Portugal on Points: Lisbon, Porto, and the Douro Valley
Target SEO Keywords: Portugal on points, Portugal travel for retirees, Lisbon on points, Porto on points, Douro Valley travel, how to fly to Portugal with points, Portugal for older travelers, TAP Air Portugal points
Word Count: ~2,800
Cluster: 7 — Destination Guides for 55+
Internal Links: Pillar 1 (Beginner's Guide), Pillar 2 (Business Class to Europe), Pillar 3 (Best Cards for 55+), Pillar 5 (River Cruises on Points), River Cruise Itineraries blog
Schema: Article, FAQPage, BreadcrumbList
CTA: Travel Score Quiz, Email Signup ("Portugal on Points Planner" PDF), Facebook Group, River Cruises Pillar
Portugal has a way of sneaking up on you.
You arrive expecting Lisbon to be "nice" — a smaller, cheaper alternative to Paris or Rome. Then you stand on a miradouro at golden hour, the terracotta rooftops tumbling downhill toward the Tagus River, a glass of €3 vinho verde in your hand, fado music drifting from somewhere you can't quite find — and you realize this isn't an alternative to anything. This is the real thing.
Porto hits you the same way. You cross the Dom Luís I Bridge at sunset, the Douro River reflecting the port wine lodges in amber and pink, and think: why doesn't everyone talk about this place?
And then there's the Douro Valley — Portugal's wine country, where terraced vineyards cascade down hillsides to the river, and small quintas (wine estates) serve meals that would cost $200 in Napa but cost €25 here with a bottle of wine included.
Portugal is having a moment. And for points-savvy travelers over 55, it's having a perfect moment — affordable once you're there, gorgeous at every turn, and surprisingly accessible on points for getting there and sleeping well.
Let's plan your trip.
Getting There: Flights to Portugal on Points
Lisbon (LIS) is your primary gateway — it's the transatlantic hub for TAP Air Portugal and receives direct flights from several US cities. Porto (OPO) has fewer direct options from the US but is easily reached via a short connection in Lisbon (45-minute flight or, better yet, a scenic 3-hour train ride you'll actually enjoy).
Economy Class Options
| Route | Program | Points (Round Trip) | Cash Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NYC → Lisbon | United MileagePlus (via Chase UR) | 60,000 | $700–$1,200 | TAP or United metal; nonstop |
| NYC/Newark → Lisbon | Aeroplan (via Chase UR or Amex MR) | 50,000–70,000 | $700–$1,200 | TAP nonstop; Aeroplan often has great pricing |
| East Coast → Lisbon | TAP Miles&Go (via LifeMiles) | 50,000–60,000 | $700–$1,200 | TAP nonstop from JFK, EWR, BOS, MIA |
| Chicago/Dallas → Lisbon | American AAdvantage | 60,000–70,000 | $900–$1,400 | Via London, Madrid, or direct TAP codeshare |
| Any US City → Lisbon | Capital One Miles | Varies | Varies | Portal booking at 1¢/mile |
The WanderWise move: TAP Air Portugal is a Star Alliance member, which means you can book their flights using United MileagePlus, Aeroplan, or Avianca LifeMiles — all programs you can reach by transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards points. The sweet spot: transfer to Aeroplan and book TAP nonstop from the East Coast at 25,000 points each way in economy. That's one of the best transatlantic values in the points world.
TAP's nonstop routes from the US include: New York (JFK and EWR), Boston, Miami, Washington (IAD), Chicago, and San Francisco. If you're near any of these cities, you're in luck.
Taxes and fees: Award flights on TAP departing from Portugal carry moderate fuel surcharges — expect $150–$300 round trip per person when booking through most programs. United MileagePlus passes through lower surcharges than Aeroplan on TAP metal, so compare both options.
Business Class Options
Portugal is close enough to the East Coast (6.5–7 hours) that economy is perfectly doable. But if you want to arrive fresh — and TAP's business class is a lovely way to do it — here are your options:
| Route | Program | Points (Round Trip) | Cash Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Coast → Lisbon | Aeroplan (via Chase/Amex) | 100,000–130,000 | $3,500–$6,000 | TAP business; lie-flat on A330neo |
| East Coast → Lisbon | United MileagePlus (via Chase UR) | 120,000–160,000 | $3,500–$6,000 | TAP or United partner; dynamic pricing |
| East Coast → Lisbon | Avianca LifeMiles (via Chase/Amex/Citi) | 87,000 | $3,500–$6,000 | Fixed award chart; excellent value |
| East Coast → Lisbon | Air Canada Aeroplan | 100,000–130,000 | $3,500–$6,000 | Can route via Air Canada to Lisbon |
The WanderWise move: For the best business class deal to Portugal, transfer Chase UR or Amex MR to Avianca LifeMiles and book TAP business class at their fixed award rate of 87,000 miles round trip. TAP's A330neo business class features lie-flat seats, Portuguese wine service (naturally), and meals that showcase the country's cuisine before you even land. It's a fitting way to begin a Portugal trip.
Pro tip for couples: If you can't find two business class award seats on the same flight, consider booking one person in business and one in premium economy (TAP's premium economy is quite good — extra legroom, better meals, priority boarding). Mix and match, and swap seats for the return flight. Marriage is about compromise, after all.
Where to Stay: Lisbon Hotels on Points
Lisbon's hotel scene ranges from grand historic properties to trendy boutique hotels in converted palaces. The points landscape is solid — not as dominant as Hyatt in Japan, but there are genuinely excellent options across several programs.
Hyatt Properties
| Hotel | Category | Points/Night | Cash Rate (Approx.) | Why We Love It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyatt Regency Lisbon | 4 | 12,000–18,000 | $200–$350 | Waterfront location in Belém, near the iconic tower and Pastéis de Belém |
The WanderWise move: The Hyatt Regency Lisbon opened recently and is a genuine steal on points. At 12,000–18,000 Hyatt points per night (transferred from Chase UR), you're getting a modern, well-located hotel for what would cost $250–$350 in cash. Three nights: 36,000–54,000 points. The Belém neighborhood is quieter than the center but rich with history — the Jerónimos Monastery, the Tower of Belém, and Portugal's most famous pastéis de nata (egg custard tarts) at Pastéis de Belém, which has been baking them since 1837.
Marriott Bonvoy Properties
Marriott has the deepest portfolio in Lisbon:
| Hotel | Points/Night | Cash Rate (Approx.) | Location & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Largo at the Palácio Sinel de Cordes (Unbound Collection) | 40,000–60,000 | $350–$600 | Stunning boutique palace in Alfama; one of the most beautiful hotels in Lisbon |
| Lisbon Marriott Hotel | 30,000–40,000 | $200–$350 | Solid, central, reliable |
| Moxy Lisbon City | 20,000–30,000 | $150–$250 | Trendy, affordable, near Parque das Nações |
| Sheraton Lisboa | 30,000–40,000 | $200–$300 | Central, near Marquês de Pombal |
The WanderWise move: The Largo at the Palácio Sinel de Cordes is a hidden gem — a restored 18th-century palace in the heart of Alfama with a courtyard restaurant, original azulejo tiles, and rooms that feel like staying in a private mansion. At 40,000–60,000 Bonvoy points per night, it's a splurge on points but delivers an experience worth triple the cost.
Boutique Hotel Options (Cash + Points Hybrid)
Portugal's charm is partly in its boutique hotels — converted convents, noble houses, and family-run guesthouses that don't appear in loyalty programs. For these, we recommend a hybrid strategy: use points for flights and one or two chain hotel nights, then spend cash on boutique stays where the experience justifies it.
Boutique picks worth paying cash for:
- Memmo Alfama (Lisbon): A design hotel perched on the hillside of Alfama with a terrace pool overlooking the Tagus. €180–€280/night. Worth every euro.
- The Lumiares (Lisbon): Apartment-style suites in a restored 18th-century palace in Bairro Alto. Rooftop restaurant. €200–€350/night.
- The Yeatman (Porto): A wine-themed luxury hotel overlooking the Douro and Porto's historic center. Decanter-shaped pool. Michelin-starred restaurant. €300–€500/night. If you stay at one splurge hotel in Portugal, make it this one.
- Six Senses Douro Valley: Ultra-luxury wellness resort in a converted 19th-century manor house. Infinity pool overlooking the vineyards. €400–€700/night. Extraordinary, and occasionally available through Hyatt's partnership — ask the concierge.
The WanderWise approach: Use your points for the practical nights (Lisbon arrival, Porto base camp) and spend cash on one or two boutique experiences that make the trip unforgettable. Portugal's cash prices are substantially lower than France, Italy, or the UK — your dollars stretch further here, making the hybrid strategy especially effective.
Where to Stay: Porto Hotels on Points
Porto's hotel points options are more limited than Lisbon's, but a few standouts make it work:
| Hotel | Program | Points/Night | Cash Rate (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| InterContinental Porto - Palácio das Cardosas | IHG | 40,000–60,000 | $250–$450 | Magnificent palace hotel on Aliados Avenue; central, historic, gorgeous |
| Porto Palácio Hotel (Marriott Tribute) | Bonvoy | 35,000–50,000 | $200–$350 | Near Casa da Música, comfortable base |
| Holiday Inn Porto Gaia | IHG | 20,000–30,000 | $100–$180 | Across the river in Gaia, budget-friendly with views |
The WanderWise move: The InterContinental Porto is the star — a restored neoclassical palace right on Porto's main square. IHG points are easy to earn through the Chase IHG Premier card (140,000-point sign-up bonus) or by transferring Chase UR to IHG (though the 1:1 ratio means Hyatt transfers are generally a better use of Chase points). Two nights here costs 80,000–120,000 IHG points, saving you $500–$900 in cash.
The Douro Valley: Wine Country and River Cruises
This is where Portugal transcends "great trip" and enters "trip of a lifetime" territory. The Douro Valley — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is where port wine has been produced for over 2,000 years. Terraced vineyards climb steep hillsides, punctuated by white-washed quintas (wine estates) and medieval villages.
And it's the home of some of Europe's most spectacular river cruises.
The River Cruise Option
If a European river cruise is on your radar (and if you've read our River Cruises on Points guide, it should be), the Douro Valley is one of the most intimate and beautiful itineraries available.
Typical Douro River cruise: 7–8 days, Porto to the Spanish border and back. Ships are smaller than Rhine or Danube cruises (80–130 guests), and the experience is quieter, more vineyard-focused, and deeply Portuguese.
| Cruise Line | Duration | Approx. Cost (per person) | Points Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viking River Cruises | 10 days (Porto–Lisbon) | $4,000–$7,000 | Book flights on points (save $3,000–$8,000); use Capital One miles as statement credit for partial cruise cost |
| AmaWaterways | 7 days (Porto roundtrip) | $3,500–$6,000 | Same strategy — points for flights + pre/post hotels; cash for cruise |
| Uniworld (S.S. São Gabriel) | 8 days | $4,500–$8,000 | Ultra-luxury option; points for flights offset the premium |
| CroisiEurope | 7 days | $2,000–$3,500 | French-operated budget option; combine with points flights for a sub-$1,000 total out-of-pocket |
The WanderWise move: Don't try to cover the entire cruise cost with points — it's not the best use of them. Instead, use points for business class flights (saving $7,000–$12,000 for two) and pre/post-cruise hotel nights in Lisbon and Porto (saving another $500–$1,500). Pay cash for the cruise itself, often with onboard credit promotions that the cruise lines offer regularly.
With this strategy, a couple can do a 7-day Douro Valley river cruise — including business class flights and hotel nights — for $4,000–$6,000 out of pocket total. The same trip, paying cash for everything, would run $14,000–$22,000. For the best credit cards to earn points for European travel, see our guide to the best credit cards for international travel.
For the full strategy, see our Complete Guide to River Cruises on Points.
The Self-Guided Douro Valley Option
Not a cruise person? The Douro Valley is equally magnificent by car or train.
- By train: The Linha do Douro from Porto to Pocinho is one of Europe's most scenic rail journeys (3 hours, ~€15). Get off at Pinhão — a tiny station decorated with azulejo tile panels depicting the wine harvest.
- By car: Rent a car in Porto and drive the N222 — rated one of the world's best driving roads. The route hugs the river through vineyard country for 90 minutes to Pinhão and beyond.
- Where to stay: Quintas (wine estates) offer guesthouse accommodations from €80–€200/night, including wine tastings and sometimes dinner. Try Quinta de la Rosa, Quinta do Vallado, or Quinta Nova.
A self-guided 2–3 day Douro Valley detour adds maybe €300–€500 per person (accommodation, meals, wine tastings, and transport) — and it's one of those experiences that earns a permanent spot in your memory.
The 7-Day Portugal Itinerary
This itinerary balances Lisbon's cosmopolitan energy, Porto's soulful charm, and the Douro Valley's wine country serenity. Designed for 55+ travelers who want culture, food, and beauty without exhaustion.
Days 1–3: Lisbon
Stay: Hyatt Regency Lisbon (2 nights) + The Largo at Palácio Sinel de Cordes (1 night)
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive LIS, taxi to Hyatt Regency in Belém, check in | Tower of Belém, Jerónimos Monastery, pastéis de nata at Pastéis de Belém | Dinner at Time Out Market — Lisbon's gourmet food hall with 30+ stalls |
| 2 | Tram 28 through Alfama and Graça (ride it early to avoid crowds), walk the hilltop miradouros | Lunch in Alfama, move to The Largo, explore Bairro Alto neighborhood | Fado performance at Tasca do Chico (intimate, authentic, reservations essential) |
| 3 | Sintra day trip (30 min by train): Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira | Return to Lisbon | Farewell Lisbon dinner at Belcanto (Michelin-starred, José Avillez — book ahead) or casual seafood at Cervejaria Ramiro |
Lisbon tips for 55+ travelers: Lisbon is hilly — seven hills, to be exact. The famous Tram 28 is charming but can be crowded and pickpocket-prone; ride it early (before 9 AM) or late (after 7 PM). For the hills, use taxis, Uber (very cheap in Lisbon — €3–€6 within the center), or the funiculars. Comfortable shoes with good grip are essential on the cobblestone streets.
The Sintra day trip (Day 3) is magical — fairy-tale palaces surrounded by misty forests — but involves walking on uneven ground and some hills. The Pena Palace has a shuttle from the entrance gate to the top. If mobility is a concern, stick to the town center and Quinta da Regaleira, which has more accessible paths.
Day 4: Lisbon → Porto
Travel: Take the Alfa Pendular high-speed train from Lisbon Santa Apolónia to Porto Campanhã (2 hours 40 minutes, ~€35, comfortable and scenic). This is a lovely ride through the Portuguese countryside — bring a book and a pastel de nata for the journey.
Check in: InterContinental Porto - Palácio das Cardosas
Afternoon: Walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia for port wine tastings. Taylor's, Graham's, and Sandeman all offer excellent tours with tastings (€15–€25). The views back across the river to Porto's Ribeira district are postcard-perfect.
Evening: Dinner in the Ribeira — try grilled sardines, francesinha (Porto's legendary stacked sandwich), or fresh seafood at DOP by chef Rui Paula.
Days 4–6: Porto + Douro Valley
Stay: InterContinental Porto — 2 nights; Douro Valley quinta — 1 night
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Livraria Lello (the bookstore that inspired Harry Potter — go at opening), Clérigos Tower for views | São Bento train station (the azulejo tiles are extraordinary — it's an attraction, not just a station), Bolhão Market for lunch | Sunset from Jardim do Morro in Gaia, dinner in Porto |
| 6 | Drive/train to Douro Valley: Arrive Pinhão by midday | Quinta wine tasting and lunch, vineyard walk | Stay overnight at a quinta (Quinta de la Rosa or Quinta do Vallado recommended) |
Day 7: Douro Valley → Porto → Home
Morning wine tasting at another quinta, then drive or train back to Porto. If flying out of Porto (OPO), head directly to the airport. If flying out of Lisbon, take the afternoon Alfa Pendular back (2:40, arrives in time for an evening flight).
The Points Budget: What This Trip Actually Costs
Complete breakdown for two travelers on the 7-day Portugal itinerary:
Flights
| Segment | Program | Points (for 2) | Cash Taxes/Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| US → Lisbon (Business Class) | Avianca LifeMiles (via Chase UR or Amex MR) | 174,000 | $300–$500 |
| Porto → US (Business Class) | (included in round trip — open jaw) | (included) | (included) |
| Flight Total | 174,000 | $300–$500 |
Note: open-jaw routing (into Lisbon, out of Porto) may require booking as two one-ways. LifeMiles charges 63,000 per person one-way in business, so two one-ways for two people = 252,000. Alternatively, book round-trip into/out of Lisbon and take the train both ways to Porto.
Adjusted flight budget (round-trip into Lisbon):
| Segment | Program | Points (for 2) | Cash Taxes/Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| US → Lisbon (Business Class, round trip) | Avianca LifeMiles | 174,000 | $300–$500 |
| Lisbon ↔ Porto | Alfa Pendular train | — | $140 (round trip for 2) |
| Flight + Train Total | 174,000 | $440–$640 |
Hotels
| Property | Nights | Program | Points (1 room) | Cash Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyatt Regency Lisbon | 2 | World of Hyatt (via Chase UR) | 30,000 | $500–$700 |
| The Largo at Palácio Sinel de Cordes | 1 | Marriott Bonvoy | 50,000 | $400–$600 |
| InterContinental Porto | 2 | IHG Rewards | 90,000 | $500–$900 |
| Douro Valley quinta | 1 | Cash | — | $150–$250 |
| Hotel Total | 6 | 170,000 (mixed programs) | $1,550–$2,450 |
Trip Summary
| Category | Points Used | Cash Spent |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (TAP Business Class, round trip) | 174,000 LifeMiles | $440–$640 |
| Hotels (mix of Hyatt, Marriott, IHG + 1 cash night) | 170,000 (30K Hyatt + 50K Bonvoy + 90K IHG) | $150–$250 (quinta) |
| Dining, wine tastings & activities | — | $600–$1,000 |
| Local transport (taxis, trains, car rental Douro) | — | $250–$400 |
| Total | 344,000 points (across programs) | $1,440–$2,290 |
| Cash equivalent of same trip | $10,000–$16,000 | |
| You saved | $8,500–$13,700 |
How to Earn These Points
Because Portugal uses a multi-program strategy, here's how to build each currency:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred (each spouse): 160,000 Chase UR total → Transfer 30,000 to Hyatt (Lisbon hotels)
- Remaining Chase UR → Avianca LifeMiles: 130,000 toward the 174,000 needed for flights
- Amex Gold (one card): 60,000 sign-up bonus → Transfer to LifeMiles to complete the flight booking (44,000 needed)
- IHG Premier card: 140,000 IHG points sign-up bonus → 90,000 for Porto InterContinental (50,000 leftover for future trips)
- Marriott Bonvoy: Earn through an Amex Marriott card bonus or transfer remaining Chase/Amex points
Timeline: A couple can realistically earn all required points within 6–10 months using three credit card sign-up bonuses and normal household spending. No gymnastics required.
Why Portugal Is Perfect for 55+ Travelers
A few reasons we keep recommending Portugal to our community:
- Affordability: Once you're there, Portugal is one of Western Europe's best values. Excellent restaurant meals: €15–€30 per person. Wine: €3–€8 for a great glass. Coffee: €0.70. Your points handle the big expenses; Portugal's prices handle the rest.
- Pace: Portugal moves at a civilized tempo. Long lunches are standard. Afternoon coffee is sacred. Shops close midday and nobody apologizes. It's built for the kind of unhurried travel retirees do best.
- Safety: Portugal consistently ranks among the top 10 safest countries in the world (Global Peace Index). Lisbon and Porto feel walkable and comfortable at all hours.
- English proficiency: Portugal has some of the highest English proficiency in Southern Europe. You'll have no trouble communicating in tourist areas, restaurants, and hotels.
- Climate: Mild winters, warm (not scorching) summers, and 300 days of sunshine per year. The best months for visiting: May–June and September–October. Warm enough for outdoor dining, cool enough for walking.
- Wine country: The Douro Valley is to Portugal what Tuscany is to Italy — but with a fraction of the crowds and a fraction of the price. The wine is extraordinary, the scenery is breathtaking, and the people are warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak Portuguese?
No, but learning a few phrases earns you immediate warmth: obrigado/obrigada (thank you, male/female), por favor (please), bom dia (good morning). Portuguese people light up when visitors make the effort — even small attempts are met with genuine appreciation.
How do I get between Lisbon and Porto?
The Alfa Pendular train is the best option: 2 hours 40 minutes, comfortable seats, scenery, and about €35 one-way. Book at cp.pt (Portugal's rail website). Domestic flights exist but aren't worth the airport hassle for such a short distance.
Is Lisbon difficult for people with mobility issues?
Lisbon's hills and cobblestones can be challenging. However, taxis and Uber are cheap (€3–€6 within the center), and the funiculars and elevators (like the Elevador de Santa Justa) handle the steepest climbs. Belém (where the Hyatt is) is flat and walkable. Porto is similarly hilly but manageable with transport.
Can I combine Portugal with a Douro River cruise?
Absolutely — and we recommend it. See our Complete Guide to River Cruises on Points for the full strategy. The short version: use points for flights and pre/post-cruise hotels in Lisbon and Porto, pay cash for the cruise. Most Douro cruises depart from Porto, making a Lisbon-first, Porto-second itinerary (like ours) ideal for transitioning into a cruise.
What about the Algarve?
Portugal's southern coast is stunning — dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, and golf courses everywhere. It's worth a separate trip (or a 3-day extension). Points options are limited in the Algarve (Pine Cliffs Resort is a Marriott Luxury Collection property bookable on Bonvoy points), but cash prices for boutique hotels are very reasonable: €100–€200/night. We'll cover the Algarve in a future guide.
Your Next Step
Portugal is the trip that reminds you why you love travel. It's not trying to impress you with spectacle — it's inviting you to slow down, pour another glass, and watch the light change over the river.
And when the entire journey — business class flights, palace hotels, wine country, fado music, and custard tarts — costs you less than $2,000 in cash? That's the WanderWise way.
📚 Related Reading:
- Spain on Points Guide: Madrid, Barcelona, and Andalusia
- Best Credit Cards for International Travel
- How to Plan a European River Cruise on Points
Ready to discover Portugal?
- 📊 Take our Travel Score Quiz to see your points potential
- 💳 Read our Best Cards for 55+ guide
- 🚢 Read our River Cruises on Points guide — the Douro Valley itinerary is a standout
- 🇵🇹 Download our free Portugal on Points Planner (PDF) — enter your email
- 💬 Join the WanderWise Facebook Group and tell us: Lisbon or Porto first?
All point values are approximate and based on current program pricing as of early 2026. Award availability and point costs fluctuate — always check current rates before booking. Portugal hotel points categories and costs may vary seasonally. WanderWise may earn a commission from credit card links; see our affiliate disclosure for details.