This road trip travel package to Portugal offers everything you could possibly want out of a vacation!
What's Included?
All flights and connections
Accommodations for your destinations
Why we love this deal:
- A road trip travel package to Porto, Douro, and Lisbon is the perfect way to experience the beauty of Portugal.
- Porto itself is an incredible city that provides travelers with plenty of things to do and see. From exploring the churches and historical cathedrals to tasting Port wine at local cellars, there are many ways to soak up the vibrant culture of this beautiful city.
- The Douro Valley is another great destination for travelers looking for something different. This region is known for its breathtaking landscapes where you can explore some of Portugal's finest vineyards as well as explore traditional Portuguese villages along its winding roads.
- Finally, Lisbon gives visitors the chance to experience some of Portugal's most iconic landmarks. Visitors can take time out to marvel at magnificent monuments such as Belém Tower or Jerónimos Monastery while sampling some delicious Portuguese food.
- Pick up your car in Porto, and drop it off in Lisbon - it's all set up for you, making for a completely hassle-free exchange!
Itinerary
Welcome to the lively Porto city! To make the most of your stay and have a great start to your trip, we recommend adding early check-in to your hotel reservation.
- Suggestions for the day: Stroll around downtown Porto and get to know the city's unique highlights! These are some that you can't miss:
- D. Luís I Bridge: This iconic double-decker bridge offers stunning panoramic views of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Take a walk across the bridge for a unique perspective, or hop on a tram for a thrilling ride.
- Ribeira District: Explore the heart of Porto's historic center. Wander through the charming Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its colorful houses, narrow streets, and lively atmosphere.
- Livraria Lello: A haven for bookworms, this historic bookstore boasts a beautiful neo-gothic facade and a grand staircase said to have inspired J.K. Rowling. Be prepared for queues, though!
- Torre dos Clérigos: Climb the 225 steps of the Clérigos Tower for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. Don't miss the adjacent Igreja do Clerigos church, known for its baroque architecture.
- Porto Cathedral (Sé Catedral do Porto): This imposing Romanesque cathedral is the oldest church in Porto. Climb the bell tower for stunning city views and admire the intricate architecture.
- São Francisco Church: Immerse yourself in the extravagant Baroque style at São Francisco Church. Be sure to marvel at the opulent gilded woodwork and the azulejo tilework within.
- Majestic Café: Step back in time at the Majestic Café, a Belle Époque gem known for its art nouveau interior and delicious Portuguese pastries.
- Taste the famous Francesinha, Porto's hearty sandwich! Layers of steak, sausage, ham, and melted cheese, bathed in a rich tomato-beer sauce.
- Suggestion for the day: Take the day to explore Braga and Guimarães!
- Start your day early and depart from Porto. Take the A4 route towards Braga, an enjoyable drive offering glimpses of rolling hills, vineyards, and traditional villages.
- Your first stop will be Braga, about a 45-minute drive from Porto. Braga is one of Portugal's oldest cities, known as the "Rome of Portugal" for its historical and religious significance. Here, explore the historic city center, a maze of narrow streets lined with baroque churches and charming cafes. Visit the Sé Cathedral (Braga Cathedral), a magnificent Romanesque structure dating back to the 12th century. Take a walk through the beautiful Jardim de Santa Bárbara (Santa Barbara Garden), a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
- After exploring Braga, continue your drive to Guimarães following the A11 route. Guimarães is known as the "cradle of Portugal" as it's the birthplace of the country's first king, Afonso Henriques. Immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere of Guimarães by visiting the imposing Guimarães Castle, a 10th-century fortification offering stunning views of the city. Explore the Largo da Oliveira, the heart of the historic center, lined with traditional houses, and the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira (Church of Our Lady of the Olive Tree), one of the oldest churches in Portugal. Take a stroll through the Paço dos Duques (Ducal Palace), a 15th-century residence of the Dukes of Braganza.
- As the day winds down, head back to Porto, enjoying the picturesque sunset views along the way.
- Suggestion for the day: Explore other highlights in Porto. You can easily walk or catch the metro to visit these places.
- Capela das Almas: This captivating 18th-century chapel is a visual feast, adorned with thousands of blue and white azulejo tiles depicting scenes from the lives of saints.
- Mercado do Bolhão: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Porto's bustling Bolhão Market. Explore the stalls overflowing with fresh produce, local delicacies, and Portuguese crafts.
- Jardins do Palácio de Cristal: Escape the urban buzz and find tranquility in these beautifully landscaped gardens. Explore the pavilions, wander through the serene walkways, and enjoy a moment of peace surrounded by nature.
- Casa da Música: Witness a symphony of architecture at Casa da Música, a modern concert hall known for its unique and eye-catching design. Take a tour or catch a performance and experience the magic of music in this stunning setting.
- Serralves Museum & Gardens: Go into the world of modern and contemporary art at this museum. Explore the impressive collection and don't miss the beautifully manicured gardens, a haven for art and nature enthusiasts alike.
- Vila Nova de Gaia: Venture across the iconic D. Luis I Bridge by tram and explore the neighboring town of Vila Nova de Gaia. Here, you can delve into the world of Port wine with tours and tastings at the many cellars, or simply relax on the waterfront and soak up the beautiful scenery.
Say goodbye to Porto and drive to Douro (about 1 hour and 30 minutes of driving following the A4 route). Check-in to your hotel in the Douro region. We recommend adding an early check-in to your hotel for a more comfortable arrival.
- Suggestions for the day:
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- Go on an unforgettable Douro River Boat Trip: In the afternoon (or during sunset), embark on a tranquil boat trip along the Douro River and discover why it's one of the region's top experiences. Glide through stunning landscapes of terraced vineyards and quaint villages, soaking in the beauty of Portugal's renowned wine country. Click here to see our offers for a Douro boat trip.
- In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as the "alheira de Mirandela" (typical Portuguese sausage), "leitão" (roasted suckling pig), or "bacalhau" (codfish), accompanied by a glass of one of the many incredible Douro wines.
- Suggestion for the day: Visit one (or more!) of the fantastic wineries ("quintas") of the Douro Valley. Many of them offer tours and tastings, so you can learn about the winemaking process and sample some of the region's finest wines.
- Quinta do Naval
- Quinta do Seixo
- Quinta da Vega Sicilia
- In between winery visits, take some time to explore the charming villages and towns of the Douro Valley. Most of these villages are small and walkable, and they offer a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the region.
- Peso da Régua
- Pinhão
- Lamego
- Mesão Frio
- Favaios
- Alijó
- Suggestion for the day:
- If you're feeling active, today is a great day to go for a hike or bike ride through the vineyards. There are many hiking trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging.
- Casal de Loivos (7 km/ 4.3 miles)
- São Salvador do Mundo (8 km/5 miles)
- Covas do Douro (10 km/ 6.2 miles)
- Take the afternoon to enjoy your hotel's amenities, enjoy a picnic in the middle in the middle of the vineyards (many hotels in the Douro are used to preparing a picnic basket so that clients can take to the vineyards), or have dinner/lunch at a local vineyard restaurant.
Check out from the hotel in Douro and start driving to Lisbon (about 3 hours and 30 minutes following the A1 route). To make your arrival more comfortable please consider adding early check-in to your hotel reservation.
- Suggestion for the day:
- Before you arrive in Lisbon, we recommend stopping at Sintra and visiting the Old Town and one of the following monuments: Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Monserrate Palace, Sintra National Palace, or the Moorish Castle. Trust us, it's really worth it!
- Explore Baixa, the downtown district of Lisbon, known for its grand squares and elegant architecture. Discover the vibrant shopping streets, explore local boutiques, and take a break in one of the traditional cafés to enjoy a refreshing cup of Portuguese coffee.
- End your day with a breathtaking view from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. This hilltop viewpoint offers a panoramic view of Lisbon, where you can admire the city's rooftops and the sparkling Tagus River as the sun sets on the horizon.
- Suggestions for the day: Stroll through the charming streets of Lisbon, where you can soak in the city's unique atmosphere.
- São Roque Church: Discover the exquisite architecture and artistry of São Roque Church.
- Santa Catarina Viewpoint: Head to Santa Catarina Viewpoint for stunning panoramic views of the city.
- Luís de Camões Square: Enjoy the ambiance of Luís de Camões Square, a central gathering place steeped in history.
- Torre de Belém: Explore the iconic Torre de Belém, a symbol of Portugal's Age of Discovery.
- Mosteiro dos Jerónimos: Visit the impressive Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing stunning Manueline architecture.
- Pastéis de Belém: Don't miss the chance to savor delicious pastries at Pastéis de Belém, a beloved Portuguese pastry.
- Terreiro do Paço: Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Terreiro do Paço, a historic square by the waterfront.
- Santa Justa Lift: Conclude your day with a ride up the Santa Justa Lift for breathtaking views of Lisbon from above.
- Finish the day with a traditional fado dinner, a soulful experience not to miss! Click here to book this experience.
- Suggestion for the day:
- Take a day trip to Évora following the A2 and A6 routes (1.5 hour drive). Take a stroll through its charming downtown area and explore Diana’s Garden, the local Roman ruins, the famous Capelas dos Ossos ("Chapel of Bones"), and the Cathedral.
- Suggestions for the day: Go on another day trip from Lisbon!
- Cascais: This charming seaside town is a popular getaway for locals and tourists alike. Cascais has a beautiful beach, a historic center, and a lively atmosphere. You can also visit the Boca do Inferno, a dramatic rock formation along the coast.
- Nazaré: This beach town is famous for its giant waves, which attract big-wave surfers from all over the world. Nazaré also has a beautiful beach and a charming historic center. You can take a boat trip to see the Berlengas Islands, a small archipelago off the coast of Portugal.
- Setúbal: This port city is known for its fresh seafood and its dolphin-watching tours. Setúbal is also home to the Arrábida Natural Park, a beautiful area with beaches, forests, and mountains.
As your memorable journey comes to a close, we wish you a safe and pleasant flight home. Thank you for exploring Portugal with us!
*itinerary presented is a suggestion and the length of stay may vary. All tours are suggestions unless specifically stated.
About the Destinations:
Porto
Porto is a city of endless charms that combines a rich history, old buildings covered in colorful azulejos (hand-painted tiles), modern architecture, a picturesque riverfront and a high-spirited atmosphere that celebrates the joy of life.
Douro Valley
Following the river Douro upstream, you reach the Alto Douro Wine Region. This is a land of traditions, a place of enchantment and mysticism, a great stretch of land where Nature reigns in perfect harmony with the inhabitants that have shaped the valley slopes and organized the land into vineyards.
Lisbon
In Lisbon, you will instantly fall in love with its charming people, incredible culinary delights, and the unbeatable combination of old cobblestone streets and a modern cosmopolitan vibe that make this capital city a truly magical destination. Rich in history, architecture, culture and entertainment, Lisbon will surely captivate you.
