Portugal and Italy Itinerary: 11 Days of Culture & Coast

The beautiful city of Lisbon lies draped across a string of seven hills on the western Iberian Peninsula and is the westernmost and oldest city in western Europe. Its long and tumultuous history has resulted in an aesthetic characterised by a haphazard combination of old and new; however, the aesthetic chaos of Lisbon only adds to its appeal and its undeniable charm. Bright yellow centenarian trams rattle their way up steep, tree-lined, cobbled streets; ornate ironwork balconies overrun with bougainvillaea sit above elegant outdoor cafes housed in ancient whitewashed, red-roofed stone houses; and a flurry of detailed mosaics decorate the sidewalks. Ancient statues adorn grand squares and hidden gardens. A diverse culinary scene, a plethora of fascinating museums, and numerous castles make it easy to see why Lisbon is one of Europe’s most misunderstood and underrated cities.

Set on Portugal’s coast in the southern Algarve region, the once-sleepy fishing village of Albufeira has evolved into one of the area’s most alluring and vibrant holiday destinations, thanks to its outstanding beaches and dramatic scenery and lively social scene. There are over 20 beaches to choose from in Albufeira, including the main beach’s vast, crescent-shaped expanse of fine, pink-gold sand fringing a turquoise bay and sheltered by rugged cliffs. The streets of the old town behind it are frequented by street performers and scattered liberally with shops, bars and restaurants. On the glittering Albufeira strip, you will find some of Portugal’s wildest nightlife venues, including the renowned Kiss club, which usually opens after midnight and pulsates till after dawn.

The Algarve’s southernmost city, Faro, has an elegant marina backed by a historical quarter dotted with white-washed Portuguese buildings, stately Catholic churches and age-old Moorish architecture. Its atmospheric squares and boulevards are paved with white and grey stone and lined with boutiques, designer stores, cafes and bars. There is no shortage of entertainment in this university town - it has a lively nightlife and a thriving arts and culture scene that caters to a wide array of audiences. There is plenty of opportunity for swimming and sunbathing on the area’s golden coast, and nature lovers will be in their element in the nearby Ria Formosa Reserve, with its incredibly biodiverse lagoon and coastal zone.

The vibrant metropolis of Milan is the capital of Italy’s Lombardy region in northern Italy. Always at the forefront of international fashion, Milan’s sleek, glamorous facade has earned it a reputation for superficiality and excessive consumerism. However, beneath the surface lies a treasure trove of historical and architectural wonders—from its magnificent Gothic churches, Baroque mansions, and Art Nouveau palazzos to the striking modern skyscrapers of the Porta Nuova financial district. Must-see landmarks include the spectacular Milan Cathedral (Duomo), the glass-vaulted Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and of course, La Scala—one of the world’s most renowned opera houses. Milan offers something for everyone: those in search of high-end designer shopping will be more than satisfied, as will visitors interested in fascinating historical sites and extraordinary architectural achievements.

Venice is a small, unique city in Italy’s Veneto region, a historic center made up of 118 small islands in a lagoon of the Adriatic Sea, connected by a complex network of canals and footbridges. The stately palaces and ancient churches remain as fascinating reminders of what was once a major trading hub between Europe and the Orient. From the famous Gothic Doge’s Palace and the breathtaking St. Mark’s Basilica to the awe-inspiring brilliance of Titian’s Assumption altarpiece lighting up an entire cathedral, Venice has remained virtually unchanged for the past 600 years. Other must-see attractions include the Bridge of Sighs, the spectacular Peggy Guggenheim Collection (art gallery), the captivating Gallerie dell’Accademia (museum), and of course, gondola rides along the canals.