House of travel Spain, Portugal, Greece & Turkey 2017 | Page 47

Portugal Highlights
Breath-taking architecture, stunning cathedrals,
an intriguing history, quaint and colourful fishing
villages, Portugal has it all and more. Imagine yourself
driving through the lush vegetation of the Sintra
region, meandering past vineyards and sprawling
olive groves or simply admiring the gorgeous blue
azulejos in the wee hilltop towns.
Gonçalo Eanes de Abreu Garden, Castelo de Vide
Braga
8 days/7 nights Suggested Self-Drive
Vila Real
Porto
Viseu
Day 1: Lisbon – Evora (138km)
Leave Lisbon early to reach Sintra before the crowds. Discover the
fairytale like Pena Palace and National Park before heading inland to the
UNESCO World Heritage town of Evora.
PORTUGAL
Fatima
Day 2: Evora
Explore this beautifully preserved, medieval walled town.
Day 3: Evora – Marvão – Castelo de Vide (132km)
Visit the charming and fortified village of Marvão, overlooking the
Alentejo plains, close to the Spanish border. Wander the wee cobbled
lanes and visit the strategically placed castle.
Day 4: Castelo de Vide – Viseu (254km)
Take a morning stroll in the Serra San Mamede National Park, south of
the town which has fantastic walking trails. In the afternoon discover the
ancient town of Viseu, admiring its many gorgeous ceramic azulejos.
Day 5: Viseu – Braga – Oporto (267km)
Known as ‘Portuguese Rome’ Braga is home to a very striking cathedral,
baroque churches and well maintained parks and gardens.
Day 6: Oporto
Day at leisure to enjoy the picturesque old town of Ribeira and to
wander along the river and absorb its amazing history.
Day 7: Oporto – Tomar – Nazare – Obidos (336km)
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Convent of Christ in Tomar,
a combination of a castle and a convent dating from 1160. Travel onto the
vibrant fishing village of Nazare via the pilgrimage town of Fatima.
Day 8: Obidos – Lisbon (85km)
Take a walking tour through this walled town with its stunning flower
baskets and colourful medieval streets before heading back to Lisbon.
Rental car: Hertz (Group C) from $51 per day
Our favourite places to stay:
•
Pousada Convento de Evora
•
Casa Amerela – Turismo de Habitação, Castelo de Vide
•
HF Fenix Porto
•
Hotel Vila d’Obidos
Douro Valley
SPAIN
Castelo de Vide
Segovia
Nazare
Òbidos
Tomar
Marvão
Sintra
LISBON
Evora
Highlights worth seeing along the way
Castelo de Vide – Market day is on a Friday when the town transforms
from a relaxed to a very vibrant place with locals selling their produce,
everything from fresh fruit & vegetables to fish, cheese and ceramics.
Bom Jesus do Monte – On the outskirts of Braga, is this pilgrimage site
with a magnificent 166 metre Baroque stairway. It is perched high on
a hillside surrounded by gorgeous gardens and hidden grottoes and is
accessible by funicular, by car or on foot.
Temple of Diana, Evora – Not to be missed is this Roman structure
dating from the 1st or 2nd century AD. It is stunning in the evening light.
Pena Palace, Sintra – Built in 1840, this is definitely worth seeing.
However we recommend you pre book tickets in order not to miss out.
You can visit the park and palace terraces or pay a little more and get into
the State Rooms inside the Palace.
Some Local Specialties – Sardinhas Assadas (Grilled Sardines) and
Bacalhau (Salted Cod Fish) served with salads are the main delights from
the ocean whilst Pasteis de Nata (Custard Tarts) are a ‘must-have’.
Vila Nova de Gaia, Oporto – Cross the famous metal arched Dom Luis I
Bridge (over the Douro) and meander through the wine stores that house
the famous port wines.
Douro Valley – Take a walk, cruise or cycle through the picturesque river
valley. It’s lush and laden with beautifully terraced vineyards.
Tomar
Bom Jesus do Monte, near Braga
The price guide shown is per car hire based on 6-13 day hire rate. Price shown does not include Earlybird or other discounted offers. Specials and surcharges may apply depending on travel date
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