Classical Portugal Self Drive

Welcome to Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal. After picking up your car from the airport, check into your hotel (or similar) and spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your leisure. Don't miss a visit to the Alfama neighborhood, the oldest part of Lisbon, known for its bright tiled buildings and steep cobbled streets. As the day ends, head to the Miradouro das Portas do Sol for a stunning sunset view over the city's orange-hued rooftops. Overnight stay will be in Lisbon.

After breakfast, drive north to the charming village of Sintra, nestled in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains. Visit the Quinta de Regaleira, a famous monument known for its ornate gazebos, benches with sculptures, and intriguing underground tunnels. Next, head south to the beach town of Cascais, a perfect spot for a refreshing swim. Continue west to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, and marvel at its mesmerizing landscapes. Finally, return to Lisbon for the night.

Start your day with a drive north to the historic town of Alcobaca, where you can explore the Alcobaca Monastery, a World Heritage Site known for its serene Gothic architecture. Continue northeast to the town of Batalha and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Monastery of Batalha, famous for its awe-inspiring sculptures and vaults. End your day in the spiritual city of Fatima, where you can discover the gigantic plazas, basilicas, and the famous Grutas da Moeda, a natural masterpiece shaped by running water over millions of years. Overnight stay will be in Fatima.

After breakfast, travel north to the city of Coimbra, home to the oldest university in Portugal. Visit the University of Coimbra and climb the 180 steps of the old 16th-century university tower for a panoramic view of the city. Continue your journey north to the city of Viseu, known for its historic granite monuments, cathedrals, and the popular Centro Historico. Overnight stay will be in Viseu.

Begin your day with a drive to the northwestern city of Porto, a World Heritage site known for its medieval walls, gleaming Baroque churches, and the compact streets of the Ribeira district. Discover the city's rich history with a visit to the Romanesque Cathedral and the Clerigos Church, a 75-meter high tower offering panoramic views of the city. Don't forget to explore the city's famous port wine warehouses on the south bank. Overnight stay will be in Porto.

Today, travel south towards Fatima, stopping first at the maritime city of Aveiro. Known as the 'Venice of Portugal', Aveiro is crisscrossed by canals that you can navigate on painted gondola-style boats known as moliceiros. Visit the Museu de Aveiro, a monastery-turned-museum with collections dating back to the 15th century. Continue south to Tomar, the last remaining Templar town in the world, and explore the World Heritage Site of the Convent of Christ and the magnificent Aqueduto dos Pegões. Overnight stay will be in Fatima.

Travel south back to Lisbon, where you have the day at your leisure. Consider visiting the Torre de Belem, the city's most iconic feature and the last sight adventurers like Vasco da Gama would have seen as they ventured out into the Atlantic Ocean. Overnight stay will be in Lisbon.

After breakfast, make your way to Lisbon International airport to return your rental car and catch your flight home. As you depart, take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable journey you've had through the heart of Portugal.