Self-Guided Tours in Portugal
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10 best Self-Guided Portugal tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaPortugal travel expert at TourRadar
- Porto Coastal Cycling
- Island Hopping in Madeira & Porto Santo: From Volcanic Violence to Beach Mystery (from Porto to Porto Moniz)
- 4 Day Lisbon Tour With Car rental
- Portugal By High-Speed Train
- Portugal Discovery, Self-drive
- Azores: Wild Volcanic Islands of the Atlantic
- Portugal North and South, Self-drive
- Endless Spring, Timeless Beauty – Madeira Awaits
- Madeira in 8 Days: Scenic Road Trip
- Wonders Of North Portugal
Coastal beauty stretches from Porto to Praia de Mira. Sample Douro's wine cellars, wander Aveiro's Venice-like canals, and photograph Costa Nova's colorful houses. GPS device, luggage transfers, and luxury stays at hotels like Hotel Vila Gale included.
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto, Furadouro, Aveiro, Praia de Mira Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
- NZ$3,596
Island Hopping in Madeira & Porto Santo: From Volcanic Violence to Beach Mystery (from Porto to Porto Moniz)
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
Duration 10 days Destinations Funchal, Santana, Porto Moniz, Ponta Do Sol, Porto Santo Age Range Ages 99+ Operator Journaway From $4,052
37% Off- NZ$2,572You save $1,480
Navigate Portugal's capital at your pace from Sana Rex Hotel. Drive to UNESCO sites like Belém Tower, explore Alfama's maze-like streets, and visit trendy LX Factory. Includes breakfast and airport transfers.
Duration 4 days Destinations Lisbon Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $1,534
5% Off- NZ$1,458You save $77
Portugal By High-Speed Train
31 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The package offered an array of excursions, including visits to Porto's historic landmarks and Porto's renowned wine cellars.”
Nathan, traveled in September
Portuguese possibilities abound with Turim hotel stays and first-class rail travel. Porto's UNESCO sites and Douro Valley wineries form the foundation for your customizable adventure.
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto, Douro International Natural Park, Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Estoril Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Flag Travel Holidays From
5% Off- NZ$3,705
Portugal Discovery, Self-drive
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The locations and hotels selected were excellent. Once I mentioned it to the check-in staff they went above and beyond to accommodate our needs.”
Becky, traveled in September
A curated Portuguese adventure awaits, with routes from historic Lisbon to medieval Tomar. Wind through Porto's riverside district and find hidden gems like Espinho's fishing village. Pre-booked Vila Galé hotels provide comfortable stays throughout.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lisbon, Evora, Castelo De Vide, Tomar, Coimbra, Porto, Guimaraes, Espinho, Aveiro, Figueira da FozSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Destination Services Portugal From $1,807
15% Off- NZ$1,536You save $271
Duration 14 days Destinations Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Pico Island, Faial, Horta Age Range Ages 99+ Operator Journaway From $5,268
40% Off- NZ$3,180You save $2,088
Portugal North and South, Self-drive
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The hotels are way above my expectations. I totally recommend this tour to my friends.”
Jay, traveled in October
Portuguese wonders unfold with provided maps and suggestions. Wander through Porto's markets, marvel at Sintra's fairytale palaces, and find Algarve's hidden coves while resting at Vila Galé hotels with included breakfast.
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto, Fatima, Batalha, Alcobaca, Obidos, Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Estoril, EvoraSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Destination Services Portugal From $2,232
15% Off- NZ$1,897You save $335
Endless Spring, Timeless Beauty – Madeira Awaits
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The island offers incredible experiences that will stay with me for a long time.”
Alex, traveled in May
Duration 7 days Destinations Funchal, Pico do Arieiro Mountain, Monte, Santana, Achadas da Cruz, Porto Moniz Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Worldee From
15% Off- NZ$703
Madeira in 8 Days: Scenic Road Trip
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“I had the chance to see the beauty of the island from all sides, and live so many new experiences.”
Pal, traveled in September
Duration 8 days Destinations Madeira Island, Santana, Machico, Pico do Arieiro Mountain, Pico Ruivo de Santana, Porto Moniz, Prazeres, Ponta Do Sol, Ribeira Brava, Funchal Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Worldee From
15% Off- NZ$869
Wonders Of North Portugal
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“North Portugal captivates with its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality.”
Vera, traveled in March
Porto's UNESCO sites, Braga's Sé Cathedral, and Douro Valley vineyards await your visit. Comfortable stays at Turim Oporto and Quinta de Casaldronho complement the included Six Bridges cruise.
Duration 7 days Destinations Porto, Braga, Guimaraes, Douro International Natural Park, Aveiro Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Flag Travel Holidays From
15% Off- NZ$4,964
What people love about Self-Guided Tours in Portugal
- Ultimate Portugal RoadTrip: Through History & Stunning Landscapes
The trip was great, with a flexible program that was always adjusted according to the weather. The experience was also educational, showing how to properly capture the surrounding beauty through photography. There wasn't a single thing to complain about during this journey :)
- Portugal Discovery, Self-drive
Good not great could have been better
We had an unforgettable experience doing the Douro Valley with Pedalquest. From the very first contact, the booking process was smooth and easy, and everything was clear and stress-free. We started in Miranda do Douro and had a wonderful time getting to experience local food, monuments and charming hotels throughout the week. The bikes were absolutely incredible – brand new, extremely comfortable, and a real joy to ride throughout the whole journey. They made a huge difference in the experience. What impressed us most was the way Bruno accompanied us along the way. He was professional, attentive, and always there to support us, which gave us confidence and peace of mind from start to finish. Cycling the Douro region was a dream, and Pedalquest turned it into something even more special. We truly recommend them to anyone thinking about this adventure!
Douro Valley E-Bike Tour – Self Guided
What our customers ask about Self-Guided Tours in Portugal
When is the best time to take a self-guided tour in Portugal?
Portugal's self-guided tours run from March through November with each region offering its own prime visiting time. The Algarve and Madeira work well any time of year while Porto and the Douro Valley shine from April to October. July and August bring significant heat especially in inland areas. A TourRadar traveler shares: "We went in May and had perfect weather - warm enough for beaches but cool enough for comfortable hiking." For most visitors spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) provide ideal conditions with moderate temperatures and fewer crowds.
What accommodation options are typically available on Portugal self-guided tours?
Self-guided tours pair travelers with carefully selected lodgings that range from local guesthouses to upscale hotels. In Porto some tours feature stays in a 16th-century medieval palace with Douro River views while Lisbon accommodations often line the grand Avenida da Liberdade. A TourRadar traveler noted "The hotel in Porto was fabulous with exceptional service and a perfect location near the main attractions." Each property aims to deliver Portuguese hospitality along with modern amenities.
How does luggage transfer work on Portugal's self-guided tours?
Daily luggage transfers come standard on most tours allowing one bag per person up to 20kg. The Portuguese Camino tour demonstrates this service well as travelers walk with just daypacks while their main bags move ahead. Reliability ranks high with one TourRadar traveler sharing that during their Douro Valley tour "luggage transfer was perfect completely hassle-free."
What level of physical fitness is required for self-guided tours in Portugal?
Fitness requirements change based on your chosen route and region. Coastal walks in the Algarve need moderate fitness for daily 14-16km treks on mostly level ground. Porto to Lisbon cycling demands good endurance for 35-60km daily rides including some hills. Madeira's mountain paths require higher fitness due to elevation gains. For perspective a TourRadar traveler notes: "For the Portuguese Camino being able to walk 20-25km daily comfortably is important but you can take breaks as needed since it's self-guided."
What type of meals and dining experiences are included in Portuguese self-guided tours?
Standard inclusions cover daily breakfast at your lodging with some tours adding select meals. The Porto Coastal Cycling tour provides breakfast each day plus three dinners of regional specialties. Douro Valley participants can explore wine tastings and local restaurants at their own schedule. A TourRadar traveler shares: "The flexibility to choose our own restaurants was great - we discovered amazing local places recommended by our hotel hosts especially for fresh seafood along the coast."
What level of planning and support is provided for self-guided tours in Portugal?
Tours come equipped with route notes GPS tracks 24/7 emergency assistance and luggage transfers. The Porto to Coimbra bike tour includes Ride With GPS app access daily check-in messages and repair tools. One TourRadar traveler's Douro Valley experience confirms: "The organization was excellent - detailed maps great accommodations arranged and helpful support when needed."
What are the best regions in Portugal for self-guided tours?
Each Portuguese region presents distinct self-guided experiences. The Douro Valley showcases terraced vineyards while the Algarve offers scenic coastal paths. Northern Portugal features historic Porto and Guimarães. Central Portugal leads through medieval villages and Coimbra. The Alentejo provides peaceful cycling routes. As one TourRadar traveler notes: "The variety between Porto's vibrant streets Douro's stunning vineyards and rural village charm made every day unique."