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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
10% OFF ALL HOLIDAYS
Discover the many charms of Las Beiras and Estremadura, together known as Centro de Portugal.
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 central Portugal holiday 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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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
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)
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.
Choose your country and preferred airport of origin and then select from possible destinations to see airline providers.
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.
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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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!
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.
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.
