Secrets of Centro de Portugal

Las Beiras and Estremadura - PO9

Central and Southern Portugal Fly-drive
14 Nights From £1,750
Heritage tours
Wine tours
Tour Highlights
  • Aveiro, the ‘Portuguese Venice’

  • Coimbra's University and unique Fado tradition

  • World Heritage Batalha, Alcobaça and Tomar

  • Serra da Estrela, Portugal’s highest mountains

  • Fortress towns of the Planalto

  • Delightful Viseu, delicious Dão wines

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14 Nights From £1,750
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Overview

Discover the many charms of Las Beiras and Estremadura, together known as Centro de Portugal.

Tour Highlights
  • Aveiro, the ‘Portuguese Venice’

  • Coimbra's University and unique Fado tradition

  • World Heritage Batalha, Alcobaça and Tomar

  • Serra da Estrela, Portugal’s highest mountains

  • Fortress towns of the Planalto

  • Delightful Viseu, delicious Dão wines

From the delightful Art-Nouveau seaside town of Aveiro, with its pretty gondolas, head inland to Coimbra, the country’s most historic University city. From there go south to Estremadura where the awe-inspiring religious architecture of Batalha, Alcobaça and Tomar sit within striking distance of the equally impressive surf-washed Atlantic coast. Then it’s onwards and very much upwards into the Serra da Estrela mountains and there beyond to the high plains of the Planalto, at the frontier with Spain, dotted with historic fortress towns. End your trip in delightful Viseu, the granite city at the heart of the Dão wine region.

The full route takes fourteen days but you can do as little, or as much, as you like.

Holiday Code: PO9


Itinerary

Day 1 & 2– Aveiro

  • Discover Art-Nouveau Aveiro from a gondola-like ‘Moliceiro’

  • Sail or kayak in the estuary, go surfing in the ocean

  • Gaily-painted seaside houses of Costa Nova do Prado

  • Visit the Vista Alegre porcelain factory

  • Playa de Barra and the wild dunes of São Jacinto

Day 1 & 2 – Aveiro

Day 3 & 4– Coimbra

  • Coimbra University – stunning buildings, amazing views, fascinating museums

  • Sé Velha, Portuguese Romanesque at its finest

  • Take in a fado show – Coimbra style of course

  • Jewish Quarter – especially magical by night

  • Roman ruins at Conímbriga

Day 3 & 4 – Coimbra

Days 5 to 7– Estremadura

  • The magnificent monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça

  • São Martinho do Porto a little pearl set on a string of surf washed Atlantic beaches

  • The Convent at Tomar, delightful city of the Templars

  • Sierras de Aire y Candeeiros Nature Park – riddled with caves

  • Medieval Óbidos with its famous white houses

Days 5 to 7 – Estremadura

Day 8 & 9– Serra da Estrela

  • Walking, cycling, kayaking and much more in the Serra da Estrela Nature Park

  • Visit the Burel Wool factory in Manteigas

  • Scale the Torre peak – Portugal’s highest

  • Manteigas and Sabugueiro – charming mountain villages

  • Rich Jewish heritage and historic castle of Belmonte

Day 8 & 9 – Serra da Estrela

Day 10 to 12– Planalto & the fortress towns

  • Fortress towns – Trancoso, Almeida, Castelo Rodrigo

  • Paleolithic rock-art in the Côa Valley 22000 years old!

  • Local wine and olive oil of the Beira Alta

  • Faia Brava nature reserve with wild horses, cattle and large birds of prey

  • Explore the Douro International Nature Park

  • Jump the border to Ciudad Rodrigo and Salamanca

Day 10 to 12 – Planalto & the fortress towns

Day 13 & 14– Viseu & the Dão wine region

  • Delightful Viseu, historic centre of the Dão wine region

  • Grão Vasco museum, Portuguese Renaissance at its best

  • Viseu’s imposing granite-built Sé cathedral

  • Dão wine route, historic vineyards, velvety reds

  • Hike the Sierra de Caramulo and visit the Caramulo car museum

Day 13 & 14 – Viseu & the Dão wine region

& why not?

  • Fly into Porto and add a stop in the city

  • Dip into Spain and discover lovely Salamanca

  • Head down to Lisboa, Portugal´s capital - it's not far!

  • If you have time, explore the Douro Valley and its endless terraced vineyards

  • Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!

& why not?


Map


What's Included

  • Accommodation in our listed hotels – 2 sharing 1 standard double ensuite, B&B (unless specified)

  • Economy 4-door car hire (talk to us about upgrades)

  • Regional guide book to Portugal

  • Personal Travel App including highlights, weather forecast and restaurant suggestions for all areas en-route

  • Instructions to find all accommodation

What's Excluded

  • Flights – but we are able to advise

  • One-way car hire charges, where applicable (see your quote email)

  • The following car hire extras – these can be added at pick-up point

    • extra driver, child seats, GPS

  • Garage parking where applicable (mostly city stops) – please ask us about parking charges

  • Local tourist taxes (where applicable)


Travel Details

Getting There

A circular itinerary, this route is best enjoyed flying into Porto or Lisboa airports.

Though more distant, you may alternatively consider travelling via Faro in the Algarve region or Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

See your flight options in the table below:

PLEASE NOTE Flights are not included and some flights are seasonal.


Flight Options

Choose your preferred UK airport and then select from possible destinations to see airline providers.

Getting Around

For passengers travelling by air we will include a hire car as part of the package. Normally we include a 4 door economy class car but please let us know if you would like something different.

For those coming on the ferry you will use your own vehicle but in either case we will provide full instructions to arrive at each hotel, complete with GPS, as well as a map of the area.


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Our Expert Touch

Our team of experts have over 35 years travel expertise in Spain & Portugal.

You’ll receive friendly, personal service from start to finish of the booking process.

Call and speak to Andy, Leonor or Antonio about your dream holiday in Spain & Portugal...

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Why choose Caminos

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About us

With 40+ years’ experience designing holidays in Spain & Portugal, our friendly, expert team offers personal service from booking to your return. While away, you’ll have ground support from local agents.

Every trip is tailored to your budget and needs.

Call us - we’d love to hear from you!

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About our tours

Discover authentic Spain & Portugal, far from tourist crowds. Stay in charming, trusted places — from castles and palaces to rural guesthouses and Paradores.

Your pack includes maps, guidebook, and touring tips. Plus, our Vamos travel app keeps all your documents and guides in one place.

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Peace of Mind

We’ve been a fully bonded UK tour operator since 1985, so your money and holiday are protected.


We’re also members of AITO (Association of Independent Tour Operators) — the hallmark of trusted, specialist holidays. Independent dispute resolution means you always travel with confidence.