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Tour Overview
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. ...more ...less
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
Itinerary
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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)
Location: Alter do Chão
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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)
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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)
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
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)
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
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
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
ACCOMMODATION:
7 night's accommodation
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1,7 Lisbon:
Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Vila Galé Opera or similar 4*
Day 2 Alter do Chão:
Superior Hotel Category = Vila Galé Alter do Chão or similar 4*
Day 3 Coimbra:
Superior Hotel Category = NH Coimbra Dona Inês or similar 4*
Day 4-5 Oporto:
Superior Hotel Category = Dom Henrique Downtown or similar 4*
Day 6 Coimbra:
Superior Hotel Category = NH Coimbra Dona Inês or similar 4*
CAR HIRE OPTIONS
Car Group A = Fiat 500 or similar
Car Group C = Renault Clio or similar
MEALS:
7 Breakfasts
CAR HIRE:
Unlimited Mileage
Road Assistance 24 hours
SCDW (Super Collision Damage Waiver)
Subject to an excess
Road tax & VAT
OTHER:
Meet and greet (Day 1)
What's Not Included
Domestic nor International flights
Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise)
City tax not included, payable on the spot
Porterage and gratuities
Tour guide
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any)
Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.
NOT INCLUDED IN CAR HIRE:
Fuel, Fines, Tolls, Parking
PAI (Personal Accident Insurance)
Damage to a third party or to the hire vehicle due to negligence or inappropriate driving.
Loss or damage to aerials, jack, safety triangles and vests, windscreen wipers, petrol cap, luggage covers, or any other fixed or mobile component of the vehicle.
Damage to the engine through negligence.
Theft of the vehicle with keys left in the ignition.
Damage caused to the vehicle or to persons through driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Fines due to breaking traffic laws and regulations during the hire period are the responsibility of the driver of the vehicle. In the event of a fine being received there will be an administration charge.
If the car is left outside of rent a car designated area on drop off, customers will be responsible for any costs generated and for any damage to the vehicle due to it being parked outside of the Rent Car installations.
Each additional driver.
Any extra equipment (GPS, baby seat, etc.)
Requirements
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.
Please Note
Drivers age from 26 to 75 years old (must have had their driver´s license for a minimum of one year)
Pick-up hours are Monday through Sunday, 07:00 to 22:00 hrs. Pick-up outside of these times is subject to a surcharge.
Drivers who are not citizens of the European Union must present an international driver’s license together with the original from their country of origin.
If the customer returns the vehicle earlier than the agreed upon drop-off date stated in the rental contract, the rental company will not refund the customer for any unused days
Deposit credit card Visa or MasterCard only
Accident/theft reporting must be notified within 48 hours of the incident
In cases where, following the return of the vehicle, additional cleaning is required due to the car being dirty beyond the level expected from normal vehicle use, an additional charge shall apply, against evidence of the cost of the service provided
Return procedure and the exact designated area will be advised by the rental car company when you pick up the car on arrival day
We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons.
Late check-out, early check-in, connecting or adjoining rooms at the hotel are all subject to availability and not guaranteed.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1,7 Lisbon:
Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Vila Galé Opera or similar 4*
Day 2 Alter do Chão:
Superior Hotel Category = Vila Galé Alter do Chão or similar 4*
Day 3 Coimbra:
Superior Hotel Category = Vila Galé Coimbra or similar 4*
Day 4-5 Oporto:
Superior Hotel Category = Vila Galé Porto Hotel or similar 4*
Day 6 Coimbra:
Superior Hotel Category = Vila Galé Coimbra or similar 4*
CAR HIRE OPTIONS
Car Group Y = Renault Clio or similar
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1, 7 Lisbon:
Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Vila Galé Opera or similar 4*
Day 2 Alter do Chão:
Superior Hotel Category = Vila Galé Alter do Chão or similar 4*
Day 3 Coimbra:
Superior Hotel Category = NH Coimbra Dona Inês or similar 4*
Day 4-5 Oporto:
Superior Hotel Category = Dom Henrique Downtown or similar 4*
Day 6 Coimbra:
Superior Hotel Category = NH Coimbra Dona Inês or similar 4*
CAR HIRE OPTIONS
Car Group A = Fiat 500 or similar
Car Group C = Renault Clio or similar
Check out our Q&As
Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No
Are flights included in this tour?
No, International or domestic flights are not included
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Low, Physical difficulty level:
Easy
What do I need to bring?
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
...more ...less
Is a Meet & Greet Service provided by a company representative included in the tour?
Yes, Meet and greet (Day 1)
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
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Reviews from travellers on this tour
Ryker Larson
very nice trip to Portugal overall.
Overall, we had a very nice trip. The itinerary is
Overall, we had a very nice trip. The itinerary is arranged well and includes good recommendations for places to stop and points of interest to visit. The hotels are all owned by the same company called Vila Gale, and are all about what I expected for the price point – nice and comfortable with basic rooms – the one outlier was the Vila Gale Collection Alter Real, which was stunning! We had a very nice trip to Portugal overall.
...more ...less
Tanya
all good
Great itinerary. Hotels were quite nice with break
Great itinerary. Hotels were quite nice with breakfast included. Highways in Portugal may be the best in the world.
Destination Services Portugal requires a minimum deposit of
20%
or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of destination services portugal charges.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
[{"title":"Day 1: ARRIVAL LISBON ","name":"","description":"<p>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. </p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in Lisbon</strong>.</p><br/>","lat":"38.722252","lng":"-9.139337"},{"title":"Day 2: LISBON – EVORA – ALTER DO CHÃO (223km – 2.45 hrs) ","name":"Alter do Chão","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">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.</p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Alter do Chão.</strong></p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><br></p>","lat":"39.201007","lng":"-7.660334"},{"title":"Day 3: ALTER DO CHÃO – CASTELO DE VIDE – TOMAR – COIMBRA (241km - 2.55 hrs) ","name":"","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">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.</p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Coimbra. </strong></p>","lat":"40.203315","lng":"-8.410257"},{"title":"Day 4: COIMBRA – OPORTO (125km – 1.5 hrs)","name":"","description":"<p>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.</p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in Porto.</strong></p><br/>","lat":"41.157944","lng":"-8.629105"},{"title":"Day 5: OPORTO – GUIMARAES – OPORTO (115km – 1 hrs) ","name":"","description":"<p>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.</p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in Porto.</strong></p><br/>","lat":"41.157944","lng":"-8.629105"},{"title":"Day 6: OPORTO – ESPINHO – OVAR – AVEIRO – FIGUEIRA DA FOZ – COIMBRA (212kms – 3 hrs) ","name":"","description":"<p>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.</p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in Coimbra.</strong></p><br/>","lat":"40.203315","lng":"-8.410257"},{"title":"Day 7: COIMBRA – SINTRA – LISBON (250km – 2.5 hrs) ","name":"","description":"<p>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. </p><br/><p><strong>Overnight in Lisbon.</strong></p><br/>","lat":"38.722252","lng":"-9.139337"},{"title":"Day 8: DEPARTURE LISBON","name":"","description":"<p>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. </p><br/>","lat":"38.722299","lng":"-9.139319"}]
