Lisbon & Old-Charm Porto | Roadtrip

Visit the Douro Valley 

Following the river Douro upstream, you reach the Alto Douro Wine Region. This is a land of traditions, a place of enchantment and mysticism, a great stretch of land where Nature reigns in perfect harmony with the inhabitants that have shaped the valley slopes and organized the land into vineyards. Each of these vineyards can be accessed by winding roads that pattern the landscape. There has been evidence of wine production for more than two thousand years in the region but it was only in 1756 that the Demarcated Douro Region was created and wine production in the region was organized and became internationally recognized. 

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Drive to Braga ( 35 mi/ 56 km, approximately 40 minutes). 

Highlights in Braga

• Sé Cathedral
• Museum of Sacred Art
• Former Archbishop's Palace
• Bom Jesus do Monte (an absolute must-visit), Arcos de Valdevez
• Peneda Gerês National Park: Gerês, also known as Peneda-Gerês National Park, is the oldest and largest National Park in Portugal. In this park, you can explore the lush vegetation that Portugal has to offer, with its endemic species like the Gerês lily, which illuminates the vegetation with its unique and eye-catching blue-violet hues. Explore the rivers and streams of this Edenic park that run through the Peneda, Soajo, Amarela, and Gerês mountain ranges. You can also look forward to being dazzled also by its breathtaking scenic landscapes.

Drive to Guimarães (33 mi/ 54 km, approximately 40 minutes). Guimarães is known as the "Cradle City" of Portugal, since it was here that the first King of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, was born. Associated with the formation of Portugal, the historic center of Guimarães was classified as an official World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The city is remarkably well-preserved, and its rich heritage and history is demonstrated by the graceful iron balconies, granite balconies and porches, manor houses, arches connecting narrow streets, floor slabs smoothed by time, towers and cloisters that abound everywhere the eye can see. In this city, for a moment, it seems as if you stepped back in time to a medieval setting, where nobility built jaw-dropping villas, like the Casa Mota Prego, the Palácio de Vila Flor, do Toural and many others--all of which give Guimarães a unique and awe-inspiring atmosphere. Highlights in Guimarães: Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, Guimarães Old Town, Guimarães Castle, Citânia dos Briteiros.

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Explore coastal Porto: Foz do Douro, Matosinhos, Senhor da Pedra.

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Visit Aveiro: Situated between the sea and the ria (estuary) and criss-crossed by a network of channels, it is no wonder that Aveiro is often referred to as "The Venice of Portugal". Visitors can cruise the water-filled landscape of Aveiro aboard moliceiros (these slim, colorful boats used to be used by locals to collect algae and seaweed), or hop on a "BUGA" bicycle to cruise the flat streets of the city.  Marvel at the beautiful Art Nouveau architecture that marks the city along the main channel. Visit Aveiro's many museums dedicated to its history, art and architecture. 

Check out from the hotel in Porto. Drive to Lisbon (191 mi, 315.5 km, approximately 3h). Before you arrive in Lisbon, we recommend stopping at Sintra and visiting the Old Town and one of the following monuments: Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Monteserrate Palace, Sintra National Palace or the Moorish Castle. Check in at the hotel in Lisbon and free rest of the day for personal activities. 

Visit the Chiado, Baixa, Belém and Bairro Alto district (Bairro Alto is known for its nightlife scene). Highlights: São Roque church, São Pedro de Alcântara garden, the ruins of Carmo church, Santa Catarina viewpoint, Luís de Camões Square, Torre de Belém, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Pastéis de Belém, Augusta street, Terreiro do Paço, Santa Justa lift. 

Suggestion for dinner: Lisbon Fado Night With Dinner

Drive to Évora (83 mi/ 134 km, approximately 1h30 drive). Highlights: Sé Cathedral, Roman Temple, Capela dos Ossos, Giraldo Square, Évora university, Água da Prata aqueduct, Cromlech of Almendres.

The Alentejo region of Portugal is a feast for all the senses, from its northernmost tip to its sunkissed southern shores. While the north offers visitors pastoral scenery, like horses grazing in the flatland, the central portion of the region is marked by the vast plain with rows of cornflowers blowing in the wind. As one makes their way to the Alentejo coast, wild and unmarred natural beauty awaits to awe and inspire. 

Check out from the hotel in Lisbon. Drive to the airport and drop off the car rental. Return flight home.