Travel concept

Northern and Central Portugal

A varied round trip along Porto, mountain scenery, the coast and Lisbon.

Portugal Culture
Northern and Central Portugal

Day 1

On your way to Portugal

Your trip starts today. You fly to Porto.

Stay: Porto

Day 2 & 3

Exploring Porto

Take your time to discover this beautiful city. Enjoy dinner by the Douro, visit the famous Ponte do Infante and do not miss a port tasting at one of the many wine houses across the river. As a lovely extra, you can book a boat trip on the Douro.

Stay: Porto

Day 4

Into the mountains

Today you pick up your rental car and get ready to discover Portugal’s mountains. You drive to Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela, home to the highest point in mainland Portugal.

Stay: Eco-stay Chao Do Rio

Day 5 & 6

Discovering Serra da Estrela

Spend a few days exploring this beautiful Portuguese region. Drive to the highest point in the country, follow one of the many hiking trails or enjoy a dip in natural pools that feel almost too good to be real.
Looking for something more active? Archery, mountain biking, SUP and other activities are possible too.
Back at your stay, you can unwind with a delicious ecological breakfast and a swim in the natural swimming pond. One thing is certain: you will not want to leave this little paradise.

Stay: Eco-stay Chao Do Rio

Day 7

On to Coimbra

You leave the overwhelming nature behind and drive to Coimbra, Portugal’s university city. Set on a hill, this atmospheric city combines cultural heritage with plenty of lovely restaurants.

Stay: Coimbra

Day 8

Via Obidos to the coast

Today you drive towards one of Portugal’s greatest assets: its beautiful coastline. Before you get there, stop in the walled town of Obidos. Walk along the old city walls and taste local ginginja served in a small chocolate cup.

Stay: Peniche

Day 9

The Portuguese coast

The Portuguese coast is known for excellent fish and as a surf hotspot. Always wanted to try surfing? This is your chance. The coastline north and south of Peniche is full of surf spots.
Peniche itself is also a beautiful fishing peninsula to explore, and it is the departure point for boats to the Berlengas islands.

Stay: Peniche

Day 10

A fairytale stop in Sintra

Today you drive towards Lisbon, but not before stopping in Sintra, Portugal’s fairytale-like castle landscape. Choose between the Moorish Castle, Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira. Sintra is also perfect for tasting a local pastry and browsing for souvenirs.
At the end of the day you continue to Lisbon, where you return your rental car.

Stay: Lisbon

Day 11 & 12

Lisbon

Spend time exploring Lisbon. This wonderful city, spread across seven hills, has enough sights to fill a full week. Do not miss Belem, where you can taste the world-famous Pasteis de Belem. The museums and viewpoints across the city are also well worth your time.

Stay: Lisbon

Practical

Possible extensions

Braga, Guimaraes and Parque Nacional Peneda-Geres. Alentejo can also be added as a separate extension.

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