Lisbon | Portugal's Enchanting South Independent Tour

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8-day Self-drive tour. From the historic heart of Lisbon to romantic Sintra and the medieval charms of Obidos & Evora, to the natural exuberance of Arrabida National Park and the golden sands and lively towns of the Algarve, this 8-day Self-drive showcases the best of Portugal's South!

Day 1: Lisbon | Estoril

Bem-Vindo a Portugal! On arrival at Lisbon airport, clear customs and pick-up your rental car. As short drive will take you to Estoril located just west of Lisbon on the coast known as the "Portuguese Riviera". Check into your hotel and the remainder of the days is free to relax and explore this lovely seaside resort.
Lisbon Airport - Estoril: approximately 25 km

Day 2: Lisbon & Sintra

No vacation to Portugal would be complete without a visit to Lisbon and today we suggest you explore this bustling city with its many World Heritage monuments, magnificent plazas & picturesque ancient quarters. Visit the Tower of Belém, the Monument of Discoveries and the Jerónimos Monastery. Explore the Baixa District, the heart of Lisbon featuring magnificent plazas, grand 18th-century architecture and avenues lined with cafés & restaurants. Then perhaps take a walk through the Medieval quarters of Alfama and Mouraria, crowned by the magnificent St. George’s Castle, and feel the atmosphere of this old historic town. On your return drive to Estoril, take the seaside road “Marginal”  through the famous harbour of Belém where you can stop to taste the "Pastel de Nata" or "Pastel de Belém", a speciality of the traditional Portuguese cuisine. Or set out to the delightful hilltop village of Sintra, the former summer retreat of Portuguese, where you can visit Sintra Castle and the romantic 19th-century Pena Palace. Then return and enjoy a leisurely evening in Estoril. (B)

Day 3: Obidos, Batalha, Alcobaça, Nazaré

Take a short drive northwest to the charming Medieval town of Óbidos set within the old castle walls and known by its typical white houses, flower-covered windows and narrow cobblestone streets. Make sure to try the typical Ginginha (cherry liqueur) in Óbidos, served in a chocolate cup! The monuments and Gothic monastery in Batalha, the town of Alcobaça - the heart of the Portuguese ceramic industry and home of the XII-century Santa Maria Cistercian Monastery and the picturesque fishing village of Nazaré, are also worth a visit. Return to your hotel in Estoril. (B)

Day 4: Estoril | Evora | Albufeira

Today sees you travelling south toward the Algarve region. Start your journey driving inland to the capital of Alentejo Region, Évora, a “living museum” classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage City and the perfect place to taste the delicious Alentejo cuisine. Take a stroll through this historic town and be enchanted by Evora's narrow cobblestone streets lined with white-washed houses & handicraft shops as you make your way from Giraldo Square to the Roman Temple, the Cathedral and St Francis Church with its unique Bones Chapel. Continue your journey driving south toward the Algarve, Portugal's sunny southern coast beloved for its mild Mediterranean climate, golden beaches contrasting with rugged cliffs and its lively towns. After checking into your Albufeira hotel, take some free time to relax and walk by the sea. (B)
Estoril - Evora: 155 km ; Evora - Albufeira: 204 km  approximately

Day 5: Algarve

A full day at leisure to relax, enjoy some beach time or meander through the historic centre of Albufeira. Alternatively, set out with your rental car to explore the western Algarve region. Visit the town of Lagos, also known as the pot of gold for its yellow rocks along the coast, admire the caves & rocks at Ponta da Piedade and perhaps make your way to Sagres, the most south-westerly village in mainland Europe to visit the fortress of Cape St. Vincent, a symbol of the Portuguese discoveries. You can also choose to make your way inland to Silves, the ancient Arab capital of the Algarve featuring a Moorish Castle and XII-century Cathedral, or the "garden" town of Monchique, a typical Algarvean village surrounded by scenic hills and famous for its handicrafts. (B)

Day 6: Algarve

Why not set out today to explore Algarve's east side? In Faro, the capital of the Algarve, you can stroll through the Old Town and visit the XIII-century Cathedral. Continue to Olhão, a city built under Arabic influences where we suggest to visit the waterfront markets and old quarter. Stop in Santa Luzia, the most picturesque and unspoiled fishing village in the Algarve, and end your day tour in Tavira, an ancient town dating back to Roman times where you can visit the old castle ruins, Santa Maria do Castelo church and the famous IV-century Roman bridge. Return to your Albufeira hotel. (B)

Day 7: Albufeira | Lisbon

Departing the Algarve Coast, make your way back north through Alentejo region. On your way to Lisbon, you'll have the opportunity to stop in Sesimbra to visit the castle of Sesimbra, admire the views of the bay and have lunch at one of the seafront restaurants. And perhaps take some time to explore the exuberant Arrábida Natural Park featuring beautiful beaches, unspoilt nature and Arrábida Mountain range with its unique vegetation, just a short drive from Lisbon. Check into your Lisbon hotel and then perhaps take a stroll through the lively streets of Bairro Alto & Madragoa or celebrate your final night with dinner and music at one of the area's typical Fado Restaurants. (B)
Albufeira - Lisbon: 259 km approximately

Day 8: Lisbon

Unfortunately, today marks the end of your Portugal's Enchanting South Self-drive vacation. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and, at a time to suit your flight, drive back to Lisbon airport to return your rental car and begin your journey back home. Or ask about extending your Portugal vacation with additional nights in Lisbon or other destination. (B)

Daily Departures

Minimum 2 passengers.