This itinerary provides an overview of the central region and can be booked as is, or it can be fully adapted to your specific wishes. We look forward to hearing from you.
Lisbon & Central Portugal
Central Portugal is home to the stunning Silver Coast as well as to many special sights, historical villages, a unique cultural heritage and beautiful nature! Due to its location, this region is easy to combine with both Northern Portugal and the vast Alentejo region in the South.
- Visit Lisbon and Sintra
- Self-drive along the Silver coast (Ericeira, Peniche…)
- Fishing ports, crafts and golden beaches
- Historical villages and traces of dinosaurs
- Museu Nacional Resistencia e liberdade
- Boat trip to the Berlengas islands
- Underground caves and inland salt pans
- Mountains and natural park
- University city of Coimbra
- Fado performance
- Porto: you can choose to make a circular route Lisbon - Lisbon or you can start in Lisbon and end the trip in Porto City.
- Hiking, cycling, horse riding, surfing or a pottery workshop… the possibilities are endless in this region.
Let us know your personal preferences. We are always happy to create a custom-made itinerary for you.
DAY 1 Arrival in Lisbon
Welcome in Portugal!
After booking we create an elaborate, personal roadbook for you in which you will find tips and tricks on what to visit, where to eat, hiking trails and so much more.
Upon arrival at the hotel in Lisbon you will be handed an envelope when checking in, containing a VivaViagem card that you can use to take any form of local, public transportation in and around the city (metro, bus, tram, cable car, train and ferry). This card contains enough credit to pay for a number of rides in the city and to take a train to Sintra. If you would like more trips, you can simply top up the card with the desired amount.
Overnight in Lisbon.
DAY 2 A day in Sintra
Today you can take the train to Sintra. Tickets for a visit to the Pena Palace and gardens will be provided in advance. Don't forget to visit the Moorish castle and historical center of Sintra as well. In the evening, you can simply take the train back to Lisbon. This way, you will not spend time looking for parking, since private cars are not allowed to park inside the town and close to the sites.
Overnight in Lisbon.
DAY 3 Lisbon
Discover the different neighborhoods in this beautiful city by the Tagus river!
In case you would like more days in Lisbon or you have any specific wishes, let us know and we will customize the itinerary for you.
Overnight in Lisbon.
DAY 4 Self-drive to Foz do Arelho ( by Ericeira, Peniche…)
Time to discover the center of Portugal! After picking up the car, start by driving North along the coast. There are many interesting places on your way and there is something for everyone. To name a few:
Ericeira is a picturesque town, built on sandstone cliffs which contrast beautifully with the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its beautiful views, excellent fish restaurants and as a real Mecca for surfers, who are attracted to beaches such as Ribeira d'Ilhas Beach (World Surfing Reserve). If you drive further North you can stop at the sandy beaches of Santa Cruz or Paimogo Beach in Lourinha. Lourinha is the "capital" of dinosaur findings in Portugal. North of Paimogo, a nest of dinosaur eggs was discovered in 1993, the largest Jurassic nest in the world and the only one in Europe that contains embryo bones.
In Peniche you will not only find one of the largest fishing ports but also a 16th century fortress, built to withstand the constant attacks by pirates from other countries. Between 1934 and 1974 it served as a political prison during Salazar's fascist dictatorship. Today it is an impressive museum: the Museu Nacional Resistencia e Liberdade. Peniche is also known for the production of bobbin lace, a craft that is part of the cultural heritage in this area. The lace festival takes place every year on the third Sunday of July.
From Peniche you can take a boat to the Berlengas islands. Let us know if you wish to include the boat trip in your travel plan as it is a good idea to book this in advance since only a limited number of people are admitted per day.
Overnight in Foz do Arelho.
DAY 5 Obidos, Caldas da Rainha and a coastal walk or a surf lesson
Obidos is a well-preserved medieval town that also served as a dowry for several queens and is well worth a visit. Take a stroll along the beautiful photo genetic streets and small shops. Then sit down for a local lunch and a delicious glass of wine.
According to the wishes of Queen D. Leonor, wife of King D. Joao II, the thermal hospital of Our Lady of Populo was built in nearby Caldas da Rainha in the 15th century. It is the oldest thermal hospital in the world. Caldas da Raina is also known for its ceramic work and on the colorful Praça da Fruta you can visit an open-air market with fruit and vegetables. This iconic market is still held in the same place as in the 15th century, attracting local farmers in a true ode to the freshest and most authentic products, every day of the year.
In the afternoon you can opt for a coastal walk near Foz do Arelho or relax on the beach. And why not try a surf lesson?
Overnight in Foz do Arelho.
DAY 6 Serra de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park
Say goodbye to the Silver Coast and drive inland, to Serra de Aire and Candeeiros Natural Park. If you travel in summer time, it is interesting to visit Salinas de Rio Maior along the way. These salt pans are located in a valley at the foot of the Candeeiros mountain. Surrounded by trees and vineyards they are considered a natural wonder, located 30 km from the sea. The whole looks like a small village with stone streets and wooden houses, where some curious tanks of irregular shapes and sizes can be found. In spring these tanks are filled with salt water, giving origin to white pyramids of salt.
It is believed that salt was already extracted here in prehistoric times. Candeeiros is a limestone mountain region with many frissures in the rocks, which enables the rainwater to penetrate, forming undercurrents. One of these rivers passes along an extensive deep rock-salt mine, feeding the well in the center of the pans. This water is seven times saltier than the sea water. The "rock salt" was formed millions of years ago.
Overnight in Alvados or Minde
DAY 7 Serra de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park Alvados/Minde
In this region you can hike, cycle, go horse-riding, bird-watching, climbing, caving, follow a cooking workshop or paraglide. On top of that, many well-known towns are a stone's throw away and easy to visit, such as the UNESCO Heritage Triangle Batalha, Alcobaça and Tomar, as well as Fatima which is of religious importance and the natural wonders like the largest natural caves in Portugal: Mira d'Aire.
Overnight in Alvados or Minde
DAY 8 Alvados/ Tomar/ Conimbriga/ Coimbra
Today continue your journey to Coimbra at your own pace. On the way you pass Tomar, where you can visit the Monastery of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home of the Knights Templar at the end of the 12th century. The Conimbriga Roman ruins are also worth a visit before driving into the famous university city.
Overnight in Coimbra.
DAY 9 Coimbra
A free day to discover this beautiful student city by the Mondego river.
Coimbra is thé place to enjoy a Fado de Coimbra performance later in the evening. This is a different song than the Fado which is performed in Lisbon. We can pre-book seats for you at the recommended cafes and concert venues in the city.
In case you decide to book with us, we will provide you an elaborate roadbook with lots information about this city and all the other places included in your itinerary: what to visit, where to eat, hiking trails and so much more.
Overnight in Coimbra
DAY 10 Bye bye !
Both Porto and Lisbon airports are within reach so you can choose to drive to Porto or drive back to Lisbon. Or we can extend your trip any way you like. This itinerary is intended to provide an overview of various options and can be combined with other regions in Northern Portugal or Alentejo in the South.
We look forward to design a personalized itinerary according to your interests, desired accommodation type, travel pace and the period in which you wish to travel.
Important information
Best time to travel
This tour can be made all year round but summer holidays can be more crowded, especially at the beach. Therefor spring and fall are always the better option.
Travel insurance
- It is always recommend to take out a travel insurance, covering for cancellation and curtailment, medical situations, baggage, emergency evacuation. Always check the specific conditions and coverage of your insurance policy, especially when participating in more adventurous activities.
- YŪGEN tours does not provide travel insurance.
Medical Precautions
- Check with your local immunization authority, travel clinic, public health facility or personal physician.
- Visit the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION website for up to date information www.who.int
Travel documentation
If you do not have the Belgian nationality, you should inquire at the embassy in your country. The following is valid for people with Belgian nationality:
- A valid Belgian identity card or an international passport.
- A visa is not required.
- Children need their own identity card. Within the Schengen Zone it is recommended to bring a copy of the passport of the parent which does not accompany the other parent and the minor during the trip, as well as a document of consent of the non-traveling parent. This can prevent delays.
- Belgian citizens should consult the website of the Federal government for all travel related advise: diplomatie.belgium.be/nl/Diensten/Op_reis_in_het_buitenland/reisadviezen/portugal
Flights
- Flights are not included in the price of the tour. You are free to choose your flight dates, route, price and airline company if you wish to fly to Portugal.
- If you opt for flights with a stopover or transfer in the United States of America, please note that you must complete a VISA WAIVER. You can do this up to a minimum of 72 hours before arrival, and this on the website of ESTA (esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta). The permission is valid for 2 years and costs approximately 14 USD per person.
- Before booking your flights, please contact YŪGEN tours first to check if our local partners are not fully booked on the desired dates.
- The closest international airport depends on your travel itinerary. In this tour example we start in Lisbon and you can depart from either Lisbon airport or Porto's Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport. Please contact us so we can advice you according to your specific holiday plan.
Drive and self-drive tours
Several car rental companies are present at both Porto and Lisbon airports. Cars can also be rented in smaller towns like Viana do Castelo and Evora, according to availability. Please consult the tab Pricing and Options in case you like to book with our preferred supplier.
If you do not have the Belgian nationality, you should inquire in your country of nationality. Travelers from the Netherlands can consult the website of ANWB. The following is valid for people with Belgian nationality:
- Your identity card and drivers license should be sufficient. In case of renting a car, do check the specific regulations of the rental company. Often a credit card is required to be able to rent a car and you need to be in possession of a drivers license during a certain amount of time already and/or a minimum age may apply.
- More information on driving in Portugal and regulations can be found here: www.vab.be/nl/info-en-diensten/wegeninfo/europa/portugal
- Please note that there are several toll roads in Portugal. Rental companies offer different solutions. On some highways you can pay in cash, but some are fully electronic and you need a special device to use them. Car rental companies can provide the device against an additional cost. Dutch speaking travelers can consult https://www.vab.be/nl/info-en-diensten/wegeninfo/europa/portugal. In case of renting a car always consult the car rental company.
Feel free to contact YŪGEN tours for more information. We will be more than happy to assist.
