18-day journey through authentic Portugal

Along the coast and through the interior of Portugal

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Discover the Real Portugal

A road trip through Portugal like this is almost too good to keep to yourself. Forget the classic route along the Algarve, Lisbon and Porto, because this 18-day road trip takes you to a completely different side of Portugal. One that still feels surprisingly untouched. You’ll drive from laid-back surf towns and hidden coves along the coast to mountain villages where time seems to have stood still. Along the way, you’ll stay in some of the most beautiful boutique hotels and B&Bs, often surrounded by nature, and discover places that see surprisingly few international visitors.

Highlights

Beautiful routes along winding mountain roads
Centuries-old slate villages and valleys
Taste Portuguese wines and dine at family-run restaurants

About This Trip

18 days (Fly & Drive)

Including unique places to stay

Starting at €2,995 per person.

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Why Book with Travander?

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Honest advice from real travelers
Trips that are fully customizable to your preferences

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Itinerary

Portugal Travel Offers: Porto-Lisbon Tour

The itinerary

Portinho da Arrábida roundtrip portugal travel tailor-made fly drive

Queijo de Azeitão roundtrip portugal authentic custom trip

Days 1–4

Lisbon and surrounding Area

During these first few days in and around Lisbon, it’s all about atmosphere, good food, scenic viewpoints and getting into the rhythm of the city. Belém is one of Lisbon’s classic highlights, where you can visit the impressive Jerónimos Monastery and enjoy a warm Pastéis de Belém. But this is just one side of Lisbon, and this journey takes you well beyond the usual sights. Cross the bridge south and discover the unspoiled Portinho da Arrábida, a secluded cove tucked away in the Serra da Arrábida Natural Park. Think turquoise waters, limestone cliffs and an almost tropical feel, all less than an hour’s drive from Lisbon. Then it’s on to Azeitão, an authentic wine and food region where flavour and tradition take centre stage. Think Queijo de Azeitão, historic wineries and local treats such as Tortas de Azeitão.

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Praia do Guincho round trip portugal along the coast

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Sintra, Lisbon, Portugal: Convento dos Capuchos

Days 5–6

Ericeira

Leave Lisbon behind and drive towards the Atlantic coast, where the landscape becomes wilder, greener and more open. Your first stop is Cascais, an elegant seaside town where you can breathe in the ocean air and leave the city behind. Not far from here lies Praia do Guincho, a dramatic beach in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Wind, crashing waves, rolling dunes and a wonderfully untamed Atlantic atmosphere make this a beautiful place to stop. Be sure to venture into the lush interior around Sintra too. Visit the iconic Pena Palace, but also take the road less travelled to the hidden Convento dos Capuchos. This humble 16th-century monastery is almost completely swallowed by the surrounding forest. Two completely different sides of the same magical landscape. At the end of the day, continue to Ericeira, a charming fishing village and Europe’s first World Surfing Reserve. Here, life revolves around the sea, simplicity and a laid-back surf vibe. Our favourite tip here? Have lunch at Clube Naval, a no-frills seafood restaurant in the harbour that you might easily walk straight past. But stop here and you’ll be rewarded with some of the freshest catch of the day.

tomar custom trip portugal central portugal

Days 7–9

Sertã

Leave the coast of Ericeira behind and head into the quiet interior, where Portugal suddenly feels much more authentic. You’ll stay in Sertã, in a former monastery that has been transformed into a unique place to stay – a peaceful base surrounded by lush greenery. The Zêzere River winds its way through the landscape and is known as one of the cleanest rivers in Europe. It’s a fantastic region for everything from short walks to more challenging hikes. And one of our favourite things to do here? Pack a picnic with local products and find a beautiful spot in the middle of the vast countryside. This region is also home to the Aldeias do Xisto: 27 authentic schist villages scattered across the hills of Central Portugal. One of the highlights is Casal de São Simão, considered one of the most beautiful of the Xisto villages. In the tiny village of Figueira, you can join a local cooking workshop and learn how to make traditional *tigelada beirã*, baked in a wood-fired oven belonging to the community. Other day trips worth adding to your itinerary include Tomar, home to the impressive UNESCO-listed Convento de Cristo, the fairytale-like village of Dornes and the historic university city of Coimbra.

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Days 10–11

Castelo Novo

The journey continues towards the Serra da Estrela mountains, where small mountain villages, ancient castles and winding roads shape the landscape. You’ll stay in Castelo Novo, one of Portugal’s 12 historic villages, known as the *Aldeias Históricas de Portugal*. This atmospheric village is built like an amphitheatre against the Serra da Gardunha and feels as though time has stood still. Narrow cobbled streets, historic manor houses, streams of fresh mountain water and views across the surrounding countryside create a wonderfully timeless atmosphere. You’ll stay in a small, charming accommodation in the heart of the historic village, where the original character has been beautifully preserved. From Castelo Novo, you can explore some of Portugal’s most beautiful historic villages, including Monsanto, where houses are built literally between enormous granite boulders, atmospheric Belmonte and the granite mountain village of Linhares da Beira, overlooking the surrounding mountain landscape.

douro river roundtrip portugal authentic off the beaten path

sardines doce local delicacy central portugal roundtrip

Days 12–13

Castelo Rodrigo

Continue towards Castelo Rodrigo, a medieval fortified village near the Spanish border. The village is steeped in history, with ancient walls, narrow streets and sweeping views across the rugged landscape. Along the way, stop in Trancoso and the impressive village of Almeida, known for its remarkable star-shaped fortifications. In Castelo Rodrigo, you’ll stay in a small guesthouse that feels like a home away from home. The incredibly welcoming owners, beautiful swimming pool and long evenings filled with good food and spontaneous conversations with fellow travellers make it the kind of place where you’ll wish you could stay a little longer. From Castelo Rodrigo, take a day trip towards the Douro River, where terraced vineyards, port wine estates and winding mountain roads shape the landscape. A boat trip is an absolute must here. Our tip? Bring some local delicacies on board, or stop along the way at a traditional shop selling homemade olive oil, cheeses, almonds and other regional specialities. For a truly special experience, join an evening excursion to the Côa Valley Archaeological Park, where you’ll discover ancient Paleolithic rock art accompanied by a guide.

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culinary portugal trip porto lisbon interior

Days 14–16

Porto

After all those peaceful villages and stretches of nature, Porto feels completely different. Lively, atmospheric and full of character. Four days here is by no means excessive, because Porto isn’t just about ticking off the highlights. It’s about wandering through the city at a leisurely pace, lingering over long lunches, tasting port and experiencing everyday Portuguese city life. You’ll discover colourful streets, lively squares, local markets and, of course, the famous port wine houses along the Douro. But it’s often just beyond the best-known spots that you’ll find the most enjoyable restaurants, hidden wine bars and little cafés where locals gather and life spills out onto the streets.

arouca historic village portugal inland porto

arouca pool monastery stays portugal trip

Days 17–18

Arouca

After all the adventures and impressions along the way, the road trip comes to an end in Arouca. And it’s hard to imagine a better finale. You’ll stay in what was, for us, the true hidden gem of the entire journey: a stylish retreat in a centuries-old monastery, where history and luxury come together in the most beautiful way. Wander through serene cloisters, take in the views across the gardens and mountains, or simply unwind by the beautiful swimming pool. There’s also a spa where you can completely switch off after two weeks on the road. You’ll be thoroughly pampered here, ending the journey with a well-deserved touch of luxury. But Arouca isn’t just about slowing down. The surrounding landscape is perfect for one final adventure in nature. This is where you’ll find the famous 516 Arouca, a spectacular 516-metre-long suspension bridge. The area forms part of the UNESCO Arouca Geopark, known for its rugged landscapes, waterfalls, gorges and fascinating geology. You can spend your final days hiking, kayaking or even canyoning your way through the landscape.

Beautiful stays

Lisbon

Lisbon Chiado Hotel

This stylish five-star hotel is located right in the vibrant heart of Lisbon, within easy walking distance of the city’s most famous sights. From the rooftop terrace, you can enjoy panoramic views across the city, the castle and the river.

Sertã

Convento da Sertã

This stunning four-star hotel is housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century monastery. After a day exploring the mountains, unwind by the saltwater outdoor pool and enjoy a delicious, generous breakfast. The elegant rooms combine historic details with modern luxury.

Castelo Novo

Pedra Nova

Set in the granite heart of Castelo Novo, this stylish, modern accommodation offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by the mountains. The garden features a swimming pool, sauna and inviting seating areas. Inside, the sleek design creates a beautiful contrast with the rugged mountain landscape.

accommodations roundtrip portugal interior

Castelo Rodrigo

Casa da Cisterna

This charming guesthouse is located in historic Castelo Rodrigo and is built around an old underground cistern. Take a dip in the pool overlooking the surrounding countryside, while the passionate owners are happy to share stories and local tips about the village.

Porto

Moon & Sun

This modern boutique hotel is located in the lively heart of Porto. The rooms are stylish and comfortable, while the atmospheric rooftop bar is the perfect spot to enjoy panoramic city views with a cocktail in hand.

Arouca

Arouca Monastery

This impressive hotel is housed in a centuries-old monastery full of authentic details. Discover the beautiful courtyard gardens, enjoy a local breakfast, and unwind after a walk along the nearby Passadiços do Paiva.

Practical information

With this road trip, all you have to do is enjoy the journey. We take care of the essentials, including your flights, rental car and stays in charming, small-scale accommodations, so you can explore Portugal at your own pace and with complete freedom.

Included:

Round-trip flights, including carry-on and checked baggage
All-inclusive rental car
All stays include room and breakfast
A personal digital travel guide packed with tips

Arrange it yourself:

Fuel, tolls, and parking fees for the rental car
Lunches, dinners, and other meals
Travel and Cancellation Insurance
Excursions and admission fees (unless booked as an add-on)

April, May, June and September are ideal months for planning a road trip along Portugal’s coast and through its inland regions. The weather is generally mild and sunny, with pleasant temperatures ranging between 20–25°C.

The summer months of July and August are also a great time for a road trip. Just keep in mind that temperatures can rise to around 30°C, and sometimes even higher.

During this journey, you’ll stay in unique accommodations that we’ve personally visited ourselves. We’ve stayed there, experienced the atmosphere and selected them because they’re places we genuinely love and can wholeheartedly recommend.

All stays include a delicious daily breakfast, so you can start each day feeling refreshed and ready to explore. The starting price for this sample itinerary is based on two people sharing a standard double room. Room upgrades and extensions are available on request.

Good to know: Our trips are tailor-made and subject to current availability. If one of the suggested accommodations is fully booked for your travel dates, we’ll of course find an equally comfortable and characterful alternative for you. Any local tourist taxes or parking fees are payable directly at the accommodation.

Can I change the itinerary or the length of my stay?

Of course! Would you like to stay an extra night somewhere, add a stopover, or skip part of the trip? Everything can be fully customized to suit your preferences and travel pace.

How does picking up and returning the rental car work?

You’ll pick up your rental car immediately upon arrival at the airport (in this case, in Lisbon) and return it to the departure airport (Porto) at the end of your trip. Would you prefer to pick up the car later and/or return it earlier? We’d be happy to work with you to explore options that fit your itinerary.

What type of rental car is included, and what about insurance?

The starting price is based on a comfortable compact-class car. The car comes standard with comprehensive insurance (including coverage for damage and theft), so you can hit the road worry-free. You can always upgrade to a larger class or an automatic transmission.

What about toll roads in Portugal?

Portugal has a modern electronic toll system. We always recommend renting a toll device (Via Verde) when you pick up your rental car. This allows you to drive through the toll gates easily, and the charges are automatically billed to your credit card afterward. It’s that simple!

Are the flight times already known at the time of booking?

When putting together your personalized travel proposal, we’ll work with you to find the most convenient flight times and flights departing from your preferred airport (such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Brussels, or Düsseldorf). We always coordinate this with you in advance before finalizing your trip.

Will we get any tips or directions before we leave?

Absolutely! Before you leave, we’ll send you a digital travel guide packed with inspiration. It includes not only the standard travel documents, but also our personal recommendations for restaurants, hidden gems, and fun stops along the way.

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Your Dream Trip, Worry-Free

A trip that truly suits you starts with listening to your wishes and travel dreams. Together, we’ll map out your ideal route, filled with special places and memorable experiences. We’ll take care of all the practical details, from flights to excursions. Sounds good, right?

Travander is affiliated with Personal Touch Travel, a member of ANVR and SGR.

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