Grand Driving Tour of Portugal: 12-Day Lisbon, Algarve & Porto Self-Drive Tour

12 Days/11 Nights: Drive from Lisbon through the Algarve, Central Portugal and Porto on a self-drive vacation with planned hotels and a rental car.

Duration 12 Days / 11 Nights
Trip style Self-Drive Vacation
Departures Departure Any Day
From $1,758 per person Based on 3 people sharing a room · Comfort hotel category

Tour Overview

Portugal self-drive itinerary from Lisbon through the Algarve, Alentejo, northern Portugal and Porto

Grand Driving Tour of Portugal is a 12-day, 11-night self-drive vacation that begins and ends in Lisbon and follows a wide-ranging route through southern, central and northern Portugal. Travel from the Algarve coast through the Alentejo, Serra da Estrela and Beira regions, the Minho, Porto and Central Portugal before returning to Lisbon along the Costa de Prata (Silver Coast).

This itinerary is designed for travelers who want to experience Portugal independently while following a carefully planned route through some of the country’s most distinctive regions. Highlights include Lisbon, Silves, Sagres, Lagos, Évora, Marvão, Castelo de Vide, Belmonte, Guarda, Viseu, Lamego, Guimarães, Braga, Viana do Castelo, Porto, Aveiro, Coimbra, Fátima, Nazaré and Óbidos.

Itinerary at a Glance

  1. Day 1 - Arrive in Lisbon
  2. Day 2 - Lisbon to Silves & Vilamoura
  3. Day 3 - Explore Sagres, Lagos, Albufeira & Faro
  4. Day 4 - Vilamoura to Évora
  5. Day 5 - Évora to Estremoz & Marvão
  6. Day 6 - Marvão to Castelo de Vide, Sortelha, Belmonte & Guarda
  7. Day 7 - Guarda to Viseu, Lamego, Vila Real & Amarante
  8. Day 8 - Guimarães, Braga & Viana do Castelo to Porto
  9. Day 9 - Full Day in Porto & Vila Nova de Gaia
  10. Day 10 - Porto to Aveiro, Buçaco Forest & Coimbra
  11. Day 11 - Coimbra to Fátima, Batalha, Alcobaça, Nazaré, Óbidos & Lisbon
  12. Day 12 - Depart Lisbon or Extend Your Portugal Vacation

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Lisbon

Arrive in Portugal, collect your rental car at Lisbon Airport and drive to your hotel in the capital. Settle in and enjoy the remainder of the day at your own pace before beginning your self-drive journey through Portugal. Overnight in Lisbon.

Day 2 - Lisbon to Silves & Vilamoura

Lisbon to Silves & Vilamoura [301 km; 188 miles]

Leave Lisbon and drive south toward the Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, known for its Atlantic coastline, historic towns and warm climate. Your first major stop is Silves, a hilltop town overlooking the Arade River and dominated by its historic castle and cathedral.

Continue across the Algarve to Vilamoura, where you will spend the night. This coastal resort area provides a convenient base for exploring the western and central Algarve on the following day.

Day 3 - Explore Sagres, Lagos, Albufeira & Faro

Vilamoura to Sagres, Lagos, Albufeira & Faro [249 km; 156 miles]

Spend the day exploring the Algarve coast. Drive west to Sagres and the dramatic headlands near Cape São Vicente, then continue to Lagos, known for its historic center, marina and nearby coastal scenery.

Continue through the Algarve with time to visit Albufeira and Faro, or choose the stops that best match your interests and pace. Return to Vilamoura for the night. The route can also be driven in reverse, beginning in Faro and ending in Sagres.

Day 4 - Vilamoura to Évora

Vilamoura to Évora [211 km; 132 miles]

Leave the Algarve and drive north into the Alentejo region, where open plains, olive groves, vineyards, cork oaks and whitewashed towns shape the landscape. Your destination is Évora, one of Portugal’s most important historic cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Explore Évora’s compact center, where Roman, medieval and Renaissance architecture reflects centuries of Portuguese history. Overnight in Évora.

Day 5 - Évora to Estremoz & Marvão

Évora to Estremoz & Marvão [123 km; 77 miles]

Drive north from Évora to Estremoz, a hilltop town surrounded by olive groves and a region long associated with marble quarrying. Continue toward the Spanish border and the fortified village of Marvão, dramatically positioned on a high ridge above the surrounding countryside.

Take time to walk the historic streets and enjoy the panoramic setting before settling in for the night. Overnight in Marvão.

Day 6 - Marvão to Castelo de Vide, Sortelha, Belmonte & Guarda

Marvão to Castelo de Vide, Sortelha, Belmonte & Guarda [223 km; 140 miles]

Travel north through the mountainous interior of Portugal. Stop in Castelo de Vide, known for its whitewashed streets and old Jewish Quarter, then continue to the fortified village of Sortelha, where stone walls and elevated viewpoints overlook the surrounding countryside.

Continue to Belmonte, a town with strong Jewish heritage and an important connection to Portuguese explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral. End the day in Guarda, one of the principal historic cities of Portugal’s interior. Overnight in Guarda.

Day 7 - Guarda to Viseu, Lamego, Vila Real & Amarante

Guarda to Viseu, Lamego, Vila Real & Amarante [270 km; 170 miles]

Depart Guarda and travel through the Beira Alta and Central Portugal region to Viseu, a historic city surrounded by the Dão wine-growing area.

Continue to Lamego, known for the sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, then cross the Douro River at Peso da Régua and drive toward Vila Real. From there, head west to Amarante, set along the Tâmega River. Overnight in Amarante or continue to Guimarães, depending on your selected package arrangement.

Day 8 - Guimarães, Braga & Viana do Castelo to Porto

Guimarães to Braga, Viana do Castelo & Porto [160 km; 100 miles]

Begin with Guimarães, a city closely associated with the origins of the Portuguese kingdom. Continue through the Minho region to Braga, one of Portugal’s oldest cities and an important religious center.

Nearby, Bom Jesus do Monte is one of the region’s best-known pilgrimage landmarks. You may also visit Ponte de Lima before continuing to coastal Viana do Castelo. Finish the day with the drive south to Porto. Overnight in Porto.

Day 9 - Full Day in Porto & Vila Nova de Gaia

Leave the car parked and spend the day exploring Porto. Walk through the historic center, explore the riverfront and discover neighborhoods overlooking the Douro River.

Across the river, Vila Nova de Gaia is home to the Port wine lodges where many of the region’s wines are aged and bottled. Spend time learning about Port wine, enjoying the riverfront and experiencing the food and wine traditions of northern Portugal. Overnight in Porto.

Day 10 - Porto to Aveiro, Buçaco Forest & Coimbra

Porto to Aveiro, Buçaco Forest & Coimbra [160 km; 100 miles]

Drive south from Porto to Aveiro, a coastal city known for its canals, traditional boats and distinctive architecture. Continue inland to Buçaco Forest, where walking paths wind through a historic wooded landscape that was shaped and protected by religious communities over centuries.

Continue to Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities. Explore the historic university area and the winding streets, churches and architectural landmarks of the old city. Overnight in Coimbra.

Day 11 - Coimbra to Fátima, Batalha, Alcobaça, Nazaré, Óbidos & Lisbon

Coimbra to Conímbriga, Fátima, Batalha, Alcobaça, Nazaré, Óbidos & Lisbon [279 km; 175 miles]

Depart Coimbra and head south toward the Lisbon region. Stop at Conímbriga, one of Portugal’s most important Roman archaeological sites, before continuing to Fátima, one of the world’s best-known Catholic pilgrimage destinations.

Continue to the Monastery of Batalha and the Monastery of Alcobaça, two of Portugal’s major historic monastic landmarks. Drive west to Nazaré on the Costa de Prata (Silver Coast), known for its Atlantic beach, fishing traditions and dramatic ocean setting.

Your final stop is Óbidos, a picturesque walled village of whitewashed houses and cobblestone streets. Return to Lisbon for your final overnight.

Day 12 - Depart Lisbon or Extend Your Portugal Vacation

After breakfast and hotel check-out, make your way to Lisbon Airport for your return flight. If you would like to continue exploring Portugal, contact us to arrange additional nights in Lisbon or another extension to your trip.

What's Included

Included in this Package

  • 11 Nights accommodations in selected hotel groups or similar
  • Daily breakfast 
  • 11 Day car rental (pick up and return at airport)
  • Half-day day tour of Lisbon or Porto
  • Fado show and dinner in Lisbon (Choice of arrival or departure night)
  • Automatic car Citroen C4 or Similar (CCAR)
  • Unlimited miles/kilometers
  • Basic LDW car rental insurance

Not Included in this package

  • Meals other than breakfast
  • Child, toddler or infant/booster seat - Available at an additional charge
  • GPS and Tolls device available at rental counter for an extra charge
  • Super CDW Coverage - This coverage can be purchased directly at car rental desk
  • Entrance fees to museums and landmarks
  • Gasoline or diesel fuel
  • City taxes 

Car Hire Upgrades

  • Upgrades to a different group/class available upon request and subject to a new quote

Dates & Rates

Understanding the Rates

Hotel Package Category

Available hotel categories vary by package. The categories below are the ones currently offered for this itinerary.

Comfort
  • Well-located 4-star hotels
  • Strong balance of comfort and value
  • Ideal for most travelers
Superior
  • Higher-end 4-star hotels, sometimes including 5-star properties
  • Enhanced comfort, location, or services
  • Ideal for a more refined experience

Exact hotels and star ratings vary by itinerary, travel dates, and availability.

Hotel Notes
  • Each package has a hotel summary description. For detailed information, please visit the hotel's official webpage online.
  • For specific hotel or ocean-view room preference, please notify us when filling your booking form. Additional charges may apply.
Room Rate Type
  • Solo = Person traveling alone
  • Single = Person staying in a single room and sharing tour services with others in travel party
  • Double = 2 Persons per room
  • Triple = 3 Persons per room
Price Currency
  • Rates are shown in U.S. Dollars

Departure Date Between:

10/23/2026 and 10/31/2026
  • Double Comfort: US$2,406/person
  • Single Comfort: US$4,259/person
  • Triple Comfort: US$1,955/person
  • Double Superior: US$3,306/person
  • Single Superior: US$5,889/person
  • Triple Superior: US$2,662/person
Room TypeComfortSuperior
DoubleUS$2,406/personUS$3,306/person
SingleUS$4,259/personUS$5,889/person
TripleUS$1,955/personUS$2,662/person
11/1/2026 and 12/31/2026
  • Double Comfort: US$2,168/person
  • Single Comfort: US$3,905/person
  • Triple Comfort: US$1,758/person
  • Double Superior: US$2,998/person
  • Single Superior: US$5,358/person
  • Triple Superior: US$2,406/person
Room TypeComfortSuperior
DoubleUS$2,168/personUS$2,998/person
SingleUS$3,905/personUS$5,358/person
TripleUS$1,758/personUS$2,406/person
1/1/2027 and 3/19/2027
  • Double Comfort: US$2,277/person
  • Single Comfort: US$4,101/person
  • Triple Comfort: US$1,846/person
  • Double Superior: US$3,148/person
  • Single Superior: US$5,626/person
  • Triple Superior: US$2,527/person
Room TypeComfortSuperior
DoubleUS$2,277/personUS$3,148/person
SingleUS$4,101/personUS$5,626/person
TripleUS$1,846/personUS$2,527/person
3/20/2027 and 5/19/2027
  • Double Comfort: US$2,527/person
  • Single Comfort: US$4,472/person
  • Triple Comfort: US$2,053/person
  • Double Superior: US$3,472/person
  • Single Superior: US$6,184/person
  • Triple Superior: US$2,796/person
Room TypeComfortSuperior
DoubleUS$2,527/personUS$3,472/person
SingleUS$4,472/personUS$6,184/person
TripleUS$2,053/personUS$2,796/person
5/20/2027 and 9/30/2027
  • Double Comfort: US$3,019/person
  • Single Comfort: US$5,287/person
  • Triple Comfort: US$2,382/person
  • Double Superior: US$4,311/person
  • Single Superior: US$7,354/person
  • Triple Superior: US$3,355/person
Room TypeComfortSuperior
DoubleUS$3,019/personUS$4,311/person
SingleUS$5,287/personUS$7,354/person
TripleUS$2,382/personUS$3,355/person
10/1/2027 and 10/31/2027
  • Double Comfort: US$2,527/person
  • Single Comfort: US$4,472/person
  • Triple Comfort: US$2,053/person
  • Double Superior: US$3,472/person
  • Single Superior: US$6,184/person
  • Triple Superior: US$2,796/person
Room TypeComfortSuperior
DoubleUS$2,527/personUS$3,472/person
SingleUS$4,472/personUS$6,184/person
TripleUS$2,053/personUS$2,796/person
11/1/2027 and 12/31/2027
  • Double Comfort: US$2,277/person
  • Single Comfort: US$4,101/person
  • Triple Comfort: US$1,846/person
  • Double Superior: US$3,148/person
  • Single Superior: US$5,626/person
  • Triple Superior: US$2,527/person
Room TypeComfortSuperior
DoubleUS$2,277/personUS$3,148/person
SingleUS$4,101/personUS$5,626/person
TripleUS$1,846/personUS$2,527/person

Hotels

Note: Hotels shown are for reference only. We reserve the right to change hotels based on availability, group size or other factors. Should alternate hotel be required, it will be of same or better rating .

Comfort Hotels

Superior Hotels

Questions About This Trip

Is the 12-day Grand Driving Tour a relaxed road trip or a comprehensive route?

This is a wide-ranging, 12-day itinerary for travelers who want to experience several regions of mainland Portugal on one independent trip. It links Lisbon, the Algarve, Alentejo, inland historic towns, the north and Porto before returning to Lisbon. Some days combine a longer drive with several optional sightseeing stops, so it suits travelers who enjoy exploring on the move. If you prefer longer stays and fewer hotel changes, ask us to discuss a slower itinerary.

Where does this Portugal self-drive tour start and finish?

The itinerary begins and ends in Lisbon. Day 1 describes collecting the rental car at Lisbon Airport, and Day 12 concludes with departure from Lisbon. The package lists 11 nights of accommodation and an 11-day car rental. Confirm your flight arrival and departure times with us before finalizing the rental arrangements.

Do we need to visit every suggested stop on the driving days?

No. This is a self-drive itinerary, not a guided tour that requires every sightseeing stop. For example, the Algarve day suggests Sagres, Lagos, Albufeira and Faro, but you can prioritize the places that interest you and allow time for the coast. The hotel-night sequence provides the structure; how you use your sightseeing time between overnight stops is generally up to you.

Does the itinerary include time in the Douro Valley?

Day 7 includes Lamego and a crossing of the Douro River near Peso da Régua on the route toward Vila Real and Amarante. This gives you a taste of the region, but it is not the same as a dedicated multi-night Douro Valley stay. If vineyard visits and additional time in the Douro are priorities, ask about adding time or adjusting the route before booking.

Is an automatic rental car included, and how are Portuguese tolls handled?

The published inclusions list an automatic-transmission rental car, basic LDW coverage and unlimited distance. Fuel and the rental company's toll-payment equipment are not listed as included; the toll device is offered at an extra charge. Confirm the vehicle category, any extra charges and how electronic toll payments are handled when arranging the rental. For practical guidance, read our Portugal toll-roads guide.

Will we need to drive around central Lisbon and Porto?

The published tour starts with airport car collection in Lisbon. On the full sightseeing day in Porto, the itinerary recommends leaving the car parked. Historic city centers can be difficult for driving and parking, so it is worth checking hotel parking arrangements and deciding which attractions are easier to visit on foot or by local transportation. Ask us before booking if a different car-collection plan is important to you; it would need to be checked and quoted separately.

What does the advertised starting price cover?

The published starting rate is a per-person amount for the lowest available displayed room/hotel category and occupancy combination, not a flat price for every traveler. The current lowest listed rate is based on three guests sharing a Comfort-category room; prices for two sharing or single occupancy differ. Rates also depend on the travel date and availability. Check the live Dates & Rates table and request an exact quote for your dates and party size.

Still comparing routes? Explore the Portugal self-drive vacation options or read our guide to choosing a Portugal driving route. To discuss a slower or tailored version of this itinerary, send us your travel plans.

Booking & Policies

Booking Your Land-Only Vacation

  • A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $350 per person is required to confirm and hold your reservation.
  • Vacation departure dates, itineraries and prices are subject to change until your reservation is confirmed.
  • Final payment is due 55 days before departure.

Booking Your Vacation With Air

  • This vacation does not include an airfare option. We can hold your land reservation while you arrange your flights. Once you confirm your air itinerary, we can proceed with collecting the required deposit and confirming the land portion of your vacation.

Cancellation Policy

  • The $350 per person deposit is non-refundable.
  • For cancellations made 55 days or more before arrival, the cancellation charge is $350 per person.
  • For cancellations made 54 days or fewer before arrival, no-shows and unused services, no refund will be provided.
  • A cancellation is considered valid only after we have received the request and confirmed the cancellation to you.

Refund Fees

  • Any credit-card processing fee assessed when a payment is made will be deducted from any refunded amount. This also applies to deposits refunded because requested services are unavailable for the requested travel dates.

I Want to Book. What Do I Do Next?

  • Click the “Request Quote” button to send us your reservation request.
  • No payment will be collected when you submit the request.
  • One of our travel associates will contact you by email to answer your questions and assist with booking your package.
  • If you are not ready to book, please contact us with any questions about your trip or vacation.

Booking Changes

  • A fee of $35 per person, per transaction, will be charged for revisions or changes made to a reservation after the booking has been confirmed.

Travel Insurance

  • We strongly recommend purchasing travel and cancellation insurance. Please ask us for additional information.

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