Portugal Discovery, Self-drive

Portugal Discovery, Self-drive

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8 Days From

$976

$930

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Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating self-drive adventure through Portugal with the "Portugal Discovery" tour. This journey invites you to explore the vibrant capital of Lisbon, renowned for its rich history and cultural treasures. Discover the medieval charm of Castelo de Vide, the ancient allure of Coimbra, and the bustling energy of Oporto, famous for its Port wine. Experience the coastal beauty of Figueira da Foz, a beloved destination for its expansive sandy beaches. With seven nights of accommodation in superior hotels and a rental car at your disposal, you'll have the freedom to explore at your own pace. Enjoy the convenience of unlimited mileage and 24-hour road assistance as you traverse this cosmopolitan and lively country, indulging in its arts, culture, and culinary delights. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Lisbon: Explore Portugal’s capital city with its cultural gems, fado music, and culinary treats like pasteis de Belem.

  • Castelo de Vide: Discover the mediaeval castle, fortress, and the Gothic quarter in this charming city.

  • Coimbra: Visit the ancient capital of Portugal, known for its impressive monuments and historical sites.

  • Oporto: Experience Portugal’s second largest city, famous for its Port wine and historical buildings.

  • Figueira da Foz: Relax on the extensive beach of fine sand, a popular tourist attraction in Portugal.

  • Evora: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with its rich architecture and cultural influences.

  • Sintra: Enjoy the mesmerising town with its fascinating old centre and impressive Royal Palace.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : ARRIVAL LISBON

Location: Lisbon

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Vila Galé Opera or similar 4*

Meals Included: Breakfast

After you arrive at the Lisbon International Airport, a tour representative will meet and greet you. Then go pick up your rental car, travel instructions and documents. Spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring Lisbon, Europe's second oldest capital after Athens and once home to some of the world's greatest explorers. Few cities are as packed history as this one is, with classic and surprising sites, cultural treasures, and a beautiful setting that makes it a paradise for walkers and photographers. Drive to your first hotel and check in to spend the night. 


Overnight in Lisbon.


Day 2 : LISBON – EVORA – ALTER DO CHÃO (223km – 2.45 hrs)

Location: Lisbon, Evora, Alter do Chão

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Vila Galé Alter do Chão or similar 4*

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, drive from Lisbon to Alter do Chão, where you will spend your next night. We suggest you drive along the route that passes through Evora, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site containing a wealth of architecture, gastronomy and handicrafts. The city, with its narrow streets of Moorish origin and contrasting squares where the light floods in, holds two millennia of history; absorb the secret soul that a diverse range of cultural influences has bestowed upon this very special city.

Overnight in Alter do Chão.


Day 3 : ALTER DO CHÃO – CASTELO DE VIDE – TOMAR – COIMBRA (241km - 2.55 hrs)

Location: Alter do Chão, Castelo de Vide, Tomar, Convent of Christ, Coimbra

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: NH Coimbra Dona Inês or similar 4*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Early in the morning after breakfast, we suggest you drive from Alter do Chão to Coimbra. Do not leave Alter do Chão  without visiting Castelo de Vide historical and charming village. Later, on your way to Coimbra, make sure to enjoy a stop at Tomar. Famous for being the former seat of the Order of the Knights Templar, Tomar is a city of great charm for its artistic and cultural wealth, whose greatest expression is in the Convent of Christ, one of the chief works of the Portuguese Renaissance.

Overnight in Coimbra. 

Day 4 : COIMBRA – OPORTO (125km – 1.5 hrs)

Location: Coimbra, Bussaco Forest, Porto

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Dom Henrique Downtown or similar 4*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your journey today will take you to Porto. After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a walk or drive around town and visit the famous historical city centre of Coimbra and its world-famous University and Library. Coimbra is one of Portugal's oldest cities, containing fascinating traces of many bygone ages. Then, climb back into your car and drive along the marvellous Bussaco Forest, a fairy-tale-worthy magical forest with around 700 varieties of trees. In its very centre lies the neo-Manueline Bussaco Palace, one of Europe's most grandiose smaller palaces. Continue then to Porto, where you will spend the night.


Overnight in Porto.


Day 5 : OPORTO – GUIMARAES – OPORTO (115km – 1 hrs)

Location: Porto, Guimaraes

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Dom Henrique Downtown or similar 4*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Recharge your energies with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before enjoying a slow day of rest and relaxation. Spend some time strolling through the marvellous city of Porto, Portugal’s second biggest city, located on the hills at the mouth of the Douro River. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its historical buildings and outstanding monuments, it is undoubtedly one of the highlights of Portugal. Porto offers a compelling synthesis of ancient and contemporary attractions. Alternately, you can drive up to Guimaraes, which is also well worth a visit due to its historical centre, rickety houses and mediaeval buildings. UNESCO also listed Guimaraes as a World Heritage Site in 2001.


Overnight in Porto.


Day 6 : OPORTO – ESPINHO – OVAR – AVEIRO – FIGUEIRA DA FOZ – COIMBRA (212kms – 3 hrs)

Location: Oporto, Espinho, Ovar, Aveiro, Figueira da Foz, Coimbra

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: NH Coimbra Dona Inês or similar 4*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before driving along the coast to your next stop: Coimbra. During this journey, do not miss the opportunity to visit other beautiful locations. We recommend you stop at Espinho, a small fishing village boasting little more than a minor canning industry. Its beach resort now draws crowds to its golden shores, where its quaint fishing boats still sits on the sands. Another interesting location is Ovar, known for manufacturing the traditional Portuguese tiles called ‘azulejos’. This originally Arab form of art dates back to the second half of the 15th century. The city of Ovar is also famous for its gastronomic speciality, the Pão de Ló sponge cake, a recipe passed down generations since the 18th century. Lastly, we suggest you visit Aveiro, also known as the Portuguese Venice. Drive to the city centre to admire its beautiful Art Deco façades and famous canals. You can also visit the wonderful resort at Figueira da Foz before finally checking in at your hotel in Coimbra.


Overnight in Coimbra.


Day 7 : COIMBRA – SINTRA – LISBON (250km – 2.5 hrs)

Location: Coimbra, Sintra, Lisbon, San Jorge Castle, Lisbon

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Vila Galé Opera or similar 4*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before starting your journey back to Lisbon. Make this drive a leisurely one and enjoy the beautiful Portuguese landscapes on the way, stopping wherever you desire. We suggest stopping for a break in Sintra, a mesmerising town with a fascinating old centre and an impressive Royal Palace. Once you arrive in Lisbon, check-in at your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure, wandering through the city or relaxing at the hotel. Explore this old piece of heaven by foot, browse its little shops, and indulge in the delicious pastries known as Pasteis de Belem. Visit San Jorge castle, connect with local history and savour a delicious glass of wine while admiring a hypnotising view from the castle. End your day with a lovely dinner in one of Lisbon´s charming little restaurants. 


Overnight in Lisbon.


Day 8 : DEPARTURE LISBON

Location: Lisbon

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start your last day in Portugal with breakfast at your hotel. Then, when you feel ready, bid farewell to Portugal and drive back to Lisbon Airport, where you’ll drop off the car and catch your flight back home. 


What's Included

  • Car Hire

    The tour includes car hire with unlimited mileage, 24-hour road assistance, and Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW).

  • Meet and Greet

    A meet and greet service is provided on the first day of the tour.

What's Not Included

  • Flights

    Domestic and international flights are not included in the tour package.

  • Drinks

    Drinks during meals are not included unless specified otherwise.

  • City Tax

    City tax is not included and is payable on the spot.

  • Porterage and Gratuities

    Porterage and gratuities are not included in the tour package.

  • Tour Guide

    A tour guide is not included in the package.

  • Personal Expenditures

    Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks, meals, or items not explicitly stated in the program are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays or accidents is not included.

  • Car Hire Exclusions

    Fuel, fines, tolls, parking, Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), and damage due to negligence or inappropriate driving are not included in the car hire.

Requirements

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Portugal. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.

Please Note

  • Drivers age from 26 to 75 years old (must have had their driver´s license for a minimum of one year)
  • Pick-up hours are Monday through Sunday, 07:00 to 22:00 hrs. Pick-up outside of these times is subject to a surcharge.
  • Drivers who are not citizens of the European Union must present an international driver’s license together with the original from their country of origin.
  • If the customer returns the vehicle earlier than the agreed upon drop-off date stated in the rental contract, the rental company will not refund the customer for any unused days
  • Deposit credit card Visa or MasterCard only
  • Accident/theft reporting must be notified within 48 hours of the incident
  • In cases where, following the return of the vehicle, additional cleaning is required due to the car being dirty beyond the level expected from normal vehicle use, an additional charge shall apply, against evidence of the cost of the service provided
  • Return procedure and the exact designated area will be advised by the rental car company when you pick up the car on arrival day
  • We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons.
  • Late check-out, early check-in, connecting or adjoining rooms at the hotel are all subject to availability and not guaranteed.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS 

Day 1,7 Lisbon:

  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Vila Galé Opera or similar  4*

Day 2 Alter do Chão:

  • Superior Hotel Category = Vila Galé Alter do Chão or similar 4*

Day 3 Coimbra:

  •  Superior Hotel Category = Vila Galé Coimbra or similar 4* 

Day 4-5 Oporto:

  • Superior Hotel Category = Vila Galé Porto Hotel or similar 4*  

Day 6 Coimbra:  

  • Superior Hotel Category = Vila Galé Coimbra or similar 4* 

CAR HIRE OPTIONS  

  • Car Group Y =  Renault Clio or similar    

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS 

Day 1, 7 Lisbon:

  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Vila Galé Opera or similar  4*

Day 2 Alter do Chão:

  • Superior Hotel Category = Vila Galé Alter do Chão or similar 4*

Day 3 Coimbra:

  •  Superior Hotel Category = NH Coimbra Dona Inês or similar 4* 

Day 4-5 Oporto:

  • Superior Hotel Category = Dom Henrique Downtown or similar 4*  

Day 6 Coimbra:  

  • Superior Hotel Category = NH Coimbra Dona Inês or similar 4* 

CAR HIRE OPTIONS  

  • Car Group A =  Fiat 500 or similar
  • Car Group C =  Renault Clio or similar

Mode of Transport

Travel at your own pace with a self-drive tour, featuring car hire options like the Fiat 500 or Renault Clio. Enjoy unlimited mileage, 24-hour road assistance, and a Super Collision Damage Waiver, allowing you to explore Portugal's scenic routes with ease.

Accommodation

Enjoy 7 nights of superior accommodation in Portugal, staying at 4-star hotels such as Hotel Vila Galé Opera in Lisbon, Vila Galé Alter do Chão, NH Coimbra Dona Inês, and Dom Henrique Downtown in Oporto, ensuring comfort and quality throughout your journey.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is included in the tour?

    The tour includes 7 nights of accommodation in superior hotel categories, such as Hotel Vila Galé Opera in Lisbon, Vila Galé Alter do Chão in Alter do Chão, NH Coimbra Dona Inês in Coimbra, and Dom Henrique Downtown in Oporto, all rated 4 stars or similar.

  • What car hire options are available for this self-drive tour?

    The car hire options include Car Group A, which is a Fiat 500 or similar, and Car Group C, which is a Renault Clio or similar. The car hire includes unlimited mileage, 24-hour road assistance, and a Super Collision Damage Waiver, subject to an excess.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 7 breakfasts. Other meals are not included and drinks during meals are also excluded unless specified otherwise.

  • What are some of the key highlights of the tour?

    Key highlights of the tour include exploring Lisbon, visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Evora, discovering the historical village of Castelo de Vide, experiencing the cultural wealth of Tomar, and enjoying the vibrant city of Oporto, known for its Port wine.

  • What is not included in the car hire for the tour?

    The car hire does not include fuel, fines, tolls, parking, Personal Accident Insurance, damage due to negligence, theft with keys left in the ignition, and any extra equipment like GPS or baby seats. Additional drivers and any costs from returning the car outside designated areas are also not included. ...more ...less

  • What should I know about the driver's requirements for the car hire?

    Drivers must be between 26 to 75 years old and have had their driver's license for at least one year. Non-EU citizens must present an international driver's license along with their original license. A deposit is required via Visa or MasterCard.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.

  • Do you offer any travel insurance?

    We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure. 

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers

  • When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

    Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival

  • Are Visa fees included in the price?

    No, visa fees are not included

  • Are flights included in the tour?

    No, they are not included

  • What does the price include?

    What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.

  • Is there any option for solo traveller?

    Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Ryker Larson  

very nice trip to Portugal overall.

Overall, we had a very nice trip. The itinerary is

Overall, we had a very nice trip. The itinerary is arranged well and includes good recommendations for places to stop and points of interest to visit. The hotels are all owned by the same company called Vila Gale, and are all about what I expected for the price point – nice and comfortable with basic rooms – the one outlier was the Vila Gale Collection Alter Real, which was stunning! We had a very nice trip to Portugal overall. ...more ...less

Tanya  

all good

Great itinerary. Hotels were quite nice with break

Great itinerary. Hotels were quite nice with breakfast included. Highways in Portugal may be the best in the world.

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Saturday - Saturday

Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 08, 2025
$976 $930 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$46 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 09, 2025
$976 $930 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$46 (USD)

Monday - Monday

Nov 03, 2025 - Nov 10, 2025
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Travel Club discount: -$46 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$46 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$46 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$46 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$46 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$46 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$46 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$46 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$46 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$46 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$46 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$46 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$46 (USD)

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Travel Club discount: -$46 (USD)

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$976 $930 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$46 (USD)

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Nov 18, 2025 - Nov 25, 2025
$976 $930 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$46 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

Nov 19, 2025 - Nov 26, 2025
$976 $930 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$46 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

Nov 20, 2025 - Nov 27, 2025
$976 $930 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$46 (USD)

Friday - Friday

Nov 21, 2025 - Nov 28, 2025
$976 $930 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$46 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 22, 2025 - Nov 29, 2025
$976 $930 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$46 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Nov 23, 2025 - Nov 30, 2025
$976 $930 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$46 (USD)

Monday - Monday

Nov 24, 2025 - Dec 01, 2025
$976 $930 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$46 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

Nov 25, 2025 - Dec 02, 2025
$976 $930 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$46 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

Nov 26, 2025 - Dec 03, 2025
$976 $930 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$46 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

Nov 27, 2025 - Dec 04, 2025
$976 $930 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$46 (USD)

Friday - Friday

Nov 28, 2025 - Dec 05, 2025
$976 $930 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$46 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 06, 2025
$976 $930 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$46 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 07, 2025
$976 $930 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$46 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

Portugal Discovery, Self-drive

8 Days Starting and ending in Lisbon, Portugal

Visiting: Lisbon, Evora, Alter do Chão, Castelo de Vide, Tomar, Convent of Christ, Coimbra, Bussaco Forest, Porto, Guimaraes, Oporto, Espinho, Ovar, Aveiro, Figueira da Foz, Sintra, San Jorge Castle Lisbon ...more ...less

Tour code:

29004

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

EASY

Age range:

10-99

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $976 $930 (USD) Travel Club discount: -$46

NB: Prices correct on 10-Apr-2025 but subject to change.

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