Portugal Along The Coast (15D/14N)from €530
Portugal Along The Coast - Day 1
Lisbon / Sintra - Cascais
Arrival to Lisbon Airport and our driver will take you to your hotel. Accommodation at the Hotel.
If you feel full of energy explore the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.
Overnight in Cascais or Sintra.
Portugal Along The Coast - Day 2
Sintra - Cascais
Drive along the "marginal" (road parallel to the river) and discover the Coastal resorts of Estoril and Cascais. Enjoy the beautiful gardens of the Estoril Casino. There are excellent restaurants in this área. You will go past forts, beaches, Manor Houses until you reach the magnificent view over the Cascais bay and its palacial houses. Stop at Cascais and take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk or just walk through Cascais´s squares and charming places.
Overnight in Cascais or Sintra.
Portugal Along The Coast - Day 3
Sintra - Cascais
Sintra is a fairy-tale village set amidst the mountains. A Unesco Heritage Site, Sintra boasts sumptuous palaces and luxurious parks. Enjoy a romantic ride through the town’s historic centre in a horse-drawn carriage, or walk through the stunning gardens of Monserrate or the winding roads of this village. In the centre lies the spectacular Sintra National Palace with its twin chimneys, in the top the Pena National Palace is also worth a visit. Taste some of the wonderful regional pastries.
Overnight in Cascais or Sintra.
Portugal Along The Coast - Day 4
Sintra - Cascais / Ericeira / Óbidos / Nazaré / Aveiro
You can drive along the coast to Ericeira, passing Colares, Praia das Maçãs e Azenhas do Mar. Stop at Azenhas do Mar for a breathtaking sight of the whitewashed houses scattered 
on a cliff side. Continue along the coast until you reach Ericeira, a picturesque fishing village. Drive North to Óbidos. When entering this delightful town, you will be travelling back in time. Walk through the walls of this town, with white houses adorned with bougainvilleas and honeysuckle. Be sure to visit the Saint Mary Church,the pretty Capela de São Martinho and the castle (a Pousada nowadays). We suggest a relaxing lunch in a traditional restaurant at Nazaré. This fishermen village has stunning views from the town's highest point, “Sítio” (accessible by a funicular). Taste the local Caldeirada (fish caseroles), soups, açorda (purée of bread, herbs and garlic) and the dried horse mackerel.
Overnight in Aveiro.
Portugal Along The Coast - Day 5
Aveiro / Viana do Castelo
Aveiro is surrounded by salt-flats, beaches and lagoons and dominated by the Central Canal which runs through town. It is also intersected by canals, genuine streets of water, along which can be seen gliding the brightly coloured boats known as barcos moliceiros. This is a city to discover on foot and with many hidden secrets, such as the beautiful Art Noveau façades of some houses. Nearby, Costa Nova has magnificent and little known beaches that lie between the golden dunes and the open blue seas. Admire the famous houses painted in red and blue stripes.
Overnight in Viana do Castelo.
Portugal Along The Coast - Day 6
Viana do Castelo / Ponte de Lima / Valença do Minho / Viana do Castelo 
While in Viana do Castelo , climb up the Santa Luzia hill and enjoy the wonderful panoramic views over the Lima, the sea, the hills behind, and the rooftops of Viana below. Pass by Ponte de Lima, where you will find the bridge that gave its name to this very ancient and very beautiful town. Drive to Valença do Minho. Separated from Spain by the River Minho, Valença do Minho is an attractive town in the north of Portugal, encircled by a strong 5 km wall. An 18th century Romanesque church reconstructed in Neoclassical style. One item of particular interest inside is the 16th century Gothic-Mujedar bishop’s chair. Drive back to Viana do Castelo.
Overnight in Viana do Castelo.
Portugal Along The Coast - Day 7
Viana do Castelo / Porto
Drive down to Porto. Capital and gateway to the north of Portugal it is located near the mouth of Rio Douro. Discover the city centre on foot. Visit the Palácio da Bolsa (the Chamber of Commerce) with its splendorous Arabian Hall, the S. Francisco Church with its overwhelming gilded carved wood decoration and walk along the Ribeira, one of the most picturesque quarters of Porto. Cross the bridge and taste a Port at Port Wine Cellar.
Overnight in Porto.
Portugal Along The Coast - Day 8
Porto / Guimarães / Amarante / Porto
Guimarães. known as the “cradle of the nation”, it is believed to be the birthplace of the first king of Portugal. Visit the Sacred Hill, crowned by Guimarães Castle, as well the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, whose original building dates back to the 15th centuriesIt is worth stopping at Amarante, a pretty town proud of São Gonçalo, known for the promotion of love and marriage.
Overnight in Porto.
Portugal Along The Coast - Day 9
Porto / Figueira da Foz / Arrábida
Go to Figueira da Foz, known for its beautiful beaches. On the way, we sugest you to visit Cape of São Mondego and Serra da Boa viagem. Drive to Arrábida.
Overnight in Arrábida.
Portugal Along The Coast - Day 10
Take the scenic route over the Parque Natural da Arrábida, an area preserved as a Nature Park, with an amazing scenery and unique vegetation between land and sea. Take the road by the coast and enjoy the unspoilt Nature Park of Costa Vicentina. It is the finest preserved stretch of European coastline, covering over 100 km, from Porto Covo in the Alentejo, to Burgau in the Algarve.
The Aljezur beaches, are highly popular amongst surfers, and are the finest in the country. There is a tremendous variety of beaches, including long stretches of sand and small beaches nestled between the cliffs and rocks that you will be able to explore on your own.
Overnight in Lagos.
Portugal Along The Coast - Day 11
Today we suggest a visit to Lagos. At Lagos, the emphasis is definitely on the sea. Just enjoy the scenery all around you, whether you’re sitting on the terrace of the fortress, with its magnificent view of the bay and the marina, or strolling amidst the rock formations of the headland of Ponta da Piedade with its breathtaking views over the sea.
Overnight in Lagos.
Portugal Along The Coast - Day 12
Legend has it that Henry the Navigator set up his navigation school in Sagres. Henry the Navigator was the leading strategist behind the Portuguese overseas explorations and for this reason Sagres is twinned with Cape Canaveral in Florida. Explore the marine environment by taking a sea discovery trip (aboard a boat) or dive into the waters, accompanied by experienced divers. Albufeira historical has picturesque white houses still line the steep, narrow streets. Be prepared for crowds in July and August - although there will certainly be plenty of excitement and entertainment!
Overnight in Tavira.
Portugal Along The Coast - Day 13
Tavira
Tavira, in the eastern Algarve, has an almost Mediterranean feel. The town was founded by the Phoenicians and later occupied by the Romans and the Visigoths.Tavira specializes in the art of making visitors welcome. In addition to tourism, the town’s traditional activities, salt and fishing, still survive.
Overnight in Tavira.
Portugal Along The Coast - Day 14
Tavira / Lisbon
Spend your morning resting in this beautiful town and after lunch head back to Lisbon to enjoy your last night in Portugal. Go to a Fado performance or a drink by the river.
Overnight in Lisbon.
Portugal Along The Coast - Day 15
Departure
If your flight is only in the afternoon spend your morning at the eastern part of Lisboa. Parque das Nações (the Park of Nations) hosts a wide variety of facilities, including cable car, a train station and a pleasant shopping centre in addition to extensive cultural and commercial zones.
This tour includes:
• Welcome at the airport and transfer to your first hotel
• Accommodation (breakfast included) - three price levels of your choice
• A Rental Car
• A Pre-programmed GPS
• Our 200 page exclusive Portugal Travel Guide (see a sample).
• A Roadbook (see a sample), with tips and directions that will be very useful while on the road.
• A Portugal road map
• A helpline (phone number) to assist you while on holiday.
Portugal Trails can adapt this tour to your specific needs or design a tailor-made tour exclusively for you. Contact us.
With this self-guided tour you can travel independently: no herding of people on and off buses. At the same time, you will not feel alone since Portugal Trails is only a phone call away.Our deep knowledge of Portugal allows us to make the best selectionof itineraries and hotels at the best prices.
If you book a tour with us you will receive a Travel Kit, that includes our exclusive 200 page Guide Book (see a sample), maps and a roadbook with tips and suggestions tailored to your interests and a pre-programmed GPS.
While in Portugal we will be here to support you through our helpline.
As part of our self-drive tours, we will provide you with a GPS which will be pre-programmed according to your itinerary on a day-by-day basis. You will not have to be a technology expert, nor have to enter by hand any city names, addresses or coordinates, either
All you have to do is to start the engine, turn on the GPS and be prepared to enjoy your day with just a few clicks of the GPS.
Should you prefer not to drive, we will be happy to provide pricing for a guide or a driver. Alternatively, we can design a different tour in which you can travel by train or bus.
Senior discount if you are 55 or older! Portugaltrails can get you a better deal based on our partner’s discounts. If you are 55 or older, please let us know, and we will apply any available discounts to your tour price!
We look forward to hearing from you. Contact us
Portugal Trails, Your Host in Portugal
