Upon arrival at the airport, proceed to the rental car counters and pick up your rental car.Lisbon is recognized as a global city because of its importance in finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts, international trade, education and tourism. It is one of the major economic centres on the continent, with a growing financial sector and one of the largest container ports on Europe's Atlantic coast.Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, and the oldest in Western Europe, predating other modern European capitals such as London, Paris and Rome by centuries. Julius Caesar made it a municipium called Felicitas Julia, adding to the name Olissipo. Ruled by a series of Germanic tribes from the 5th century, it was captured by the Moors in the 8th century. In 1147, the Crusaders under Afonso Henriques reconquered the city and since then it has been a major political, economic and cultural centre ofPortugal. Unlike most capital cities, Lisbon's status as the capital of Portugal has never been granted or confirmed officially – by statute or in written form. Its position as the capital has formed through constitutional convention, making its position as de facto capital a part of the Constitution of Portugal.

Portugal's capital has much to offer. Lisbon's cityscape is characterized by numerous historic buildings. The old town with its tile facades and medieval, narrow streets is charming and will inspire you. Take a stroll through the oldest district of the city - Alfama. Visit the castle of Saint George, which is located on the highest of the eastern part of the town and offers a beautiful view of the city. The discovery of the Marques de Pombal monument, along the Avenida da Liberdade, the splendid avenue of Lisbon will lead to the heart of the urban life of Lisbon, the Rossio square and the "Baixa“ Downtown Historycal City Center Have lunch in one of the charming restaurants in Praça do Comércio and admire a little bit more of the Lisbon senses and history. Don’t forget to go to Castelo de S. Jorge and admire the view from above. Then we recommend you drive to the Belém district, where you will visit the world famous Hieronymus monastery. Continue to the Maritime Monument. On the square in front of the monument is a mosaic in the shape of a windrose, a gift from the Republic of South Africa dating back to 1960. Finally, try one the delicious dessert "Pastéis de Belém“ in one of the coffee houses.

After breakfast, drive to Sintra where the Palácio Nacional da Pena will be seen from afar. It is located on a top of the Serra de Sintra. Visit the fairytale castle. It seems as if you were back in the 19th century. You will get an impression of the splendid living habits of the royal family and the most important persons of the court. If you like something quieter, there is another highlight in the Quinta da Regaleira. This place with its charming gardens and the underground tunnel system are a real experience. When returning to Lisbon visit the Boca do Inferno, a gorge in the coastal cliffs west of Cascais were the water of the Atlantic Ocean has access to the deep bottom of the gorge, so that it flows back from the rock walls, hence the name ‘’Infernos’ mouth’’. Drive by and stop in Cascais. Although the city has managed to preserve its original charm of the old fishing village, it also radiates a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Particularly interesting is the small port in the Bay of Cascais were you can still see small fishing boats. There are also cafés and restaurants in the port, which invite you to take a break.

After breakfast, drive to Óbidos, where you can have lunch. After we recommend you visit this picturesque town that from the stories of love and the medieval atmosphere, is an inspiring suggestion for a romantic getaway or simply quiet stay. Taste the famous beverage Ginjinha de Óbidos, which can be enjoyed in several places, preferably in a chocolate glass. Local Tour Guide in Obidos- Continue to Batalha. The name comes from the Portuguese word for "battle". In Batalha you should look at the Gothic monastery from the 14th century. In the early evening, arrive in Porto.

After breakfast you will visit Porto. Take your time to visit its numerous old churches which have given the city its nickname "Baroque Town". The old town has been a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage since 1996. Visit the famous Lello Library, the Cathedral and don’t forget to admire the large entrance hall of the S. Bento station, decorated in 1930 wallpaper-like with blue-and-white tiles. The steel double bridge Dom Luís I, a bold iron construction designed by the famous French engineer Gustave Eiffel is also a sight worth to see.After lunch (excluded) we suggest you visit other important sights of the city as Clérigo’s Tower and Palácio da Bolsa. Take a mini-cruise (50 minutes) on the Douro River in old wine ships, the "barcos rabelos“ to have a complete view of the city from a different spot. Or continue with a port wine tasting at a traditional port wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Visit the historic center of Coimbra, the Santa Clara Church, the University of Coimbra and its wonderful library. The University of Coimbra meets the needs of its students, academics and the international research community with several library services provided by their libraries, making an important library system in Portugal.It includes the General Library – which has been a legal deposit library for almost 90 years; as well as 15 libraries across the different University Campus including faculty, department and research center libraries. Together, the Libraries hold more than 1,5 million printed items, over 1,000 e-journals and important special collections including rare books and manuscripts, iconography, maps, periodicals, some of which of inestimable in value. The printed catalogs of miscellanies and manuscripts were digitized, as well as other documents. To allow an easier access, members of the public can explore the collections via the digital ancient library of the University.Have lunch (excluded) at the Trovador Restaurant and listen a typical Coimbra fado.In the afternoon, continue to Nazaré.

The Historic Centre of Évora was declared a UNESCO Heritage in 1986. Explore this place, visiting the Roman Temple, the Church of S. Francisco and the Bones Chapel. To call it a day at last, we will visit Évora’s Cathedral, built in granite was only completed in 1250 (began to be built in 1186). Religious building marked by the transition between the Romanic and gothic architecture styles, classified as national monument in 1910. Continue to visit Elvas and its walls, considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

A really impressive picture is presented as you approach Cabo de São Vicente. The lighthouse of mainland Europe is located on a 60 meter high cliff of the cape.It was no coincidence that this area was formerly referred to as "the end of the world". The Portuguese Crown Prince Henry the Navigator founded his famous navigation school in the port city of Sagres. Don't miss out on standing on the platform at sunset!Lagos. On a walk you will see the fortifications from the 15th century and the church "Igreja de Santo António" from the 18th century (exterior view). A pedestrian zone with many boutiques and small squares leads through the pretty old town. After visiting the city, hike to "Praia da Luz".The Atlantic floods the beautiful rock and grotto landscape. Admire the whimsical shape of the sea. At Ponta de Piedade, the tip of the sea spur extends far into the sea and you have a unique view of the coast. Enjoy lunch on the beach and relax while sunbathing.

Take the opportunity to visit the historic centre and the market from Olhão.  The tranquil waters of the Ria Formosa, a paradise for nature lovers; and in the background, the countryside dotted with white houses: these are the attractions of Olhão and its municipality, a great place for a holiday full of sun, life and a whole host of charms. To discover the hidden charm of Olhão you have to go up to the top of the main church tower, the higher point. Only then you can see the hundreds of roof terraces - the "açoteias" -, typical of the Algarve, which create a unique urban panorama, as if a multitude of cubes had been scattered across a flat surface, their regular shapes repeating each other in three dimensions.Faro is the capital of the Algarve region in southern Portugal. The city's neoclassical Arco da Vila stands on the site of a gate that was part of the original Moorish walls. The monumental arch leads to the old town, with its cobbled streets. Nearby is the Cathedral of Faro, built in the 13th century. The Municipal Museum, in a 16th-century convent, displays prehistoric and medieval artefacts, as well as sacred art.Most of the attractions and sights of Faro are located in the so-called "Old Town" or "Vila Adentro", an old and picturesque city center with more than 2,000 years. Next to the walls you will find several historical buildings, stroll through alleys and corners, visit galleries and museums or relax with a coffee or a glass of wine on a beautiful terrace. There are different approaches to Cidade Velha, but it seems to me that the route I took makes the most sense, from Arco da Vila to Arco do Repouso.

It's time to say goodbye to beautiful Portugal - take your rental car for a final spin to the airport of your choice (Lisbon or Faro). See you soon!