PORTUGAL DISCOVERY, SELF-DRIVE

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 with 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 – CASTELO DE VIDE (245KM – 2.5 HRS)

After breakfast at the hotel, drive from Lisbon to Castelo de Vide, 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 Castelo de Vide.

DAY 3 –  CASTELO DE VIDE – TOMAR – COIMBRA (205KM – 2.5 HRS)

Early in the morning after breakfast, we suggest you drive from Castelo de Vide to Coimbra. Do not leave Castelo de Vide without visiting this 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 center 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 marvelous Bussaco Forest, a fairy-tale-worthy magical forest with around 700 varieties of trees. In its very center 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 marvelous 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. Alternatively, you can drive up to Guimaraes, which is also well worth a visit due to its historical center, rickety houses, and medieval 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 sit 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 specialty, 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 center 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 mesmerizing town with a fascinating old center 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 on 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 savor a delicious glass of wine while admiring a hypnotizing 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 or to your next destination. 

ACCOMMODATION:   7 night’s accommodation

CAR HIRE OPTIONS: Car Group C =  Seat Ibiza or similar  (Automatic or Manual transmission)  

MEALS: 7 Breakfasts

CAR HIRE:  

• Unlimited Mileage
• Road Assistance 24 hours 
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
• Subject to an excess
• Road tax & VAT 

OTHER: Meet and greet (Day 1)

EXCLUSIONS

• Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, laundry, drinks, and meals not stated explicitly in the program, including drinks during meals
• Tour guide 
• Tips and porterage
• City tax not included, payable on the spot
• Airport service fee
• Any charges not mentioned in the included items
• International or domestic flights
• All types of travel or personal insurance
• Optional tours, entrance fees

NOT INCLUDED IN CAR HIRE: Fuel, Fines, Tolls, Parking

Please note

• No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
• Due to the fleet updating, the models of Car Hire can be replaced by similar ones
• It is necessary that the client presents a credit card for Car Hire
• Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice.

What do I need to bring?

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for traveling 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