Portugal wine culture and nature parks

Portugal is the perfect holiday destination if you dream of beautiful whitewashed villages set on low cliffs overlooking perfect sandy coves. During this selfdrive you will explore the many  medieval castles, rolling land, and the roaring Atlantic surf. Tast local wines on terraced vineyards overlooking the picturesque Douro river.

Portugal is a sun destination in the South of Europe and is sharing space with Spain on the Iberian peninsula. Leaving the coast for an inland journey, will show you the rich cultural history of the by gone Portuguese empire. It began with the Portuguese exploration of the world during the 15th century and it lasted longer than all the other modern European empires. Celts, Romans, Visigoths, Moors and Christians all left their mark on the Iberian nation.

Away from the cities, Portugal’s beauty unfolds in all its astonishing diversity. Gourmets will love the typical dishes of the Alentejo region. Wine lovers will enter a Walhalla when they reach the Douro Valley. Cycle 47km along an old railway line from Viseu or sleep on a floating houseboat on Europe’s largest man-made lake. Hike in search of wolves among the granite peaks of the Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês, or take in the unspoilt scenery and historic villages of the little-explored Beiras.

Like the Paradores in Spain, Portugal has its Pousadas. Pousadas form a network throughout Portugal and are ideal for a self drive tour. The charming, luxurious hotels are housed in castles and monasteries, or located in places ‘of great beauty’.

This self drive route comes with tips for tours, like cooking classes, food walks, organic wine tours and garden tours.

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Day 1: Porto

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Day 2: Porto

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Day 3: Coimbra

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Day 4: Manteigas

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Day 5: Manteigas

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Day 6: Viseu

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Day 7: Douro Valley

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Day 8: Douro Valley

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Day 9: Guimaraes

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Day 10: Guimaraes

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Day 11: Peneda-Gerês National Park

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Day 12: Peneda-Gerês National Park

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Day 13: Viana do Castelo

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Day 14

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