Portugal North and South, Self-drive

Join this perfectly created, eight-day self-drive tour and discover the real Portugal from head to toe. Begin with exploring Oporto, an exquisite UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its rich history and the sweet, flavourful Porto wine. Catch a glimpse of Fatima, an important centre of pilgrimage, visit the beautiful Monastery in Batalha and the majestic Convent in Mafra. Then, adventure yourself into Portugal´s bustling capital, Lisbon. Visit its main landmarks such as Jeronimos Monastery, Belem Tower, the Discoveries Monument or Sao Jorge Castle, and stroll the beautifully arranged alleys of Alfama and Bairro Alto. Continue your journey by visiting Sintra and stop at Cabo da Roca, the most western point in Europe. End your trip in captivating Algarve, on the extreme South of Portugal. 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS 

Oporto: Visit Portugal’s second largest city and indulge in the famous wine produced here. 

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.

Fatima: This fantastic religious pilgrimage spot welcomes up to six million visitors every year.

Sintra: The UNESCO World Heritage Site is perhaps one of the most stunning spots in all of Europe. Explore its colourful castle, impressive architectural gems, and verdant surroundings.

Evora: Stroll the alleys of a beautiful mediaeval town, offering centuries of history and charm.

Lagos: The perfect combination between history, magnificent beaches, and cliffs make Lagos a great destination for any type of tourism.

Day 1: ARRIVAL OPORTO

Arrive at Oporto International Airport, meet our representative, and pick up your car, as well as the travel instructions and documents. Go to your selected hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure. You can rest or get to know beautiful Oporto, an enchanting city and UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with historic buildings and outstanding monuments. Stroll the beautiful streets of Oporto, admire its architecture, and indulge in the mouthwatering local food. 

Overnight in Oporto area hotel on a half-board basis.

Day 2: OPORTO

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel and get ready to explore charming Oporto and its beautiful surroundings. Wander around its lovely neighbourhoods and, perhaps, visit the fascinating San Francisco Church, the best example of baroque in the north. Then, catch a glimpse of the Stock Exchange Palace with its famous Moorish Hall, and see one of the famous Port Wine Cellar where you can enjoy a memorable wine tasting session. Catch sight of the city centre and, if you are a shopping aficionado, check out Santa Catarina street, a beautiful pedestrian area great for walking and perfect for shopping. 

Overnight in Oporto area hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Day 3: OPORTO – LISBON (345km – 3.5 hrs)

Wake up early, have a delicious breakfast, and drive to Portugal's beautiful capital, Lisbon. Our recommendation is to stop in Fatima before reaching Lisbon, to catch a glimpse of one of the most important centres of pilgrimage. You can make another interesting stop and visit Batalha, an impressive monastery, added by UNESCO to its list of World Heritage sites. Its architecture is in a flamboyant gothic style with a mixing of Manueline influences. Then, admire one of the most beautiful Cistercian Abbey, which stands in the heart of the small town of Alcobaca, known for its blue pottery. Another great place you can visit on your way to Lisbon is Obidos, a charming medieval village surrounded by walls. The fact that this intriguing place still has its original style will give you the sensation you are travelling back in time. Enjoy this mesmerising road trip that gives you the chance to admire many of Portugal´s treasures. Arrive in Lisbon and spend the rest of the day visiting the city. Get lost on the delightful streets of Bairro Alto, stop at the many viewing points and admire the beauty of the city from above, and indulge in the delicious Portuguese cuisine. 

Overnight in Lisbon area hotel on a half-board basis.

Day 4: LISBON

Begin your day with a rich breakfast at your hotel in Lisbon before you start exploring the charming city. Known for being Europe's second-oldest capital after Athens, Lisbon is paradise for all history enthusiasts. Today you might want to wear your comfortable shoes and adventure yourself into discovering the surprising sights, cultural treasures, and some of the hidden gems in Lisbon. We recommend visiting Jeronimos Monastery, Belem Tower, the Discoveries Monument, Sao Jorge Castle and the famous quarters of Alfama and Bairro Alto, Museu dos Azulejos and Museu dos Coches. If time permits, you can also get out of the lively city and explore the mesmerising surroundings. You can catch sight of Sintra and its fascinating old city centre or see Cabo da Roca, the most western point in Europe. The cosmopolitan villages and pleasant seaside resorts of Cascais and Estoril are also two beautiful places very close to Lisbon. At the end of the day, return to your hotel in Lisbon.

Overnight in Lisbon area hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Day 5: LISBON – LAGOS (305km– 3.5 hrs)

Have a mouthwatering breakfast at the hotel and drive to spectacular Lagos, in Algarve. Enjoy a relaxing drive, and the magnificent landscapes you can admire from your car, and stop whenever something catches your attention. We suggest you visit Evora, a wonderful place declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Partially enclosed by medieval walls and hosting a Roman temple, as well as many monuments from various historical periods, Evora is a dream destination for history aficionados. And if your thirst for beauty and knowledge is still not satisfied, stop in Beja, an old, pretty town, with a rich history that is still preserved in its architecture and can be admired in the narrow tangle of the cobbled streets in its historic centre. Reach Lagos, check in, and spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the surroundings. 

Overnight in Lagos area hotel on a half-board basis

Day 6: LAGOS

Start your day with a tasty breakfast at your comfortable hotel in Lagos. Though a famous resort town, Lagos is also an important city with a rich history, and a variety of interesting landmarks that show its impressive past. Stroll its beautiful streets, admire the traditional houses, and catch a glimpse of the harbour front. In addition, visit the city´s most important attractions, such as the charming 17th century Bandeira Fort, the Mercado dos Escravos (Europe’s first slave market), as well as the hypnotising Santo Antonio church. Have a traditional lunch and a romantic dinner in one of the many inviting local bars and restaurants. 

Overnight in Lagos area hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Day 7: LAGOS

Indulge in a delicious breakfast at the hotel before continuing to explore mesmerising Algarve. Admire the natural beauty of this Portuguese paradise, but also get closer to its stunning architecture and history. Located in the South of Portugal, Algarve was the last to be conquered from the Moors by the Portuguese King Dom Afonso III, in 1292. Traces of Moorish presence are still seen in its unique terraces, chimneys and whitewashed houses. Spend some precious time on one of the splendid beaches nearby or explore Algarve´s intriguing places. Whether you choose to stay in Lagos or spend your day visiting Sagres, Silves, Ferragudo or Cabo S. Vicente you will have a memorable trip. 

Overnight in Lagos area hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Day 8: LAGOS – DEPART FARO

Have a delicious breakfast at the hotel and drive to Faro airport to drop off the car and catch your return flight back home.

Breakfast included.

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.