Project Portugal
3-15 Sept 2025
We’ve been to Portugal regularly in previous years, often to the South for Autumn Algarve, but no full tour since 2017. Time to put that right! We start on 3 Sept with the Plymouth to Santander crossing and then stop at Leon in Spain to break the journey. The Vintage House in Pinhao is half way to Porto and a lovely spot alongside the River Douro. Porto is a gem and we’ll organise a port house visit and boat trip. After Porto we track south to Cascais just outside Lisbon where the Pousada is a repurposed ancient military barracks overlooking the marina. Not finished with Portugal we cross the country to Belmonte for great views and food, do a night at Hacienda Zorita and finish with a night in Santander before the ferry to Portsmouth.
| Wed 3 Sep | Afternoon departure from Plymouth on Brittany Ferries Pont Aven |
| Thurs 4 Sep | Arrive in Santander, then drive 160 miles to Leon where we stay in the wonderful five star Parador. Situated in the city centre (but with easy and secure parking) the hotel dates from the C16th. There is much to see and do in Leon so it’s a great stop |
| Fri 5 Sep | Drive 200 miles into Portugal to Pinhao which is on the upper reaches of the Douro River. Our luxury hotel overlooks the river and there are opportunities for boat trips as well as joining the historic Douro Valley steam train. 2 nights here |
| Sun 7 Sep | Drive 80 miles West to Porto where we have two nights at the Freixo Palace Hotel, a wonderful and stylish conversion of an old flour mill together with the original chimney still in place. We hope to arrange a visit to a Port Lodge and if there are sufficient
numbers, a boat trip on the Douro |
| Tues 9 Sep | Drive 198 miles to the Pousada at Cascais which is just outside Lisbon and close to Estoril. We will be here for two nights to give a chance to go to Lisbon, explore Estoril or just laze by the pool |
| Thur 11 Sept | Drive 190 miles across the country to Belmonte. This little Pousada has the most
spectacular views and the food and service in the restaurant are both exceptional. The driving around Belmonte is also excellent with largely deserted roads |
| Fri 12 Sept | Drive 230 miles to Salamanca for a night at lovely Hacienda Zorita close to the Douro: people don’t want to leave! |
| Sat 13 Sept | Drive 230 miles to Santander for a night at the Seafront Hotel Chiqui—a great spot for a last night party |
| Sun 14 Sept . | Drive 5 miles to the ferry port to board Brittany Ferries Santona |
| Mon 15 Sept | Arrive Portsmouth late afternoon |
Tour Booking & Information
Price £5300 for a car and two occupants
Price £5300 for a car and two occupants. Includes return ferry crossings with twin outside cabin (Deluxe Cabins £375.00 extra). Dinner bed and breakfast at all hotels, map and comprehensive road book and services of Jasper Gilder as Tour Leader.
To book contact Jasper
Tel:+44 (0) 1442 842542
Mob: 07831 327727
Email: info@driveespana.com
19 October – 2 November 2025
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