Tour Plan
1
Day 1: Welcome to Lisbon, city of light
On this first day you will arrive in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. Here you will pick up a rental car and head into the heart of the city. Fun fact: Lisbon has been named the City of Light because on sunny days it is bathed in bright, clear light.
Overnight stay in Lisbon
2
Day 2 - Discovering Lisbon on the 7 hills
Set out to discover the city and start savoring the tastes and smells! The first thing to do in Lisbon is to go exploring the different neighborhoods, each with its own soul: the historic Chiado, the elegant Baixa, the very traditional Alfama, Belém and the maritime conquests... Exploring them on foot, getting lost in the alleys and lanes, is the most fun way, but if you want to better understand its history and culture or if you are short on time a guided tour is the best choice. During your vacation in Lisbon remember to delight not only your eyes but also your palate. Taste local delicacies, indulge in cream pastries (pasteis de Nata) and other typical treats-you will feel like a true Lisboner. From Baixa leading up to Praça do Comercio (ancient gateway for ships arriving in Lisbon) we will go higher and higher, to Alfama and São Jorge Castle. Near Praça do Comercio, don't miss the Mercado da Ribeira, an old neighborhood market now completely renovated and full of restaurants. If what there is to do in Lisbon is not enough for you, you can take beautiful day trips to Sintra, Cabo da Roca, Estoril and Cascais in the coming days.
Meals included: breakfast
Overnight stay in Lisbon
3
Day 3 - Discovering the colorful castles of Sintra
Today you will travel to Sintra, where you will visit the three Portuguese castles: Castelo dos Mouros, Palácio da Pena and Quinta da Regaleira with its gardens and underground caves. They are located on Monte da Luna and are truly magical places. For lunch you can stop downtown at the Tasca do Xico restaurant, or in the São Pedro area on the typical restaurant street. Unfortunately, one day is not enough to see all the wonders of Sintra and we continue the journey to the westernmost point in Europe, Cabo da Roca, before returning to the hotel in Lisbon.
Meals included: breakfast
Overnight stay in Lisbon
4
Day 4 - Stroll through the narrow streets of Porto
After a good breakfast, you will pack your bags and leave by car in the direction of Porto, 300 km north of Lisbon (about 3h drive).
This day will be devoted to discovering the city of Porto at your own pace. We recommend a stroll through Paris' Rua Galeria and nearby streets and a visit to the Torre dos Clérigos. Art lovers can drop by Rua Miguel Bombarda to learn about Portuguese design and contemporary art in the country. In the afternoon, a trip to the City Park, which extends to the ocean, is recommended. And if not yet done, you can also visit Porto's wineries to try the famous wine.
Overnight stay in Porto
Meals included: breakfast
5
Day 5 - Wine and culture in Porto
The city of Porto, considered mystical by many visitors, offers a unique experience that varies depending on location, time of day and daylight. The historic center and the left bank of the Douro River, with Porto's famous wine cellars, have been declared a World Heritage Site.
Start at S. Bento Station, from which you can descend through medieval stairs and alleys to the picturesque Ribeira along the river, with its charming nooks and crannies and restaurants with outdoor tables. A boat trip under Porto's six bridges offers spectacular views. The western district of Foz, reached by streetcar, offers a chance to stroll along the ocean. Avenida da Boavista leads to Serralves, famous for its gardens, and the Casa da Música, an important cultural venue. Along Avenida dos Aliados are art nouveau stores and palaces, while Rua de Santa Catarina is perfect for shopping and Café Majestic invites a pleasant stop. On the left bank of the river are the wine cellars of Porto, where you can taste this unique wine. The northern region, including Porto, is famous for its delicious gastronomy, which captivates visitors.
Overnight stay in the center of Porto.
Meals included: breakfast
6
Day 6 - Coimbra and the oldest university in Europe
You will start the day with breakfast at the hotel before heading to Coimbra. The ancient university founded in the 13th century is worth a visit, and climb the tower for spectacular panoramic views of the city. Coimbra is known as the "city of students" because of its university, the oldest in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe. Besides the university, it is worth exploring the lower part of the city, with its stores and historic cafes, and visiting the Mosteiro de Santa Cruz and the Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha. The cathedral, Sé Velha, is where students passionately sing Fado de Coimbra during the monumental serenade. At the Museu Nacional Machado de Castro and the various gardens, such as Choupal and Quinta das Lágrimas, you can immerse yourself in the city's history and beauty. Children are sure to enjoy the Portugal dos Pequenitos miniature park. For a different perspective of Coimbra, you can take a boat trip on the Mondego River. Before ending the day with dinner at one of the local restaurants, try the typical dish A Chanfana, a goat stew left to flavor for three days. You will discover that Coimbra has a unique charm that you will not need to wait until farewell time to appreciate.
Overnight stay in Coimbra
Meals included: breakfast
7
Day 7 - From Coimbra to Ericeira, fishing village.
After saying goodbye to Coimbra you will depart for Ericeira, where the rest of the day will be at your leisure. In Ericeira, an old fishing village, you will stroll through the alleys and walk along the wild coastline to admire the ocean in all its grandeur. There will certainly be no shortage of restaurants where you can stop for lunch and then dinner. The evening will be all about relaxation.
Meals included: breakfast
Overnight stay in Ericeira
8
Day 8 to 12 - Aljezur, the castle and its beaches
Say goodbye to Ericeira and its beautiful landscape and begin the journey to the Algarve. You will have the choice of taking the coastal road and visiting the creeks (there are several restaurants where you can eat great seafood), or stopping in Vila Nova de Milfontes and then continuing to the final destination, Aljezur, known for its surfing. In the following days you can get to know the town of Aljezur and climb up to its castle, traversing the alleys on foot. Bounded by the sea and the sierra, the territory of Aljezur reflects in its landscapes its dual soul. The coast is characterized by high cliffs that hide dunes and sandy shores, while the hinterland is a succession of horizons covered with vegetation. In both cases, valleys and fertile soils perpetuate farming traditions. Traversing the area is an opportunity to recover tranquility and rediscover silence, interrupted by birdsong or the rhythm of waves crashing on the rocks.
Aljezur is a small town on the Vicenza coast, made up of the characteristic rural houses of the Algarve, where colorful arches and window frames set off the whiteness of the facades. At the top of the knoll, castle walls recall its historic past, symbolizing the struggles between Moors and Christians. On the hill, the houses, a kind of white waterfall in the direction of the river, overlook the plain, where this centuries-old town has been able to find its development and its future.
In this fantastic part of the coast, descending to the beaches of Arrifana and Monte Clerigo is a must.
Meals included: breakfast
Overnight stay in Aljezur
9
Day 13 - The day of farewell
It is time to leave and say goodbye to Portugal, hoping to return soon to continue discovering all it has to offer.
You will be able to drop off your car directly at the airport before your departure.
Meals included: breakfast