Essentials of Portugal – Self-Drive Experience

Self-Drive lets you explore at your own pace, visiting historic cities, medieval villages, scenic coasts, and wine regions. Enjoy UNESCO sites, local cuisine, and authentic culture with handpicked stays for a flexible, comfortable, and immersive journey.

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Duration

8 Days and 7 Nights

Price

PEOPLE GOING

39+ Booked

PACKAGE

Itinerary

Itinerary Details
  1. Day 1
    Arrival in Lisbon

    Upon arrival at Lisbon Airport, pick up your rental car and drive to the city. Lisbon’s airport is remarkably central, so you’ll be at your hotel in no time. Use your first day to get lost in the winding alleys of Alfama, catch a panoramic sunset at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, and admire the grand Praça do Comércio by the river.

  2. Day 2
    Lisbon – Évora – Castelo De Vide

    After breakfast, depart Lisbon for the UNESCO city of Évora. Explore its Moorish alleys, Roman ruins, and sunlit squares before continuing northeast through the rolling Alentejo countryside. Arrive in the charming hilltop town of Castelo de Vide for your overnight stay.

  3. Day 3
    Castelo De Vide – Tomar – Coimbra

    After breakfast, explore the medieval streets of Castelo de Vide before driving to Tomar. Visit the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO site and former Templar stronghold. Continue your journey to the historic university city of Coimbra for your overnight stay.

  4. Day 4
    Coimbra– Porto

    After breakfast, explore the historic center of Coimbra, including the university and its magnificent Baroque Joanina Library. Afterward, drive north through the enchanting Bussaco Forest, stopping to admire the neo-Manueline Bussaco Palace. Continue your journey to the vibrant riverside city of Porto for your overnight stay.

  5. Day 5
    Porto – Guimaraes – Porto

    After breakfast, explore the UNESCO-listed hills of Porto or drive north to Guimarães, the medieval birthplace of Portugal. Stroll through Porto’s Ribeira District or the historic streets of Guimarães before returning to Porto for the evening.

  6. Day 6
    Porto – Espinho – Ovar – Aveiro – Figueira Da Foz – Coimbra

    After breakfast, drive south along the Atlantic coast. Stop in the resort town of Espinho, then visit Ovar to see its famous tiles and taste its iconic Pão de Ló sponge cake. Explore the canals of Aveiro before heading to the beaches of Figueira da Foz. Arrive in Coimbra in the late afternoon.

  7. Day 7
    Lagos & the Algarve

    After breakfast, drive south to the UNESCO town of Sintra. Explore the historic center and the National Palace of Sintra, famous for its iconic twin chimneys. Continue to Lisbon, where you can check in and spend the rest of your day relaxing or exploring at leisure. Overnight in Lisbon.

  8. Day 8
    Lagos – Departure from Faro

    Breakfast at hotel.

    After enjoying your final breakfast at the hotel, drive to Lisbon International Airport. Upon arrival, return your rental vehicle and proceed with departure formalities for your onward or return flight, bringing your self-drive journey through Portugal to a close.

    Distance: Approx. 10–15 km – Driving Time: Approx. 20–30 minutes

Tour Highlights
    • Arrive at Lisbon International Airport.
    • Pick Up Rental Car
    • Enjoy leisure time to explore Lisbon at your own pace.
    • Drive to your hotel and complete check-in formalities.
Accommodations

Accommodations:

  • 1 Night hotel accommodation in Opera with breakfast.
  • 1 Night hotel accommodation in Castelo de Vide with breakfast.
  • 1 Night hotel accommodation in Coimbra with breakfast.
  • 2 Nights hotel accommodation in Porto with breakfast.
  • 1 Night hotel accommodation in Coimbra with breakfast.
  • 1 Night hotel accommodation in Lisbon with breakfast.

 

Guests may request upgrades to 5-Star hotels. Upgraded options are subject to availability and additional costs.

Package Includes

Self-Drive:

  • Premium Rental Car for 8 Days
  • Unlimited Mileage

 

Accommodation:

  • 7 Nights hotel accommodation with breakfast.

 

Exclusive Experiences:

  • Self-drive freedom through Portugal’s diverse regions.
  • Explore Lisbon, Europe’s second-oldest capital with historic districts and riverside views.
  • Stay in charming medieval Castelo de Vide and visit UNESCO Évora.
  • Discover Tomar’s Knights Templar heritage and Coimbra’s ancient university.
  • Scenic Bussaco Forest and neo-Manueline Bussaco Palace.
  • UNESCO-listed Porto with riverside charm and optional Guimarães excursion.
  • Coastal route with stops in Aveiro (the “Portuguese Venice”), Espinho, and Figueira da Foz.
  • Visit romantic Sintra’s palaces before returning to Lisbon.

 

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