Self-Drive: Lisbon, Douro and Oporto

Welcome at the airport and pick up the rental car at the airport. Car trip to Porto (3h) with a break in Coimbra. Here, stop in the University, the oldest in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe, visiting  the Joanine Library, with more than 300,000 works dating from the 16th to the 18th centuries arranged in beautiful gilt-covered bookcases. Overnight in Oporto

Today you'll discover the amazing city of Oporto. With your private guide, start this walking tour, by visiting some historical monuments. S. Bento Station, with its atrium lined with tiles, is a great way to start! Just ahead is the Cathedral followed by Clérigos Tower, worth climbing for a different view of Porto. Don't forget to stop in the Lello bookshop, that inspired some of the Harry Potter stories. Then pop in to the Café Majestic for a break. Continue south and descend by steps and mediaeval streets to Ribeira with its café terraces and picturesque corners. On the other side of D. Luís Bridge you'll find all the Port wine lodges, where you'll visit and taste the famous Port wine. Overnight in Oporto

After a free morning to enjoy Oporto, start your journey to an amazing part of Portugal: Douro Valley. On the way, stop in Amarante, a city full of history and tradition, located between the great Serra do Marão and the river Tâmega. Overnight in Douro Valley

Today you'll have the opportunity to drive around this amazing site. Douro Valley, classified World Heritage, is a region of schist mountains, with poor, harsh soils, transformed by the actions of the men who planted the vineyards step by step. The day will be spent admire some breathtaking landscapes: the valleys, the blue ribbon of the river meandering down below, the terraced vineyards, the pure air. You'll have opportunity to visit one of the many estates that produce Douro wine and Port and taste it in the land that produces them. Douro river is also famous for being difficult to navigate, impeded by natural barriers, being the rabelo boat, a unique and ancient vessel, the only one able to do it. Nowadays, these types of boats are used for tourism, and you'll take a 1h river cruise. Overnight in Douro Valley

It's time to return to Lisbon, stopping in Tomar. If you love history, you'll be amazed by Tomar, the Templar City. Go to the Templar castle and discover the monumental work of the Convent of Christ learning how the Order of the Knights Templar became the Order of Christ, upholding their power, knowledge and wealth in Portugal. Overnight in Lisbon

Today, with walking tour, you'll discover Lisbon. Lisbon, the city of the seven hills, will seduce you in every neighborhood, on every street. It’s old. It’s modern. It is, without doubt, always surprising. It's a cosmopolitan city with so much to see and do that it is difficult to have enough time to see everything you want. For today, we suggest a selection of things from amongst all those you can do, which cannot be missed in the Portuguese capital. Start with the historic Alfama and Castelo districts, with one of the most fabulous views over the city and the river. Follow towards Belém, the neighborhood of the Discoveries, with the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, both World Heritage. In Chiado and Bairro Alto, the most bohemian part of the town, stroll around, feel the atmosphere and do some shopping. In the evening, have a typical dinner at a Fado house while enjoying a Fado performance. Whether or not you like the style of music, dinner by candlelight listening to fado in Lisbon is unmissable. Overnight in Lisbon

Sintra, the Mountain of the Moon, is a place full of magic and mystery. The town and the northern slope of the Serra de Sintra has wonderful natural characteristics and impressive historic landmarks, which you'll discover with your private guide. It's difficult to see all of Sintra has to offer in one single day, so our suggestion goes to one of the most romantic palaces in Portugal, the Pena Palace, a fancy, revivalist reconstruction built in the Romantic period. Another option is the Palácio and Quinta da Regaleira, boasting impressive decorations laden with Masonic references. On the way back to Lisboa, stop in westernmost point of mainland Europe, Cabo da Roca. Continue your journey towards, Cascais and Estoril, one of the most cosmopolitan and touristic places in Portugal. It’s worth going on a stroll around town, feeling the atmosphere. Overnight in Lisbon

It's time to say adeus, and after a fond farewell, your driver will take you to Lisbon airport.