8 days in Portugal & Cologne Itinerary
Created using Inspirock Europe trip planner
Start: Dusseldorf, Germany
Drive
1
Cologne, Germany
— 1 day
Fly
2
Porto, Portugal
— 1 night
Fly
3
Lisbon, Portugal
— 4 nights
Fly
4
Funchal, Portugal
— 2 nights
Fly
End: Dusseldorf, Germany
Fri, Jul 7 - Fri, Jul 14
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Cologne, Germany — 1 day
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City of Churches
Though Cologne famously contains 12 Romanesque churches, the city's top prize remains its landmark Gothic cathedral.Start off your visit on the 7th (Fri): test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms, take in the waterfront at Rheinpromenade, don't miss a visit to Hohenzollern Bridge, then admire the landmark architecture of Cologne Cathedral, and finally explore the world behind art at Museum Ludwig.
For more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Cologne online vacation planner.
Dusseldorf to Cologne is an approximately 1-hour car ride. You can also take a train; or take a bus. In July, daytime highs in Cologne are 29°C, while nighttime lows are 16°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Fri) early enough to catch the flight to Porto.
Find places to stay Jul 7 — 8:
Highlights from your trip
Porto, Portugal — 1 night
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Unvanquished City
Called "Oporto" by many, the city of Porto along the Duoro River lent the country and Port wine their names.Start off your visit on the 8th (Sat): get the lay of the land with Walking tours, then take in the views from Ponte de Dom Luis I, and then take a stroll around Palacio da Bolsa.
To find ratings, traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Porto trip itinerary builder tool.
Traveling by flight from Cologne to Porto takes 6 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. You'll gain 1 hour traveling from Cologne to Porto due to the time zone difference. Expect a daytime high around 28°C in July, and nighttime lows around 17°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Sat) to allow enough time to fly to Lisbon.
Find places to stay Jul 7 — 8:
Highlights from your trip
Lisbon, Portugal — 4 nights
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City of Seven Hills
Built on seven hills, Lisbon has experienced a renaissance in recent years, making it the cultural star of Portugal.Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Lisbon: Sintra (Safaris, Park and National Palace of Pena, &more). There's lots more to do: admire nature's wide array of creatures at Lisbon Oceanarium, appreciate the history behind Arco do Triunfo, explore the world behind art at Museu Nacional do Azulejo, and wander the streets of Alfama.
For other places to visit, reviews, photos, and tourist information, read our Lisbon trip planner.
Fly from Porto to Lisbon in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from Porto in July: highs in Lisbon hover around 34°C, while lows dip to 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Wed) to allow time to fly to Funchal.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Jul 8 — 12:
Funchal, Portugal — 2 nights
The capital of the island of Madeira for more than 500 years, Funchal represents a laid-back city made popular by its historical sites and climate.Start off your visit on the 13th (Thu): see Off-Road Tours, view the masterpieces at Caravel Art Center, and then skim along the rocks with a canyoning and rapelling tour. Here are some ideas for day two: take in the awesome beauty at Pico Ruivo and then see Salty.
For reviews, maps, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Funchal trip site.
Traveling by flight from Lisbon to Funchal takes 3.5 hours. Traveling from Lisbon in July, expect nights in Funchal to be about the same, around 23°C, while days are slightly colder, around 30°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 14th (Fri) so you can catch the flight back home.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Jul 12 — 14:
Highlights from your trip
Portugal travel guide
Small in size but rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, Portugal features contrasting landscapes that include long beaches, lush vineyards, verdant valleys, and rolling hills dotted with tiny settlements where old traditions still prevail. The country's serene interior, often overlooked by foreigners, remains largely unspoiled by mass tourism and offers visitors a chance to discover this less-trodden part of Europe at their own pace. Ripe for leisurely adventures on foot or by bicycle, Portugal's fertile countryside boasts well-preserved medieval castles and outstanding wineries, producing some of the world's finest ports. The country's cities offer a lively culinary scene known for its many award-winning restaurants, topping the itineraries of foodies from around the globe.
