Self-Drive Hiking Tour Lisbon and North of Portugal (11 Days)
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Lisbon and visit to the city
After arriving to Lisbon and picking up your car at the airport, we suggest you to visit the capital of Portugal, colonized by many civilizations along the centuries: Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors and finally the Portuguese after 1147. 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. We advise you to take a walk through Bairro Alto, one of the most emblematic neighbourhoods in Lisbon. Here, you can feel the "Fado" while the tram passes by. You'll be able to feel the heartbeat of the city and to admire its beautiful hills. You can continue down the hill to the area of Chiado, an important centre of commerce and cultural activity - it was here that writers and philosophers used to gather to discuss their ideas back in the early 20th century. In front of the historical "A Brasileira" café, you'll pass by the statue of Fernando Pessoa drinking his coffee, watching people passing by. From there, to Baixa Pombalina, the historical centre rebuilt after the earthquake in 1755. The new wide streets and 5 floor buildings gave a new dimension and image to the city. The next goal shall be another hill where you'll find the famous and picturesque neighbourhood of Alfama. Life outside the walls started in this neighbourhood and spread down to the river during the Roman occupation. Here, you may enter the Sé de Lisboa (Cathedral) - a 12th century building, built right after the conquer of Lisbon from the Moors in 1147. Continuing up the hill, you'll enter the Castle of São Jorge from where you can admire Lisbon , the river Tejo and centuries of History...
(If you wish, we can provide you a Half-Day walking tour with one of our guides, who will escort and guide you on a visit to Lisbon).
At the end of the afternoon, you shall head to your accommodation that you can choose from two different options:
Accommodation Suggestion (close to Sintra & Cascais):
"A lovely modern golf hotel, the ideal place for a great time of relax, where you can enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools. It is conveniently located 7 km from the seaside resort towns of Cascais and Estoril and 3 km from the historic centre of Sintra. If you prefer to stay in a green scenery, this is a perfect choice."
Alternative Accommodation Suggestion (if you prefer to stay in Lisbon):
"This is a very modern and comfortable hotel remembering a design hotel, with all the amenities and an excellent location in the heart of the city of Lisbon . You'll be at walking distance from the historic neighbourhoods, like Chiado and “Baixa”, and to the shopping district. A good and reliable hotel proposal for a nice stay in Lisbon."
Day 2: Visit to Sintra (& Pena Palace ) and hiking next to the Atlantic Coast
You shall start this day heading to 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. We advise you not to miss Pena National Palace , the most beautiful Romantic Palace in Portugal. Afterwards you can spend some time hanging around the small town centre, among the old chalets and all the commercial spots, exhibiting some of the most interesting Handicrafts. Not to forget: to try the well-known Travesseiros (“Pillow cases”) and Queijadas, two kinds of local delicious pastries you'll remember forever. After lunch, you shall head to the Coast (Adraga beach) to meet your guide and start your walking activity along the coast. The coastal area of Sintra is one of those places where people will never get bored with the surrounding landscape. Along the way, you'll see places of natural and geological interest and fantastic landscapes over the ocean. There are several pathways next to the shore or within the interior of the Natural Park of Sintra and Cascais. Some of the places of great interest are the dinosaur's footprints, South of Praia Grande (Large beach). The Adraga beach, starting point of this trail, was considered by the readers of the well-know English newspaper “The Sunday Times” amongst the 20 best European beaches! At the end of the afternoon, you'll head once more to your accommodation.
Accommodation Suggestion (close to Sintra & Cascais):
Alternative Accommodation Suggestion (if you prefer to stay in Lisbon):
Day 3: Departure to Óbidos and Lousã (Hiking in Lousã)
In the morning you shall leave towards the beautiful small medieval town of Óbidos, still surrounded by the old city walls. Óbidos is famous for its very well preserved atmosphere of a traditional Portuguese town, where the entire whitewashed houses are very carefully decorated with lovely coloured flowerbeds. Explore the town of Óbidos, considered by many as a true museum, since it is famous as one of the most well-preserved medieval towns of Portugal . Because of its genuineness, it deserves for sure, your visit on a walking tour. You can stroll through its lovely typical streets, and you'll understand why this village was a gift from our kings to their queens along the centuries. Afterwards, please proceed towards North to Lousã, where you'll accommodate at an ancient 17th and 18th centuries palace. After lunch, in the afternoon, you'll meet your guide for hiking through the ancient mountain villages (Talasnal and Casal Novo), built with schist, passing by places of rare beauty and natural landscape. You'll feel like you've travelled some hundred years ago. Picnic included during the activity.
Accommodation Suggestion (Lousã):
Palácio da Lousã Boutique Hotel
"The hotel offers two different areas: one of them was the ancient palace of the Viscondessa do Espinal, dating from the 17th and 18th century, and the other was recently built when the house was turned into a hotel. The decoration of both common areas and guest rooms combine a classical decoration with contemporary elements. Its location close to historically and culturally interesting sites as well as its modern interior make it the perfect choice for resting in an exceptional environment."
Day 4: Departure to Porto and Amarante
You shall start your day heading to Porto. As soon as you'll 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. You can walk on the historical area. 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. You can visit some of the most significant monuments ( Stock Exchange Palace, and St. Francis Church). On the other bank of Douro River (at Vila Nova de Gaia) you can visit the Port Wine cellars, including some Port Wine tasting as well. On the commercial and pedestrian street of St. Catherine you can enjoy some shopping. Afterwards, please head towards Amarante, where your hotel is located facing the old bridge over the River Tâmega, in the historic heart of this small town. Casa da Calçada is an impressive refined, hotel set on a 16th century palace set on a wonderful atmosphere.
Accommodation Suggestion (Amarante):
Casa da Calçada – Relais & Chateaux
"Located in the heart of Amarante, facing San Gonçalo's church and bathed by Tâmega River , Casa da Calçada was, in ancient times, a noble house. Howing to a careful and precise renovation, it is today a charming hotel that invites travelling in time, in anextremely comfortable and unique environment. Charm and Classicism are obviously present in a wonderful decoration where colours create comfort, where textiles tuck you in and where every ornamental detail tells pieces of history. It has a splendid garden with a great view of Amarante, where two refreshing swimming pools and a tennis court can be found."
Day 5: Departure to Guimarães and Gerês mountain range (Hiking in Gerês)
In the morning please head to the city of Guimarães where you will enjoy its beauty and simplicity. You can 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, you can walk through the narrow streets of the historical centre, meeting finally the beautiful square of Oliveira (classified as a Heritage Cultural UNESCO site). We suggest you to have lunch in the historical area of the city. The beautiful area of Gerês is a National Park with green and beautiful vegetation, crossed by many rivers, streams and some cascades. Having once been the home of the brown bear and the mountain goat, Peneda-Gerês is today one of the last refuges of the predators, such as the wolf and the royal eagle. Your guided walking trail will be performed today within this lush vegetation, along the Geira Romana Trail, widely enjoyed for its beauty along this stretch in terms of Roman heritage. You'll follow the remains of an ancient Roman stone path with a number of milestones and an unforgettable involving landscape. Picnic included. After the pedestrian circuit please head to your hotel in Póvoa de Lanhoso, a lovely countryside accommodation.
Accommodation Suggestion (Póvoa de Lanhoso - Gerês):
"Idyllically located in the heart of northern Portugal , Hotel Rural Maria da Fonte is a country estate offering very comfortable guest-rooms. On-site facilities include a bar, regional restaurant, games room, indoor and outdoor pools, Turkish bath, sauna, tennis court, gymnasium, horse riding centre and various meeting rooms."
Day 6: Morning at leisure and departure to the Douro Area
This morning you can enjoy your time to walk around the hotel area, to enjoy the indoor or the outdoor pool and relaxing. (Only a 5 minutes walk from the Hotel there is the Interpretation Centre of the Carvalho Quinhentista de Calvos, an oak tree of the 16th century, which includes a maintenance circuit). After lunch you may head towards the Douro area. You can visit the Solar de Mateus manor house, 2 km off Vila Real, in the village of Mateus. This beautiful mansion was designed by an Italian architect on the 18th century, and its picture became known worldwide on the labels of the Mateus Rosé wine. You will enjoy the lovely gardens but the house itself is also visitable and has very interesting art pieces on display. On the way to your hotel, 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. You'll realize how the local everyday life is clearly linked to the wine production and traditions. Once you arrive at the hotel, you can spend the rest of the day walking in the estate's own trails or to rest in the panoramic pool with scenic views over the Douro Valley.
Accommodation Suggestion (near Pinhão):
"Quinta Nova Rural Hotel is the first wine hotel in the Douro Demarcated Region, connected to a Port wine producing company. The Hotel is established in Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo, an old manor house that was rehabilitated and fully equipped in comfort and refinement, offering its guests delightful living-rooms with warm fireplaces, dining rooms where they may relish typical regional dishes, as well as bedrooms exquisitely decorated in 18th century style. Hotel Quinta Nova has at your disposal several facilities for all kinds of leisure activities: the wine cellar, an underground cask storage built in slate, the wine tasting rooms, the water-mill that accommodates the olive oil museum, the porch, as well as hideaways of surpassing beauty where one may have a picnic. On a hot day you may go for a swim in the refreshing pool located inside the schist walls of the old vineyard."
Day 7: Departure to the archaeological Rock Art site in Côa Valley and arrival to Marialva
This morning, you will drive to the Côa Valley Archaeological Park (declared World Heritage Site by the UNESCO), where you'll visit one of the most important clusters of painted and engraved rocks of the Côa valley, accompanied by a local guide. All these sites are located along the banks of the Côa and its tributaries, in areas of schist bedrock. These cultural heritage items would be submerged or destroyed as a result of the construction of a large dam to be located near the mouth of the river. Fortunately they were recognized as unique and the dam project was voided. The visit is made using the Park's own jeeps, including about 2 km of walk. (Please note that the Archaeological Park is closed on Monday). After this visit you shall head towards your accommodation place for this day, a beautiful old village, belonging to the group of Portuguese historical villages, where you can enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or visiting the walled village and the settlement beyond it with its two-storey stone houses, the castle's keep and the church of Saint James.
Accommodation Suggestion (Marialva):
"Casas do Côro is set in a region where tradition and culture is still the reflex of the slow centuries flow. The visitor that passes through this place, can usufruct of a reencounter with what our nation has of more genuine. A granite appeal in the welcoming manner of the region of Beira . A dialogue of stones which have lasted like man."
Day 8: Visit to the “historical villages” of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Almeida, Linhares da Beira and arrival to Seia
Today you'll dedicate your day to head back in the past by visiting these ancient villages that seem to have stopped in time. Please start by Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo. In the ancient Castelo Rodrigo you can walk and see the old massive stone houses that have survived along the centuries. The village is surrounded by immense farm and pasture lands that can be overlooked from the highest points of the village. You can see as far as Spain from there! In the afternoon, you can visit Almeida, an old walled village, whose walls faced the French Invasions in the early 19th century. If you'd see it from the air you would have the vision of a star-shaped strong fortress. You'll walk along the streets, getting to know the village's past of battles and wars, from whose times some buildings remain. Afterwards, please proceed to Linhares da Beira, from whose castle's top the beauty of this village is even more marvellous. This village is located at about 1000 meters high, at the feet of the Estrela mountain range, the highest one in Portugal. In this area some local products are worth to try: the well-known Serra cheese with rye bread. The local economy is indeed based in the production of cereals and the grazing of sheep. Then, it's time to head to the place where you'll be accommodated for this day: Lapa dos Dinheiros, 7 km from Seia, on a slope of the mountain, within the area of the Natural Park, offering great views over the surrounding landscape.
Accommodation Suggestion (near Seia):
"The Casa da Lapa Mourisca, inaugurated in December 2005, is located on the North West of Serra da Estrela , right in the middle of its natural park. Casa da Lapa Mourisca offers a true and real countryside ambiance with comfort, charm and hospitality. The modern traveller who looks for nature contact will find here not only an excellent accommodation but also local gastronomy as organized walking, heated exterior pool, sauna, Turkish bath, fitness-room and other facilities."
Day 9: Visit to Museu do Pão (Bread Museum) and hiking in the Estrela mountain range
Today we advise you to visit the Bread Museum, in the morning, which shows one of the main products in this area, a very important element of local people's nourishment for hundreds of years. Here, the tradition and the art of making bread in Portugal will be shown to you. After the visit, we suggest you to try the Bread Museum Restaurant, where the flavours of the Portuguese gastronomy are served, accompanied, of course, with several types of bread. This day will be dedicated to the observation of nature, where you'll find diversified vegetation on a scarcely populated area. The highest points of Serra da Estrela are covered with snow in the winter time, and this is the only area in Portugal to practice sky or other winter sports. In Covão da Ametade you'll meet your guide and start the moderate climb at 1430 meters and end at 1928 meters. This mountainous area will provide you a fantastic nature and environment of granite, low vegetation and fauna typical from altitude areas. Its shaped cliffs and gorges, mountain streams and lakes, beautiful forests and magnificent views, turn the area into one of Portugal's most visited attractions. This area was the birth place for the famous Lusitanian leader and Portuguese national hero, Viriato, who defended Portugal from the Romans before one of his companions betrayed him and the country fell on Roman hands. Afterwards, you shall get back to your accommodation, Casa da Lapa Mourisca for a peaceful rest.
Accommodation Suggestion (near Seia):
Day 10: Departure to Lisbon, passing by Coimbra, Fátima and Batalha
This morning you shall head towards 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. You'll see the University chapel and its Baroque library. In its city centre you shall walk among old Romanesque cathedrals and Manueline churches at the same time you'll stroll across its commercial busy area. It is not easy to distinguish here the limit between the old metropolis and the modern city. You can have lunch and/or some shopping in Downtown area. After visiting Coimbra , please proceed 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). On the way out of Fatima , you shall proceed to Batalha, where there won't be any chance to avoid the well known monastery; besides being a World Heritage site since 1983, this construction overpowers the small town for its dimensions and exquisite late Gothic decoration. At the end of the afternoon you'll arrive to Lisbon , where you can have an evening walk in the districts of Baixa and Chiado and have dinner in one of the many local restaurants.
Accommodation Suggestion ( Lisbon):
"This is a very modern and comfortable hotel remembering a design hotel, with all the amenities and an excellent location in the heart of the city of Lisbon . You'll be at walking distance from the historic neighbourhoods, like Chiado and “Baixa”, and to the shopping district. A good and reliable hotel proposal for a nice stay in Lisbon."
Day 11: Hotel check-out, deliver car and end of our services.
Note: As in all our programs, we can customize this itinerary to your wishes, as well as reorganize the number of days to the time you have available.
End of Tour
PRICELIST
| Total Adult Passengers / Car Group | Prices per person |
| 2 Pax (1 Double Room) Group C vehicle |
1.695 € |
| 3 Pax (1 Double & 1 Single Room) Group C vehicle |
1.585 € |
| 4 Pax (2 Double Rooms) Group F vehicle |
1.455 € |
| 5 Pax (2 Double & 1 Single Rooms) Group F vehicle |
1.345 € |
| 6 Pax (3 Double Rooms) Group K vehicle |
1.290 € |
| Single Room Supplement (where double is stated) | 395 € |
| Car Upgrade Group C to E | 130 € |
| Car Upgrade Group F to I | 540 € |
| Car Upgrade Group F to K | 400 € |
For Children rates, please contact us
Our price includes:
- 10 Nights accommodation on selected hotel
- 10 Full Breakfasts
- 5 hiking private tours with expert nature guides
- 2 picnics included during hiking activities
- 10 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
- Self-Drive Hiking Tour Lisbon and South of Portugal (9 Days)
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- Self-Drive Hiking Tour Lisbon & Surroundings (6 Days)
Please feel free to contact us for more information or booking:info@toursforyou.pt or using the following form (click again to close)