SAMPLE ITINERARY
Please note that the following is a suggested itinerary. While the sites listed below may be visited independently, the package does not cover any applicable entrance or tour fees.
DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart for Portugal
Depart for Lisbon, Portugal
DAY 2, Thursday - Arrive in Lisbon, Drive to Porto
Arrive in Lisbon, capital of Portugal. Pick-up your reserved vehicle at the airport's car rental facility and drive to the coastal city of Porto. After check-in, spend time at leisure to explore Portugal’s second largest city. The region is famous for the production of Port
Drive Time: 3 hours
Distance: 191 miles*
Overnight: Porto
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3, Friday - Explore Porto
Begin the day with a panoramic drive to the mouth of the Douro River, and visit the Church of Sao Francisco and the Stock Exchange, renowned for its exquisite neoclassical façade and ornate gilded Arabian Hall. Continue with a visit to the oldest district of the city, the Ribeira, filled with narrow cobbled streets, ancient homes and a plethora of restaurants, cafes and bars. Conclude your day with a visit to a Port Wine Cellar to learn about the traditional brewing process and a chance to sample some of the finest Port vintages
Overnight: Porto
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Saturday - Visit Historic Coimbra
This morning, drive south through the Buçaco National Park to Coimbra, on the banks of the river Mondego, the third-largest city in Portugal. Visit the university of Coimbra, among the oldest universities in Europe, with more than 700 years of history and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to the Santa Cruz Monastery & Church, best known as Igreja da Santa Cruz. The ancient church houses the tomb of the first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques. Afterward, head to the botanical gardens, one of the the largest botanical gardens in Portugal and one of the most beautiful in Europe, with terraced formal gardens and densely populated foliage areas including many exotic trees. Afterward, return to Porto
Drive Time: 3 hours
Distance: 162 miles*
Overnight: Porto
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Sunday - Depart Porto, Lisbon, Estoril
This morning, depart Porto and head south. Stop in Lisbon, one of the oldest cities in Europe, over 2,000 years old, and capital of Portugal since 1147. View the treasured 16th century Belem Tower, a monument to Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Continue to visit the Jeronimos Monastery, an impressive symbol of the country’s power and wealth and resting place of explorer Vasco de Gama. Afterward, take a walk along the winding cobblestone streets to Alfama, the old Fisherman’s Quarter, nestled between the Grand Castle and the River Tagus. Afterward, continue to the resort town of Estoril and check into your hotel
Drive Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Distance: 209 miles*
Overnight: Estoril
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Monday - Discover Obidos, Alcobaça and Nazaré
Start your day with a northbound drive to medieval Obidos, with its historic center, a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and beautiful vistas. Visit Óbidos Castle, perched at the highest point of the town, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Make sure to taste Ginja de Óbidos, a traditional sour cherry liquor before continuing to Alcobaça. Here, visit the Church of Santa Maria Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was founded in the 12th century by the first Portuguese King, Alfonso I. It was the first building in Portugal to adopt the Gothic style and is the largest church in the country. See the decorated tombs of King Pedro I and his lover Inês de Castro. Before heading back, stop at the charming fishing town of Nazaré, that retains the colorful fishing traditions. Here, it’s not uncommon to encounter fishmongers who still wear the traditional seven skirts
Drive Time: 4 hours
Distance: 195 miles*
Overnight: Estoril
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Tuesday - Depart Portugal
Drive to Lisbon airport and return your vehicle at the car rental facility, prior to your departure flight
Drive Time: 45 minutes
Distance: 25 miles*
Meals: Breakfast
*Please consider that the driving times and distances are estimated and that they can vary because of many circumstances, such as: a specific route taken, hotel location, traffic, weather, road conditions, etc. GPS devices are recommended.
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