Self-Drive Tour Portugal and Spain - 17 Days

"Complete Portugal and Spain"

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Full day in Lisbon

This first day allows you to discover Lisbon, capital of Portugal, colonized by many civilizations along the centuries: Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors and finally the Portuguese after 1147. You will visit St. George Castle, including its surrounding quarter and Alfama, Lisbon's oldest quarter. This city is linked with the heroic deeds of the Portuguese maritime exploration, in the 15th and 16th centuries. This was the Age of Discoveries and the Golden Era of Portugal, transforming Lisbon into the opulent centre of a vast empire. Part of the wealth from these expeditions was used to build magnificent monuments in a unique Portuguese style: the extravagant Manueline architectural style, best typified in Jerónimos Monastery. Some of these monuments can still be seen, especially in the area of Belém. But Lisbon has more than just monuments! You may visit also the traditional commerce zones of the city, with their 18th century buildings: the Downtown and the Chiado. There are sensations that can only be felt in Lisbon. No one remains indifferent to its temperate climate, the characteristic sunlight and the celebrated gastronomy.

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)

Day 2: Full day to explore the area of Sintra and Cascais

You should start this day by picking up your car and head towards Sintra, where you will be surprised by a unique atmosphere. This is surely one of Portugal ex-libris, classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site! As soon as you arrive to Sintra you'll be dazzled by the mountain, its exuberant vegetation and the very special micro climate. The high humidity provides an extraordinary flora, which helps creating the romantic and natural ambiance that so much characterises Sintra. Spend some time strolling around the small town centre, among the old chalets and all the commercial spots, exhibiting some of the most interesting Handicrafts. Don't forget to try the well-known Travesseiros ("Pillow cases") and Queijadas , two kinds of local delicious pastries you'll remember forever. In Sintra you'll find many magnificent monuments to visit. We recommend a visit to the Pena Palace and the "Quinta da Regaleira" mystical Palace and Gardens. But other interesting monuments can be visited in Sintra like: Moorish Castle, Sintra National Palace, Queluz National Palace (on the way to Sintra through IC-19 road), Capuchins Convent, Monserrate Park and many others. Take a wise decision on what you'll like to see. On the way to Cascais, you should take the mountain road in order to enjoy a breathtaking view over the Atlantic Ocean. And since you're so close now, take a look at Roca Cape , the western most point in continental Europe, considered to be the end of the known world until the early 15 th Century. If you continue your way along the main road, and after crossing the wonderful coast of Guincho, you'll surely reach the pretty towns of Cascais and Estoril. This coastal area will always be remembered as places of charm, having several attractions like its famous beaches and the old Casino of Estoril. Now, on the way back to Lisbon, always along the Estoril's Coast, the remaining feeling will for sure be the wish of coming back!

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)

Roadbook - Approximate distances and times:

Lisbon - Sintra --- 32 Km (40 minutes)

Sintra - Roca Cape --- 19 Km (25 minutes)

Roca Cape - Cascais --- 16 Km (20 minutes)

Cascais - Estoril --- 3 Km (5 minutes)

Estoril - Lisbon --- 29 Km (45 minutes)

Day 3: Departure to Obidos and Porto

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 well preserved atmosphere of a traditional Portuguese town, where all the whitewashed houses are very carefully decorated with lovely coloured flowerbeds. Continue along the A8 and then A1 towards 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 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 famous 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.

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)

Roadbook - Approximate distances and times:

Lisbon - Óbidos --- 100 Km (1 hour)

Óbidos - Porto --- 247 Km (2 hours and 30 minutes)

Day 4: Porto and Departure to Guimaraes

You'll have the morning to still visit Porto, and after you concluded your visit you can take the highway towards Guimarães. There you will enjoy its beauty and simplicity. Here you should 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 a Heritage Cultural UNESCO site) and you'll be tempted to stop for a cup of coffee in one of its street cafes.

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)

Roadbook - Approximate distances and times:

Porto - Guimarães --- 54 km (45 minutes)

Day 5: Departure to Braga, Ponte de Lima and Viana do Castelo

This morning, Braga will show you one of the ancient 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. Head towards Viana do Castelo, never forgetting the stopover in the lovely scenic town of Ponte de Lima. Proving the ancestral human occupation of the region and the economic significance of the town until the 18th century while strolling in Ponte de Lima town centre you'll come across with several traces 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 a 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 .

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)

Roadbook - Approximate distances and times:

Guimarães - Braga --- 26 km (25 minutes)

Braga - Viana do Castelo --- 62km (45 minutes)

Day 6: Departure to Valença and Santiago de Compostela

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 defence of our national boundaries along the centuries. Nowadays a very lively spot regarding 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. From Valença you just have to cross the bridge to be in another country: Spain. Now, you'll drive until Santiago de Compostela. The historical area (World Heritage Site) is centred on the Cathedral, which has been receiving pilgrims for centuries. It was once the 3rd most important pilgrimage site after Jerusalém and Rome. Although the building's exterior has been submitted to many changes along the times, the interior was left almost untouched since the 11th century. The Obradoiro Square faces the cathedral's main façade. Here you can find some nice buildings, as the Raxoi Palace (which nowadays is the Town-Hall), the Parador de los Reyes Catolicos (built as a shelter and hospital for sick pilgrims) and the Colegio de San Jeronimo, which is now part of Santiago's University. The cathedral was built over the site where the tomb of the apostle Saint James was found. Inside, after passing underneath the 12th century Portal da Gloria (Gloria Gate), you can visit the crypt with the silver coffin that has the Saint's mortal remains. Don't miss the other squares around the cathedral, since all of them have a particular beauty and are surrounded by valuable buildings: Imaculada Square, Quintana Square and Praterias Square. After visiting all this places you can sit down in one of the many tapas ' bars and restaurants, in the nearby streets, and enjoy a local meal as well as admire the souvenir shops displaying the local handicraft.

Accommodation in Santiago de Compostela (please follow the link for more details):

Level A Hotel: Parador Santiago Reyes Catolicos (5 stars GL Parador)

Level B Hotel: Hotel Hesperia Peregrino (4 stars)

Roadbook - Approximate distances and times:

Viana do Castelo - Valença --- 66 km (50 minutes)

Valença - Santiago de Compostela --- 114 km (1 hour and 30 minutes)

Day 7: Departure to Salamanca passing by Puebla de Sanabria

Today you'll spend most of the day driving, but you'll have the chance to enjoy beautiful views of the regions of Galicia and Castilla Léon. In Castilla you'll see the rural countryside peppered with many attractive villages. One of these, Puebla de Sanabria, can be your stopping point for some rest. At the same time it is worthy to walk on its steep streets lined with stone houses, where you can still notice the traditional life of people. One of the streets takes you to the Fortress and Church.

Continue your way until Salamanca. Here you'll find the ambiance of one of the oldest university cities in Spain. To stroll on its streets, you can start from the arcaded Plaza Mayor (Main Square) one of the nicest squares of this type in the country. You can enjoy the beauty of the buildings while sitting down on one of the cafés and restaurants located here. Don't miss the unusual façade of the 16th century Casa de las Conchas (House of Shells), adorned with hundreds of shells. It was built by a member of Saint James Religious Order, reason why it is decorated with shells, symbol of pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostela. The nearby Renaissance University is considered one of Spain's oldest ones. Don't miss the interior as well. Amongst the religious buildings, stands out the magnificent Cathedral, which are indeed two different buildings connected to each other: the Old Cathedral (12 th century) and the New Cathedral (16 th century).

Accommodation in Salamanca (please follow the link for more details):

Level A Hotel: Hotel AC Palacio de San Esteban (5 stars - AC Selection)

Level B Hotel: Hotel Melia Las Claras Boutique (4 stars - Melia Boutique Hotel)

Roadbook - Approximate distances and times:

Santiago de Compostela - Puebla de Sanabria --- 250 km (2 hours and 45 minutes)

Puebla de Sanabria - Salamanca --- 179 km (2 hours and 20 monutes)

Day 8: Departure to Avila , El Escorial and Madrid

This morning, you'll drive to Ávila, another World Heritage Site, mainly due to its medieval walls, amongst the best well preserved in Europe, having a perimeter of about 2km. Being the birthplace of Santa Teresa de Jesus, the city has a number of religious buildings, inside and outside the walled enclosure, related to her life. Some of them are the Convent of Saint Teresa, built over the place where the Saint was born; and the Encarnación Monastery (outside the walls), where Saint Teresa lived for 20 years. The Cathedral claims to be the oldest Gothic one in all Spain. This building was constructed against the defensive wall, being part of it. Head to San Lorenzo de El Escorial, 1.000 meters above sea level in the Guadarrama mountain range. Nowadays, this area is the location for many weekend and summer houses. Built after a victory over the French in 1557, this granite complex was built between 1563 and 1584 as monastery, royal residence and Mausoleum for the Spanish kings. You'll experience an impression of grandeur and austerity that has never been equalled. Not far from here, your final destination for this day will be Madrid.

Accommodation in Madrid (please follow the link for more details):

Level A Hotel: Hotel Hesperia Madrid (5 stars Deluxe - "Leading Hotels of the World")

Level B Hotel: Hotel de Las Letras (4 stars - "Design Hotels")

Roadbook - Approximate distances and times:

Salamanca - Ávila --- 98 km (1 hour and 20 minutes)

Ávila - El Escorial --- 75 km (50 minutes)

El Escorial - Madrid --- 57 km (45 minutes)

Day 9: Full day in Madrid

You should start this day early in the morning to discover as much as possible about Spain 's beautiful capital which is an important business centre, as well as the headquarters for the Public Administration, Government, Spanish Parliament and the home of the Spanish Royal Family. Start your visit with the Royal Palace ( Closed when official acts are held). This vast and elegant palace is no longer used as a residence since the 1930's but keeps the original furniture and decoration as if kings still lived there. Next to the palace you can see the modern Almudena's Cathedral started in 1879 and finished a century later. From here start your walk from Calle Mayor ( Main Street ) till the majestic Plaza Mayor ( Main Square ) which used to be a marketplace and was the scene of popular events. Under the arcades, you can find different shops that sell fabrics, costume jewelry and souvenirs together with outdoor cafes, taverns and bakeries. Nearby you have the Puerta del Sol (Sun Gateway), once a 15th century gate from Madrid 's defensive walls. Now it's one of the most popular meeting points for local people and the starting of the old city's shopping area. Continuing along the Calle Alcala you'll reach Plaza de Cibeles , an important symbol of Madrid , surrounded by some of the city's most important monuments. Now, the Prado Museum (Closed on Monday) shall not be missed. This museum is considered one of the most important art galleries in the world. It houses masterpieces by Velazquez, Goya, El Greco and many other artists. If you like gardens, Parque del Retiro (behind the Prado) is worth a short walk. As an alternative, you can visit the National Museum Reina Sofia (Closed on Tuesday), a cultural centre containing a permanent collection of Spanish contemporary art. From Plaza Cibeles, continue along the famous shopping street Gran Via and Plaza del Callao, surrounded by cinemas, department stores and shops. At the end of Gran Via is the huge Plaza de España , noted for two skyscrapers from the 1950's: the Edificio España and the Torre de Madrid. In the center of this square is the statue of the famous Cervante's character Don Quijote de La Mancha.

Accommodation in Madrid (please follow the link for more details):

Level A Hotel: Hotel Hesperia Madrid (5 stars Deluxe - "Leading Hotels of the World")

Level B Hotel: Hotel de Las Letras (4 stars - "Design Hotels")

Day 10: Departure to Toledo and Granada

This morning you'll drive to Toledo, the capital of the region of La Mancha, chosen as the scenery to Cervantes' book "Don Quijote". Known as the "city of the three cultures", since Christians, Arabs and Jews lived on familiar terms here for centuries. The three cultures left an artistic and cultural legacy that turned Toledo as one of the Spanish cities with the greatest wealth of monuments. You may start your walking visit from Plaza de Zocodover, one of the busiest places in the city with many cafés and shops, which was an important market in the Arab period. Visit one of the masterpieces of Gothic style in Spain, the Cathedral, a monumental building erected between the 13 th and 15 th centuries. The most well-known personality of the city is the painter El Greco whom, although being Greek, came to Toledo and was responsible for many religious paintings displayed on the city's churches. The most famous one can be seen in the church of Santo Tomé, which houses the picture "The burial of the Count of Orgaz". His House-Museum, a palace with the atmosphere of the period, exhibits some of the best works of the painter who made the city world famous. Remains of the Jewish community are still preserved in the city in the synagogues of Santa María la Blanca and El Tránsito. After lunch, take the motorway to Granada where you'll arrive at the end of the day. Granada lies at the foot of Sierra Nevada mountain range and is one of the most interesting cities of Andalusia for its Moorish legacy, as it was the last Spanish city to be conquered to the Moors by the Catholic Kings. The old Moorish Quarter, the Albaicin, and the Allambra Palace were classified as World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO. (Important tip: as soon as you arrive to your hotel you shall ask at the reception to call the Allambra Palace to book your visit for the next day).

Accommodation in Granada (please follow the link for more details):

Level A Hotel: Hotel AC Palacio de Santa Paula (5 stars - AC Selection)

Level B Hotel: Hotel Hesperia Granada (4 stars)

Roadbook - Approximate distances and times:

Madrid - Toledo --- 74 km (1 hour)

Toledo - Granada --- 370 km (3 hours and 40 minutes)

Day 11: Full-Day in Granada

If your visit to the Allambra Palace is booked to the morning, you shall head to the hill where the palace is settled (count with about 4 to 6 hours for the entire visit). The architects made an enchanting use of space, light and water that can still be admired in the many rooms linked by courtyards, gardens and fountains. This complex, built between the 13th and the 15th centuries, includes the Royal Houses, the Alcazaba from the 13th century, the Palace of Charles V and the Generalife. In the afternoon, take a look at the city's Cathedral, located in the centre of the Muslim area and dating back to 1523. It's time to explore the narrow and steep streets of the Albaicin quarter, on a hill facing the Allambra, where you still can feel the Arab atmosphere of the past. When the Arabs lived here, there used to be over 30 mosques! By the end of the day, you should walk up to San Nicolas' belvedere, where the views over the Allambra roofs with the Sierra Nevada backdrop are unforgettable. If you still have time there's a curious tradition in Granada, which is a modern version of Arab Baths, trying to reproduce this ancient Moorish habit that you can try yourself (ask at your hotel's reception information about one of these places).

Accommodation in Granada (please follow the link for more details):

Level A Hotel: Hotel AC Palacio de Santa Paula (5 stars - AC Selection)

Level B Hotel: Hotel Hesperia Granada (4 stars)

Day 12: Departure to Cordoba and Sevilla

Early in the morning you shall take the road to Cordoba. Once you arrive at this city you'll feel the ambience of different cultures in the air. This ancient city, which has been classified as a World Heritage Site, was once the capital of one of the Roman provinces in the Iberian Peninsula and later of the Arab Caliphate. You'll first see the Guadalquivir River, crossed by a Roman bridge. A stroll through its narrow and winding streets, with whitewashed courtyards decorated with flowers of all colours will allow you to see that little has changed since the 10th century. The Cathedral-Mosque is nowadays a single architectural space, but was originally built in the 8th century as an Arab temple. It is for sure one of the main attractions in Cordoba. In the 16th century a Gothic Christian Cathedral was built inside the Mosque. Thus, the building is now a mixture of different styles. The old Jewish Quarter, running from the Mosque, is the heart of the city. Enter the synagogue from the 14th century, which is one of the few Jewish temples still standing in Spain. In the afternoon you'll drive to another jewel of Southern Spain: Seville. Again, the Guadalquivir River is the setting.

Accommodation in Sevilla (please follow the link for more details):

Level A Hotel: Hotel Hospes Las Casas del Rey de Baeza (4 stars Very Charming)

Level B Hotel: Hotel AC Ciudad de Sevilla (4 stars)

Roadbook - Approximate distances and times:

Granada - Cordoba ---- 239km (2 hours and 25 minutes)

Cordoba - Sevilla ---- 145km (1 hour and 45 minutes)

Day 13: Full-Day in Sevilla

It was once a very important trading port with America, and after Seville hosted the Expo'92 it was turned into a navigable river again. Next to the river, the Torre del Oro ( Gold Tower ) owes its name to the stone's golden colour and was built in the 13th century to protect the port. Seville is heir of rich monuments, some of them declared as World Heritage by UNESCO. The Alcazar stands out, for it looks as a Moorish palace. It was already built by Catholic Kings, using the infrastructures of the ancient Moorish governors' residence. The nearby Cathedral occupies the site of a great mosque build in the late 12th century by the moors. Later, Christian architects added the extra dimension of height that transformed it into one of the largest in Europe and one of the biggest of Christianity. Colombo's mortal remains are supposed to rest in a tomb here. After leaving the Cathedral, take a walk in the streets of Barrio of Santa Cruz, which is the most picturesque and delightful part of the city. Its narrow winding cobbled streets are peppered with souvenir shops, tapas bars and restaurants in pretty whitewashed houses.

Accommodation in Sevilla (please follow the link for more details):

Level A Hotel: Hotel Hospes Las Casas del Rey de Baeza (4 stars Very Charming)

Level B Hotel: Hotel AC Ciudad de Sevilla (4 stars)

Day 14: Departure to Algarve, Portugal

Today, you'll head back to Portugal till the region of the Algarve. Some of the best and most beautiful beaches in the entire peninsula are to be found in the Algarve. It has 200 km of cliffy and sandy coastline. This area is particularly attractive because of its mild climate all year round. After enjoying the landscape you may taste the flavours of the local cuisine, based on fish and shellfish, as well as pastries consisting of figs, almonds and other local fruits.

Accommodation in Algarve (please follow the link for more details):

Level A Hotel (near Tavira): Vila Monte (Relais & Chateaux Charming 4 stars)

Level B Hotel (Carvoeiro): Hotel Tivoli Almansor (4 stars)

Roadbook - Approximate distances and times:

Sevilla - Moncarapacho ( Algarve ) --- 185 km (1 hour and 50 minutes)

Sevilla - Carvoeiro ( Algarve ) --- 248 km (2 hours and 30 minutes)

Day 15: 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 (please follow the link for more details):

Level A Hotel (near Tavira): Vila Monte (Relais & Chateaux Charming 4 stars)

Level B Hotel (Carvoeiro): Hotel Tivoli Almansor (4 stars)

Day 16: Departure to Lisbon

This day you can drive back to Lisbon in the morning, if you still want to spend some time in the Portuguese capital, or enjoy a bit more of the Algarve region.

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)

Roadbook - Approximate distances and times:

Algarve - Lisboa --- 270 km (2 hours and 50 minutes)

Day 17: Hotel Check-out and Delivery of Rented Car

Today you shall deliver your car early in the morning and return back home or continue your trip through Europe (If you can extend your holidays, please ask us to include extra nights to this pack).

End of Self-Drive Tour

PRICES (per person)

Total Adult Passengers / Car Group	2010
Total Adult Passengers / Car Group	Hotels Level A	Hotels Level B
2 Pax (1 Double Room) Group C vehicle	2.827 €	1.795 €
3 Pax (1 Double & 1 Single Room) Group C vehicle	3.112 €	1.908 €
4 Pax (2 Double Rooms) Group F vehicle	2.585 €	1.595 €
5 Pax (2 Double & 1 Single Rooms) Group F vehicle	2.762 €	1.679 €
6 Pax (3 Double Rooms) Group K vehicle	2.507 €	1.558 €
Single Room Supplement (where double is stated)	1.674 €	1.001 €
Car Upgrade Group C to E	211 €
Car Upgrade Group F to I	818 €
Car Upgrade Group F to K	759 €

For Children rates, please contact us

Prices not valid for special dates like Fairs and Easter Season. Please ask us for a quote for these special dates.

Our price includes:

- 16 Nights accommodation on selected hotel (level A or B)

- 16 Full Breakfasts

- 15 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.