Portugal by car from North to South
Discover a complete tour of Portugal that takes you from the north of the country to the south. This is the ideal opportunity for those who wish to experience one of the most welcoming tourist destinations in Europe. Portugal is known for its beautiful scenery, its gentle lifestyle and its culinary culture.
When you take advantage of our services, you have nothing to worry about: your itinerary is set, your hotels are reserved, as well as your car rental…. Porto, Lisbon, the Algarve and or the vineyards of the Douro valley have never been so close!
This itinerary can be adjusted to your personnel needs and preferences.
Highlights
- Independent tour
- Centrally located hotels
- Charming Porto and Lisbon
- Wine region of the Douro
- Castelo de Vide
- Evora
- Sun, beach & discovery in the Algarve
- Portuguese Food Scene
Included
Flights
Accommodation
Car rental
All breakfasts
ITINERARY
Arrival to Lisbon airport and pick up your car rental.
Welcome to Lisbon, capital of Portugal and one of Europe’s oldest cities. Known for the Tower of Belem, Rua Auguste with its triumphal arch and its old city center, Lisbon has been around since 1200 BC.
Enjoy discovering the city as well as its cuisine, at Taberna Anti-Dantas (Rua Sao Jose 196). Close to the city center but not overrun with tourists, it is the perfect place to sample local cuisine such as the excellent bacalhau, its Codizo a Portugueza (a typical Portuguese stew) and its suckling pig.
On your second day in Lisbon, wind through the streets of Alfama or on the famous yellow number 28 tram, admire the view from numerous lookouts over the Tagus River, learn more about Lisbon’s history at the Oriente Museum and visit the Sintra National Museum, a world heritage site.
Evening should find you in one of the many bars in the bohemian Bairro Alto neighborhood. The Pavilhao Chines, one of the oldest cocktail bars in the city, is definitely worth a visit. It is found at 89 Rua Dom Pedro V, close to many typical restaurants of which the Bruta Flor and the Primavera come highly recommended.
Main attractions in Lisbon: Saint George Castle, Tower of Belem, the triumphal arch on Rua Augusta, The Alfama old quarter, the vintage yellow tram 28, the Jéronimos Monastery, the lookouts of Lisbon.
Meals: Breakfast (day 3)
Overnight in Lisbon
Porto is 315 kilometers from Lisbon; on the way don’t hesitate to stop at some of the nicest touristic sites of the country such as Tomar, Fatima, Obidos or Aveiro before arriving in Porto.
Known for its historic city center, the popular neighborhood of La Ribeira with its colourful tiles and its typical architecture, Porto will charm you. Visiting the Saint Catherine Chapel, Bolhao Covered Market, Saint Ildefonso Church, Avenida dos Aliados (Avenue of the Allies) and the twin churches of Carmo and Carmelitas will keep you busy!
On your second day in Porto, we recommend the Crystal Palace, an immense park with an incredible view of the city and a variety of animals and trees. Take in the shores of the Douro River which allow you to discover Porto’s unique architecture with its walls and exteriors displaying a form of typical Portuguese tilework.
Day three offers the Lello Bookstore with its neo-manueline façade, the Vila Nova de Gaia, a hub of the port wine industry, and a boat trip on the Douro River.
For the more adventurous, spend a day discovering some of the beautiful towns in the area such as Braga or Guimaraes, two incredible medieval sites north of Porto.
After all this sightseeing you will need to refresh yourselves; O Ernesto , 85 Rua da Picaria, or le Cozinha do Manel, 215 Rua do Heroismo are two good options. Do not leave Cozinha do Manel without trying the rabanadas, the Portuguese version of French toast. Naturally, wash it all down with a good glass of porto!
Main attractions in Porto: The old city, cultural sites, the typical tilework, a boat trip on the Douro, a culinary taste of Porto, a football match at the Dragon stadium.
Meals: Breakfasts
Overnight in Porto
One hundred and twenty-five kilometers southeast of Porto is the city of Viseu with 100,000 inhabitants. Make a detour on the way there to visit Amarante and the vineyards of the Douro.
Viseu is a calm and peaceful city known for its beautiful cathedral and the Grao Vasco Museum, after the artist of the same name. Take time to explore the Parca da Republica (Republic Square) before passing some time in the Church of Misericordia.
When evening comes, take a break by eating and drinking a good bottle of wine on the terasse of O Pateo, one of the most popular typical restaurants of Viseu. Try the Caldo Verde (Portuguese green soup), popular in the north of the country, made of green cabbage, potatoes and onion cream.
Main attractions in Viseu: Viseu Cathedral, historic city center, drinking Adro da Se, Grao Vasco Museum, Almeida Moreiar Museum, the Church of Misericordia, Cava de Viriato.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Viseu
Castelo de Vide and its 24 churches are found about 250 kilometers southeast of Viseu. Here you can discover numerous historic sites such as the Salvador do Mundo palace and chapel. A bit farther you will find the Chapel of Sao Roque, built in the 15th century.
The city is also known for its thermal waters and you will find several fountains in the area. Legend has it that whoever drinks the water has to return to get married.
The following day you will be on your way to Evora.
Main attractions in Castelo de Vide: City center, Fonte da Vila, Church of Our Lady of the Rock, Vide Castle Synagogue, Castelo de Vide Palace, Menhir (megalith) de mead.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Castelo de Vide
The magnificent city of Evora is an hour and a half to the south of Castelo de Vide. So rich in culture, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The best way to visit is to roam the narrow, steep streets on foot.
Start at the central Parca do Giraldo where you can admire several interesting temples and Roman baths, and the Our Lady of Grace and Sao Francisco churches. Your visit of this little jewel of architecture will probably finish with a tour of the cathedral and its temple, the two emblems of the city.
Main attractions in Evora: Museum of Evora, Evora Cathedral, Roman temple and thermal baths, churches of Sao Joao Evangelista and Sao Francisco, Giraldo Park, Moura Gate Square.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Evora
Situated in the extreme southern part of Portugal, the region of Algarve is famous for its climate and lovely beaches. The best-known city in this area? Faro. You can also take advantage of driving along the coast to visit Lagos and Portimao.
This region is highly regarded for its hiking routes such as the Rota Vicentina or the Via Algarviana. There are also spots for amateur divers such as Albufeira, open to tourists.
After hiking and diving, take advantage of the area to relax in the sun. For those that love the night life, explore the Vilamoura Marina and sample one of its many restaurants. The days here pass quickly so make sure you don’t miss anything!
Foodies, take advantage of the proximity to the sea to taste the Bulhao Pato (clams in sauce), barbecued sardines and fresh fish and seafood. Also try the Lulas (braised squid), the Polvo (boiled octopus) and the Filetes de Pescada (hake fried in an egg batter).
Main activities in Algarve: Sun, beach, diving, water sports, hiking, visiting Faro, exploring grottos, enjoying the local cuisine.
Meals: Breakfasts
Overnight in the Algarve
The last day of your visit is devoted to your return to Lisbon. Use the time to revisit the wonders of this marvelous city, guaranteed to provide you with many fond memories. Take advantage of the last evening to try a typical restaurant such as the Madragon Café.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Lisbon
Drop off the rental car at Lisbon airport. Flight back to Montreal.
Meal: Breakfast
Dates
Daily departures
INCLUSIONS
This trip includes:
- Return flights from Montreal to Lisbon
- 13 nights accommodation in the selected hotel category
- 13 breakfasts
- 14 days car rental category ‘C’ including unlimited mileage, CDW & TP insurances, local taxes
- Airport taxes
This trip does not include:
- Any activities, tours or entrance fees to monuments
- Car rental’s compulsory insurance and other additional services such as deductible insurance, rental of a GPS, second driver, a full tank is required when the vehicle is returned etc.
- Parking, tolls, fuel & fines
- Items of personal nature such as mini-bar, safety box, wi-fi etc.
- Tips and baggage handling at airports/hotels
- Portugal Tourist tax
- All types of travel or personal insurance
- PCR tests
- Anything not stated explicitly in the inclusions
- Contribution to the Compensation Fund for Customers of Travel Agents: 3.50$ per 1000$
Featured Hotels
Package in standard hotels (or similar)
| Lisbon | Don Carlos Liberty 3* |
| Porto | Grande Hotel do Porto 3* |
| Viseu | Grao Vasco 4* |
| Castelo de Vide | Sol e Serra 3* |
| Evora | Dom Fernando 3* |
| Algarve | Santa Catarina 3* |
Package in superior hotels (or similar)
| Lisbon | Mundial 4* |
| Porto | Eurostars das Artes 4* |
| Viseu | Grao Vasco 4* |
| Castelo de Vide | Sol e Serra 3* |
| Evora | Evora Olive Hotel 4* |
| Algarve | Pestana Dom Joao II 4* |
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