Lisbon | Portugal's Romantic North Independent Tour

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From the Phoneticians to the Romans, from Moors to the new generations, all have influenced Portuguese culture, history & cuisine and are here for you to discover on this comprehensive 8-day self-drive vacation. Departing from Lisbon, you'll visit some of Portugal's most interesting towns & historical sites and have the opportunity to experience its rich culture & excellent cuisine!

Day 1: Lisbon | Obidos

Welcome to Portugal! Upon arrival at Lisbon Airport make your way to the Budget car-hire desk, pick up your rental car and drive north of Lisbon to the Medieval walled town of Óbidos, known for its typical white houses, flowered windows and narrow cobblestone streets. Settle into your hotel and then enjoy the lovely surrounding landscape and perhaps visit the national monuments in nearby Batalha & Alcobaça and the picturesque fishing town of Nazaré. Overnight in Óbidos.
Distance Lisbon - Obidos: 90 km approx.

Day 2: Obidos | Porto

Today you'll drive through Northern Portugal from Óbidos to the town of Porto where you will stay for the next three nights. Located on the right bank of the Douro River, which crosses the Porto wine region, this enchanting town offers the delights of a riverside city. During your stay in Porto, enjoy all this charming city has to offer. You can explore the historic centre, classified as UNESCO World Heritage, and its remarkable monuments on foot, visit one of the many Port Wine cellars on the other bank of the river, or relax during a cruise on the Douro River where you have the opportunity to admire the old city of Porto fro ma different perspective. (B)
Distance Obidos - Porto: 245 km approx.

Days 3 & 4: Porto, Douro Valley & Charming towns

Enjoy two full days to explore this area at your leisure. Take a drive through the lovely Douro Valley wine region and visit local wineries. Or perhaps spend a full day discovering Guimarães, Portugal´s birthplace with its majestic Medieval castle; the 18th-century shrine of Bom Jesus de Braga; the beautiful village of Ponte de Lima and the seaside town of Viana do Castelo famous for its handicrafts & filigree embroideries. Overnight accommodation in Porto. (B)

Day 5: Porto | Coimbra

Following breakfast at your hotel, depart Porto and start your journey toward Coimbra. We recommend a visit to Aveiro, also known as the "Venice of Portugal", and the romantic Royal Palace of Bussaco along the way. Arriving in Coimbra check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day to relax or start exploring this beautiful town. Overnight in Coimbra. (B)
Distance Porto - Coimbra: 130 km approx.

Day 6: Coimbra | Lisbon

In the morning take some time to visit Coimbra, this unique & special university town home to one of Europe's oldest universities which still keeps its secular academic traditions as seen in the black-caped students. And just south of Coimbra you can find Conimbriga and the Roman ruins.Then travel south toward Lisbon where you’ll spend the next two nights. (B) 
Distance Coimbra - Lisbon:  205 km approx.

Day 7: Lisbon

Enjoy a full day to explore Portugal’s capital city at your own pace. Take your time discovering Lisbon's many monuments & historic sites and the medieval quarters of Alfama and Mouraria. Stroll along the lively streets of Bairro Alto and Madragoa and visit the historic Belém quarter with the Tower of Belem and the Jerónimos Monastery. Don’t miss the opportunity to also visit the nearby romantic Sintra area with its unique atmosphere, exuberant vegetation & mystical Palaces. On the way back to Lisbon pass by Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe, and the seaside towns of Estoril and Cascais on the “Portuguese Riviera”.  And in the evening perhaps enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner in one of the local Fado restaurants and while listening to this traditional songs. (B)

Day 8: Lisbon

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and, at a time to suit your departing flight, make your way to Lisbon Airport to return your rental car and begin your journey back home. (B)

Daily Departures

Minimum 2 passengers.