Lisbon to Algarve driving along Coastline

Alcacer do Sal - Gracefully positioned on the right bank of the Sado River and ascending a gentle slope, Alcácer do Sal has been inhabited since ancient times. Archaeological findings date back to the Neolithic era, with evidence of Greek, Phoenician, and other Mediterranean cultures passing through.

The Romans named it Salacia Urbs Imperatoria, and it became significant for the Empire due to its prime location along the Sado River, a crucial trade route. It was mainly used to transport local goods like wheat, olive oil, and wine to other parts of the Roman Empire. Alcácer was a key inland port on the Western peninsula, known for salt production and fish processing, which is reflected in its name.

During the Moorish occupation (from the 8th century), Alcácer became the capital of the Al-Kasser province. The old fort’s walls were reinforced, with the Muslim city protected by two rings and 30 towers, making it one of the largest defensive forts on the Iberian Peninsula.

In 1217, King Afonso II, with the help of Crusaders traveling from Syria and the Holy Land, conquered it. It was then given to the Military Order of Santiago to establish its headquarters.

Sines - Once a fishing town, Sines has evolved with tourism and industry. Today, it is a major port and oil-tanker terminal, vital to the Portuguese economy.

Overlooking the bay are the ruins of a medieval castle, restored in the 16th century. Vasco da Gama (1468-1524), the son of the governor general of Sines, is believed to have been born here. One of the castle towers houses a small museum dedicated to this famous navigator.

Sines also boasts an intriguing Archaeological Museum, showcasing archaeological finds from the region that highlight its ancient occupation.

Sagres - Although its history dates back to Roman times, Sagres gained prominence in the 15th century.

Prince Henry the Navigator’s frequent presence during the early days of Atlantic navigation and the discovery of the African coast to the Gulf of Guinea has forever linked this charming fishing port with the Age of Discoveries.

On Ponta de Sagres, a massive rock formation pointing to the ocean, stand buildings that evoke the past of a place integral to world history, recalling the Vila and the defensive fortress founded by Henry the Navigator.

Nearby, at one of the most westerly points of the European continent (after Cabo da Roca), is the Cape of S. Vicente (a sacred place for the Romans, who named it Promontorium Sacrum), opening onto a vast horizon of sea and sky.

Vila Nova de Milfontes - This charming town at the mouth of the River Mira owes much of its recent growth to the surge in tourism in the region. The serene and beautiful beaches along the Costa Vicentina are highly sought after, mainly because they retain most of their natural features and offer excellent conditions for water sports.

The town’s historical center features several interesting buildings, particularly the Fortress (built between 1599 and 1602 to defend against pirate attacks), the Parish Church, and the Lighthouse of Cabo Sardão, constructed at the beginning of the 20th century.

Lagos - Lagos has a rich history connected to the sea. Its original name, Lacobriga, reflects the Celtic origin of its first inhabitants around 2000 BC. Following them were the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Carthaginians, but it was the Romans who brought growth and prosperity to the town. The Moors built walls around Lagos in the 10th century and named it Zawaia. They remained until the town was conquered by Christians in 1249, becoming part of Portuguese territory.

The 15th century was a golden age for Lagos, with its involvement in the Age of Discoveries. Due to its location across from Africa, it became a major departure and arrival point for ships exploring the continent. As a trading center for exotic products, including ivory, gold, and silver from Africa, Lagos saw a dramatic increase in houses, traders, and monuments.

New walls were built in the 16th century to accommodate the city’s expansion, and from 1572, Lagos became the seat of the bishopric and the official residence of the Algarve governors. These defenses were further strengthened in the 17th century with a series of forts at strategic points. The 1755 earthquake and subsequent seaquake destroyed much of the city, which only began to recover in the 19th century with the canned fish industry and increased trade. Today, Lagos is a vibrant city, proud of its past.

Lagos to Faro driving along Coastline

Portimao - Situated at the estuary of the River Arade, Portimão is renowned for its excellent sandy beaches with warm, calm waters, making it a popular holiday destination.

Portimão has a long fishing tradition that flourished between the 19th and 20th centuries with the rise of the canning industry and tourism. Most buildings in the historic center date from this period, including the Portimão Museum, a superb refurbishment of an old cannery that won the Museum of the Year award from the Council of Europe in 2010. It honors the people and the city that have lived by and for the sea for centuries.

Don’t miss the simply styled Chapel of São José de Alcalar or the impressive Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception), built in the 15th century on a hill, standing out in the city’s skyline. It was damaged by the 1755 earthquake but retains its beautiful original Gothic portal. For a break, rest in the shade of the trees in the Manuel Bivar Garden to watch fishing boats and pleasure craft sail by, or stroll along the lively Marina promenade.

Faro - During the Roman period, this region developed and gained prominence, known as Civitas Ossobonensis, with borders stretching to modern Tavira and including towns with specific productive, rural, and maritime functions.

This historical past is evident in archaeological finds in the city, now displayed in the Infante D. Henrique (Prince Henry the Navigator) Archaeological Museum and the Milreu Ruins in Faro’s suburbs.

In the 9th century, the town was renamed Saint Mary Ibn Harun after the Arab family governing the region, eventually becoming Faro. During Muslim rule, Christian religious practices were allowed, hence “Saint Mary” remained part of the name. Archaeological remains from that period, including the Arab Gateway (part of the Arco da Vila (Town Arch)), recall one of the entries into the walled center, known as Vila-Adentro (Inner Town).

Vila-Adentro was definitively returned to Christian rule in 1249, during Afonso III’s reign. The Sé Cathedral was built on the former Mosque site, and the walls were reinforced to highlight the new rulers.

In the 16th century, Faro became an important trading center in the Algarve, a role it maintained for centuries. It became a city in 1540, and the Bishopdom, formerly in Silves, was relocated to Faro. Many of the city’s religious monuments date from this period, reflecting economic wealth in the artistic grace of the Church of Misericórdia (Compassion) and the convents of Saint Francis, Nossa Senhora da Assunção (Our Lady of the Assumption - now the Infante D. Henrique Archaeological Museum), Santiago Maior, and Saint Anthony of Capuchin.

Olhao - To uncover Olhão’s hidden charm, climb to the top of the main church tower, the highest point. From there, see the hundreds of roof terraces - the “açoteias” - typical of the Algarve, creating a unique urban panorama, as if a multitude of cubes were scattered across a flat surface, their regular shapes repeating in three dimensions.

Back at ground level, wander through the fishermen’s quarter, between the quay on the Ria Formosa and the city defined by the main church. The houses here are small and white, with walls topped by bands of geometric decoration that form the verandas of the roof terraces. The streets bordering Avenida da República, a symbol of urban development at the turn of the century, reflect a city of industrialists and ship-owners who grew rich from fish processing and trade, displaying their wealth with verandas, tiles, carved stonework, and wrought iron.

Any tour of Olhão should end among the refreshing gardens and open-air cafés along the long quayside. But first, take a few minutes to immerse yourself in the colorful market atmosphere, where stands sell fish straight from the sea, fresh vegetables, and sweet fruit from the interior farms.

If time allows, regular boat connections to the islands of Armona and Culatra offer an opportunity to explore the Ria and visit its attractive beaches.

Tavira - In the Algarve, archaeological remains trace settlement back over 6,000 years. However, it was under the Roman Empire that the southern coastline was settled more systematically. The city of Balsa was established in the 1st century AD on the route between Ossonoba (Faro) and Baesuris (Castro Marim), focusing on fishing and fish salting. Benefiting from a favorable geographical location between the Algarvian hills and the Gilão River, it was also chosen by the Moors for settlement between the 8th and 9th centuries, named “Tabira,” the root of the current Tavira. However, there is no conclusive evidence linking Balsa and Tabira to the exact same site.

The Christian Reconquest took Tavira in 1242 under Paio Peres Correia, a knight of Sant’Iago. Two years later, King Sancho II gave these lands to the Order for reorganization and settlement. Also in the 13th century, the Castle and walls were strengthened, and the Church of Santa Maria (Saint Mary) was built.

A period of great expansion began in the 15th century after the Conquest of Ceuta in 1415, leading to the Voyages of Discovery. It became an important fishing port, supporting armies and armadas defending the Portuguese coast and coastal cities conquered north of Africa. It further exported salted fish, dried fruits, wine, and other products. In 1489, King João II resided here for several months, and in 1520 it became a city under Manuel I. This royal patronage was reflected in the architectural heritage and the city’s expansion.

Along the riverbanks and main thoroughfares, more humble families settled, while the nobility chose the center to be close to the political and administrative powers in the Castle. The Church of Misericórdia (Compassion) remains as a witness to those times.

In the 17th century, Tavira remained a major commercial center in the Algarve. Much of the cultural heritage from this period reveals a profound religious influence. Today, there are 21 churches in the city, including highlights like the Church of São Paulo (Saint Paul), the Church of Santo António (Saint Anthony), the Church of Carmo (Carmel), and the Church of São Francisco (Saint Francis).

In the 18th century, Tavira lost economic prominence but recovered in the following century, mainly due to tuna fishing and preserving.

Vila Real de Santo Antonio - In the 16th century, there was a town known as Vila de Santo António de Arenilha, likely closer to the sea. By the 18th century, this town had disappeared, engulfed by the sea and sand. However, it was necessary to control goods flowing up the Guadiana River, place Monte Gordo’s fishing business under royal supervision, and stand firm against the Spanish, with whom Portugal had been at war in 1762/63.

The construction of Vila Real de Santo António, bringing evident economic and political advantages, was more than a mere royal whim.

The successful reconstruction of Lisbon after the 1755 earthquake was repeated in Vila Real de Santo António. First, there was careful grid-like urban planning, facilitated by the flat terrain. Next, there was adherence to rigid architectural units. Finally, pre-fabricated standard building blocks, like square-hewn stones from Lisbon, were used, cut and shaped for immediate laying.

To appreciate Vila Real de Santo António’s town planning, walk around the city’s streets. Begin in Praça Marquês de Pombal, the town’s heart, with black and white cobblestones radiating from the central obelisk built in 1776. This square contains three major urban features common in the 18th century: the church, Town Hall, and old guardhouse. Afterwards, walk a few blocks to see privately commissioned buildings, which still adhere to an obvious architectural formula.

Benagil - Explore inside Benagil Cave by taking a boat tour

Faro to Tomar driving along Alentejo - center region

Montemor-o-Novo - Montemor-o-Novo Castle
The remains of the original castle walls, commissioned in the 13th century by D. Dinis, include the main section, protected by 11 cylindrical towers. The defensive elements, like the barbicans, were reinforced in the 14th century. The rectangular-shaped fortress is protected by two towers, currently in ruins, existing during D. Sancho I’s reign (12th century).

Tomar - Tomar’s development is closely linked to the Order of the Templars, which received these lands in 1159 as a reward for assisting Dom Afonso Henriques (the First King of Portugal) in the Christian reconquest.

Dom Gualdim Pais, the first Grand Master of the Order in Portugal, founded the castle and the remarkable Convent of Christ inside. Enlarged and altered over the centuries, it retains influences of various architectural styles; it is the city’s centerpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Tomar, known as the city of the Templars, reveals other traces of their influence, particularly the Sete Montes Park, where initiation rites are said to have taken place, and the Church of Santa Maria do Olival, founded by the Templars in the 12th century, containing the tombs of various Masters of the Order.

The Order of the Templars was suppressed in France in the early 14th century, but in Portugal, it transformed into the Order of Christ on King Dom Dinis’s initiative. This was approved by the Pope, and it was decided that their immense wealth should pass to the Order of Christ, which played a significant role in the historic Portuguese Discoveries.

After being expelled from Spain, the Jews founded a colony in the narrow streets of the historical center, where one of Portugal’s oldest synagogues is preserved, complemented by the Abraão Zacuto Luso-Hebrew Museum.

Tomar to Porto driving along coastline - Aveiro

Coimbra - Long ago, Celts occupied this site, but Romanisation brought great cultural transformation. The Romans’ presence is still visible in various archaeological remains housed at the Museu Nacional Machado de Castro, built over the cryptoporticus of Civita Aeminium, the Roman city’s forum. After them, between 586 and 640, came the Visigoths, who renamed the town Emínio. In 711, it became a Moorish and Mozarab city. In 1064, Fernando I of Castile conquered the city, governed by the Mozarab Sesnando.

The most important city south of the River Douro, it was the residence of Count Dom Henrique and Dona Teresa, parents of Portugal’s first king, Dom Afonso Henriques, who was born here. It was this king who integrated the city into Portuguese territory in 1131. Dating from this time are some of the city’s most important monuments: the Sé Velha (Old Cathedral) and the churches of São Tiago, São Salvador, and Santa Cruz, representing religious authority and various orders established here.

Coimbra was the setting for the forbidden love of Dom Pedro I (1357-67) and Dona Inês, a court lady. Inês was executed by King Dom Afonso IV, who saw the romance as a threat of Portugal being ruled by Castile. An inspiration to poets and writers, their story remains a major part of the city’s rich heritage.

Coimbra was Portugal’s capital during the Middle Ages, but the Renaissance transformed it into a place of knowledge when Dom João III (1521-57) moved the University to the city permanently, while numerous colleges were created as alternatives to official teaching.

Aveiro - The capital of the Ria, a vast lagoon where the River Vouga’s freshwater meets the sea, Aveiro is intersected by canals, genuine streets of water, along which brightly colored boats known as barcos moliceiros glide. Originally founded during Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius’s time, Aveiro is now one of the most interesting cities on the Portuguese coast.

Due to the large numbers of web-footed birds once inhabiting this lagoon area, the city’s first name was Aviarium.

D. João I (r. 1383-1433) gave Aveiro to his son, Prince Pedro, who ordered the city’s first walls, now gone. Later, D. João II (r. 1481-1495) gave the city to his sister, Princess Joana, a lay sister at the Convento de Jesus, now housing the Museu de Aveiro.

In the 16th century, the salt industry, agriculture, fishing, and the first cod-fishing expeditions to Newfoundland in 1501 brought Aveiro prosperity, leading to a charter by D. Manuel I in 1515.

However, in 1575, storms destroyed the deep channel linking the Ria to the sea, where ocean-going vessels docked, destroying maritime trade, fishing, and salting businesses.
Barra Nova was built in the 19th century. Opened to the ocean in 1808, it created a wide channel roughly 264 meters across and 4 to 6 meters deep, opening the Ria to the sea and restoring the region’s life and survival.

Porto - Capital and gateway to northern Portugal, Porto is the city that gave a nation its name and a world-renowned fortified wine: port.

With its splendid location on the Douro River’s mouth and exceptional architectural heritage, Porto’s historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996. Porto is the North’s capital and the country’s second-largest city; its industrious inhabitants are noted for their commercial enterprise, always standing firm against outside impositions and foreign invaders, earning Porto the nickname “unvanquished” city.

In addition to its history, visitors to Porto will be impressed by the city’s and its inhabitants’ forceful character.

To know the city better, take a gentle stroll through its streets, admiring typical granite houses and monuments, enjoy a tram ride along the riverbanks, or take a boat ride under the city’s six bridges for a different view. These itineraries showcase the impressive contrasts Porto offers. The “Baixa (Downtown)” of Porto, with its city life rhythms, movement, and intense retailing, bestows a Nordic, mercantile tone onto a city that is both spiritually and intensely baroque. In contrast, the Serralves Park offers sheer modernity with the Museum of Contemporary Art and the romantic, soothing surroundings of the leafy park.

Porto - Discover Porto from the Douro River, passing by the 6 bridges on a Rabelo, the typical boat from Porto and the Douro Valley

Porto driving to Braga and Guimaraes

Braga - Work on the Roman “Bracara Augusta,” a regional juridical capital, began during Emperor Augustus’s reign in 27 BC. It was part of the Empire’s network crisscrossing the Iberian Peninsula to link it with Rome. Demonstrating the settlement’s importance, Emperor Caracala raised it to Galician province capital in 216. In the same century, the Diocese de Braga was established under Bishop Paterno’s rule.

With the Roman Empire’s decline, the city was taken over by the Sueves, who made it their political and intellectual center, before the Visigoths and Muslims moved in. It was mid-11th century before Christians reconquered the city, and the archdiocese was restored to Bishop Pedro. Throughout Muslim rule, bishops had moved their residence to Lugo (Spain). In 1112, with Archbishop Maurício Burbino, Braga’s religious history gained prominence. After a dispute with the Se in Compostela, in 1199, Pope Innocence III transferred jurisdiction over Oporto, Coimbra, and Viseu, along with five other dioceses in what is now Spain, to Braga.

The Se in Braga is Portugal’s oldest and was the major religious reference point for centuries. Thus comes the popular saying “older than the Braga Se,” denoting something extremely old. Always subject to ecclesiastical influence, reflected in the city’s heritage, the 16th and 18th centuries represent peaks in its history and development. First, there was Archbishop Diogo de Sousa, “the rebuilder of Braga.” From 1505, he took over civil and religious rule, transforming the “village into a city” (in his own words). Then came Archbishops Rodrigo de Moura Teles and José de Bragança, who left behind the exuberant Baroque style.

Guimaraes - Guimarães is considered Portugal’s birthplace because Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, was born here.

The historical center, within the Guimarães city walls, is associated with Portugal’s formation and identity, classified as a World Heritage site based on the originality and authenticity applied in its restoration. The city still has a harmonious, well-preserved heritage evident in graceful iron verandas, granite balconies and porticos, mansions, arches connecting narrow streets, paving slabs smoothed by time, towers, and cloisters. For a moment, you might imagine yourself in a medieval setting, where the nobility built their houses over time, such as the Mota Prego house, Vila Flor and Toural palaces, and many others that give Guimarães its unique atmosphere.

Start from the city’s heart, Largo da Oliveira, where you’ll find the Padrão do Salado and the Collegiate Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, housing the valuable Alberto Sampaio Museum. Passing the Paços Municipais (City Hall), crowned with battlements, enter the Praça de Santiago, which in the Middle Ages welcomed pilgrims bound for Compostela, just as today it welcomes residents and tourists in its restaurants and terraces. The Convent of Santa Clara, Casa do Arco, and other stately houses are in Rua da Santa Maria, linking with the upper city.

Porto driving to Lisbon along the coastline

Nazare - A typical fishing town, Nazaré is now a bustling summer resort, where alongside tourists, fish-sellers and carapaus (horse mackerel) drying in the sun can still be seen throughout the town’s streets. The Sítio district, at the town’s highest point (accessible by a funicular), is undoubtedly the best viewpoint in the area. It is also associated with the cult of Our Lady of Nazaré, who, according to a 12th-century legend, was invoked by the alcaide (commander of a fortress or castle) Dom Fuas Roupinho, who, while pursuing a deer, was about to fall into an abyss with no possible salvation. As a sign of gratitude for the mercy he received, Dom Fuas Roupinho ordered a small chapel to be built - the Ermida de Memória. A little way away, in the 18th century, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré was built, in whose honor grand festivals are held in September.

The Nazaré people’s connection with the sea is reflected in local handicrafts, particularly nets, buoys, baskets, and traditional puppets dressed in the typical costumes of seven skirts, as well as in the cuisine, with its emphasis on fish and shellfish dishes, such as caldeiradas (fish casseroles), soups, açorda (purée of bread, herbs, and garlic), and dried horse mackerel.

The most important feature of the surrounding area is the 7th-century Chapel of São Gião, one of the rare holy places of the Visigoths in Portugal.

Fatima - With deep historical origins, this settlement developed and was named during the Arabian occupation. According to legend, during the Christian Reconquest, the Templar knight Gonçalo Hermingues, also known as Bringer-of-Moors, fell in love with Fátima, a Moor captured in an ambush. Reciprocating the love, the young woman converted to Christianity and adopted the name Oureana.

In the 16th century, the settlement became a parish in the collegiate church of Ourém within the Diocese of Leiria.

Its subsequent development dates from the events known as the Apparitions of Fátima in the early 20th century. It has become one of the key centers for the Cult of the Virgin Mary in Portugal and is recognized worldwide by the Catholic Church.

The first apparition occurred in 1917, in Cova da Iria, at the current Sanctuary site. The most important celebrations are held on May 13th (including the Candlelit Procession on the night of the 12th and the Farewell Procession closing the event on the 13th) and October 13th. Furthermore, the 13th of every month between these dates is also a day of devotion.

For those interested in the historical context of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fátima, visits can be made to the shepherd witnesses’ houses in the village of Aljustrel.

In the gardens of Casa de Lúcia, there is a monument commemorating the second apparition of the Angel of Peace and the end of the Via Sacra, which begins in the Sanctuary. Along this route, there are 14 chapels donated by Hungarian Catholic refugees in the West. Of particular note is Valinhos, 400 meters from the village, where monuments commemorate the fourth apparition in 1917 and the place chosen by the angel. Here, in 1916, the shepherds saw the Angel of Peace for the first and third times.

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Private tour
• All taxes, fees and handling charges included
• Wine tasting experience
• Personal driver/guide
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Comfy transport via air-conditioned minivan
• One night’s accommodation
• 5 nights in a 4/5 star hotel (twin-share basis)

• Gratuities

This comprehensive tour package of 6 full days sets off from Lisbon. It involves a stay of 5 nights in a Standard Room in a 4/5 * hotel inclusive of breakfast, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners.

This private, all-inclusive journey represents an ideal way to appreciate and admire the magnificence of Portugal, starting from the southern-most region of Algarve, moving through the Centre Region, and ending up north in Porto, Braga, and Guimaraes. It’s essentially the optimal method to explore and get well-acquainted with Portugal in its entirety. The tour contains much more than a visit to the most popular spots and stunning monuments.

Your days will be filled with escorted explorations across Algarve from Sagres to Vila Real de Santo António (Coast to Coast), Fatima, Tomar, Coimbra, Porto, Aveiro, Braga, Guimaraes, and much more…

You will pause at exceptional viewpoints to enjoy the region’s stunning visual treats, dine in the finest Portuguese restaurants relishing traditional cuisine in order to deepen your familiarity with the region.

• Coronavirus Safety Measures - The safety and well-being of everyone who uses our services is always our priority. We are actively monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and are taking steps to help keep our customers safe.
• We’re certified by the Official Tourism entity ‘Turismo de Portugal’ with the hygiene-certification stamp to identify ‘Clean & Safe’.
• For our safety, we operate only private tour and pick-up and drop-off all passengers. We clean and disinfect our vehicles every tour and we provide our customers with hand Sanitiser and masks.
• Our guides are experienced professionals, courteous and drive defensive and safety with only one objective to ensure your safety and satisfaction.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.