Is there anything more special than discovering a new country at your own pace, where authenticity and magic take over? That is exactly what Wayne and Robin set out on a memorable 10-day Portugal by car tour with the help of TourTailors! From the sun-drenched Algarve Coast to vibrant Lisbon and enchanting Porto, this lovely couple found their way into the country’s heart through stunning landscapes, centuries-old landmarks, and, most importantly, a welcoming spirit. As they fondly shared with us: “In each location that we visited across Portugal, we met many warm, friendly individuals who have added themselves to our special memories.”
Join us as we share the story of two travelers who embraced the open road and uncovered the best of this Southern European destination in a fine-tuned, tailor-made Portugal travel itinerary!
Wayne and Robin’s self-drive tour in Portugal began the moment they landed in sunny Algarve and picked up their rental car: the key to unlocking dreamy destinations over ten days. With the open road ahead and a personalized roadbook in hand, it was just a question of enjoying effortless travel: “The GPS guided us to our selected locations across Portugal each day with ease, and the Roadbook was awesome.”
The first stop, Lisbon! A scenic journey northward revealed Portugal’s diverse landscapes of rolling hills and whitewashed villages. Once in the capital, Wayne and Robin took time to settle into the city’s rhythm through people-watching and a relaxed stroll along Avenida da Liberdade. The elegant architecture, boutique-lined sidewalks, and leafy charm were just a brief introduction to this multifaceted gem!
A full day in Lisbon proved why this city is a star in any highlights of Portugal tour. With the desire to learn more about the country’s capital, the couple joined a guided walking tour that took them from the winding lanes of Alfama, brimming with tucked-away taverns, to the lively Bairro Alto and Chiado neighborhoods. Each step of this experience allowed them to discover the city’s different facets and connect with its old, storied soul. As they recalled, “Our Old Town walking tours had guides that were extremely knowledgeable in the local history and culture, and they shared multiple interesting stories.”
After the walking tour, Wayne and Robin ventured into the Belém Quarter, where they took the opportunity to taste the traditional “Pastéis de Belém” and meet one of Lisbon’s most iconic sights, the Jerónimos Monastery. With the Tagus River before them, the spirit of Portugal was already revealing itself as one filled with nostalgia, warmth, and magic!
On day three, Wayne and Robin continued exploring Portugal independently, leaving Lisbon behind and following our suggestions up north, to Aveiro. Their first stop was in the charming seaside town of Ericeira. This hidden gem of whitewashed houses and ocean views introduced the couple to Portugal’s coastal might. From the horizon, Óbidos revealed itself as a medieval gem of cobbled streets and tasty cherry liqueur, “ginjinha.” Nazaré and its powerful Atlantic waves were perfect.
Once in Aveiro, the serene canals and colorful “moliceiro” boats promised to be the perfect backdrop for an evening to remember. As the sun began to dip, this city’s unique landscape presented itself as ideal for a moment of reflection. In just one day, Wayne and Robin managed to capture Portugal’s diversity through its coastal villages and historic charm. As they later shared with us, “TourTailors did an excellent job in fulfilling our tour expectations.”
Let’s move on to another memorable chapter in Wayne and Robin’s Portugal trip testimonial. As they immersed themselves in the magic of Aveiro, they found a city of scenic canals, vibrant facades, and a striking Art Nouveau character. This is a side to Portugal that is softer and, surely, slower-paced.
To start, they ventured on a tranquil Moliceiro boat tour, gliding through the city’s picturesque waterways. The gentle sway, the reflections on the water, and the local guide’s friendly chatter turned this into an enriching experience. After, it was time for a short drive to Costa Nova, a seaside gem that expands on Aveiro’s maritime character. This destination is famously known for its striped wooden houses colored in blue, red, white, and yellow hues. Here, Wayne and Robin strolled along the promenade and took a moment to connect with Portugal’s deep seafaring roots.
From Aveiro’s dazzling canals to Porto’s historic glow, Wayne and Robin’s journey led them to the heart of Northern Portugal. After arriving the previous evening, the couple set out to discover the city’s highlights on a guided walking tour through the Old Town. From Ribeira’s colorful facades to the Douro River views and the grand Porto Cathedral, every corner seemed alive with history, culture, and tradition. Their hotel location made it even easier to fall in love with Porto’s cobbled lanes and iconic attractions: “All of our hotels were located in the Old Town sections, ideal for us to explore Porto and Lisbon on our own…”
As the afternoon rolled by, the Porto travel itinerary took another turn with a short visit to Vila Nova de Gaia. As Wayne and Robin crossed the river, the atmosphere deepened, and the promise of another unforgettable experience arose. A visit to a traditional Port Wine cellar unveiled the secrets behind one of the world’s most famous fortified wines and the traditions that make it so special!
After Porto, it was time to head back south and let the Portugal road trip itinerary take them to the golden plains of the Alentejo region and the whitewashed city of Évora. This destination's sunlit streets and strong Roman and medieval heritage stand as a living museum of Portuguese history. From the Temple of Diana, still standing proudly after two millennia, to the eerie Chapel of Bones and the imposing Évora Cathedral, each monument in this city shows the real meaning of timelessness.
As the day unfolded, food became part of the discovery of Évora. Wayne and Robin seized their time in Évora to enjoy a meal at a cozy local restaurant and savor the region’s rustic flavors paired with a pinch of warm hospitality. As they shared, “During our tour, we searched for smaller, local restaurants to experience and enjoy some Portuguese specialties, including delicious pork cheeks and seafood. We had terrific interactions with staff and even some owners, who also shared their recommendations for some great local wines.”
The final stretch of Wayne and Robin’s highlights of Portugal tour was all about unforgettable Algarve coastal experiences. The couple had three days to explore the region’s sun-drenched beaches, dreamy coves and charming towns. Lagos was their base for exploring the area and enjoying leisurely moments.
One of the top highlights was a boat cruise along the Algarve’s stunning coastline of dramatic cliffs and famous sea caves. The contrasting turquoise waters reinforced the reason why this is one of Portugal’s most popular destinations. Strolling along Salema’s Beach, exploring Sagres and tasting fresh seafood at local restaurants occupied the couple for the remaining time, treating them to a fitting finale!
After 10 days in Portugal by car, Wayne and Robin’s magical journey through Portugal came to an end. As they made their way back to Faro Airport, they allowed the familiar hum of the open road to accompany them one last time, carrying memories of the adventure left behind. Lisbon’s diversity, Porto’s compelling architecture, Évora’s historic charm, and the Algarve’s golden coast... Surely, they were left with reasons to return one day and uncover more of this exciting destination!
Ultimately, this has been an enriching journey marked by effortlessness and on-call assistance: “Our thanks to the terrific team at TourTailors, for all your outstanding assistance in giving us our carefree Portugal Adventure.”
As soon as they arrived in Portugal, Wayne and Robin understood that their Lisbon to Algarve by car tour would be more than just a vacation. This journey of discovery showed them the way into each of the locations’ hearts and unique identities. Whether it was strolling in Alfama’s picturesque streets, or gliding along Aveiro’s canals and tasting Port Wine, each stop of this adventure was both enriching and insightful. Traveling by car made it all even more effortless and flexible, allowing room for exploration and last-minute discoveries. This way, “The memories of our Portugal Adventure, and those that we met along the way, will last forever.”
This story is an invitation to dream, explore, and experience. We at TourTailors can help you create the most magical tailor-made Portugal journey! Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable trip or schedule a meeting for a one-on-one call with our travel consultants.