Independent Driving Tour in Portugal

Posadas, Castle and Convent Hotels in Portugal 

1Nov'08-31Oct'09

1 week from Euro 525
($ rate varies depending the exchange)

          Tradition and History

This self-drive tour is for independent-minded travelers who would enjoy discovering the "hidden" Portugal with its many historical monuments, quaint villages, winding roads, steep sea-side cliffs, walled towns, estates and farmsteads dotted around the ever-changing countryside. The Pousadas are typical historical inns reflecting the style and traditions of each region of Portugal. Some of them are converted castles or ancient monasteries where every block of stone speaks of history.

ITINERAY 1 -  (7 NIGHTS)     GATEWAY: LISBOA

LISBON/QUELUZ 2NTS  (Around 25 Km, about 30 minutes drive)

Flying into Lisbon . Upon arrival P/U your car from Budget car-hire desk at Lisbon Airport and drive West of Lisbon to Queluz and stay at Pousada D. Maria, Summer Palace of the kings of Portugal in the 18th century. The building was formerly used by the Royal Guard of the Court in the Palace of Queluz, known as the “Portuguese Versailles”

Stay 2nts there to explore the Lisbon and romantic Sintra with its monuments.

Lisbon, beautiful town, visit its monuments, the medieval quarters of Alfama and Mouraria, walk along the typical streets of Bairro Alto and Madragoa and take the opportunity to dinner in one typical Fado Restaurants of the area and anjoy this unique experience.

Suggest a visit to the new area of Lisbon ``Parque das Nações`` where the Expo 98 took place, enjoy the riverside landscape and all the structures built for the Exposicion - the Lisbon Ocean pavillon with the magnificent Aquarium

Take the following day to visit Lisbon coast , Estoril and Cascais (the Portuguese Riviera) the beautiful and romantic Sintra with its Palaces and Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe.

Overnight: Pousada D. Maria in Queluz

QUELUZ / SAGRES 2 NTS (Around 325 Km about 4h30 hours drive trought the Coast)

Driving to the South, trought the Coast, the most south westerly village in the Algarve region, overlooking the deep Atlantic Ocean, the Village of Sagres with an important historical and maritime significance, from where 500 years ago, Prince D. Henrique`s caravels left to look for news countries.

Recommended visits: Monchique – a SPA town with Roman origins. Silves – an extremely old town, was the capital of the Algarve for many centuries. Lagos – a town with a well preserved heritage.

Overnight: Pousada do Infante in Sagres

SAGRES / ÉVORA 2 NTS  (Around 330 Km about 4 hours drive)

Driving North to the centre of Alentejo region, region known for its wide open spaces, where can see the extensive farms. In the centre of Alentejo is Évora, a museum town retaining much of its medieval and moorish charm now a Unesco World Heritage and some of the sights not to be missed are the Giraldo square, the Roman Temple, the 12^th century Cathedral and the São Francisco Church, one of the most important Gothic Manueline monuments in the area and which houses the famous Chapel of the Bones.

On your way to Évora visit: Alvito – with its 15^th century Manueline castle.

Other recommended visits:  Monsaraz – the fortified town, one of the most typical medieval towns in the Alentejo, totally surrounded by walls.

Vila Viçosa – with a magnificient ducal Palace, which served as a summer residence for the last                       kings of Portugal.

Estremoz –  the medieval Estremoz surrounded by 17^th century fortifications. The medieval upper town is set within sturdy ramparts and dominated by a 27-metre-high marble keep called the Torre das Três Coroas (the Tower of the Three Crowns).  Built in 1539, the church of the Misericórdia located on Estremoz's large market square was once a   convent of the Knights of Malta. The street-level galleries of Eestremoz's municipal museum showcase an impressive display of little clay figures called bonecas, for which the town is most famous.

Overnight: Pousada dos Loios  in Évora (Formerly the Loios Convent which is now the luxury                     Pousada dos Loios)

ÉVORA / SETÚBAL 1NT (Around 100 Km, about 1 hour drive)

Drive to the Blue Coast  located on the South bank of the river Tagus.

In Setúbal, contemplate the Sado estuary from the top of the São Filipe castle-fortress, that was constructed in 1590 to defend the port from passing marauders, it has now been turned into an attractive luxury Pousada, Pousada de São Filipe. Overnight.

The town of Setúbal is attractive with pedestrian streets and gardens. The 16^th Century Cathedral Santa Maria da Graça has glorious tiles from the 18^th Century. The Igreja de Jesus is a remarkable Gothic church with interior columns carved in Arrábida pink stone from the nearby quarry.

Overnight: Pousada de São Filipe in Setúbal

SETÚBAL / LISBON (Around 50 Km, about 30 minutes drive)

Travel back to Lisbon and return your car either to meet your return flight or extend your holidays

Package includes:
 
2 nts in Pousada D. Maria / Queluz

2 nts in Pousada do Infante / Sagres

2 nts in Pousada dos Lóios / Évora

1 nt in Pousada São Filipe / Setúbal

Car -hire Grp A - 1 week P/U + D/O from Budget desk at Lisbon Airport (Airport pick up fee + deductible conditions applicable, see car hire general conditions).

 Price (1Nov'08-31Oct'09):                                                

NOTE: Xmas/New years/Carnival08/Easter 08-12April 09 supplement apply!