Self Drive: Lisbon, Oporto and Algarve

Welcome at the airport and pick up the rental car at the airport. Car trip to Porto (3h) with a stop in Óbidos. The delightful town of Óbidos, with white houses adorned with bougainvilleas and honeysuckle is one of the most picturesque and well preserved in Portugal. Inside the walls you can sense a cheerful medieval ambience of winding streets, Manueline porticoes, colourful window boxes and small squares. Overnight in Oporto

Today you'll discover the amazing city of Porto. 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. Free afternoon to explore the city on your own. Overnight in Oporto

Check out your hotel and say goodbye to Porto as it's time to head east, towards the famous Douro Valley, your next destination. 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, a quinta, which will also be your home for tonight.  Overnight in Douro Valley

Let's continue your journey, this time towards Évora (4h), 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 Évora

In the morning, explore Évora, a book of Portuguese art history. With narrow streets of Moorish origin contrasting with squares where the light floods in, discover why this city was classified as World Heritage Site. The medieval walls, the Cathedral, the Graça Church and São Francisco Church, with its curious Chapel of Bones are unmissable. In the afternoon, drive towards Algarve (3h), your next home for the next days. Overnight in Algarve

Free days to explore the region or simply enjoy the beach. Overnight in Algarve

It's time to return to Lisbon. Take the time and drive along the coast and discover charming small fishing villages with deserted beaches. Drop off the rental car as you arrive in Lisbon. Overnight in Lisbon

In the morning, with a 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. 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 a guided tour. 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. Overnight in Lisbon

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