Portugal’s Historic Stays Road Trip

Portugal’s Historic Stays Road Trip

10–12 Days of Castles, Palaces & Monasteries

This unique itinerary lets you live inside Portugal’s history — waking up in medieval fortresses, strolling through palace gardens, and dining in centuries-old cloisters. Over 10 to 12 days, you’ll travel from Lisbon to Porto (and beyond), staying exclusively in some of the country’s most remarkable heritage hotels, all with the comfort of Portugal Magik Private Tours luxury service.

Day 1 – Lisbon Arrival

• Stay: Pestana Palace (1890) – An opulent 19th-century palace with lush gardens and gilded ballrooms.

• Afternoon arrival, private transfer to your palace suite. Relax, enjoy the pool, and savor dinner in a historic dining room.

Day 2 – Lisbon to Sintra

• Stay: Penha Longa Resort (1355 monastery) – Medieval monastery meets luxury resort in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.

• Explore Sintra’s palaces and the Moorish Castle, then enjoy fine dining at Penha Longa’s Michelin-starred restaurant.

Day 3 – Lisbon to Óbidos

• Stay: Óbidos Castle (12th century) – Sleep inside medieval fortress walls.

• Visit charming Óbidos, walk the ramparts, and sip ginjinha in a chocolate cup before an intimate castle dinner.

Day 4 – Óbidos to Coimbra (via Alcobaça & Batalha)

• Stay: Quinta das Lágrimas (14th-century royal estate) – Linked to Portugal’s most famous love story.

• Visit two UNESCO monasteries before arriving in Coimbra to tour the historic university and gardens.

Day 5 – Coimbra to Bussaco Forest

• Stay: Bussaco Palace (1898 palace in a 17th-century forest) – Neo-Manueline masterpiece.

• Explore the palace grounds and ancient forest trails once reserved for monks and royalty.

Day 6 – Coimbra to Belmonte

• Stay: Pousada de Belmonte (13th-century convent) – Overlooking the Serra da Estrela mountains.

• Stop in Viseu or Serra da Estrela National Park before arriving at your peaceful convent retreat.

Day 7 – Belmonte to Sortelha & Crato

• Stay: Convento do Crato (14th-century Knights Hospitaller fortress) – Medieval military heritage meets modern elegance.

• Visit Sortelha, one of Portugal’s best-preserved medieval villages, en route.

Day 8 – Crato to Porto (via Douro Valley)

• Stay: Six Senses Douro Valley (19th-century manor) – Wellness and wine in the terraced Douro vineyards.

• Private wine estate visits and a scenic river cruise before arriving at your riverside haven.

Day 9 – Douro Valley to Porto

• Stay: Palácio do Freixo (1742 baroque palace) – Overlooking the Douro River.

• Afternoon guided tour of Porto’s historic center and Port wine lodges.

Day 10 – Porto to Vidago

• Stay: Vidago Palace (1910 Belle Époque palace) – Lavish early 20th-century spa resort.

• Enjoy the gardens, golf course, and thermal spa treatments once reserved for royalty.

Day 11 – Porto to Tavira (Optional Extension)

(This is the southern “extra” for those choosing 12 days)

• Stay: Pousada de Tavira (1569 convent) – Renaissance elegance in the Algarve.

• Explore Tavira’s Moorish bridges, churches, and golden beaches.

Day 12 – Return to Lisbon or Depart from Faro

Private transfer to your chosen departure airport, completing your journey through Portugal’s most historic luxury stays.

What’s Included in This Experience

• Luxury Mercedes-Benz transportation with a professional English-speaking driver-guide.

• Pre-booked stays in 13 exceptional historic properties (based on availability, itinerary may adjust).

• Flexible pacing — explore towns and landmarks between stays without rushing.

• Guided visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and hidden gems along the way.

• Concierge-level assistance throughout your journey.

Guest Review

“Every night was in a new historic masterpiece — a castle, a palace, a monastery. It was like living through Portugal’s history with all the comforts of the present day. Portugal Magik handled everything flawlessly.” – Sophie & Daniel M., USA

Book Your Historic Portugal Road Trip

Timeless Journeys with Portugal Magik

With over 14 years of expertise, Portugal Magik Private Tours has become the benchmark for luxury travel in Portugal. Our guests are accompanied by English-speaking driver/guides in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, discovering the country with privacy, comfort, and authenticity.

Most travelers book 7–12 day itineraries, weaving together Lisbon, Porto, the Douro Valley, Alentejo, Algarve and more. Each journey is entirely bespoke, designed to highlight the best of Portugal’s history, landscapes, and gastronomy, at your own pace and style.

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