Self-Drive Tour Portugal - 12 Days
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Departure to Óbidos, 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. 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 (only if religion interests you; if not, you can skip 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 (if you can't visit today, please schedule for next morning before leaving Coimbra)! 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.
Roadbook - Approximate distances and times:
Lisbon - Óbidos --- 86 Km (1 hour)
Óbidos - Batalha --- 69 Km (50 minutes)
Batalha - Fátima --- 19 Km (20 minutes)
Fátima - Coimbra --- 85 Km (1 hour)
Accommodation in Coimbra (please follow the link for more details):
Level A Hotel: Quinta das Lágrimas (Relais & 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.
Roadbook - Approximate distances and times:
Coimbra - Porto --- 116 Km (1h10 minutes)
Accommodation in Porto (please follow the link for more details):
Level A Hotel: Pestana Porto Hotel (Charming 4 stars)
Level B Hotel: Eurostars das Artes (4 stars)
Day 3: Departure to Ponte de Lima and Viana do Castelo
After some time in Porto during the morning, 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.
Roadbook - Approximate distances and times:
Porto - Ponte de Lima --- 84 Km (55 minutes)
Ponte de Lima - Viana do Castelo --- 29 Km (35 minutes)
Accommodation in Viana do Castelo (please follow the link for more details):
Level A Hotel: Estalagem Melo Alvim (Charming 4 stars)
Level B Hotel: Hotel Axis Viana (4 stars)
Day 4: Departure to Braga and Guimarães
After visiting Viana do Castelo, please proceed to Braga where you'll find one of the oldest cathedrals in the Iberian Peninsula. The adjoined dependences of this cathedral 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.
Roadbook - Approximate distances and times:
Viana do Castelo - Braga --- 62 Km (45 minutes)
Braga - Guimarães --- 26 Km (25 minutes)
Accommodation in Guimarães (please follow the link for more details):
Level A Hotel: Pousada Santa Marinha (Pousada)
Level B Hotel: Villa Hotel Guimarães (4 stars)
Day 5: Departure to Vila Real and Douro Valley
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 18th 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 Douro Valley you'll realize once more how the local everyday life is clearly linked to the wine production and traditions. Here you may have the chance to visit a wine estate as well. Remember: You're in one of the most important sites of old world wine production.
Roadbook - Approximate distances and times:
Guimarães - Vila Real --- 88 Km (1h10 minutes)
Vila Real - Régua --- 24Km (30 minutes)
Accommodation in Douro (please follow the link for more details):
Level A Hotel: Aqua Pura Douro Valley Hotel (5 stars)
Level B Hotel: Hotel Régua Douro (4 stars)
Day 6: Slow-Pace Day in Douro Valley and Viseu
You've reached half of your itinerary and the Douro Valley is the perfect place to rest or explore the area. This is what we call as a slow-pace day, to relax a little bit in the morning and proceed in the afternoon. If you stay at the Aqua Pura Douro Valley Hotel (Level A), the hotel provides such great facilities and you can stay the whole morning there, just relaxing and enjoying. But if you're a wine passionate, you can visit some more Douro and Port wine producers. Then, when you feel it's time, please proceed to Viseu, where a very wealthy medieval and baroque past is still visible in the main streets. The rich details of several house façades are still impressive and embellish a nowadays busy commercial centre. And if you love art, don't miss a visit to the Grão Vasco Museum, one of the greatest Portuguese Renaissance Masters.
Accommodation in Viseu (please follow the link for more details):
Level A Hotel: Pousada de Viseu (Pousada)
Level B Hotel: Hotel Palácio dos Melos (5 stars)
Roadbook - Approximate distances and times:
Régua - Viseu --- 71 Km (55 minutes)
Day 7: Departure to Guarda, Castelo de Vide and Marvão
You should depart early and proceed to Guarda. 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!
Roadbook - Approximate distances and times:
Viseu - Guarda --- 82 Km (1 hour)
Guarda - Castelo de Vide --- 183Km (2 hours)
Castelo de Vide - Marvão --- 13 Km (10 minutes)
Accommodation in Marvão (please follow the link for more details):
Level A Hotel: Pousada de Santa Maria (Pousada)
Level B Hotel: Albergaria El-Rei D. Manuel (3 stars)
Day 8: Departure to Estremoz and Évora
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. And please remember that Évora - as any other genuine city in Alentejo - is well know for its fantastic traditional gastronomy. Don't hesitate to try a local restaurant.
Roadbook - Approximate distances and times:
Marvão - Estremoz --- 135 Km (1 hour 20 minutes)
Estremoz - Évora --- 46 Km (30 minutes)
Accommodation in Évora (please follow the link for more details):
Level A Hotel: Hotel M'ar de Ar Aqueduto (5 stars)
Level B Hotel: Hotel M'ar de Ar Muralhas (4 stars)
Day 9: Departure to Algarve
During the morning we would advise you to make a small change to your route and to spend some time visiting the famous Herdade do Esporão, in Reguengos de Monsaraz, if you're a wine passionate. 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.
Roadbook - Approximate distances and times:
Évora - Herdade do Esporão --- 40 Km (40 minutes)
Herdade do Esporão - Albufeira (Level A) --- 212 Km (2h45 minutes)
Herdade do Esporão - Sagres (Level B) --- 282 Km (3h30 minutes)
Accommodation in Algarve (please follow the link for more details):
Level A Hotel (Sesmarias, near Albufeira): CS São Rafael (5 stars Hotel)
Level B Hotel (in Sagres): Hotel Memmo Baleeira (4 stars member of Design Hotels)
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 with fresh fish and seafood will be unforgettable. The Algarve is also well-known for playing golf in one of the numerous golf courses of recognized quality you can find in here; if you're more of the adventurous and active visitor you can always enjoy some boating activities; if you wish to meet the culture and history of Algarve, we suggest you to visit the western part of the region, including the fishing town of Lagos where you shall take 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 exhibition centre. The Governors Castle is another important attraction. Close to Lagos, you’ll find the Fortress of Sagres, said to be the headquarters of a 15th century School of Navigation.
Accommodation in Algarve (please follow the link for more details):
Level A Hotel (near Albufeira): CS São Rafael (5 stars Hotel)
Level B Hotel (in Sagres): Hotel Memmo Baleeira (4 stars member of Design Hotels)
Day 11: Departure to the Vicentine Coast and Palmela
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. 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 sunrise and sunset here are 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 Palmela or Sesimbra is waiting for you.
Roadbook - Approximate distances and times:
Albufeira - Lagos (Level A) --- 52Km (45 minutes)
Sagres - Lagos (Level B) --- 32Km (35 minutes)
Lagos - Aljezur --- 35 Km (35 minutes)
Aljezur - Odeceixe --- 16 Km (15 minutes)
Odeceixe - Zambujeira do Mar --- 18 Km (15 minutes)
Zambujeira do Mar - Palmela/Sesimbra --- 195 Km (2 hours 30 minutes)
Accommodation in Setúbal or Sesimbra (please follow the link for more details):
Level A Hotel (Setúbal): Pousada de Palmela (Pousada)
Level B Hotel (Sesimbra): Hotel Sana Sesimbra (4 stars)
Day 12: Departure to Arrábida Mountain range and return to Lisbon
In Palmela 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 coast line 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 25th of April Bridge from where you'll have a great view over the city river side. Unforgettable!
Roadbook - Approximate distances and times:
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 (please follow the link for more details):
Level A Hotel: Pestana Palace (5 stars Deluxe - "Leading Hotels of the World")
Level B Hotel: Hotel Açores Lisboa (4 stars)
End of Self-Drive Tour
PRICES (per person)
Low Season: From 1st November 2009 to 31st of March 2010
High Season: From 1st of April to 31st of October 2010
| Total Adult Passengers / Car Group | Low Season | High Season | ||
| Hotels Level A | Hotels Level B | Hotels Level A | Hotels Level B | |
| 2 Pax (1 Double Room) Group C vehicle |
1.360 € | 893 € | 1.692 € | 1.205 € |
| 3 Pax (1 Double & 1 Single Room) Group C vehicle |
1.478 € | 948 € | 1.833 € | 1.282 € |
| 4 Pax (2 Double Rooms) Group F vehicle |
1.265 € | 805 € | 1.583 € | 1.102 € |
| 5 Pax (2 Double & 1 Single Rooms) Group F vehicle |
1.346 € | 849 € | 1.678 € | 1.156 € |
| 6 Pax (3 Double Rooms) Group K vehicle |
1.232 € | 787 € | 1.541 € | 1.073 € |
| Single Room Supplement (where double is stated) | 869 € | 502 € | 1.106 € | 705 € |
| Car Upgrade Group C to E | 83 € | 173 € | ||
| Car Upgrade Group F to I | 608 € | 678 € | ||
| Car Upgrade Group F to K | 298 € | 464 € | ||
For Children rates, please contact us
Our price includes:
- 12 Nights accommodation on selected hotel (level A or B)
- 12 Full Breakfasts
- 12 days rent-a-car (air-conditioned vehicle) with CDW and TP insurance & unlimited kms.
Please check Car Groups here: Rent-a-Car Section
Optionals (payable at rent-a-car desk):
- Car collection at Airport
- Car delivery at your hotel
- Aditional driver
- GPS
Please ask us for a printable version of this itinerary if you need one.
- Self-Drive Tour Portugal - 3 Days
- Self-Drive Tour Portugal - 5 Days
- Self-Drive Tour Portugal - 7 Days
Please feel free to contact us for more information or booking:info@toursforyou.pt or using the following form (click again to close)