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Portugal Self Drive

With Airfare

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Book By

Sep 30, 2020

Duration

9 Days

from USD

$1739

from CAD

$2139

Quick Links: About Trip | Trip Itinerary | Terms and Conditions | Back to All Offers

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Price Includes

  • Round trip airfare from North America

  • 3 nights first class accommodation in Estoril

  • 3 nights first class accommodations in Albufeira

  • 1 night first class accommodations in Lisbon

  • 7 day car rental with automatic transmission

  • Super Colission Damage Waiver insurance

  • Breakfast daily

Price Excludes

  • Entrances fees to sites and museums

  • Road tolls

  • Lisbon hotel tourist tax

  • Travel insurance

  • International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes

  • Visa fees if applicable

  • Meals and beverages not mentioned

  • Gratuities

  • Items of a personal nature

About this Trip
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Discover Lisbon and the sunny south of Portugal on this self-drive air-inclusive package. Explore medieval cities and romantic palaces, stop off in fishing villages and on golden beaches, and discover the natural and cultural pleasures of this beautiful nation.

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This 9-day Portuguese vacation takes you across the southern part of the country on a self-drive tour. It features first-class accommodations, international airfare, a car rental, and independent touring.

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Your journey begins with a flight across the Atlantic to Lisbon, the Portuguese capital. Pick up your rental car and begin your adventure west towards Cascais and Estoril, commonly known as the Portuguese Riviera. Give yourself plenty of time the next day to explore the stunning palaces of the Sintra region, including Quinta de Reguleira and the bright yellow Pena Palace. If you have time, explore the western edge of Lisbon known as the Belem district, where you’ll find famous Belem Tower and the enormous Jeronimos Monastery.

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Turn north towards the walled city of Obidos, which transports you back in time to the Middle Ages. Spend some time shopping for handicrafts and books and even trying some of the local cherry liqueur known as ginja. Continue on towards the monasteries of Alcobara, where you’ll discover love stories and chance upon picturesque fishing villages. If you have the time, stop off in Nazare, where you’ll see some of the world’s largest waves.

 
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Discover Portugal: Self Drive
 
 

Day 1: Depart North America

Depart from North America on your overnight flight to Lisbon



Day 2: Lisbon to Estoril

Upon arrival in Lisbon, pick up your car and drive to the seaside resort area of Estoril, known as the Portuguese French Riviera. Spend 3 nights in first class accommodations. Discover the surrounding areas at your own pace with your rental car. Distance Lisbon - Estoril: 25km.



Day 3: Romantic palaces, Monuments and 'Nata'

Don't miss the opportunity to see the romantic city of Sintra with its unique Palaces. Once a place where the royals and wealthy of Portugal have built grand homes, the area is dominated by the famous Pena Palace, located on the top of one of Sintra's hills. Lisbon is also a must with its World Heritage monuments, Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belem, walk along the medieval quarters of Alfama and Mouraria, crowned by the magnificent St. George's Castle and feel the atmosphere of this old historical town. On your way back to Estoril, drive along the famous harbour of Belém and taste the famous Pastel de Nata, a specialty of the traditional Portuguese cuisine.



Day 4: Literary cities, Beaches and Ginja

Today, perhaps drive northwest towards the magical city of Óbidos. In this charming medieval walled town you will find its beautiful fortified castle, narrow streets and endless bookshops due to its UNESCO designation as the Creative City of Literature. Try the typical Ginja (sour cherry liqueur) in Óbidos served in a chocolate cup! Hit the road again towards the northwest to stunning examples of monasteries in Alcobaça and Batalha. Spend the rest of the afternoon discovering picturesque fishing villages and beach areas of Nazare or Peniche.



Day 5: Estoril - Albufeira

Enroute to Albufeira, drive inland towards the Evora, the capital of the Alentejo region, known for its gastronomy and UNESCO World Heritage City. In Évora, discover the city such as Giraldo Square, the Roman Temple, the Cathedral and St. Francis Church with its unique Bones Chapel. Continue your journey driving south along the coastline towards the Algarve, one of Europe`s warmest Mediterranean regions with its beautiful sandy beaches. Spend three nights in Albufeira discovering golden sands and stunning cliffs and white houses. Distances Estoril - Evora: 155km, Evora - Albufeira - 204km.



Day 6: West Algarve Discovery

Spend your days on the beach or head west to the popular villages of Lagos, Sagres, Silves and Monchique. Lagos, known as the pot of gold because of its yellow rocks along the coast, you can admire the promontory named Ponta da Piedade with its caves and rocks. In Sagres, the most south-westerly village in mainland Europe, perhaps visit the promontory of the fortress of Cape St Vincent, the symbol of the Portuguese discoveries. In Silves, you can discover the ancient Arab capital of the Algarve with its Moorish Castle and XII century Cathedral. Finally, in Monchique, explore the typical village located in the scenic range of rounded hilss, known as the 'garden' of the Algarve. Take time for shopping for handicrafts.



Day 7: East Algarve Discovery

From your hotel in Albufeira, drive east towards the capital of the Algarve, Faro. Take some time to walk through the Old Town and visit the XIII century Cathedral. Continue to Olhao, a city built under Arabic influences. Be sure to visit the waterfront markets and old quarter. Pass through Santa Luzia, the most picturesque fishing and unspoilt village in the Algarve until you reach the old roman town of Tavira. Visit the old castle ruins, Santa Maria do Castelo church and the famous IV century Roman bridge.



Day 8: Albufeira - Lisbon

On your way back to Lisbon, perhaps make a stop to Sesimbra, a picturesque fishing town located on the coast of Portugal. Visit the Moorish castle or stop for lunch at a seafood restaurant with views of the sea. For nature lovers, head to Arrabida Natural Park and discover beautiful beaches, unique vegetation and unspoilt nature. Enjoy your last night in Lisbon, exploring the typical streets of the Barirro Alto or Madragoa or checking out a local Fado restaurant and listen to the beautiful sounds of Portugal. Distance Albufeira - Lisbon: 259km.



Day 9: Depart Portugal

Check out of your hotel and make your way to the airport to return your car. Board your flight to North America, arriving in North America later the same day.



Itinerary

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Pricing Information

Rates are per person, based on availability, at time of booking and subject to change. Rates based on departure on June 4, 2020 for the above listed cities.  Listed flights may include at least 1 stop, based on availablity.  Airfares are based on the following:  New York with TAP Airlines, Chicago with Delta Airlines, Los Angeles with United Airlines, Toronto with TAP Airlines, Vancouver with Air Canada.  Airline taxes and fees are included and subject to change. Airfares used in the above pricing is subject to availability, and they have to be purchased by a certain date. As they are the cheapest airfares, they do include restrictions that include but are not limited to; no pre-seating, luggage costs at time of check-in and may not present the best flying time or routing. Please inquire for full details on above and chat with our experts on all available airfare options.  Note:  Package from Vancouver includes an additional night in Lisbon.

*Due to flight routing, departure from Vancouver requires a 1 additional night in Lisbon and 1 extra day car rental

 
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