Highlights of Portugal - Self drive - Curated Trip (2023)

The sapphire waters and golden sands of Algarve make this corner of the Atlantic a popular beach retreat with tourists. Check in to your charming resort in the heart of Guia, home of Chicken Piri-Piri. VidaMar Hotels & Resorts Algarve is the perfect basecamp to explore this area. When you aren't out exploring the serene coastline, drop into the Lisboa Bar for a spot of wine and tapas or a refined meal at the Primadonna Ristorante Italiano restaurant.

Start your day in Algarve with a soothing day by the waves at Praia dos Salgados. If you fancy yourself a golfer, choose to tee off on the lush green of Salgados Golf Course. Afterwards, make the most of your stunning resort with a refreshing dip into the huge swimming pool, a colourful cocktail at the Tiki Bar or a rejuvenating visit to the Osmos Wellness Centre.

Journey to the one of Algarve's best coastal lagoons at Lagoa dos Salgados for a tranquil day of exploration and birdwatching. Keep your eyes peeled for stealthy turtles and colourful birds as you navigate the hiking tracks and soothing boardwalks admiring stunning flora and fauna. As the sun sets, savour a sublime seafood dinner framed by sunset views at Os Salgados.

Set out for a day of sun and fun with a day trip to Sagres. Boasting turbulent surf, pristine beaches and a picturesque fort, Sagres is a place for both adventurous and leisurely travellers. No matter your ability, Sagres has a beach with surf the right level of complexity for you. If you're not a surfer, endeavour to complete challenging hiking trails, go fishing or visit Sagres lighthouse for a selfie.

Visit the heritage village of Castelo de Silves, one of the most intact Moorish fortifications in Portugal. Peer down from this imposing citadel as you walk its ramparts and marvel its the construction. Once done, take a verdant stroll through the Praca Al-Mutamid gardens, a refined square that pays tribute to Portugal's Islamic past. As the sun sets, return to Guia for a sumptuous seafood spread and a soothing Turkish bath at the Osmos Wellness Centre.

Depart gorgeous Guia as you travel to lovely Lisbon, Portugal's capital by the coast. Check into your elegant escape, boasting a vibrant 16th-century facade and historic charm. Opposite the popular Praca do Comercio and Tagus River, this magnificent plaza is perfect for a stroll at any time of day. Afterwards, treat yourself to a high-end dining experience at Bairro do Avillez, the renowned chef of which has created a menu of Portuguese and international cuisine sure to impress.

A collision of historic and modern Lisbon awaits as you journey to the medieval Sao Jorge Castle to take in panoramic views over Lisbon. Afterwards, stop for a modern Portuguese twist on Peruvian ceviche at A Cevicheria before exploring Bairro Alto's charming boutiques, cafes and art galleries. When night falls, Bairro Alto exudes a vibrant nightlife of its own – traverse the narrow laneways as you explore countless bars, listen to live music and sample local liqueur.

Stop for a freshly baked pastry and coffee at A Padaria Portuguesa before enjoying your breakfast on a soothing morning stroll or mini-picnic in Parque Eduardo VII. This expansive park is more than just lawns, also featuring a monument and greenhouse with exotic plants. Shop till you drop down the Avenida da Liberdade as you delve into its high-end boutiques before stopping for a legendary seafood feast at Ramiro. Serving exemplary seafood in Lisbon for over 60 years, their menu ranges from garlic prawns to lavish lobster.

Bid farewell to lovely Lisbon as you make your way up Portugal's silver coast to your new accommodation at Aethos Ericeira. A clifftop surf stay with a lavish heated saltwater pool, this is the perfect location to rest and rejuvenate between adventures. Take advantage of the Ocean Spa's soothing treatments and limestone hot slab before visiting ONDA restaurant for a locally-sourced sea-to-table feast.

Venture out to experience charming Ericeira, a captivating seaside destination a short distance from Lisbon. Renowned for world-class surfing and sublime beaches, Ericeira is a soothing escape from the buzzing cities. Make the most of this serene fishing village as you navigate narrow streets and admire the colorful houses before sampling local seafood and traditional Portuguese cuisine at Restaurante Tik-Tak.

Head out early to make the most of your time along this surf coast, whether catching a wave, snagging a fish or just enjoying the serenade of the sea. Stroll along cobblestone streets in Ericeira as you find whitewashed houses, enjoy sweeping views of the harbour and taking in the soothing atmosphere of this quaint and relaxing fishing town. When you've built up an appetite, pay a visit to PRIM, a trendy and modern restaurant that offers a fusion of Portuguese and international cuisine, using fresh and local ingredients.

After a restful stay in Ericeira, its time to journey to picturesque Porto. Home of the iconic fortified wine named after this cosmopolitan city, Porto is a destination for food and wine lovers. Check into your luxurious seaside manor at Vila Foz Hotel & Spa and make the most of this lavish location with an exquisite seafood feast at the Michelin-starred onsite restaurant, a bespoke spa treatment or a stroll along the golden coastline just outside your door.

Explore the dynamic city of Porto with a cruise and open-top bus tour of the Duoro River and the waterfront Ribeira district. Cruising the river, admire the pastel-coloured, tightly-packed houses crowding the slopes above the historic waterfront Ribeira district and the six bridges spanning the Duoro River including the twin-level metal arched Luís I Bridge. Along the way, visit Casa da Musica and Museu de Serralves before a trip to the Calem Cellars to learn more about the history of Port wine and finishing with a Port wine tasting.Finish your day of adventure in Porto with a journey to Michelin-starred restaurant, Terra. With a minimalist and elegant atmosphere and a menu that features locally-sourced and innovative dishes, a high-end dining experience awaits you.

Start your day with a sophisticated stroll to admire the striking Church of Sao Francisco, a lavish and gilded example of gothic architecture and the neoclassic beauty of the Palacio da Bolsa before a shopping spree in the boutiques of Rua Santa Catarina.After a day of exploring Porto, end your evening with a picture-perfect tour visiting the top bars in the city and enjoying live music, refined port wines and soothing sunset vistas in style from the rooftops of Porto. When you're done, descend back to street level to pay a visit to Cantina 32, a restaurant that offers contemporary Portuguese and International cuisine served in generous portions.

Check out of your luxurious seaside manor and prepare for a retreat to rolling hills and verdant vineyards. In the heart of the Duoro Valley, the Six Senses is perfect for a spot of rural relaxation. Take a verdant stroll through the community forest and historical gardens, soothe yourself with a personalised spa treatment or spend an evening indulging in ceviche and port at the Wine Library and Terrace or refined dishes at The Vale de Abraão Restaurant.

Check out of your soothing Duoro stay and embark on your journey home, refreshed, relaxed and reenergised.