All-Time Favorite: 9-Day Portugal Road Trip
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Unveiling Portugal's Southern Secrets: Your Lisbon & Southern Portugal Road Trip Awaits!
What's Included?
Why we love this deal:
Craving an unforgettable adventure? Our best-selling road trip unlocks the magic of Lisbon and Southern Portugal, a customer favorite for a reason!
- Freedom of the Open Road: Embark on a self-drive adventure, customizing your itinerary and setting your own pace.
- Lisbon's Allure: Start your journey in the vibrant capital, Lisbon, where ancient history meets modern energy. Explore charming neighborhoods, iconic landmarks like São Jorge Castle, and savor delicious Portuguese cuisine.
- Évora's Enchantment: Travel to the captivating city of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be transported back in time with Roman ruins, wander through medieval streets, and marvel at the awe-inspiring Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones).
- Algarve's Paradise: Unwind on the stunning Algarve coast. Relax on pristine beaches, explore charming towns like Lagos and Salema, and discover hidden coves. Hike along dramatic cliffs, delve into the region's rich history, or embark on a thrilling boat tour to spot dolphins or whales.
- Memories in the Making: This self-drive adventure allows you to create memories that will last a lifetime. Imagine spontaneous stops at charming villages, breathtaking coastal views that take your breath away, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
This customer-favorite can be yours!
Psst... Looking to explore by train?
Itinerary
Welcome to Portugal! Collect your rental car, and you're off to Évora. It's an easy 1.5-hour drive covering 83.3 miles (134 km).
Suggestion for the day:
- Once in Évora, start your day with a leisurely stroll through its charming downtown area.
- Capela dos Ossos: Explore the intriguing Chapel of Bones.
- Évora Cathedral: Admire the grand Évora Cathedral.
- Roman Temple of Évora: Step back in time at the Roman Temple.
- Diana’s Garden: Find serenity in Diana’s Garden.
- Évora’s Winding Streets: Get lost in the picturesque streets of Évora.
- Évora University: Explore the intellectual heart of the city.
Suggestion for the day:
- Évora Exploration & Beyond: This day offers a mix of history, culture, and wine, giving you a taste of the region's rich heritage.
- City Walls & Aqueduct: Begin your day by visiting Évora's historic City Walls and the impressive Aqueduct.
- Mosteiro da Cartuxa: Enjoy the tranquility of Mosteiro da Cartuxa, a serene monastery with beautiful gardens.
- Almendres Cromlech: Journey to the ancient Almendres Cromlech, a mysterious stone circle from ancient times.
- Monsaraz Trip: Take a short drive to the charming town of Monsaraz, with its cobblestone streets and stunning views.
- Premium Wine Tasting: Treat your taste buds to premium local wines in Évora.
Hit the road for the Algarve, a scenic drive of approximately 127 miles (204 km), taking around 2.5 hours.
Suggestion for the day:
- Explore Lagos: Begin your Algarve adventure by exploring the vibrant town of Lagos.
- Black and White Coffee Shop: Start your day with a delightful coffee at the Black and White Coffee Shop.
- Camilo Beach: Enjoy the sun and sea at Camilo Beach, known for its stunning cliffs and clear waters.
- Ponta da Piedade: Discover the breathtaking rock formations and caves of Ponta da Piedade.
- Sunset in Cabo de São Vicente, Sagres: Conclude your day with a mesmerizing sunset at Cabo de São Vicente in Sagres, a place where the land meets the ocean in a dramatic setting.
Suggestion for the day:
- Explore Albufeira City Center: Start your day by exploring the charming Albufeira City Center, where you can stroll through historic streets, visit local shops, and immerse yourself in the town's atmosphere.
- Pescadores Beach: Spend some relaxing hours at Pescadores Beach, one of Albufeira's iconic sandy shores.
- Oura Beach: Explore the lively Oura Beach, known for its vibrant atmosphere and water sports.
- São Rafael Beach: Discover the picturesque São Rafael Beach, with its intriguing rock formations and clear waters.
- Olhos da Água Beach: Enjoy the unique experience of Olhos da Água Beach, where freshwater springs bubble up through the sand.
- Falésia Beach: Marvel at the striking red cliffs of Falésia Beach, providing a stunning backdrop for your seaside adventures.
- Marina de Albufeira: Wrap up your day with a visit to Marina de Albufeira, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk, dine at waterfront restaurants, or simply soak in the harbor views.
Suggestions for the day:
- Ponta da Piedade Boat Tour: Explore the captivating caves and rock formations along Lagos' renowned 'Ponta da Piedade' coast. Depart from the Marina de Lagos, where knowledgeable local skippers will unveil the hidden wonders of this extraordinary coastline.
- Algar de Benagil Boat Tour: Algar de Benagil is a mesmerizing sea cave along Portugal's Algarve coast, known for its stunning natural architecture and the iconic shaft of sunlight that filters through its ceiling.
Embark on a scenic road trip covering approximately 173 miles (280 km), with an estimated travel time of around 3 hours.
Suggested stops along the way:
- Setúbal: Begin your journey with a visit to Setúbal, where you can indulge in Moscatel wine tasting, explore the beautiful Península de Tróia, admire the dramatic cliffs of Cabo Espichel, and visit the historic Palmela castle.
- Sesimbra: Consider a stop in Sesimbra to enjoy the sun at Califórnia Beach and marvel at the natural beauty of the Serra da Arrábida.
- Almada: Visit Almada for a glimpse of the iconic Cristo Rei statue, offering breathtaking views of Lisbon.
- Cascais: Explore Cascais, a charming coastal town known for its sandy beaches and vibrant atmosphere.
Suggestion for the day:
- Stroll Around Lisbon’s City Streets: Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Lisbon, where you can soak in the city's unique atmosphere.
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- São Roque Church: Discover the exquisite architecture and artistry of São Roque Church.
- Santa Catarina Viewpoint: Head to Santa Catarina Viewpoint for stunning panoramic views of the city.
- Luís de Camões Square: Enjoy the ambiance of Luís de Camões Square, a central gathering place steeped in history.
- Torre de Belém: Explore the iconic Torre de Belém, a symbol of Portugal's Age of Discovery.
- Mosteiro dos Jerónimos: Visit the impressive Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing stunning Manueline architecture.
- Pastéis de Belém: Don't miss the chance to savor delicious pastries at Pastéis de Belém, a beloved Portuguese pastry.
- Terreiro do Paço: Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Terreiro do Paço, a historic square by the waterfront.
- Santa Justa Lift: Conclude your day with a ride up the Santa Justa Lift for breathtaking views of Lisbon from above.
- Lisbon Fado Night with Dinner: Fado is a soulful and emotive genre of Portuguese music, often characterized by melancholic tunes and lyrics that express themes of longing and saudade.
Suggestion for the day:
- Journey to Sintra: Set out on an enchanting day trip to Sintra, a place that has captivated the hearts of travelers for centuries. Today's journey transports you to the realms of fairytales and history in the enchanting town of Sintra, where every corner is a piece of wonder.
- Pena National Palace: Begin your adventure with a visit to the vibrant and whimsical Pena National Palace, a fairytale castle atop a hill that promises stunning views and jaw-dropping architecture.
- Local Delights: Treat your taste buds to the delectable local pastries, travesseiros de Sintra, and sip on the sweet Ginginha liqueur, both of which are delightful Sintra specialties.
- Quinta da Regaleira: Explore the mysterious and enchanting Quinta da Regaleira, a palace and estate filled with hidden tunnels, gardens, and symbolism.
- Monserrate Palace: Discover the unique beauty of Monserrate Palace, known for its exotic gardens and eclectic architecture.
- Moorish Castle: Ascend to the Moorish Castle, where ancient walls and towers offer commanding views of the surrounding landscape.
- Old-Town Stroll: Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll through Sintra's charming old town, where you can soak in the atmosphere of this historic gem.
Drive to the airport and drop off your rental car at the designated location.
As your memorable journey comes to a close, we wish you a safe and pleasant flight home. Thank you for exploring Portugal with us!
*itinerary presented is a suggestion and the length of stay may vary. All tours are suggestions unless specifically stated.
Flexibility Policy
About the Destination:
Lisbon
Lisbon, the cosmopolitan capital of Portugal and Europe's second-oldest capital (after Athens), has now become the new "it" destination for tourists visiting Europe. This is "The City of the Sea", "The City of the Explorers", once home to the world's greatest explorers like Vasco da Gama, Magellan and Prince Henry the Navigator. Lisbon is also the first true world city, the capital of an empire spreading over all continents, from South America (Brazil) to Asia (Macao, China; Goa, India).
The people are charming, the food is some of the best in Europe, and the combination of old cobbled streets with a modern vibe make it a delightful experience for any visitor. Rich in history, architecture, culture and entertainment, this historical capital will surely captivate you. Enjoy strolling on the black and white mosaic cobblestone sidewalks, large boulevards and quaint alleyways. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and Torre de Belém) and the Moorish São Jorge Castle. Enjoy a typically Portuguese fado show in one of Alfama's Fado Houses.
Algarve
With this deal you will get to know the amazing Algarve region, known for having a Mediterranean climate and a great temperature all year round. As you travel across the Algarve, amidst its hills and plains filled with places of great ecological interest, rich in biodiversity and ecosystems, you will feel as though you are passing through an area full of different traditions, unchanged for many centuries.
While enjoying the Algarve, be sure to take time to visit some of the most impressive beaches in Europe, or lose yourself on any of the many fantastic trails available nearby, which will allow you to bask in the peace and stillness found in the middle of nature. When you need a break for lunch or dinner, don't forget to try the fresh and generally well-priced local fish and seafood.
Évora, Alentejo
The Alentejo region of Portugal is a feast for all the senses, from its northernmost tip to its sunkissed southern shores. While the north offers visitors pastoral scenery, like horses grazing in the flatland, the central portion of the region is marked by the vast plain with rows of cornflowers blowing in the wind. As one makes their way to the Alentejo coast, wild and unmarred natural beauty awaits to awe and inspire.
The entire town of Évora has been an official World Heritage Site, classified as an open-air museum according to UNESCO, since 1986. It is this significant historical and cultural wealth that attracts more and more Portuguese and foreign visitors to come and experience this truly special place year after year.
