Experience the highlights of this warm and inviting country as you follow the sounds of Fado from lively Lisbon to Baroque Porto, religious Fátima and medieval Évora. And maybe enjoy a pasteis de nata …or two along the way! Cruise to your own rhythm through Portugal’s beautiful sights and see charming villages, incredible monuments and much more.
If you love the freedom and adventure of the open road, then a Fly & Drive vacation is just what you need. Drive your way through the experience of discovering parts of Portugal one kilometre at a time.
Inclusions
- Round-trip flights to Lisbon
- 7-night in Lisbon, Porto, Fatima & Evora in 3-star accommodation (upgrade to 4-star available)
- Daily breakfast
- 7-day car rental
Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal | |
Oct 31-Dec 9, 2024 | from $1099 + $623 tax |
Upgrade to 4-star hotels | add from $200 more |
Victoria, Kelowna, Winnipeg | from $300 more |
Halifax | from $200 more |
Exclusions:
– Hotel Parking may be subject to availability and can have fees
– Optional Activities under itinerary are things that you may like to do in that area but are not included and would be an additional cost.
Age Requirement: Minimum 11 years. Other options available if travelling with kids but costs and inclusions would be different
Hotels: Will be assigned by the supplier up to 3 days prior to departure. Travel Best Bets has no control over the hotels and their location that are arranged for this package.
Hotel City Tax: (paid locally)
- Lisbon: City taxes are applicable for hotel stays in Lisbon and are payable in local currency. Rate of 2 EUR is calculated per person, per night. Rates are subject to change without notice.
- Porto: City taxes are applicable for hotel stays in Porto and are payable in local currency upon checkout. The tax is 2 EUR per person, per night (maximum 7 nights). Rates are subject to change without notice.
Suggested Itinerary
The day-to-day locations and some sightseeing are already set and hotel accommodations will already be booked, but what you do during the day in each town or city is completely up to you. Below is a suggested itinerary of things to do and see so you can get the most out of your adventure. The beauty of this trip is that you can explore the country the way you want to. Just make sure to get to the hotel on time!
Day 1: Depart Canada
Fly to Lisbon
Day 2: Arrive Lisbon
Upon arrival, pick up your rental car, then head to your hotel to check in.
Hotel: 3-star accommodation or upgrade to 4-star
Day 3: Lisbon – Óbidos – Alcobaça – Batalha – Porto (approx. 360 km) (B)
Depart Lisbon for the beautiful walled village of Óbidos, then continue to Alcobaça to visit the stunning Monastery of Alcobaça. Drive through the fishing village of Nazaré before stopping in Batalha, home of the Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitória. Arrive in Porto and settle in for 2 nights.
Hotel: 3-star accommodation or upgrade to 4-star (2 nights)
Day 4: Porto – Barcelos – Guimarães – Braga – Porto (approx. 184 km)(B)
Spend the morning meandering through Porto, then head to Barcelos, the birthplace of Portugal’s iconic colourful ceramic cockerel. Stop off in Guimarães to see where Portugal’s first king was born, and finish the day in Braga. Return to your Porto hotel for the night.
Day 5: Porto – Aveiro – Coimbra – Fátima (approx. 230 km) (B)
After breakfast, head to Aveiro, known as Portuguese Venice, the city of the river channels. After lunch at a local restaurant ($), proceed to Coimbra. Continue to Fátima, one of the largest pilgrimage sites in Europe. Spend the night in Fátima.
Hotel: 3-star accommodation or upgrade to 4-star
- Optional Activities ($):
-In Coimbra, visit the university, one of the oldest in the world, with its magnificent baroque library and unique atmosphere. Enjoy the beautiful scenery – ancient buildings clinging to the hillside that line the Mondego River. See the 12th-century fortified cathedral and the Igreja de Santa Cruz, known for its Manueline-style main portico.
-In Fátima, visit the world-famous Shrine of Fátima and other sacred sites like the Basilica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário and the Igreja da Santíssima Trinidade. You can see the candlelight procession every night from May 13 to October 13.
Day 6: Fátima – Tomar – Castelo de Vide – Marvão – Évora (approx. 298 km) (B)
In the morning, depart Fátima for Tomar. Stop at the beautiful Convent of Christ, then continue to Castelo de Vide to see the oldest synagogue in the country. Hop over to Marvão, a fortified medieval village, before stopping in Estremoz to view the town’s marbleworks. Spend the night in Évora.
Hotel: 3-star accommodation or upgrade to 4-star
- Optional Activities ($):
Explore the charming Portuguese town of Tomar on the banks of the Nabão River. Best discovered on foot, wander the picturesque cobblestone streets and admire the architecture of this town that was founded by the Knights Templar.
Day 7: Évora – Lisbon (approx. 132 km) (B)
Wake up in Évora and explore the town’s remarkable Roman origins. Then, head to Lisbon and settle in for 2 nights.
Hotel: 3-star accommodation or upgrade to 4-star (2 nights)
- Optional Activities ($):
The capital of Portugal’s Alentejo region, Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting remarkable Roman origins. Take your time to explore this enchanting town. See the Roman Temple of Diana, the Silver Water Roman Aqueduct and be sure to stop by the fascinating Chapel of Bones, where the walls are decorated with skulls and bones!
Day 8: Lisbon (B)
This morning, explore Lisbon at your leisure.
- Optional Activities ($):
Stroll through the city’s vibrant downtown and view its magnificent monuments. Don’t forget snacks! No trip to Portugal is complete without a taste of the country’s delicious pasteis de nata. Take a scenic drive up the coast through Sintra, Cascais and Estoril before returning to Lisbon.
Day 9: Lisbon – Return to Canada (B)
Head to the airport to return your rental car and board your flight home.
When booking your Fly & Drive, the first name added on the file is considered as the principle driver of the vehicle. Modifications or change of name to principle driver name will incur fees.
EDMR Manual Seat Ibiza a/c
CWMR Manual Renault Megane a/c
CDMD Manual Peugeot 308 DCI a/c
CMMR Manual Renault Captur a/c
Inclusions: Unlimited Mileage, LDW (CDW Collision Damage Waiver and TW Theft Waiver), LAF (Vehicle License Fee), 1 Additional driver and tax.
Exclusions: Gasoline, Airport Service Charge (25 EUR per rental), Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), Glass & Tyres protection (WWI), Roadside assistance cover (RSA), Refueling charges, Navigation system, Baby seats, Luggage rack, Toll management device, Extra Additional Drivers (third person & above). All extra fees payable at rental counter in local currency. Anything not specifically noted in the inclusions. Upon arrival at the rental location, the passenger will be asked to leave a deposit for the rental. The deposit amount varies based on rental rate, minimum 300 EUR; this will be authorized on your credit card but not debited from your account. The deposit is intended to cover additional rental costs.
Minimum age for car rental is 25 with a prepaid voucher. A driver’s license from country of origin valid for minimum 1 year must be presented at time of rental pickup. All drivers 19-22 years old will be subject to a surcharge of 5 EUR per day up to 50 EUR per rental; subject to change without notice. Certain car classes may not be available to drivers under age 25.