letty's 50th

Portugal Girls Trip

May 21 – May 30, 2026

Quick Reference

Portugal Cheat Codes

Pastel de Nata custard tarts

🍽 Must-Eat Foods

  • Pastel de Nata — Custard tart. Go to Pastéis de Belém. If you do one thing: do this.
  • Bifana — Juicy pork sandwich. Messy, cheap, awesome.
  • Grilled Sardines — Very Lisbon. Smoky, simple.
  • Arroz de Marisco — Seafood rice. Best in Cascais.
Vinho Verde white wine

🍷 Drinks to Know

  • Vinho Verde — Light, slightly fizzy white.
  • Ginjinha — Cherry liquéur shot.
  • Espresso (Bica) — Small, strong, fast.
Grilled sardines Portuguese dining

⚠️ Cultural Tips

  • Dinner = 8:30–10:30 PM
  • Coffee is quick and simple
  • People dress slightly nicer than US casual
  • Ubers are cheap
  • Hills are real → wear good shoes
Lisbon skyline at night

💡 Don’t Miss

  • Sunset at a miradouro
  • Wandering Alfama
  • Ocean air in Cascais
  • First glimpse of Pena Palace

9 Days of Magic

Your Trip at a Glance

From the cobblestone streets of Alfama to the golden cliffs of Cascais — every day designed for discovery, relaxation, and unforgettable moments.

🏨

Lisbon · May 22–26 · Days 1–4

Blue Liberdade Hotel

Culture, history, rooftops & fado — grand boulevards, cobblestone streets, and the best miradouros in Europe.

Praça dos Restauradores 78 Maps →
🏨

Cascais · May 26–30 · Days 5–8

Hotel Cascais Miragem

Coast, spa & day trips — 5-star beachfront with an infinity pool, plus Sintra and the Atlantic coast just 30 min away.

Av. Marginal 8554, Cascais Maps →

The Birthday Girl & Her Crew

Three Queens, One Adventure

Letty turns 50 and she's celebrating the only way that makes sense — with her sister Dinora and their ride-or-die Gail, on a sun-soaked Portuguese coast.

Letty & Dinora

Cheers to 50!

NYC skyline cruise

City lights & good nights

Wedding day

Sisters forever

Cocktail selfie

Always celebrating

Giant's Causeway

Adventure buddies

🎉 🍾 🎉

"Here's to 50 years of being absolutely fabulous"

— and the next 50 in Portugal

Airport departure

Day 0 — Thursday, May 21

Departure Day

The adventure begins. Time to head to Newark and catch the overnight flight to Lisbon.

Redeye to Lisbon — sleep on the plane, arrive fresh.

The Plan

🌙

Evening

TAP Portugal TP 204 · EWR → LIS · 11:00 PM

Overnight TAP Air Portugal flight out of Newark (TP 204). Sleep on the plane and you'll arrive in Lisbon at 11:00 AM Friday morning, ready to explore.

Pro Tips

  • Wear comfy layers — flights get cold
  • Download offline Google Maps of Lisbon & Cascais before departure
  • Charge everything & bring a portable battery
  • Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on in case of luggage delays
Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon

Day 1 — Friday, May 22

Arrival in Lisbon

Touch down, drop bags, and ease into Portugal with a stroll down the grand boulevards toward the river.

Arrival + easy Lisbon orientation — boulevards, riverfront, rooftop toast.

🏨

Your Stay · 4 Nights

Blue Liberdad Hotel

Praça dos Restauradores 78, 1250-188 Lisboa · Check-in 4:00 PM

The Plan

Late Morning · 11 AM

Arrive in Lisbon

Land at 11:00 AM. Uber or taxi to the hotel. Drop your bags and grab lunch or coffee nearby — you made it!

Airport → hotel playbook
  1. After deplaning, follow signs for Baggage Claim. Non-EU passport control can take 30–45 min during peak arrivals — don’t panic, it moves
  2. Hit an ATM in the arrivals hall (skip the currency exchange kiosks — worse rates). Multibanco ATMs are cheapest
  3. Grab SIM/eSIM if you haven’t already — Vodafone kiosk in arrivals, or just use your US carrier’s international plan for a day eSIM tip: install Airalo Portugal before you leave home
  4. Exit to the Uber/Bolt pickup zone (signed, upstairs at Terminal 1). Rides to Praça dos Restauradores are ~€12–18, 15–25 min depending on traffic
  5. At Blue Liberdad, check-in isn’t until 4 PM but they’ll hold your bags. Ask the front desk
  6. Walk across the street for coffee + a pastel de nata to shake off the redeye — Café Nicola in Rossio is 4 min away

Afternoon · 1–4 PM

Avenida da Liberdade & Shops

Walk Lisbon's grand boulevard lined with designer shops and shade trees. Check into the hotel at 4:00 PM and settle in.

🌇

Late Afternoon · 5 PM

Walk Toward the River

Get a drink in Rossio Square, then stroll through the elegant Baixa grid down to the majestic Praça do Comércio on the riverfront.

🌙

Evening · 7 PM

Dinner & Rooftop Cocktails

Dinner near the hotel, then toast your arrival with cocktails at a rooftop bar overlooking the city's terracotta rooftops and the Tagus river.

🍴 Where to Eat

Pinoquio

Seafood · Portuguese · Rossio

Classic Lisbon institution right on Rossio Square. Famous for their prawns and shellfish. Touristy but earned its reputation.

View on Maps →
Solar dos Presuntos

Traditional Portuguese · Seafood

A Lisbon institution since 1974. Incredible seafood rice and aged presunto. Reservations recommended.

View on Maps →
JNcQUOI Avenida

Upscale · International · Chic

Glamorous spot right on Avenida da Liberdade. Part restaurant, part concept store. Great for a stylish first-night dinner.

View on Maps →

🍸 Rooftop Drinks

Park Bar

Hidden rooftop on top of a parking garage. Incredible panoramic views, great cocktails, cool crowd.

View on Maps →
Sky Bar Lisboa

Swanky rooftop at the Tivoli Hotel. Perfect for a celebratory arrival cocktail with 360° city views.

View on Maps →

Pro Tips

  • Uber from the airport is ~€15 and way easier than the metro with luggage
  • Stay hydrated and wear comfy shoes — Lisbon hills are no joke
  • Don't nap too long — push through jet lag and crash early tonight

📍 Today's Map

Covers today's walking area — hotel to riverfront Open full day map →
Alfama district Lisbon

Day 2 — Saturday, May 23

Alfama & Chiado

Get lost in the soul of old Lisbon — winding alleys, fado echoing off azulejo walls, and miradouros with jaw-dropping views.

Old Lisbon + viewpoints + fado — the city's soul, on foot.

The Plan

Morning · 9–12 PM

Walk Around Alfama

Breakfast at the hotel, then Uber up to Miradouro das Portas do Sol for stunning views. Wander downhill through Lisbon's oldest neighborhood — the Sé Cathedral, narrow medieval streets, colorful doorways, and maybe hop on the iconic Tram 28 as it rattles through.

Step-by-step walkthrough
  1. Grab breakfast at the hotel (included, buffet starts at 8 AM)
  2. Uber to Miradouro das Portas do Sol (~€5–7, 8 min from hotel). This gets you to the top so you walk downhill the whole way
  3. Take in the view — face the river, the red rooftops of Alfama spread out below you. Photo op!
    📷 Best light before 10 AM
  4. Walk downhill on Rua de São Tomé into the narrow alleys. Just wander — getting a little lost is the point
  5. Stop at the Sé Cathedral (Catedral de Lisboa) on the way down. Free to enter the main nave, cloisters are €2.50
  6. Optional: hop on Tram 28 if the line is short (under 10 people). If it's packed, skip it — the walk is better
    ⚠ Watch for pickpockets on the tram
  7. Continue winding downhill toward the waterfront. You'll end up near the Feira da Ladra flea market (Tue & Sat only — today is Saturday!)
  8. Lunch time! Head to Taberna Sal Grosso or Memmo Alfama Terrace (see restaurant cards)

Afternoon · 2 PM

Rest & Recharge

Walk back to the hotel for a well-deserved nap. You've been on your feet all morning — rest up for the evening ahead.

Step-by-step walkthrough
  1. From Alfama, Uber back to the hotel (~€5, 5 min) or walk if you're feeling ambitious (15–20 min uphill)
  2. Nap, shower, recharge — you earned it. Tonight is a big evening in Chiado/Bairro Alto
  3. Set an alarm for 4:30 PM so you have time to get ready
🌙

Evening · 5 PM

Chiado & Bairro Alto

Explore the artistic Chiado district and the vibrant Bairro Alto. Dinner in this neighborhood, then stop by the Church of Our Lady of Grace (Igreja da Graça) — beautiful at night.

Step-by-step walkthrough
  1. Walk or Uber to Chiado (~10 min walk from hotel, downhill). Enter via Rua Garrett — the main shopping street
  2. Stop by A Brasileira café for a quick coffee — the famous Fernando Pessoa statue is out front. Quick photo, don't linger
  3. Browse the boutiques on Rua Garrett and Rua do Carmo. Great for unique souvenirs and Portuguese ceramics
  4. Walk uphill into Bairro Alto — the streets start filling up as evening arrives. This is Lisbon's nightlife neighborhood
  5. Dinner at one of the picks: BAHR & Terrace (rooftop views), Time Out Market (food hall — great for group), or Sea Me (seafood)
    📞 Reserve BAHR & Sea Me in advance
  6. After dinner, walk to Igreja da Graça (Church of Our Lady of Grace). The miradouro next to it has incredible nighttime views of the city and the castle lit up
  7. Uber back to hotel when ready (€5–7)

🍴 Lunch in Alfama

Taberna Sal Grosso

Modern Portuguese · Petiscos

Tiny, trendy tavern with amazing small plates. The ceviche and pica-pau are incredible. Get there early — it fills up fast.

View on Maps →
Memmo Alfama Terrace

Rooftop · Portuguese · Views

Hotel rooftop restaurant with gorgeous views over Alfama's rooftops to the river. Great for a relaxed lunch.

View on Maps →

🍴 Dinner in Chiado/Bairro

BAHR & Terrace

Rooftop · Cocktails · International

Stunning panoramic views from the Bairro Alto Hotel rooftop. Great cocktails and small plates.

View on Maps →
Time Out Market Lisboa

Food Hall · Everything · Cais do Sodré

Lisbon's legendary food hall. Dozens of stalls from the city's best chefs. Everyone can pick what they want — perfect for a group.

View on Maps →
Sea Me — Peixaria Moderna

Seafood · Sushi · Raw Bar

Choose your fresh fish and they cook it however you like. Surprisingly great sushi for Lisbon.

View on Maps →

Pro Tips

  • Uber up to the miradouro, then walk downhill through Alfama — much easier
  • Watch for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas and on the tram
  • Visit miradouros early morning for fewer crowds and golden light

📍 Getting Around Today

1

Start: Miradouro das Portas do Sol

Uber from hotel · ~8 min · ~€5–7

Open in Maps →
2

Alfama & Chiado neighbourhoods

Walk downhill from the miradouro — all stops within 15 min on foot

Open in Maps →
3

Dinner: Zé da Mouraria or Chapitô à Mesa

In Alfama · Uber back to hotel ~€5, 5 min

Open in Maps →
Belém Tower Lisbon

Day 3 — Sunday, May 24

Belém

Where Portugal's Age of Discovery began — grand monuments, the old waterfront, and the world's most famous custard tarts.

Belém waterfront + iconic landmarks — where Portugal's Age of Discovery began.

The Plan

Morning · 9 AM

Belém Waterfront

Uber or Tram 15E to Belém (~20 min). Start at the stunning Jerónimos Monastery — a UNESCO masterpiece📅 Book ahead with lace-like carved stone cloisters. Then grab Pastéis de Belém (the original since 1837⏰ Arrive early — order at least 2 each). Walk to the iconic Belém Tower along the waterfront.

Belém in the right order
  1. Book Jerónimos tickets online the night before on patrimoniocultural.gov.pt. Pick a 9:30 or 10 AM slot — tour buses arrive around 10:30 and the cloister gets packed ~€12/person; Sunday 9 AM–2 PM is FREE for residents (not you)
  2. Uber to Jerónimos Monastery (~€12, 20 min from hotel). Skip the church line on the left — the cloisters entrance is separate, around the right side
  3. Spend ~75 min in the cloisters. Head upstairs for the choir-level view over the nave
  4. Walk 2 min to Pastéis de Belém. Skip the outdoor takeaway line — walk through the blue-tile archway to the indoor seating rooms. Order 2 tarts each + bicas (espresso)
  5. Walk 10 min along the waterfront to Belém Tower. You can admire from outside (most do) or book a timed entry for the terrace view
  6. Lunch: walk 5 min inland to Enoteca de Belém (book ahead — tiny room) or grab something casual at Darwin’s Café on the marina

Afternoon · 2 PM

Optional: MAAT & Monument to the Discoveries

The Museum of Art, Architecture & Technology has a striking wavy building on the river. Even if you skip the exhibits, walk across the rooftop for incredible views. See the Monument to the Discoveries nearby.

Afternoon walk route
  1. From Belém Tower, walk 8 min east along the river path to the Monument to the Discoveries. Don’t pay to go up — the view is better from MAAT next door and free
  2. Continue 5 min east to MAAT. Walk up the ramped roof (free) for a stunning river view back toward the 25 de Abril Bridge
  3. If feet are shot, grab a bench and a coffee. Otherwise loop back through the Jardim da Praça do Império gardens in front of Jerónimos
  4. Uber back to hotel (~€12, 20 min) — Tram 15E will be packed at this hour Tell your driver: Hotel Blue Liberdad, Praça dos Restauradores
🌙

Late Afternoon

Head Back & Rest

Head back to the hotel. Optional: nap, rest, or walk around the neighborhood. Take it easy tonight.

🍴 Lunch in Belém

Pastéis de Belém

Bakery · Iconic Custard Tarts

Non-negotiable. The secret recipe has never left this bakery since 1837. Dust with cinnamon and powdered sugar.

View on Maps →
Darwin's Café

Casual · Riverside · Brunch

Right on the Belém waterfront with outdoor seating overlooking the marina. Great for a relaxed lunch after sightseeing.

View on Maps →
Enoteca de Belém

Wine Bar · Portuguese · Tapas

Charming wine bar with excellent Portuguese wines and sharing plates. A hidden gem in the Belém neighborhood.

View on Maps →

Pro Tips

  • Buy Jerónimos tickets online in advance — the line can be 1+ hours
  • Take Uber or Tram 15E — Belém is too far from central Lisbon to walk
  • At Pastéis de Belém, go inside to the sit-down area — the outside line is just takeaway

📍 Getting Around Today

1

Start: Jerónimos Monastery

Uber or Tram 15E from hotel · ~20 min · Uber ~€12

Open in Maps →
2

Belém waterfront cluster

Pastéis de Belém, Belém Tower, MAAT — all within 10 min walk of each other

Open in Maps →
3

Lunch: Enoteca de Belém

5 min walk from the monastery · Uber back to hotel ~€12, 20 min

Open in Maps →
LX Factory Lisbon

Day 4 — Monday, May 25

Lisbon Finale

Last day in the city — botanical gardens, creative markets, and a sunset ferry ride to dinner across the Tagus.

Lisbon finale — gardens, creative market, and a sunset ferry dinner.

The Plan

Morning · 9 AM

Príncipe Real & Gardens

Breakfast at the hotel, then head to leafy Príncipe Real — Lisbon's hippest neighborhood. Stroll through the Jardim Botânico de Lisboa, a lush tropical oasis. Browse the boutiques and antique shops. Also nearby: the beautiful Jardim de Estrela.

Afternoon · 2 PM

Rest, Then LX Factory

Walk back to the hotel for a rest. Then around 4–5 PM, Uber 10 minutes to LX Factory — a converted industrial complex packed with independent shops, galleries, street art, bookstores, and amazing food. Think Brooklyn meets Lisbon.

LX Factory hit list
  1. Uber to LX Factory (~€7, 10 min from hotel). Drop at the main gate on Rua Rodrigues de Faria
  2. First stop: Ler Devagar — the legendary bookstore with the flying-bicycle installation and 2-story bookshelves. Perfect photo moment
  3. Wander the main drag: street art murals, independent designers (Wish Slow Coffee House has great merch), vintage shops
  4. Coffee/snack stop: Landeau Chocolate for (supposedly) the best chocolate cake in Lisbon, or Dear Breakfast
  5. Head back by 6:30 to shower and change — dinner ferry is next Don’t linger too long; ferry timing is the whole point of tonight
🌙

Evening · 7 PM

Ferry & Dinner at Ponto Final

The grand Lisbon finale. Take the 10-minute ferry from Cais do Sodré across the Tagus to Cacilhas. Dinner at Ponto Final — grilled fish, wine, views of the city skyline. Sunset is around 8:50 PM. Chef's kiss.🌅 Best at sunset

Ferry & sunset dinner timing
  1. Leave the hotel by 6:15 PM. Uber or walk 15 min down to Cais do Sodré ferry terminal (not the train station — the ferry pier, signed “Cacilheiros”)
  2. Tap your Viva Viagem card (or buy a €1.35 single). Ferry to Cacilhas leaves every 10–15 min — just walk on
  3. 10-min crossing with postcard views of the Lisbon skyline. Grab the outside deck on the left side going over
  4. Off the boat at Cacilhas, walk 5 min left along the water to Ponto Final. You’ll see the little tables right on the jetty
  5. No reservations — put your name down with the host and grab a glass of wine while you wait. Aim to be sitting by 8 PM for golden hour
  6. Order the grilled fish of the day, vinho verde, and the chocolate mousse. Watch the bridge light up Sunset ~8:50 PM on May 25
  7. Last ferry back is around midnight — no rush, but check the return schedule posted at the terminal

🍴 Lunch in Príncipe Real

A Cevicheria

Peruvian-Portuguese · Seafood · Trendy

Chef Kiko Martins' famous ceviche spot with the giant octopus hanging from the ceiling. Incredible ceviches and tiraditos. Book ahead!

View on Maps →
Atalho Real

Steakhouse · Portuguese · Premium

For when you need a break from seafood. Excellent steaks and traditional Portuguese meat dishes.

View on Maps →

🍴 Dinner

Ponto Final

Riverside · Seafood · Iconic Views

THE spot for your Lisbon farewell dinner. Right on the water in Cacilhas, looking back at the city and the 25 de Abril Bridge at sunset. Fresh catch of the day, amazing wine, unforgettable vibes.

View on Maps →

Pro Tips

  • The Cacilhas ferry accepts your Viva Viagem card — just tap and ride
  • At Ponto Final, arrive by 7 PM to snag a riverside table — no reservations
  • Sunset is ~8:50 PM — time the ferry to arrive for golden hour
  • LX Factory is best on weekdays — and today's Monday, perfect

📍 Getting Around Today

1

Morning: Príncipe Real & Jardim Botânico

10 min walk from hotel (downhill) or Uber ~€5

Open in Maps →
2

Afternoon: LX Factory

Uber from hotel · ~10 min · ~€7

Open in Maps →
3

Dinner: Ponto Final, Cacilhas

Walk or Uber to Cais do Sodré · 10-min ferry across the Tagus · ~€1.35

Open in Maps →
Hotel Cascais Miragem aerial view with pool and marina

Day 5 — Tuesday, May 26

Cascais

Swap city cobblestones for coastal breezes. Check out of Lisbon, check in to beachfront luxury.

Check into beachfront luxury — swap city cobblestones for coastal air.

🏨

Your Stay · 4 Nights

Hotel Cascais Miragem

Av. Marginal 8554, 2754-536 Cascais · 5-star beachfront luxury with infinity pool, spa & ocean views · Check-in 4:00 PM

The Plan

Morning · 9–11 AM

Sleep In & Beach Prep

Enjoy a lazy breakfast at the hotel. Get ready to head to the beach. Check out of Blue Liberdad and Uber to Cascais (~30 min).

Lisbon → Cascais transfer
  1. Long breakfast at Blue Liberdad — you’re in no rush. Settle any incidentals at the front desk
  2. Check out by 11 AM (standard). They can hold bags if you want to wander Liberdade one more time
  3. Option A (easiest): Uber XL to Cascais — ~€30–40, 30–40 min door to door. Fits 3 people + 3 suitcases comfortably Recommended with luggage
  4. Option B (scenic): Train from Cais do Sodré → Cascais, €2.30, 40 min along the coastline. Ocean views from the right side of the train. Schlepping bags up/down stairs is the catch
  5. At Hotel Cascais Miragem, check-in is 4 PM but bags can drop early. Ask for a sea-view room and the highest floor available
  6. Have lunch nearby (Baía do Peixe is 10 min walk) or eat at the hotel pool

Afternoon · 1–4 PM

Drop Bags & Explore Cascais

Drop bags at the Miragem. Head into the Centro Histórico — pastel-colored pedestrian streets, local shops, gelato. Hit the beach if the weather's right. Check in at 4:00 PM.

🌇

Late Afternoon · 5 PM

More Cascais & Boca do Inferno

Walk the coastal path to Boca do Inferno ("Mouth of Hell") — dramatic sea cave where waves crash through rock arches. Time it for golden hour.🌅 Golden hour

🌙

Evening · 7 PM

Pre-Dinner Drinks & Dinner

Drinks at Farol Hotel or Villa Cascais Rooftop with ocean views, then dinner in Cascais.

🍴 Lunch in Cascais

Baía do Peixe

Seafood · Fresh Fish · Local

Fresh catch right off the boat. Unpretentious and delicious — exactly what you want for your first Cascais meal.

View on Maps →
Mar do Inferno

Seafood · Cliffside · Views

Right next to Boca do Inferno with dramatic ocean views. Great seafood in a stunning setting.

View on Maps →
Hifen

Contemporary · Brunch · Healthy

Stylish spot with a great brunch menu and healthy options. Beautiful interior design and chill vibes.

View on Maps →

🍴 Dinner

Furnas do Guincho

Seafood · Beachfront · Special

Spectacular restaurant built into the cliffs at Guincho Beach. The seafood rice for two is legendary.

View on Maps →
Taberna Clandestina

Portuguese · Wine · Cozy

Hidden-gem tavern in old town Cascais. Excellent petiscos and curated wine selection in a warm, intimate setting.

View on Maps →

Pro Tips

  • Uber from Lisbon to Cascais is ~€25–30 and takes about 30 min
  • Cascais is very walkable — you won't need taxis unless heading to Guincho Beach
  • Farol Hotel rooftop has amazing sunset cocktails

📍 Getting Around Today

1

Hotel Cascais Miragem

Uber XL from Blue Liberdade · ~30 min · ~€30–40

Open in Maps →
2

Cascais centro histórico

10 min walk from hotel along the waterfront · Fully walkable

Open in Maps →
3

Boca do Inferno

20 min walk west along the coastal path from hotel

Open in Maps →

NYE crew!

Escape artists

Supermom

Date night vibes

Hotel Cascais Miragem infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic

Day 6 — Wednesday, May 27

Spa Day

You've earned this. A full day of pure relaxation — pools, saunas, hammam, massages, and poolside mimosas.

Spa reset day — beach, infinity pool, and real relaxation.

The Plan

Morning · 9 AM

Water Lounge

Head straight to the hotel's Water Lounge. Start with the thermal circuit — heated pools, swim, sauna, and hammam. The indoor-outdoor pool overlooks the Atlantic.

Midday · 12 PM

Light Lunch Poolside

Light lunch on the terrace. Have a drink — maybe a mimosa? You're on vacation. Don't forget to hydrate between thermal circuits.

💦

Afternoon · 2 PM

Massage Sessions

Book a signature treatment — deep tissue, hot stones, or hammam experience. After: pool, napping at the pool, reading at the pool. Noticing a theme?

🌙

Evening · 7 PM

Pre-Dinner Drinks & Dinner

Pre-dinner drinks (don't forget to hydrate!). For dinner: stay in the hotel restaurant, venture into Cascais or Estoril, or take an evening stroll by the beach. Dealer's choice — you're relaxed now.

Pro Tips

  • Book spa treatments in advance — the Miragem spa fills up
  • Bring a swimsuit cover-up for moving between pools and treatment rooms
  • Drink plenty of water between thermal circuits
  • Put the phones away — this is a digital detox day
Pena Palace Sintra

Day 7 — Thursday, May 28

Sintra Day Trip

Step into a fairytale. Colorful palaces on misty mountaintops, hidden tunnels, and pastries that rival Belém.

Sintra highlight day — palaces, mystical gardens, legendary pastries.

The Plan

Morning · 9 AM

Uber to Sintra → Pena Palace

Breakfast at the hotel, then Uber to Sintra. Head straight to Pena Palace — buy tickets in advance!📅 Book ahead A Romanticist palace in wild yellows, reds, and blues perched above the forests. The terraces and views are the showstopper.

Pena Palace morning playbook
  1. Book tickets 1–2 weeks out at parquesdesintra.pt. Choose Park + Palace Interiors, 9:30 AM slot. ~€20/person Timed entry — don’t be late or they won’t let you in
  2. Leave Cascais by 8:15 AM. Uber directly to Pena Palace (not Sintra town center) — ~€25–30, 25 min up the mountain road
  3. Ask the driver to drop at the upper gate (not the lower Rampa). Skip the shuttle bus line — that walk is brutal uphill
  4. Scan ticket, enter the palace first (exteriors + terraces = the money shots). Budget 90 min
  5. After Pena, walk 20 min downhill through the park to the Moorish Castle if anyone has energy — otherwise skip
  6. Uber from the Pena gate into Sintra town (~€6, 5 min — the tuk-tuks are a tourist trap)

Early Afternoon · 1 PM

Quinta da Regaleira

The most mystical place in Portugal. Gothic palace, hidden grottos, underground tunnels, and the famous Initiation Well — a spiral staircase descending 27 meters into the earth. Like a fantasy novel come to life.👟 Wear good shoes

Regaleira → Initiation Well route
  1. Lunch first at Tascantiga in Sintra town (7 min walk from Regaleira). Petiscos + a glass of vinho verde
  2. Walk 10 min downhill to Quinta da Regaleira. Buy tickets at the gate — ~€15, rarely sells out
  3. Grab the free map. Head straight to the Initiation Well first — it gets a 30+ min queue by 2 PM
  4. Enter the well from the top and spiral down. At the bottom, follow the underground tunnel out to the pond with stepping stones
  5. Loop back up through the Chapel, the grottos, and the main palace. ~2 hours total
  6. Walk 5 min back into Sintra town for Piriquita pastries
🍰

Afternoon · 3 PM

Piriquita Pastry Stop

Reward yourself at Piriquita — Sintra's famous bakery since 1862. Try the travesseiro (almond puff pastry). Get a box to bring back to the hotel.

🌏

Optional · 4 PM

Cabo da Roca

If you have energy, detour to Cabo da Roca — the westernmost point of mainland Europe. Dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, edge-of-the-world vibes.

🌙

Evening · 5–6 PM

Back to Cascais & Dinner

Head back to the hotel to relax. Dinner either at the hotel restaurant or head out into Cascais town.

🍴 Lunch in Sintra

Tascantiga

Portuguese · Wine · Tapas

Cozy spot in Sintra town for a proper lunch. Great local wines and petiscos. Perfect refueling between palaces.

View on Maps →
Incomum by Luís Santos

Modern Portuguese · Creative

Upscale but relaxed, with creative takes on Portuguese classics. Beautiful plating and a great wine list.

View on Maps →
Piriquita

Bakery · Pastries · Since 1862

The travesseiro (puff pastry with almond cream) is legendary. Also try the queijada. Get a box for the road.

View on Maps →

Pro Tips

  • Book Pena Palace tickets online in advance — timed entry sells out
  • Book the earliest time slot (9:00 AM) — it gets mobbed by 11 AM
  • Take Uber up to Pena Palace — steep, hot walk otherwise
  • Wear good walking shoes — Regaleira grounds are hilly and can be slippery
  • Cabo da Roca is very windy — hold onto your hat, literally

🎒 What to Bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes — Regaleira is hilly and can be slippery
  • Light jacket — misty mountaintop, even in May
  • Sunscreen + water bottle
  • Phone fully charged — Pena Palace photos are not optional

📍 Today's Map

Pena Palace → Regaleira → Sintra town — Uber between each stop Open full day map →
Portuguese coast sailing

Day 8 — Friday, May 29

Free Day

Choose your own adventure. Sail the coast, explore a medieval walled town, or chase the edge of the continent.

Your day, your call — sail, explore, or do absolutely nothing.

Pick Your Adventure

Today is wide open. Here are the top picks — do one, do all, or just sleep in. You've earned it.

Sailing

Cascais Sailing / Boat Trip

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Half-day catamaran or sailboat along the coast. See dolphins, swim in secluded coves, and sip wine on the water. Most tours leave from Cascais Marina.

  • ⏱ ~3–4 hours
  • 💰 ~€40–60 per person
📅 Book 1 day ahead🌊 Cold water

🎒 Bring: sunscreen, windbreaker, sunglasses

Obidos medieval town

Óbidos

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A fairy-tale medieval walled town about 1.5 hours north. Walk the ancient walls, sip ginjinha from chocolate cups, and wander flower-draped streets.

  • ⏱ Full day
  • 🚗 ~1.5 hr drive each way🚗 ~1.5 hr drive

🎒 Bring: comfy walking shoes, small daypack

Cabo da Roca cliffs

Beach Excursion / Atlantic Coast

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Head up the Atlantic coast. Cabo da Roca (westernmost point of Europe), Azenhas do Mar (cliffside village), or just find a beautiful beach and stay.

  • ⏱ Half or full day
  • 🚗 ~30 min to Cabo da Roca

Pro Tips

  • If sailing, book via GetYourGuide or Viator at least a day in advance
  • Water is cold at Guincho Beach — beautiful but bring a windbreaker
  • Cabo da Roca is very windy — hold onto your hat
  • Óbidos is best mid-week to avoid tour bus crowds
Cascais coastline, Portugal

Day 9 — Saturday, May 30

Homeward Bound

All good things… One last Portuguese coffee, a final look at the ocean, and then it's time to head home with a full heart (and suitcase).

One last coffee, one last look at the ocean, then home.

The Plan

Morning

Last Morning in Cascais

Sleep in, enjoy a leisurely hotel breakfast, and take one last walk along the waterfront. Soak it all in.

Afternoon

Transfer to Lisbon Airport

Uber to LIS airport (~35 min, €35–45). Arrive at least 3 hours early for the international flight. Grab some port wine and canned fish at duty-free and one last pastel de nata at the airport.

Departure day timeline
  1. Flight is TP 203, 5:45 PM. Plan to be at LIS by 2:45 PM (3 hours early for an international redeye is not overkill at LIS)
  2. Work backwards: Uber from Cascais by 1:45 PM at the absolute latest. Cascais → LIS is 35 min in good traffic, 60 min if Saturday beach traffic is ugly
  3. Check out of Miragem by noon. Hotel can store bags — walk the marina one more time, grab lunch at Marisco na Praça or the hotel
  4. Request Uber XL — 3 suitcases + souvenirs won’t fit in a sedan. Budget €40–50
  5. At LIS, TAP is Terminal 1. Check bags, then through security (non-Schengen/US passport gates are usually faster on the right)
  6. Duty-free hit list before boarding: port wine (Taylor’s 20yr or Niepoort), canned sardines (Conserveira de Lisboa tins make great gifts), one last pastel de nata at Manteigaria in the terminal
  7. Gate info posts ~60 min before boarding — LIS is notorious for late gate reveals. Don’t stress Arrive EWR 9:00 PM · Terminal B
🌙

Evening

TAP Portugal TP 203 · LIS → EWR

Depart 5:45 PM · Arrive EWR 9:00 PM (Terminal B). ~8 hour flight. Start planning the return trip on the way home — because you'll definitely want to come back.

Pro Tips

  • Cascais → LIS airport Uber is ~€35–45, about 35 minutes
  • Arrive at least 3 hours early for the international flight
  • Buy souvenirs at duty-free — port wine and canned sardines are great gifts
  • Check bags for weight limits — that extra port bottle adds up!

Through the Years

Memories with the Girls

From baby showers to boat cruises, paint nights to Dublin pubs — these three have been making memories for decades. Here's to the next chapter in Portugal.

NYC skyline at sunset
Wedding day
Espresso martinis
Baby shower
Giant's Causeway
Cocktail selfie
NYC at night
Paint night
Dublin pub
Family portrait
Kitchen laughs
Christmas tree
New Years Eve
Escape room
Manhattan cruise
Halloween

"The best is yet to come" 🇵🇹

Before You Go

Essential Info

🎒 Don't Forget

  • • Comfortable walking shoes (Lisbon hills!)
  • • Sunscreen & sunglasses
  • • Light layers (evenings can be cool)
  • • Swimsuit for spa & beach
  • • Portable battery pack
  • • EU adapter plug (Type F)
  • • Crossbody bag (pickpocket-proof)

💳 Money Tips

  • • Currency: Euro (€)
  • • Cards accepted almost everywhere
  • • Tipping: 5–10% at restaurants (not mandatory)
  • • ATMs: Use bank-affiliated ATMs, avoid Euronet
  • • Budget: ~€100–150/day for food & activities

📱 Useful Apps

  • Uber — works great in Portugal
  • Bolt — Uber alternative (often cheaper)
  • Google Maps — offline maps essential
  • The Fork — restaurant reservations
  • Google Translate — camera mode for menus