Pousadas of Portugal Routes

From castles and palaces to fortresses and monasteries, there are over 40 pousada properties to choose from, spanning the length and breadth of Portugal. Perhaps you’d like to take in the sun-soaked beauty of the Algarve from a viscount’s Rococo manor house, stay in a 12th-century medieval castle with spectacular sea views, or taste your way through Porto’s famed wine cellars while luxuriating in a palatial national monument. Expect 700-year-old battlements to look down on palm-fringed pools while beautifully carved cloisters host gourmet restaurants. 

Porto and the North - Six days

Flying in and out of Porto, the route starts in the historical and vibrant city of Porto with nights in the grand Palácio do Freixo, enjoy the history of one of Portugal's oldest cities and don't miss a visit to Gaia, home of the famous Port wine houses. North of Porto is the 'Costa Verde', running up to the River Minho and the Spanish border. The principal town on this coast is Viana do Castelo with its splendid Pousada with a modern palatial hotel feel, the next stop amongst some of the best beaches in Portugal. The following day, drive north to the little town of Vila Nova de Cerveira, and continue through the rural Minho to the next stop at the converted 12th century Amares monastery. From here, it's a short hop to Peneda/Geres national park and the historic town of Braga, before you drive south to the birthplace of Portugal – Guimaraes. Set on a hill overlooking the town, the Pousada de Guimaraes Santa Marinha is a former 12th century Augustinian monastery.

Includes: Return flights to Porto, 6 days car hire and 5 nights staying in Pousada accommodation on a B&B basis from £585 per person

Palácio do Freixo, Porto / Pousada de Viana do Castelo / Pousada de Amares / Pousada de Guimaraes Santa Marinha

Queluz National Palace, Sintra

Lisbon & the Alentejo – Six Days

With a flight into historic Lisbon, you’ll drive south to Palmela. Here, you’ll stay in the historic converted convent, sitting 230 metres above sea level, it has fantastic views of the Serra da Arrabida. Then, it’s on to Alcacer do Sal, where a Moorish castle dominates the historic town, the hotel retains the castellated walls and towers of the original structure including the cloisters of a convent. Your next stop is in Evora where the Pousada is one of Evora's historic gems. Next the route goes up to the 14th century castle of Estremoz. Here, further south, the Alentejo becomes warmer and flatter and here are some of the most attractive towns in the region. Then, a last night in Quelez, 'the Portuguese Versailles', staying in a magnificent pink and white Baroque Pousada used by the Royal Guard of the Court when resident in the Palace of Quelez. Lastly, with a final drive along the coast, you'll fly out of Lisbon.

Includes: Flights to Lisbon, 6 days car hire and 5 nights staying in Pousada accommodation on a B&B basis from £500 per person

Pousada de Palmela /  Pousada de Alcacer do Sal / Pousada de Evora / Pousada de Estremoz / Pousada de Quelez

Sagres' lighthouse – the westernmost point in mainland Europe

Capital of Culture - Six Days

Flying into Porto, this route which starts in Guimarães, the cultural capital and birthplace of the country takes you north up inland to the green and rustic valleys of the Minho, through one of the largest natural parks in Portugal before arriving at the beautiful northern coastal town of Viana do Castelo. Along with the overnight stops we also suggest spending some time in Porto, Valença do Minho and Gerês/Caniçada.

Includes: Flights to Porto, 6 days car hire and 5 nights staying in Pousada accommodation on a B&B basis from £495 per person

Pousada Guimaraes (2nts) / Pousada Amares (1nt) / Pousada Viana do Castelo (2nts)