Explore Portugal: Lisbon and Algarve
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 enjoying a city stay in the historic capital of Lisbon, and then experience the breathtaking beauty of Algarve.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Lisbon (LIS)
- Manual economy car rental for duration of the trip*
- 3 nights in Lisbon at Hotel Lisbon Plaza or similar
- 3 nights in Algarve at Vila Gale Lagos or similar
- Breakfast daily
*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.
It is recommended that travelers acquire an international driving permit. You can click here for more information and to apply.
Great Ways to Explore
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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.
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Take in the heritage of the city!
-
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 essentials of Lisbon before letting you experience the beautiful coastal region of the Algarve.
Arrive in Lisbon and spend a few nights in Portugal's vibrant capital city. Afterwards, 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!
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.
Enhance your vacation with:
Upgrade to Include Even More!Â
For $75 per person, add the following to your vacation:
- Wine Tour and Tasting in Algarve
- Lisbon Hop-On/Hop-Off bus ticket
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Lisbon (LIS)
- Manual economy car rental for duration of the trip*
- 3 nights in Lisbon at Hotel Lisbon Plaza or similar
- 3 nights in Algarve at Vila Gale Lagos or similar
- Breakfast daily
*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.
It is recommended that travelers acquire an international driving permit. You can click here for more information and to apply.
-
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.
-
Take in the heritage of the city!
-
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 essentials of Lisbon before letting you experience the beautiful coastal region of the Algarve.
Arrive in Lisbon and spend a few nights in Portugal's vibrant capital city. Afterwards, 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!
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.
Enhance your vacation with:
Upgrade to Include Even More!Â
For $75 per person, add the following to your vacation:
- Wine Tour and Tasting in Algarve
- Lisbon Hop-On/Hop-Off bus ticket
Day 1. Welcome to Lisbon!
Say "ola" to Portugal! Arrive in Lisbon and pick up your rental car. 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.
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 2. Lisbon
Today, you could 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.
Day 3. 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 4. Lisbon - Algarve
Today you'll 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.
Sitting right beside the sands of Meia Praia beach, in Algarve, the Vila Gale Lagos Hotel is a stunning hotel perfect for any Portugal vacation. This 4-star hotel features an upscale Satsanga Spa and spa center, fitness center, steam bath, sauna, and both indoor/outdoor swimming pools. There are three restaurants on-site that serve delicious international and local cuisine, as well as a two bars. There is a children's club to keep the little one's busy, and tennis courts to help keep you active.
Rooms at the hotel are comfortably decorated with everything a traveler needs. They come with a balcony/terrace, free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, and coffee/tea makers. Room service is also available.
Guests staying here are just a few minutes' walk to the beach, Parque Aventura Lagos amusement park, and Lagos train station.
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 5. 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.
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.
Day 6. 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 7. Depart Portugal
It's time to say goodbye to Portugal. At the appropriate time, head to the airport to return your rental car and board your flight home.Â