Best of Portugal: Algarve and Lisbon Upgrade
Sun-soaked beaches and beautiful architecture
Explore beautiful beaches and scene-stealing wonders at your own pace on this self-drive vacation in Portugal. Spend three nights experiencing the beautiful Algarve, then enjoy a city stay in the historic capital of Lisbon. Take advantage of added perks with this special upgrade package!
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Lisbon (LIS)
- 3 nights in Algarve at Vila Monte Farm House or similar
- Manual economy car rental for the time in Algarve*
- 3 nights in Lisbon at Hotel Lisbon Plaza or similar
- Breakfast daily
Plus!
- Wine Tour and Tasting in Algarve
- Lisbon City Sightseeing Hop-on/Hop-off Bus Tour (24-hour)
*Please Note: Drop-off location hours vary by season. Limited Winter Hours (October 1 - March 16) for Saturdays and Sundays: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Cars must be returned during opening hours. Hours are subject to change, so it is highly recommended that you check directly with the location (Lisbon Rua Castilho) for the most current information.
Great Ways to Explore
-
Lay out on beautiful golden sand beaches in the Algarve, Portugal's southernmost region.
- Discover the lagoons, sand dunes, islands and marshes of Ria Formosa Nature Park.
-
Enjoy an included winery tour in the Algarve and a sightseeing pass in Lisbon!
-
Head 30 minutes outside of Lisbon to Sintra, home to the famous Pena Palace.
-
Dig into local delicacies like pasteis de nata (egg tarts) in Lisbon and conquilhas à Algarvia (Algarvian clams).
This 6-night Portugal vacation lets you explore the beautiful coastal region of the Algarve your way, before letting you experience the essentials of Lisbon.Â
Arrive in Lisbon and drive south to the Algarve bordering the Atlantic Ocean. With craggy cliffs, golden sand beaches and charming fishing villages, the Algarve brings to mind Majorca and St.-Tropez - but without the crowds. Surround yourself in nature or wander through coastal towns - it's up to you!
You'll then return to Lisbon and spend a few nights in Portugal's vibrant capital city. There's so much history packed in its streets, which is why an included sightseeing pass will take the pressure off. You can also spend a half-day in nearby Sintra, home to the glittering Pena Palace.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Lisbon (LIS)
- 3 nights in Algarve at Vila Monte Farm House or similar
- Manual economy car rental for the time in Algarve*
- 3 nights in Lisbon at Hotel Lisbon Plaza or similar
- Breakfast daily
Plus!
- Wine Tour and Tasting in Algarve
- Lisbon City Sightseeing Hop-on/Hop-off Bus Tour (24-hour)
*Please Note: Drop-off location hours vary by season. Limited Winter Hours (October 1 - March 16) for Saturdays and Sundays: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Cars must be returned during opening hours. Hours are subject to change, so it is highly recommended that you check directly with the location (Lisbon Rua Castilho) for the most current information.
-
Lay out on beautiful golden sand beaches in the Algarve, Portugal's southernmost region.
- Discover the lagoons, sand dunes, islands and marshes of Ria Formosa Nature Park.
-
Enjoy an included winery tour in the Algarve and a sightseeing pass in Lisbon!
-
Head 30 minutes outside of Lisbon to Sintra, home to the famous Pena Palace.
-
Dig into local delicacies like pasteis de nata (egg tarts) in Lisbon and conquilhas à Algarvia (Algarvian clams).
This 6-night Portugal vacation lets you explore the beautiful coastal region of the Algarve your way, before letting you experience the essentials of Lisbon.Â
Arrive in Lisbon and drive south to the Algarve bordering the Atlantic Ocean. With craggy cliffs, golden sand beaches and charming fishing villages, the Algarve brings to mind Majorca and St.-Tropez - but without the crowds. Surround yourself in nature or wander through coastal towns - it's up to you!
You'll then return to Lisbon and spend a few nights in Portugal's vibrant capital city. There's so much history packed in its streets, which is why an included sightseeing pass will take the pressure off. You can also spend a half-day in nearby Sintra, home to the glittering Pena Palace.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to Lisbon!
Say "ola" to Portugal! Arrive in Lisbon, pick up your rental car and drive approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to your hotel in the Algarve. This southern Portuguese region is known for its beautiful beaches on the Atlantic coast, quaint fishing villages and delicious seafood.Â
Escape to this relaxing retreat, tucked away in the gorgeous Algarve region of Portugal. Stroll through the hotel's lush green grounds and feel your eyes widen as you see the contrast of vibrant, colorful flowers against the bright blue sky. Step into the hotel's lobby and notice its trendy, modern decor and open, airy feel. You will rarely see a dark color at Vila Monte; rather, you will be surrounded by heavenly whites and calming blues and greens.Â
Open the door to your room and instantly fall into a state of peace and relaxation. Sprawl out on your large comfortable bed, use the hotel's free WiFi, then mosey out onto your balcony and take in the gorgeous garden view. Unpack your luggage, find your swimsuit, and head out to the large, sparkling pool. Lounge in the warm sun or take a refreshing dip! Looking to keep active during your stay? Hike through the picturesque grounds of the hotel, or work all your stresses away in the fitness room. When you work up an appetite, indulge in fresh, local, mouthwatering cuisine at the hotel's renowned Earth restaurant. After dinner, unwind with a drink and cozy up around the lobby fireplace.Â
Set in a 19th-century former palace, Pousada Palacio Estoi is a luxury hotel offering some of the best accommodations in the Algarve. Situated only six miles from Faro city center, the hotel is famous for its neo-Baroque and neo-Rococo features, including its plaster ceilings, two tea pavilions and delightful French-inspired gardens dotted with fountains and statues.
The luxurious Pousada Palacio Estoi has 63 rooms total, and each comes equipped with a balcony, en-suite bathroom, heating/air conditioning, safe, minibar, bathrobes, hairdryer, telephone, Cable TV and internet access. Guests can enjoy a luxury spa and elegant outdoor and heated indoor swimming pools on site, as well as a chic restaurant. The hotel joined the Small Luxury Hotels of the World Group in January 2015 in recognition of its unique location, luxury accommodation and excellent customer service.Â
Day 2. Algarve
With your own car, you'll have the freedom to explore the Algarve at your own pace. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, then start exploring this beautiful region! Algarve is home to pretty castle towns and historic villages like Lagos, Tavira and Silves. Just outside of Silves is your included winery tour, so take advantage of that today.
After your winery tour, you might want to drive down to Cape St. Vincent, Europe’s southwesternmost point. Watch the sunset in this stunning headland that's home to a red lighthouse and small museum about Portugal's maritime history.
Wine Tour and Tasting in Algarve
Enjoy a wine tour and tasting at Quinta Do Frances, a family winery near the town of Silves. Set on about 20 acres in the Odelouca River Valley, the winery produces two top quality wines: Quinta do Frances and Odelouca. Enjoy a guided tour of the winery and cellar and sample red, white and rose in the tasting room as you take in the stunning scenery of the Algarve.
Day 3. Algarve
The Algarve has some truly exceptional beaches like Praia da Rocha and Praia da Marinha, both which are perpetually covered in sunshine. Locals and tourists flock to these beaches for their beautiful cliffs and high quality of water. Ria Formosa Natural Park is another favorite place to be out in nature.
It wouldn't be a trip to the Algarve without sampling local delicacies from the sea! In seaside villages like Albufeira and Carvoeiro, find a local restaurant and enjoy octopus, clams and sea bass all caught mere minutes away.
Day 4. Algarve - Lisbon
After breakfast, make any last stops in the Algarve before driving back to Portugal's capital city, where you'll spend the second half of your vacation.Â
For a great introduction to Lisbon, ascend to São Jorge Castle, where you can explore the Moorish buildings and grounds, before being treated to some of the most sweeping views of the city below.Â
Check-in - Hotel Lisbon Plaza
Relax in the elegant, ideally located Hotel Lisboa Plaza. Located in Rato, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Foz Palace, Rossio Square, and Santa Justa Elevator! Find yourself at Castle of Sao Jorge, Lisbon Cathedral, and tons of other iconic sights in just minutes.Â
Cozy up in your warm, well-equipped room that boasts free WiFi, flat-screen satellite TV, DVD players, and more. Crave a midnight snack? Not to worry. Room service is just a phone call away, 24/7. Admire the hotel's sophisticated decor that marries traditional Portuguese style with contemporary modernism. Hang out around the fireplace, enjoy a drink on the outdoor terrace, work all your stresses away in the fitness room, or unwind with a drink at the classy bar.Â
Day 5. Lisbon
Activate your sightseeing pass today and see the city with ease. Pass through the gorgeous neighborhoods of Graca, Baixa and Bairro Alto, then get a glimpse of popular attractions, such as St. George's Castle and Alfama!
Consider stopping off at Belém, a historic neighborhood that's home to some of Lisbon's most important landmarks, such as the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower, the Discoveries Monument, the Colecão Berardo Museum, as well as a number of lush gardens.
Lisbon City Sightseeing Hop-on/Hop-off Bus Tour (24-hour)
Explore one of the oldest cities in the world! Lisbon's history dates back to 300,000 years ago, however it emerged as a nation state in the early 12th century, and ranks as one of the world's longest founded cities.
From your start point on Marques do Pombal Square, discover the city at your own leisure the city's key sights, museums, gardens and attractions. Lisbon, a city of contrasts, offers so much to discover and surprise and still maintains the marks of its early history. It is heralded as one of the most beautiful capitals of Europe.Â
Day 6. Lisbon
Today, consider heading to the breathtaking resort town of Sintra, less than an hour from Lisbon. Get lost in the beauty of the hilltop Pena Palace, enjoy sweeping views at the Castle of the Moors, then discover the city's Moorish history at the Palace of Sintra.Â
Return to Lisbon in the late afternoon and wind down in the lovely and historic Alfama neighborhood. Pick out a local cafe and try the local treat pastel de nata, a sweet egg custard tart.Â
Day 7. Depart Portugal
It's time to say goodbye to Portugal. At the appropriate time, head to the airport for your flight home.Â
Fly home!
Where available, the Flexible Change Plan allows you to change your travel date for ANY reason (between 30 days and 14 days before planned departure). You will receive a Future Travel Credit for the entire amount you paid. Please note that prepaid instant purchase airfares and group airfare are not eligible for the Flexible Change Plan and are subject to airline-imposed change or cancellation fees based on airline rules at the time that the change is requested. You must rebook using the original air carrier at least 14 days prior to your originally scheduled departure and complete travel at least 1 year from original booking date. Additional fees may apply. Future travel credit is non-transferable, non-refundable, and may not be redeemed for cash.