The historic heart of Portugal | Round trips Portugal

Route

This itinerary starts with two nights in Lisbon. You then travel to central Portugal, where you stay five nights in the same location. From there you explore historic towns such as Mafra, Alcobaça, Batalha, Tomar and Coimbra. The journey ends on the Atlantic coast in Peniche and the medieval village of Óbidos.

Pace

A relaxed pace with two bases. After two nights in Lisbon, you stay five nights in the same location in central Portugal. This allows you to explore the region through short day trips without changing hotels every day.

Highlights

The historic districts of Lisbon, the palace of Mafra and the UNESCO monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha. You also visit the Templar castle and Convento de Cristo in Tomar and the university city of Coimbra. Along the coast you discover Peniche and the medieval town of Óbidos.

Accommodation

You first stay two nights in a hotel in Lisbon. Afterwards you spend five nights in a carefully selected Caractère hotel in central Portugal, ideally located for day trips to the region’s main historic sites.

Profile

For travellers interested in history, architecture and authentic cities. Ideal for combining UNESCO sites, monasteries and university towns with the atmosphere of Lisbon and the Atlantic coast.

Day 1: Departure to Lisbon

Take a taxi or public transport to your hotel. You will stay in Lisbon for two nights at a hotel of your choice.

Day 2: Lisbon

Explore Lisbon in an active mode. This atmospheric city on the Tagus has surprises lurking behind every corner. As you walk through the maze of streets and staircases and pass cute little squares, you'll discover breathtaking panoramas of the Tagus, beautiful botanical gardens, unique shops, impressive art galleries, cosy cafes and excellent restaurants. Each neighbourhood has its own character. Discover the working-class neighbourhood of Alfama, where fado music breaks the silence, the neoclassical class of the Baixa (lower town) and the charming Bairro Alto district, located on a hill and among the city's most beautiful districts. Make sure you also visit Belém, to the west of the city centre, where you can admire the Torre de Belém and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, both testaments to Portuguese power and wealth in the early 16th century, the Golden Age.

Day 3: Lisbon - Mafra - Alcobaça

Continue your visit of Lisbon. Pick up your rental car at the airport (or at the city office) and depart for the historic heart of Portugal via Mafra, with its impressive palace of Dom João V. You will stay for five nights in a Caractère hotel of your choice.

Day 4: Alcobaça - Nazaré

Visit the monumental monastery of Alcobaça, an impressive pinnacle of Gothic architecture, including the magnificent tombs of King Pedro I and Ines de Castro. This complex, whose history is closely linked to Portuguese royalty, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1930. Afterwards, you can enjoy the beautiful beach of Nazaré, which is surrounded by rocks. This fishing village has preserved much of its traditional character.

Day 5: Batalha - Tomar

Visit the impressive Monastery of Batalha, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture made of limestone and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery was built to commemorate the Portuguese victory at Aljubarrota in 1385. João I had vowed to dedicate a magnificent church to Mary if he won the battle against the Castilians. Then go to Tomar, a medieval city dominated by the imposing 12th-century castle of the Templar Knights' Order, with the Convento de Cristo, one of the country's main attractions. After visiting the castle, you can relax in the lower town, where it is pleasant to wander around.

Day 6: Coïmbra

You should also discover Coïmbra, Portugal's main university town, with its rich historical monuments. While visiting the monastery and church of Santa Cruz, you'll be introduced to a variety of architectural styles, from Manueline to Romanesque to Renaissance. Make sure to also explore the beautiful surroundings of Coïmbra, such as the Serra da Estrela Natural Park.

Day 7: Obidos - Peniche

Soak up the sea breeze in Peniche. This authentic fishing port is a bustling and lively place. Along the Avenida do Mar you will find excellent seafood restaurants and kilometres of beautiful sandy beaches are a short distance from the town. From Peniche you can also make excursions, such as to the Ilha da Berlenga, a nature reserve that is home to thousands of seabirds. You should also take a detour to Óbidos, famous for its whitewashed houses decorated with flowers.

Day 8: Return home

Hand in your rental car and take a flight back home.

Frequently asked questions about the historic heart of Portugal

Do you need a rental car for this trip?

Yes, from day three onwards. From Lisbon you drive into central Portugal and take day trips to places such as Alcobaça, Batalha, Tomar and Coimbra. A rental car makes it easy to reach these sites.

Why stay several nights in the same location?

The main historic towns are relatively close to one another. By staying several nights in one place, you avoid changing hotels every day and have more time to explore each destination at a relaxed pace.

What makes this region special in Portugal?

Within a relatively small area you will find several historic towns and UNESCO sites close to each other. It is home to some of the most important monasteries and universities in Portuguese history.

Can this trip be combined with a stay by the sea?

Yes. The itinerary ends near the Atlantic coast around Peniche, where you will find beaches and boat trips to the Berlenga nature reserve. Many travellers choose to add an extra night here.