Portugal North South Self-Drive

Arrive at Porto International Airport, where you will meet our representative and collect your car, along with your travel documents and instructions. Proceed to your chosen hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. You may wish to relax or begin exploring Porto, a captivating city and UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historic architecture and remarkable monuments. Take a stroll through its charming streets, admire the distinctive buildings, and sample the local cuisine. Overnight at your hotel in the Porto area on a half-board basis.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we set out to explore the charm of Oporto and its surroundings. We wander through the city's picturesque neighbourhoods and visit the remarkable São Francisco Church, a prime example of Baroque architecture in northern Portugal. Next, we see the Stock Exchange Palace, renowned for its Moorish Hall, before heading to one of the famous Port wine cellars for a tasting session. You can also explore the city centre at your leisure, including Santa Catarina Street?a lively pedestrian area perfect for shopping and soaking up the local atmosphere. We return to the hotel in the Oporto area for an overnight stay on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

After an early breakfast, set off for Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital. En route, we recommend stopping at Fátima, a significant pilgrimage site. You may also choose to visit Batalha to see its striking monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its flamboyant Gothic and Manueline architecture. Another worthwhile stop is the Cistercian Abbey in Alcobaça, celebrated for its beauty and the town’s traditional blue pottery. On the way, you can explore Óbidos, a charming medieval village enclosed by walls, where the preserved historic atmosphere offers a glimpse into Portugal’s past. This scenic drive showcases some of the country’s most treasured landmarks. Upon arrival in Lisbon, spend the afternoon exploring the city’s lively Bairro Alto district, enjoy panoramic views from various miradouros, and savour authentic Portuguese cuisine. Overnight in a Lisbon area hotel on a half-board basis.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Lisbon before setting out to explore this historic city. As Europe's second-oldest capital after Athens, Lisbon offers a wealth of cultural and architectural treasures. We will visit key landmarks such as Jer?nimos Monastery, Belém Tower, the Discoveries Monument, and São Jorge Castle, as well as the distinctive neighbourhoods of Alfama and Bairro Alto. You will also have the chance to explore the Museu dos Azulejos and Museu dos Coches. If time allows, you may choose to venture beyond the city to nearby attractions such as Sintra's old town, Cabo da Roca?the westernmost point of continental Europe?or the coastal resorts of Cascais and Estoril. Return to your hotel in Lisbon for an overnight stay on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting off for Lagos in the Algarve. Savour a leisurely drive through stunning landscapes, with opportunities to stop and explore at your own pace. We recommend visiting Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved medieval walls, Roman temple, and diverse historical monuments—an ideal stop for history enthusiasts. If time allows, pause in Beja, a charming town rich in history, where narrow cobbled streets and traditional architecture offer a glimpse into its past. Continue to Lagos, check into your hotel, and spend the remainder of the day relaxing or discovering the local area. Overnight in a Lagos hotel on a half-board basis.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Lagos. Although known as a popular resort, Lagos is a city rich in history, with numerous landmarks reflecting its past. We explore the charming streets, admire traditional houses, and take in views of the harbour. Visit key sites such as the 17th-century Bandeira Fort, the Mercado dos Escravos—the site of Europe’s first slave market—and the striking Santo António Church. Enjoy a traditional lunch and later, a romantic dinner at one of the many welcoming local bars or restaurants. Overnight in your Lagos hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before continuing to explore the captivating Algarve region. This southernmost part of Portugal was the last to be reclaimed from Moorish rule in 1292 by King Dom Afonso III, and you can still see their influence in the distinctive terraces, chimneys and whitewashed houses. Spend time relaxing on one of the stunning nearby beaches or discover the area's fascinating towns. Whether you choose to remain in Lagos or visit Sagres, Silves, Ferragudo or Cabo São Vicente, you are sure to have a memorable day. Overnight at your hotel in the Lagos area on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before driving to Faro Airport. Return your car hire and prepare for your onward flight home. Breakfast is included.