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For those who prefer to visit Portugal on more independt way, we prepared these “self-drive” tours for you to discover Portugal on your own.
These self-drive tours were designed based on our deep knowledge of our country and they have the purpose of being easy to explore by a first-time visitor to Portugal. Although we believe that a map is enough for our clients to discover our country, if you wish
we could also add a GPS to your rented car.
Another important advantage of these self-drive tours is that you can change it on real time, being already in Portugal. That's your tour! However you know that you'll always have your accommodation booked for that night and this is where you must end your
day.
Day 1: Departure to Óbidos, Nazaré, Alcobaça, Batalha, Fatima and Coimbra
In order to get to Óbidos you must take the A8. As soon as you leave the highway you'll find a beautiful small medieval town, still surrounded by the old city walls. Óbidos is famous for its very well preserved atmosphere of a traditional Portuguese town, where all the whitewashed houses are very
carefully decorated with lovely coloured flowerbeds.
Continuing your way to Nazaré, you'll arrive to one very genuine fishermen's town, where still nowadays many elder local women hang around in their traditional costume: the famous skirt of Nazaré and its 6 petticoats. Go to Sítio (top of the cliff leaned over
the beach) and enjoy the most adorable panorama over the small town and the coast. Don't leave before finding out every detail about the local picturesque Legend.
After Nazaré, it is now mandatory to pass by Alcobaça. Here you can choose from visiting the interior of the big 12th century abbey and monastery (a World Heritage site since 1985) and strolling across the lovely town centre, between both water streams which
long time ago named the area: Alcoa and Baça. Afterwards, please proceed to Batalha, where there won't be any chance to avoid the well known monastery; besides being also classified by UNESCO (in 1983), this construction overpowers the small town for its dimensions and exquisite late Gothic decoration.
As soon as you complete the visit, you'll start following the direction of Fatima.
Arriving to the "Altar of the World", where our Lady is said to have appeared to three young shepherds, go across the central square, visiting the most significant spots (such as the original chapel of the apparitions and the main basilica). You can also have a
look at the old countryside homes where Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta (the three little shepherds of Fátima) were born in the early 20th century.
You should now take A1 (one of the country's main highways), towards north in the direction of Coimbra . Entering the city you'll still find several traces of the past. Nevertheless there's still a blow of youthfulness with the big student community arriving
every year to the old University. This monument should indeed be one of the highlights of your visit.
Please, do not miss the University chapel and its baroque library, or you'll regret it for ever! In its city centre you'll wander among old roman ruins, Romanesque cathedrals and Manueline churches at the same time you stroll across its commercial busy area. It
is not easy to distinguish here the limit between the old metropolis and the modern city.
Approximate distances and times:
Lisbon - Óbidos --- 86 Km (1 hour)
Óbidos - Nazaré --- 39 Km (30 minutes)
Nazaré - Alcobaça --- 14 Km (20 minutes)
Alcobaça - Batalha --- 20 Km (25 minutes)
Batalha - Fátima --- 19 Km (20 minutes)
Fátima - Coimbra --- 85 Km (1 hour)
Accommodation in Coimbra:
Level A Hotel: Quinta das Lágrimas (Relaix & Chateaux Charming 4 stars)
Level B Hotel: Hotel Tivoli Coimbra (4 stars)
Day 2: Departure to Porto
After a Coimbra visit, you'll continue your self-drive tour taking the highway to Porto . As soon as you get there, you'll understand how diversified Portugal is, although being a quite small country.
Considered to be the second largest Portuguese city, Porto is completely different from Lisbon : in its size, colours, traditions and even in what concerns the local population. On the north bank of Douro river, the city of Porto is still one of the most
conservative and impressive Portuguese cities, having still nowadays a certain feeling of rivalry towards Lisbon.
The riverside quarter of Ribeira is delightful to be visited, with its narrow streets, typical houses and picturesque life-style: it has been recently restored, now including some fashionable restaurants and bars.
Afterwards please head to the city centre, where you can have a look at some of the most significant monuments (Stock Exchange Palace , St. Francis Church and Clérigos Church and Bell Tower) and also go to the commercial and pedestrian street of St. Catherine.
On the other bank of Douro River (at Vila Nova de Gaia) you'll have the chance of visiting the Port Wine cellars, including some Port Wine tasting as well. In Porto you should definitely drive along the city until the mouth of the river and, on the way back to
the city centre, park your car and stroll across the historical centre and the World Heritage site (classified by UNESCO in 1996) Ribeira district.
Approximate distances and times:
Coimbra - Porto --- 116 Km (1h10 minutes)
Accommodation in Porto:
Level A Hotel: Pestana Porto Hotel (Charming 4 stars)
Level B Hotel: Hotel Eurostars das Artes (4 stars)
Day 3: Departure to Ponte de Lima, Viana do Castelo and Vila Nova de Cerveira
Please proceed now to Viana do Castelo, never forgetting the stopover in the lovely scenic town of Ponte de Lima. Comproving the ancestral human occupation of the region and the economical significance of the town until the 18th century, strolling in Ponte de Lima town centre you'll come across with
several traces of of this wealthy past.
Already in Viana do Castelo, the capital of Minho region with a lovely panorama over the Atlantic (a visit to the Santa Luzia Belvedere is advised), you will be able to enjoy an unique gastronomy and the singular locally produced Green Wine (Vinho Verde). Take
also some time exploring its rich historical centre and have a look at the beautiful local embroideries.
Always along the Atlantic Coast, continue towards Vila Nova de Cerveira. Over there, take the chance to enjoy the green landscape of Minho and to visit part of the heritage left in the region by the founders of the nation; you can have a look at the medieval
castle, walk among the well preserved 17th and 18th century mansions and let your imagination take you to the remote time when the local inhabitants were no more than a community of wild stags ("cervaria").
Approximate distances and times:
Porto - Ponte de Lima --- 84 Km (55 minutes)
Ponte de Lima - Viana do Castelo --- 29 Km (35 minutes)
Viana do Castelo - Vila Nova de Cerveira --- 35 Km (50 minutes)
Accommodation in Vila Nova de Cerveira:
Level A Hotel: Pousada D. Diniz (Pousada)
Level B Hotel: Hotel Turismo do Minho (3 stars)
Day 4: Departure to Valença, Braga and Guimarães
Nothing better than a visit to the old fortress of Valença to understand the historical importance of Minho region and its significant role in the defense of our national boundaries along the centuries.
Nowadays a very lively spot in what concerns the commerce of local handicrafts (such as lace, embroideries and linen of a very good quality), Valença is also a wonderful belvedere towards the river and the spanish border.
Afterwards, Braga will show you one of the oldest cathedrals in the Iberian Peninsula, where the adjoined dependences work also as an interesting museum related to the old tradition of Catholicism in the city. In the city of the Archbishops, you'll also be
amazed by the busy commerce existing in the city centre. In the city of Guimarães you will enjoy its beauty and simplicity. Here is definitely mandatory to have a look at the former Palace of the Dukes of Bragança. This monument is located right beside Guimarães castle, this one considered to be the
birth place for the Portuguese Nation.
Then, walk through the narrow streets of the historical centre, meet finally the beautiful square of Oliveira (classified as an Heritage Cultural UNESCO site) and you'll be tempted to stop for a cup of coffee in one of its street cafes.
Approximate distances and times:
Vila Nova de Cerveira - Valença --- 18 Km (20 minutes)
Valença - Braga --- 75 Km (50 minutes)
Braga - Guimarães --- 26 Km (25 minutes)
Accommodation in Guimarães:
Level A Hotel: Pousada Santa Marinha (Pousada)
Level B Hotel: Villa Hotel Guimarães (4 stars)
Day 5: Departure to Amarante
In Amarante, accommodate yourself in Casa da Calçada and take your day enjoying the wonderful facilities of this very elegant and cosy Relais & Chateux Hotel. This is a "break day" on your tour. Nevertheless we are pretty sure you won't resist crossing the bucolic Tâmega River, towards S. Gonçalo
monastery (16th century).
Try the delicious local gastronomy and take a walk across the city, exploring Amarante small but lovely historical centre. If you chose Level B accommodation, your stay will be instead in Pousada do Marão, 20km away from Amarante.
Set on the Amarão Mountain Range, a place to enjoy the magnificent landscapes of the mountains and the Tâmega valley.
Approximate distances and times:
Guimarães - Amarante --- 35 Km (1 hour)
Accommodation in Amarante:
Level A Hotel: Casa da Calçada (Relaix & Chateaux Charming 4 stars) Level B Hotel: Pousada do Marão (Pousada)
Day 6: Departure to Vila Real, Régua and Marialva
This journey starts with our suggestion of visiting Vila Real, on one of the banks of river Corgo, in Trás-os-Montes region. Located at 450m of altitude, this city has been populated since pre-historic times. Nevertheless, one of the main attractions in the area is the worldwide famous Mateus Palace;
this baroque noble palace from the 18 th century became highly well known after becoming the symbol of Mateus Rosé wine.
In Peso da Régua, get prepared to enjoy one of the most wonderful landscapes in the world. You'll be crossing the Douro valley, where the terraced hill slopes hide one of the country's most valuable treasures: the beautiful vineyards from where the worldwide
famous Port wine is still nowadays produced.
In Régua you'll realize once more how the local everyday life is clearly linked to the wine production and traditions. Here you'll have the chance to visit a wine cellar and farm.
In the historical village of Marialva you can visit a village that has been almost abandoned, but where some of its old medieval infrastructures are still visible (such as some of the churches, castle keep, old town hall and prison, pillory and water tank).
Also a unique kind of accommodation will be waiting for you here; part of an old small countryside village has been delightfully changed into a fantastic charming hotel, where the atmosphere of the Portuguese deep countryside life combines perfectly with all
the comfortable facilities of the best accommodation solutions in Portugal.
If you chose Level B hotels, your stay will be instead in Hotel Turismo Trancoso, near Marialva. We advise the visit to Marialva village, and then return to Trancoso, just 26km away from Marialva to overnight on this historical village.
Approximate distances and times:
Amarante - Vila Real --- 40 Km (45 minutes)
Vila Real - Régua --- 24Km (30 minutes)
Régua - Marialva --- 88Km (1 h 40 minutes)
Accommodation in Marialva:
Level A Hotel: Casas do Côro (Very Charming Small Rural Accommodation)
Level B Hotel: Hotel Turismo Trancoso (4 stars)
Day 7: Departure to Guarda, Castelo de Vide and Marvão
Guarda will surprise you for its altitude, since it is considered to be the highest city in the country (1056 m high). On the slope of Estrela Mountain range, Guarda is well known for its natural surroundings and ancient History.
If you could take longer there, you would also confirm that modernity is leaving its mark in the commerce and industries of this region. When you step into Castelo de Vide, considered to be a national monument, you'll feel the temptation of crossing the
harmonious historical district on the way to the castle wall.
From there you'll enjoy a wonderful panorama overlooking the old Jewish quarter, where we are still able to find many interesting architectonical vestiges of the old medieval town. You would hardly oppose to leave Castelo de Vide if you were not heading now to
Marvão, where you'll be amazed by the town's fabulous location.
On the top of high defensive rocks, this small town has always been a tactical point for locals to get protection from invasions and to defend their Portuguese nationality. You'll be forgiven for taking long enjoying the view from the old fortress!
Approximate distances and times:
Marialva - Guarda --- 40 Km (45 minutes)
Guarda - Castelo de Vide --- 24Km (30 minutes)
Castelo de Vide - Marvão --- 13 Km (10 minutes)
Accommodation in Marvão:
Level A Hotel: Pousada de Santa Maria (Pousada)
Level B Hotel: Albergaria El-Rei D. Manuel (3 stars)
Day 8: Departure to Estremoz, Évora, Monsaraz and Reguengos
Start your day heading to Estremoz, a city surrounded by abundant marble quarries and famous for its handcrafted small charming clay figurines. During your visit it will be worth to go up the hill of the old castle (which has in 1967 been transformed into a Pousada) and enjoy the view over the plains of
Alentejo.
Continue your journey following the signs that will conduct you to Évora (World Heritage Site by UNESCO). This cosy city, still surrounded by its old city walls, will attract you for its medieval appearance and it will be difficult to stop walking around the
very narrow streets of its historical centre.
Beside several other monuments to be visited (such as the Cathedral, Saint Francis church and the old University) it is also in Évora that is located one of the most significant traces of the roman occupation in the Portuguese territory: Diana's temple.
Take the chance to have lunch here, since Évora - as any other genuine city in Alentejo - is well know for its fantastic traditional gastronomy.
When you leave Évora, you must head on the direction of Reguengos de Monsaraz, so that you can follow the signs to Monsaraz. Climb the hill towards the small town centre, cross the main doorway and you'll be pleased with the adorable narrow streets, where the
atmosphere forwards us to a remote period of time. The streets with small whitewashed houses are only outdone by the superb view we get from there.
But you have to go on, in order to get to Reguengos de Monsaraz. There you'll overnight in a picturesque small town where the traditions of Alentejo remain strong as before. Surrounded by very high quality vineyard plantations and famous for its excellent local
food, Reguengos is a mandatory stop for those who wish a relaxed and succulent dinner.
Approximate distances and times:
Marvão - Estremoz --- 135 Km (1 hour 20 minutes)
Estremoz - Évora --- 46 Km (30 minutes)
Évora - Monsaraz --- 76 Km (1 hour)
Monsaraz - Reguengos --- 17 Km (20 minutes)
Accommodation in Reguengos:
Level A Hotel: Hotel Província (Charming 4 stars)
Level B Hotel: Upgrade to Level A
Day 9: Visit to Herdade do Esporão and departure to Algarve During the morning we would advise you to spend some time visiting the famous Herdade do Esporão. This excellent winery will certainly provide you a great experience even if you're not a wine expert.
During the visit they will tell every detail about the Esporão wine production, and you might even have some wine tasting. After leaving Reguengos behind, you'll be crossing the deep region of Alentejo.
As soon as you step out of the urbanised area the landscape becomes warm and serene, with long fields cultivated with cereals interrupted only from time to time by an old holm oak.
You must pass by Portel and also by the city of Beja, before getting to Ourique, where you'll reach the highway (A2) that will conduct you to Algarve.
Approximate distances and times:
Reguengos - Herdade do Esporão --- 2 Km (2 minutes)
Herdade do Esporão - Portel --- 35 Km (40 minutes)
Portel - Beja --- 40 Km (40 minutes)
Beja - Ourique --- 59 Km (50 minutes)
Ourique - Algarve --- approx. 90 Km (approx. 1 hour)
Accommodation in Algarve:
Level A Hotel (near Tavira): Vila Monte (Relaix & Chateaux Charming 4 stars)
Level B Hotel (Carvoeiro): Hotel Tivoli Almansor (4 stars)
Day 10: Leisure time in Algarve
Spend this day discovering the region of Algarve. Seize the opportunity, to go to one of its numerous beaches or to enjoy the picturesque seaside towns, where the Mediterranean culture and gastronomy will become unforgettable.
If you're fond of animation and lively nightlife, take a look at Vilamoura. Its social milieu and regular shows will worth your visit!
Accommodation in Algarve:
Level A Hotel (near Tavira): Vila Monte (Relaix & Chateaux Charming 4 stars)
Level B Hotel (Carvoeiro): Hotel Tivoli Almansor (4 stars)
Day 11: Departure to the Vicentine Coast and Setúbal
After the relaxing day in Algarve, prepare yourself now for another quite day of sightseeing. Head now towards Lagos where you'll have the chance to walk along the historical centre. It used to be from this bay that some of the famous Portuguese Explorers sailed away, under the orientation of Infante D.
Henrique (Henry The Navigator).
After this, you might as well want to sneak into the 17th century Fortress (Forte do Pau da Bandeira), nowadays an art exposition centre. The Governors Castle is another important attraction. Do not miss the beaches and you might explore the coast by going on a
boat tour.
Going now to Aljezur, you can admire its castle built by the Moors back in the 10th century and conquered by the Portuguese in the 13th century. From the top, you can also enjoy the quietness of this relaxed city. Go now to Odeceixe and enjoy the Costa
Vicentina.
This area of the Portuguese coast is remarkable by it's beauty and also because it is a protected area. Due to this, the area is not touristy and you can find real quite places and enjoy excellent meals made with fresh fish or seafood. Explore!
Time to go to Zambujeira do Mar. Here, the coast is again the place to go and stay. The sunset here is one of the highlights of the day. If you were not driving, you could bring a nice bottle of wine, have a chat and watch the world going by. But once you're
driving, one glass will do and the rest is all there waiting for you.
Keep that smile on your face and grab the steering wheel because Setúbal is waiting for you.
Approximate distances and times:
Vilamoura - Lagos --- 65 Km (45 minutes)
Lagos - Aljezur --- 35 Km (35 minutes)
Aljezur - Odeceixe --- 16 Km (15 minutes)
Odeceixe - Zambujeira do Mar --- 18 Km (15 minutes)
Zambujeira do Mar - Setúbal --- 185 Km (2 hours 15 minutes)
Accommodation in Setúbal or Sesimbra:
Level A Hotel (Setúbal): Pousada São Filipe (Pousada)
Level B Hotel (Sesimbra): Hotel Sana Sesimbra (4 stars)
Day 12: Departure to Arrábida Mountain range and return to Lisbon
Departure from Setúbal to Palmela where you'll get the chance to visit the Castle from the 12th Century from where you'll be able to see almost the whole peninsula of Setúbal and both Tejo and Sado Rivers. Here, you'll understand the strategic importance of this structure in medieval times.
Then, hit the road towards Vila Nogueira de Azeitão, a very well known place because of it's wines and pastries: Tortas de Azeitão! For the wine and Moscatel tasting, make sure you visit the José Maria da Fonseca wine cellars.
Back to the road, go now to Sesimbra, a famous fishermen village where you can have a great lunch, by the seaside, with fresh fish and seafood!
After this moment of relaxation in harmony with nature, take the road to Cabo Espichel and enjoy the unique view from this Cape: the coastline of the Peninsula of Setúbal all the way to Lisbon! After this, retain the image in your mind and head back to Lisbon,
taking the A2. At the end of this highway, you'll get to the 25 th of April Bridge from where you'll have a great view over the city riverside.
Unforgettable!
Approximate distances and times:
Setúbal - Palmela --- 8 Km (10 minutes)
Palmela - Azeitão --- 12 km (15 minutes)
Azeitão - Sesimbra --- 16 Km (15 minutes)
Sesimbra - Cabo Espichel --- 16 Km (15 minutes)
Cabo Espichel - Lisboa --- 50 Km (1 hour)
Accommodation in Lisboa:
Level A Hotel: Pestana Palace (5 stars Deluxe)
Level B Hotel: Hotel Açores Lisboa (4 stars)
End of Self-Drive
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