Itinerary

Day 1 & 2

Pick up a rental car at Lisbon airport. An easy 1 hour drive north takes you to the enchanting walled city of Obidos. Spend 2 nights at a 19th century Manor House located just outside the city walls with views of the castle. The Manor features a swimming pool (seasonal), tennis and gardens. Enjoy strolling through the cobblestone streets of this charming town.
Obidos is an ideal location to visit many of Portugal’s most famous sights: The coastal fishing city of Nazare with it’s huge beach, the monasteries of Alcobaca and Batalha (exquisite) and the world famous Marian Shrine of Fatima.

Day 3

Head north toward the Forest of Bussaco. Suggested stops: Roman ruins of Conimbriga, the historic riverside city of Coimbra which is home to one of Europe’s oldest universities (founded in 1290), the Forest of Bussaco home to the fabuous Bussaco Palace, your hotel for the night.
Approximate driving times without stops: 1 ½ hours from Obidos to Coimbra (134 km), ½ hour from Coimbra to Bussaco (29 km).

Day 4 & 5

Drive today from Bussaco to Guimaraes in the Minho district of Portugal via Viseu, Lamego, Vila Real and Amarante. Before crrossing the Douro River and Valley, arrive in the attractive town of Lamego and the Nossa Senhora dos Remedios Church, a pilgrimage site featuring a spectacular staircase. Also along the route is Vila Real and nearby Casa de Mateus, a splendid example of Baroque architecture. Continue to Amarante on the Tamega river, one of Portugal’s prettiest cities featuring rows of 17th century mansions.
The next 2 nights will be a Stately Home located about 5 kms from Guimaraes. The house is a wine estate (quinta) and produces award winning “Vinho Verde”, the delightful wine popular in the Minho. Impressive sitting rooms in the manor include 19th century wallpaper with panoramic scenes. There is a garden, swimming pool (seasonal), chapel and wine tasting.
Guimaraes is called the birthplace of the Portuguese Nation, the first capital under King Afonso Henriques in 1139. Walk through the historic town center and visit the Castelo de Sao Miguel (St Michael’s Castle), an impressive sight. Nearby: Bom Jesus do Monte, famous for its huge Baroque staircase cascading down a steep slope, Braga, a city dating back to Roman times and Barcelos, known for its ceramics and crafts.
Approximate driving time without stops: 4 hours (317 kms) traveling via Viseu, Lamego, Vila Real and Amarante. Or 1 hr, 45 mins (155 kms) via Porto.

Day 6

Head south to Porto, located on the Portugal’s famed Douro River. Porto’s historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your accommodation tonight will be in the “charm” hotel, Pestana Porto. Located on the riverfront in the trendy and historic “Ribeira” district, the hotel has been constructed from the ancient city walls and 16th to 18th century townhouses. Just outside the hotel are a variety of restaurants and shops.

Day 7

On the south side of the Douro River, across from Porto, is Vila Nova de Gaia, the home of the Port Wine Lodges where port is blended and aged. Many are open for touring and tasting. Continue today toward Lisbon and your final night at a historic Pousada. Driving time, nonstop, from Porto to Queluz, near Lisbon is 3 ½ hours. The Pousada Dona Maria I is located in a building formerly used by the Royal Guard of the Court of the Palace of Queluz, the “Portuguese Versailles”.

Day 8

Check out of the Pousada and return the car to the Lisbon airport. Approximately 20 minutes drive.
Alternate suggestion: Drop the rental car at the airport or downtown Lisbon and stay in the city for a couple of nights. Although there are no manor houses or Pousadas in Lisbon there are several very charming, small hotels as well as the usual large city hotels.

2010 price:

$939.00 per person, sharing a twin or double room. Jan-Mar 2010: $769.00 per person
August Supplement: $102.00 per person
Note: Prices are subject to currency fluctuation and availability.

Includes:

• 7 days of economy car rental (VW Polo or similar) with A/C and manual transmission. Includes unlimited kilometers, basic CDW and VAT of 20%
• 4 nights accommodation in Manor Houses and charm hotel with private bath
• 1 night at the Palace of Bussaco in standard room
• 1 night at Hotel Pestana Porto in a superior room
• 1 night at Pousada Dona Maria I on the Queluz Palace grounds
• Daily buffet breakfast
• Accommodation taxes

Car upgrades available including automatics

For reservation and information click here to submit a request

You may call us at 800-652-9151 if you reside in the United States. From other countries call 1-209-667-2405