Portugal Discovery, Self-drive

Bathed by the Atlantic – the influential waters of Portugal’s history, conquests and invasions – this land boasts a richness and diversity of attractions. Between the modern and the traditional, this tour will allow you to discover the country’s mediaeval walled cities, authentic villages and fantastic panoramas. Start and finish this self-drive tour in Lisbon, visiting major highlights from Castelo de Vide to Oporto and Figuiera da Foz. 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Lisbon: Portugal’s capital city is an adventure in itself, offering cultural gems such as fado, culinary treats like pasteis de Belem and romantic city views.

Castelo de Vide: Enjoy this city’s large number of monuments, including its mediaeval castle, fortress and church of São Roque, and lose yourself in the streets of its Gothic quarter.

Coimbra: The ancient capital of Portugal, rich in monuments and impressive sites, such as Arco de Almedina, Torre do Relógio, Universidade Velha, Cathedral Sé Nova and Palácio Sup Ripas, among many others, making this historical city an unforgettable place.

Oporto: Portugal’s second largest city, well-known for its namesake: Port wine.

Figueira da Foz: One of the main tourist attractions for the Portuguese, known for its extensive beach of fine sand. Cosmopolitan and full of life.

Day 1: ARRIVAL LISBON

After you arrive at the Lisbon International Airport, a tour representative will meet and greet you. Then go pick up your rental car, travel instructions and documents. Spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring Lisbon, Europe's second oldest capital after Athens and once home to some of the world's greatest explorers. Few cities are as packed history as this one is, with classic and surprising sites, cultural treasures, and a beautiful setting that makes it a paradise for walkers and photographers. Drive to your first hotel and check in to spend the night. 

Overnight in Lisbon.

Day 2: LISBON – EVORA – ALTER DO CHÃO (223km – 2.45 hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, drive from Lisbon to Alter do Chão, where you will spend your next night. We suggest you drive along the route that passes through Evora, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site containing a wealth of architecture, gastronomy and handicrafts. The city, with its narrow streets of Moorish origin and contrasting squares where the light floods in, holds two millennia of history; absorb the secret soul that a diverse range of cultural influences has bestowed upon this very special city.

Overnight in Alter do Chão.

Day 3: ALTER DO CHÃO – CASTELO DE VIDE – TOMAR – COIMBRA (241km - 2.55 hrs)

Early in the morning after breakfast, we suggest you drive from Alter do Chão to Coimbra. Do not leave Alter do Chão  without visiting Castelo de Vide historical and charming village. Later, on your way to Coimbra, make sure to enjoy a stop at Tomar. Famous for being the former seat of the Order of the Knights Templar, Tomar is a city of great charm for its artistic and cultural wealth, whose greatest expression is in the Convent of Christ, one of the chief works of the Portuguese Renaissance.

Overnight in Coimbra. 

Day 4: COIMBRA – OPORTO (125km – 1.5 hrs)

Your journey today will take you to Porto. After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a walk or drive around town and visit the famous historical city centre of Coimbra and its world-famous University and Library. Coimbra is one of Portugal's oldest cities, containing fascinating traces of many bygone ages. Then, climb back into your car and drive along the marvellous Bussaco Forest, a fairy-tale-worthy magical forest with around 700 varieties of trees. In its very centre lies the neo-Manueline Bussaco Palace, one of Europe's most grandiose smaller palaces. Continue then to Porto, where you will spend the night.

Overnight in Porto.

Day 5: OPORTO – GUIMARAES – OPORTO (115km – 1 hrs)

Recharge your energies with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before enjoying a slow day of rest and relaxation. Spend some time strolling through the marvellous city of Porto, Portugal’s second biggest city, located on the hills at the mouth of the Douro River. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its historical buildings and outstanding monuments, it is undoubtedly one of the highlights of Portugal. Porto offers a compelling synthesis of ancient and contemporary attractions. Alternately, you can drive up to Guimaraes, which is also well worth a visit due to its historical centre, rickety houses and mediaeval buildings. UNESCO also listed Guimaraes as a World Heritage Site in 2001.

Overnight in Porto.

Day 6: OPORTO – ESPINHO – OVAR – AVEIRO – FIGUEIRA DA FOZ – COIMBRA (212kms – 3 hrs)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before driving along the coast to your next stop: Coimbra. During this journey, do not miss the opportunity to visit other beautiful locations. We recommend you stop at Espinho, a small fishing village boasting little more than a minor canning industry. Its beach resort now draws crowds to its golden shores, where its quaint fishing boats still sits on the sands. Another interesting location is Ovar, known for manufacturing the traditional Portuguese tiles called ‘azulejos’. This originally Arab form of art dates back to the second half of the 15th century. The city of Ovar is also famous for its gastronomic speciality, the Pão de Ló sponge cake, a recipe passed down generations since the 18th century. Lastly, we suggest you visit Aveiro, also known as the Portuguese Venice. Drive to the city centre to admire its beautiful Art Deco façades and famous canals. You can also visit the wonderful resort at Figueira da Foz before finally checking in at your hotel in Coimbra.

Overnight in Coimbra.

Day 7: COIMBRA – SINTRA – LISBON (250km – 2.5 hrs)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before starting your journey back to Lisbon. Make this drive a leisurely one and enjoy the beautiful Portuguese landscapes on the way, stopping wherever you desire. We suggest stopping for a break in Sintra, a mesmerising town with a fascinating old centre and an impressive Royal Palace. Once you arrive in Lisbon, check-in at your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure, wandering through the city or relaxing at the hotel. Explore this old piece of heaven by foot, browse its little shops, and indulge in the delicious pastries known as Pasteis de Belem. Visit San Jorge castle, connect with local history and savour a delicious glass of wine while admiring a hypnotising view from the castle. End your day with a lovely dinner in one of Lisbon´s charming little restaurants. 

Overnight in Lisbon.

Day 8: DEPARTURE LISBON

Start your last day in Portugal with breakfast at your hotel. Then, when you feel ready, bid farewell to Portugal and drive back to Lisbon Airport, where you’ll drop off the car and catch your flight back home. 

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Portugal. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay