An Explorer`s Journey (Self Drive from Porto to Faro)
❮An Explorer`s Journey (Self Drive from Porto to Faro)
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This 14 night sample itinerary includes:
- Hotel in Porto for 2 nights in Porto
- Rental Car for 13 days
- Hotel for 2 nights in the Costa Verde
- Hotel for 2 nights in Coimbra
- Hotel for 1 night in Obidos
- Hotel for 2 nights in Lisbon
- Hotel for 2 nights in The Costa Azul
- Hotel for 1 night in Evora
- Hotel for 2 nights in Faro
Driving Time
Porto - Costa Verde Area: 20 - 55 mins. approx.
Costa Verde Area - Coimbra: 1 hr. 30 mins. - 2 hrs. approx.
Coimbra - Obidos: 1 hr. 25 mins. approx.
Obidos - Lisbon: 1 hr. 10 mins. approx.
Lisbon - Costa Azul Area: 40 - 55 mins. approx.
Costa Azul Area - Evora: 1 hr. 40 mins. approx.
Evora - Faro: 2 hrs. 30 mins. approx.
Discover Portugal "a la Vasco da Gama," the famous Portuguese explorer. Combine popular cities stretching from the north to the south, including Porto, the fabulous Costa Verde, Coimbra, Obidos, Lisbon (the capital city), the Costa Azul, Evora, and Faro.
Essential Highlights and Experiences:
- UNESCO-recognized city centers and monuments in Porto, Coimbra, Obidos, and Evora
- Sunny beaches and watersports in the Costa Verde, Costa Azul, and the idyllic Algarve
- Soulful Fado musical heritage throughout Lisbon
- Fresh traditional and innovative local cuisine (Pro-tip: Try the Francesinha, Bacalhau, and Pastel de nata!)
- Award-winning wines from local vineyards near Porto and Evora
This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.
Flexible Itinerary
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Porto
Day 1Arrive to Porto
Overnight in PortoDay 2Overnight in PortoDay 3Departing from Porto
Transportation to next city by: Regional Air -
Costa Verde
Day 3Arrive to Costa Verde
Overnight in Costa VerdeDay 4Overnight in Costa VerdeDay 5Departing from Costa Verde
Transportation to next city by: Regional Air -
Coimbra
Day 5Arrive to Coimbra
Overnight in CoimbraDay 6Overnight in CoimbraDay 7Departing from Coimbra
Transportation to next city by: Regional Air -
Obidos
Day 7Arrive to Obidos
Overnight in ObidosDay 8Departing from Obidos
Transportation to next city by: Regional Air -
Lisbon
Day 8Arrive to Lisbon
Overnight in LisbonDay 9Overnight in LisbonDay 10Departing from Lisbon
Transportation to next city by: Regional Air -
Costa Azul
Day 10Arrive to Costa Azul
Overnight in Costa AzulDay 11Overnight in Costa AzulDay 12Departing from Costa Azul
Transportation to next city by: Regional Air -
Evora
Day 12Arrive to Evora
Overnight in EvoraDay 13Departing from Evora
Transportation to next city by: Regional Air -
Faro
Day 13Arrive to Faro
Overnight in FaroDay 14Overnight in FaroDay 15Departing from Faro
Portugal
Thousands of years of history are on full display in vibrant Portugal, fast becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in western Europe. Each region of Portugal offers something unique to the traveler, like unparalleled beaches and resorts in the Algarve; rolling plains that lead to mountains in the Alentejo; delicious food and drink in the Minho and the Douro River Valley; and of course the country`s bustling capital, Lisbon, which boasts the best of everything that Portugal has to offer, from restaurants to historical landmarks.
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Porto
Porto (also known as Oporto) is the second city of Portugal, and a hub for the northern part of the country in terms of arts, entertainment, culture and shopping. Previously conquered by the Celts, Romans and Moors, Porto has been a jewel in the Portuguese royal crown for nearly a millennium. The city offers art treasures, medieval cathedrals, museums, shopping, and delicious food and drink, all while tourists enjoy breathtaking views of the River Douro, which empties into the Atlantic just three miles from the city center. Don't miss the center, in particular the Ribeira neighborhood, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit Porto Cathedral (Sé), Clerigos Church and Tower, Palacio da Bolsa, the gardens at the Palacio de Cristal, Ponte Dom Luis I, the port wine lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia, the Funicular dos Guindais, Praça da Liberdade, Avenida dos Aliados, and so much more! -
Costa Verde
The Douro and Minho River Valleys comprise the Costa Verde, so named for its fragrant pine forests and dazzling fields of emerald green. Its cities and towns dot the stretch of coastline from the Spanish border south to the southern cities in the Greater Porto conurbation. With Porto as your arrival city, you can first explore the cities and towns south of the Douro, Vila Nova de Gaia and Espinho, or you can head north and explore the towns of Vila do Conde, Povoa de Varzim, Esposende, Viana do Castelo, Vila Praia de Ancora and Caminha one by one. Visit Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, Espinho, Vila do Conde, Povoa de Varzim, Esposende, Viana do Castelo, Vila Praia de Ancora, Caminha, Santuario de Santa Luzia, Porto`s Old Town, Porto Cathedral, Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, Caminha Castle, Povoa Castle, Forte de Cao, Forte de Ancora, and so much more!
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Coimbra
Coimbra is one of Portugal`s crown jewels: not only is it a city known for romance, but it is also known for innovation and academia. The University of Coimbra is the focal point of the city; since its beginnings in the 12th century it has become the most prestigious university in the Portuguese-speaking world, and it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. People also come for the vibrant nightlife, as well as the historic cathedrals and monasteries. Visit Se Velha, Se Nova, Praca do Comercio, University of Coimbra, Torre de Anto, Porta de Almedina, Mosteiro de Santa-Clara-a-Velha, Mosteiro de Santa-Clara-a-Nova, Quinta das Lagrimas, Portugal dos Pequenitos, and so much more!
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Obidos
The UNESCO Creative City of Obidos has a long history and so much of it is still evident and alive today. Encircled by walls nearly 50 feet high in spots, the focal point of this dynamic town is Obidos Castle, perched on the highest hill, which was built adjacent to the site of the Roman settlement of Eburobrittium. The Portuguese royal family chose Obidos as one of their homesteads, and the Queens of Portugal in particular considered Obidos to be the `jewel` in their respective crowns. You are guaranteed to fall in love with Obidos at first sight. Explore Obidos Castle, Santuario do Senhor Jesus da Pedra, Obidos Aqueduct, Porta da Vila, Livraria de Santiago, Igreja de Santa Maria, Casa da Arco da Cadeia, Lagoa de Obidos, Fort of Peniche, Ermida de Nossa Senhora de Monserrate, and so much more!
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Lisbon
Lisbon, a dazzling city stretching along the Tagus river, makes an enchanting European capital. Its nucleus, an ancient fortress, is now circled by neighborhoods drenched with medieval charm. Handcrafts - from embroidery to leatherwork - are peddled right on the streets. At night, yellow electric tramcars continue to wind their way up and down the hills to the sound of traditional Fado songs. Ample opportunities exist for seeing popular celebrations, for shopping, and for enjoying the nightlife along the riverbank.
Visit Alfama, Baixa and Chiado, Se de Lisboa, Sao Roque Church, Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, Torre de Belem, Discoveries Monument, Museu Nacional dos Coches, Parque das Nacos, Elevador de Santa Justa, Tram 28 and so much more! -
Costa Azul
The Costa Azul is located less than an hour from Lisbon, Portugal`s capital, but the geographic diversity of this region will leave you feeling as if you have traveled a world away. Driving toward Setubal, the provincial capital, the first town in the region you will pass is Palmela. Semi-rural and built on the foothills of the Arrabida Mountains, Palmela is one of the more beautiful and luxurious hillside villages in Portugal. Setubal is located on Setubal Bay and the estuary of the Sado River, and throughout modern history it has been an important regional fishing and trading center. Forty minutes southwest of Setubal, also on Setubal Bay, is the resort town of Sesimbra. Sesimbra is well-known for its beaches and also for its delicious seafood restaurants. Visit Palmela Castle, Setubal, Port of Setubal, Monastery of Jesus, Igreja de Sao Juliao, Castelo de Sao Filipe, Convento de Arrabida, Arrabida Natural Park, Sesimbra, Praia da California, Praia de Ouro, and so much more!
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Evora
Evora is the main city in the Alentejo region of Portugal. Boasting a rich history which spans 5,000 years, Evora is known for its agricultural importance as well, as olive groves and wineries thrive just outside the city center. Evora`s long and storied history was recognized by UNESCO in 1986, when the organization named the entire historic center of Evora a World Heritage Site. Evora is also a key academic city in Portugal: It is home to one of the county's most famous universities. Explore the University of Evora, Cathedral of Evora, Roman Temple, Roman Baths, Praca do Giraldo, Royal Palace, Igreja de Santo Antao, Igreja da Misericordia, Chapel of Bones, and so much more!
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Faro
Faro is the gateway to the Algarve, the region in Portugal most popular with tourists. With over 300 days of sunshine each year, the weather in Faro is postcard-perfect for enjoying fun in the sun and sightseeing. The town has been settled continuously since the fourth century before the Common Era, and that long, storied history can be seen from the marina to the cathedral. Visit Faro Cathedral, Igreja do Carmo, Palacete Belmarco, Faro Island, Cabo de Santa Maria, Igreja da Misericordia, Arco da Vila, Arco da Repouso, Muralhas de Faro and so much more!
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Visit Porto Cathedral (Sé), Clerigos Church and Tower, Palacio da Bolsa, the gardens at the Palacio de Cristal, Ponte Dom Luis I, the port wine lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia, the Funicular dos Guindais, Praça da Liberdade, Avenida dos Aliados, and so much more!
Visit Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, Espinho, Vila do Conde, Povoa de Varzim, Esposende, Viana do Castelo, Vila Praia de Ancora, Caminha, Santuario de Santa Luzia, Porto`s Old Town, Porto Cathedral, Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, Caminha Castle, Povoa Castle, Forte de Cao, Forte de Ancora, and so much more!
Visit Se Velha, Se Nova, Praca do Comercio, University of Coimbra, Torre de Anto, Porta de Almedina, Mosteiro de Santa-Clara-a-Velha, Mosteiro de Santa-Clara-a-Nova, Quinta das Lagrimas, Portugal dos Pequenitos, and so much more!
Explore Obidos Castle, Santuario do Senhor Jesus da Pedra, Obidos Aqueduct, Porta da Vila, Livraria de Santiago, Igreja de Santa Maria, Casa da Arco da Cadeia, Lagoa de Obidos, Fort of Peniche, Ermida de Nossa Senhora de Monserrate, and so much more!
Visit Alfama, Baixa and Chiado, Se de Lisboa, Sao Roque Church, Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, Torre de Belem, Discoveries Monument, Museu Nacional dos Coches, Parque das Nacos, Elevador de Santa Justa, Tram 28 and so much more!
Visit Palmela Castle, Setubal, Port of Setubal, Monastery of Jesus, Igreja de Sao Juliao, Castelo de Sao Filipe, Convento de Arrabida, Arrabida Natural Park, Sesimbra, Praia da California, Praia de Ouro, and so much more!
Explore the University of Evora, Cathedral of Evora, Roman Temple, Roman Baths, Praca do Giraldo, Royal Palace, Igreja de Santo Antao, Igreja da Misericordia, Chapel of Bones, and so much more!
Visit Faro Cathedral, Igreja do Carmo, Palacete Belmarco, Faro Island, Cabo de Santa Maria, Igreja da Misericordia, Arco da Vila, Arco da Repouso, Muralhas de Faro and so much more!