An immersive guided tour on the Portuguese route 66
Your Portugal Trip Details
- Private Tours
- From 350€/day/person
- 8 Full days to explore the whole country
- Starts in Chaves (North of Portugal)
- Ends in Faro (South of Portugal)
- Departure from Lisbon
- Traditional workshops - culinary/crafts
- Wine tastings and vineyard visits
- Traditional meals in the best local restaurants
- Boat cruise in the Douro Valley
- Scenic bike ride
- Kayak ride in the Zêzere river
- Ancient Roman ruins
- Convent of Christ in Tomar
- Longest suspended bridge in the world
- Évora guided tour
- Island Hopping in Faro
The Authentic N2 Portugal Road Trip
In recent years, Portugal has become one of Europe’s top destinations, and Lisbon its sweetheart. But what’s beyond this ancient capital? What happens if you get off the beaten track? There’s where you’ll find the real Portugal.
On this 8-day Portugal guided tour, you will uncover the authentic Portugal through the mythical N2, the National Road 2. Also known as Portugal’s Route 66, the N2 is one of only three roads in the entire world that connects a country from North to South. With our focus on culture and history, this Portugal trip will allow you to truly feel like part of this country steeped in tradition. You’ll meet our people, see how we live, and understand what we’re made of.
Your Portugal N2 road trip begins in Lisbon and ends in Faro. If you’re spending additional time in Lisbon, take a look at our other Portugal tours to explore more within and near the capital. Feel free to get in touch with any questions about any of our experiences.
A Local’s Guided Tour of Portugal
As locals who live in and love this country, we want to show you our Portugal. Immerse yourself in the folklore of rural Portugal while also learning about some of the country’s top attractions.
You’ll taste our best food and wine while basking in our extraordinary landscapes. Enjoy wine tastings and scenic walks, biking and kayaking, architectural gems and cruising in unique UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
We also promise ample leisure time to enjoy the hidden river beaches or swimming pools. And we promise you will learn about the Knights Templar, hear stories of Portuguese royalty while visiting their palaces and — most of all — you’ll meet the real people who make this country unique.
Your local guide will ensure you can savour the best Portuguese food and wine along the way. But, with more than 700 kilometres of road to travel, this tour is a feast for all of your senses!
Join Us for a Truly Portuguese Adventure!
We only take small groups of curious travellers on our N2 road trip tour of Portugal. With only up to 12 people maximum, we can delve so much deeper into the quiet villages and local traditions along the N2.
We will guide you through the country safely and comfortably. Don’t stress about language barriers in rural locations; don’t fret over planning routes and navigating logistics. Let us handle everything with our insider connections and deep passion for our wonderful country!
We believe that where there’s a tale, there’s a way. Join us for a truly local adventure and be part of the Portuguese tale.
What to Expect on the N2 Portugal Tour
- Private transfer throughout your trip in a comfortable vehicle with an English-speaking driver
- Local, expert English-speaking guide accompanying you for the duration of the trip
- 8-nights accommodation in 4 star hotels
- Daily breakfast and 8 full meals
- Cooking class
- Island hopping in private boat
- Boat tour in the Douro Valley with Port tasting
- Entrance fees to all sites and activities included in the itinerary
- 24/7 assistance for the whole trip
- Extraordinary and unique experiences!
Get in touch for more details:
Day #1 - THE N2 PORTUGAL ADVENTURE BEGINS!
We will pick you up at your hotel in Lisbon in the early morning. You’ll meet your professional driver and your guide for your N2 road trip adventure. After introductions are made, we will head up to the starting point of the N2, in Chaves, in the far north of the country.
Since it is a long journey, we will use the opportunity to break it in half and show you one of the most interesting monuments in the country, the former headquarters of the mythical Knights Templar. We will have a traditional lunch in a medieval tavern and toast to a great trip to come.
We will then proceed to Chaves where you can take photos of the N2 0km marker to officially begin the journey. Then, you’ll have time to relax at the hotel or walk around the historic centre. We will give you great tips so you can enjoy an amazing local dinner and spend the rest of the evening however you’d like.
Inclusions:
– Hotel in Chaves
– Lunch in Tomar
– Convent of Christ entrance and guided tour
Day #2 - FORGOTTEN VILLAGES, VINEYARDS AND WINE
After breakfast, the real guided tour of Portugal’s N2 begins! We will head to a lost, enchanted village where you will feel like time has stopped. It’s a true hidden gem – the path itself is a wonder.
We will then visit some vineyards and learn about wine with a local producer and, of course, taste some great Portuguese wines. Ask your guide about the curious wine of the dead!
As we should be ready for lunch then, we will find some of the best traditional cuisine in a family tavern where all the food seems to come from the backyard. The area of Alto Tâmega is known to have top quality products. You’ll taste and learn about traditional Portuguese food, finding out what alheira, chouriço, posta barrosã, or feijoada mean.
After lunch, we will head toward our final destination for the day, stopping at interesting villages along the way and learning about Portuguese origins. You will have the evening free to relax in the swimming pool or explore on your own.
Inclusions:
– Hotel in Pinhão
– Wine tasting
– Breakfast and lunch
Day #2 - FORGOTTEN VILLAGES, VINEYARDS AND WINE
After breakfast, the real guided tour of Portugal’s N2 begins! We will head to a lost, enchanted village where you will feel like time has stopped. It’s a true hidden gem – the path itself is a wonder.
We will then visit some vineyards and learn about wine with a local producer and, of course, taste some great Portuguese wines. Ask your guide about the curious wine of the dead!
As we should be ready for lunch then, we will find some of the best traditional cuisine in a family tavern where all the food seems to come from the backyard. The area of Alto Tâmega is known to have top quality products. You’ll taste and learn about traditional Portuguese food, finding out what alheira, chouriço, posta barrosã, or feijoada mean.
After lunch, we will head toward our final destination for the day, stopping at interesting villages along the way and learning about Portuguese origins. You will have the evening free to relax in the swimming pool or explore on your own.
Inclusions:
– Hotel in Pinhão
– Wine tasting
– Breakfast and lunch
Day #3 - THE DOURO VALLEY AND PORT WINE
Today, we will detour from our tour of the N2 to enjoy the views from one of the most beautiful roads in the world as we head to our destination. But first: our cruise ship tour in the Douro Valley.
The Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a world favourite: Port wine! We will talk about the wine, the production, and the landscape as we head to visit one of the most important religious spots in the country.
After managing the 686 steps (going down!) through some biblical events, we will have a traditional lunch in the loveliest village with regional products.
After strolling around, we will drive to reach our final destination for the day. You will have the rest of the day free to relax in the swimming pool or explore on your own.
Inclusions:
– Hotel in Arouca
– Private cruise ship tour with Port wine tasting
– Breakfast, lunch and traditional snacks
Day #4 - WALKING THE CANYON
Prepare for a day in connection with nature…and bring your sneakers!
After breakfast, we will start our hike along the River Paiva walkways (5.5 miles/8.9km). This is an easy and scenic walk through a beautiful canyon. You will do it at your own pace and, as you wish, stopping at some of the river beaches along the way.
At the end — and not for the faint of heart — we can walk across the longest suspended bridge in the world. It’s an astounding 516 metres long overlooking a great canyon!
At the end of the trail, you can dip into calm waters before we get ready for lunch. Once you’re feeling refreshed, we will have a very traditional lunch before we drive along the N2 to Viseu, our final destination for the day.
Inclusions:
– Hotel in Castro Daire or Viseu
– Paiva walkways entrance and suspended bridge entrance
– Breakfast and lunch
Day #4 - WALKING THE CANYON
Prepare for a day in connection with nature…and bring your sneakers!
After breakfast, we will start our hike along the River Paiva walkways (5.5 miles/8.9km). This is an easy and scenic walk through a beautiful canyon. You will do it at your own pace and, as you wish, stopping at some of the river beaches along the way.
At the end — and not for the faint of heart — we can walk across the longest suspended bridge in the world. It’s an astounding 516 metres long overlooking a great canyon!
At the end of the trail, you can dip into calm waters before we get ready for lunch. Once you’re feeling refreshed, we will have a very traditional lunch before we drive along the N2 to Viseu, our final destination for the day.
Inclusions:
– Hotel in Castro Daire or Viseu
– Paiva walkways entrance and suspended bridge entrance
– Breakfast and lunch
Day #5 - SCENIC BIKE RIDE AND THE SCHIST VILLAGES
After breakfast, it’s time to get active: we will cycle along an abandoned railway within a jaw-dropping landscape (30 km ride, easy). We will stop along the way to absorb the landscape and take pictures.
Lunch will be at the unique Schist Villages with their handful of inhabitants and breathtaking views. After lunch, we’ll carry on down the N2 to our final destination where you can relax in the hotel swimming pool with mountain views for the rest of the day.
This day is not only about nature and landscapes, however. We will also learn about the Portuguese dictatorship (which was the longest in Europe) and the main dictator as we will pass by his birthplace.
Inclusions:
– Hotel in Pedrógão Pequeno
– Bike rental
– Breakfast, lunch and snacks
Day #6 - KAYAKS, CASTLES AND A FEAST OF FLAVOURS
After breakfast, we will kayak down the beautiful and calm waters of the Zêzere River. Take your time for nature and bird watching along the way.
We will then drive to see a medieval castle and refresh ourselves at a lovely river beach with castle views. You can have a light lunch at the beach, take a dip, or visit the castle at the top of the hill. Later, we will head to Abrantes to enjoy a true feast of Portuguese flavours!
Inclusions:
– Hotel in Abrantes
– Kayak
– Breakfast and dinner
Day #6 - KAYAKS, CASTLES AND A FEAST OF FLAVOURS
After breakfast, we will kayak down the beautiful and calm waters of the Zêzere River. Take your time for nature and bird watching along the way.
We will then drive to see a medieval castle and refresh ourselves at a lovely river beach with castle views. You can have a light lunch at the beach, take a dip, or visit the castle at the top of the hill. Later, we will head to Abrantes to enjoy a true feast of Portuguese flavours!
Inclusions:
– Hotel in Abrantes
– Kayak
– Breakfast and dinner
Day #7 - A DETOUR FOR PORTUGUESE HISTORY, CULTURE AND FOOD!
After breakfast, we will leave the National Road 2 route for the unmissable city of Évora. We will visit some UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Roman ruins and a bone chapel.
You will notice from today that, not only the landscape, but also the food, the wine, and even the rhythm of this Portugal trip have changed dramatically. We will learn about Alentejo’s story, culture and cuisine. You’ll hear about gaspacho, açorda, sopa de cação, cante and politics.
We will have a walking tour of Évora and time to relax in the swimming pool, while preparing our minds and stomachs for an amazing cooking class and dinner with organic regional products.
Inclusions:
– Hotel and walking tour in Évora
– Bone chapel and cathedral entrance
– Cooking class
– Breakfast and dinner
Day #8 - THE FINAL CHAPTER: TRADITIONAL CRAFTS AND ISLAND HOPPING
After breakfast, we will get back to our tour of the Portugal N2. We’ll stop to enjoy a walking tour of a very special church and parish inside the walls, and we will also visit a pottery workshop.
We will then proceed to the Algarve through the scenic and never-ending roads of Alentejo while chatting about the two regions.
We’ll stop for a typical alentejano lunch in a traditional spot before continuing driving south. Once in the Algarve, we will take a picture at the last kilometer of the legendary N2 road to mark the completion of this extraordinary guided tour of Portugal’s National Road 2!
We’ll then have time to relax on a boat trip between some islands, as well as finally jumping into the ocean at a beautiful beach. While soaking in the calm waters and reliving all the beautiful experiences along the way, we can prepare to wrap it all up with a farewell dinner.
Inclusions:
– Hotel in Faro or Olhão
– Private boat trip with drinks and snacks
– Breakfast and lunch
Day #8 - THE FINAL CHAPTER: TRADITIONAL CRAFTS AND ISLAND HOPPING
After breakfast, we will get back to our tour of the Portugal N2. We’ll stop to enjoy a walking tour of a very special church and parish inside the walls, and we will also visit a pottery workshop.
We will then proceed to the Algarve through the scenic and never-ending roads of Alentejo while chatting about the two regions.
We’ll stop for a typical alentejano lunch in a traditional spot before continuing driving south. Once in the Algarve, we will take a picture at the last kilometer of the legendary N2 road to mark the completion of this extraordinary guided tour of Portugal’s National Road 2!
We’ll then have time to relax on a boat trip between some islands, as well as finally jumping into the ocean at a beautiful beach. While soaking in the calm waters and reliving all the beautiful experiences along the way, we can prepare to wrap it all up with a farewell dinner.
Inclusions:
– Hotel in Faro or Olhão
– Private boat trip with drinks and snacks
– Breakfast and lunch
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The cost of this trip is €2.800 per person. This is based on four or more travelers and double occupancy at 4-star hotels. For a single occupancy room, there will be a single supplement. This trip can also be offered to private groups as well as private groups that include kids under the age of 18 – please inquire for pricing and details.
This trip includes eight nights of accommodation, based on double-accommodation in hotels at 4-star level. If you’re interested in a different level or style of accommodation, we’d be happy to discuss options and price points.
Throughout this Portugal guided tour, you’ll be covering about 1700 kilometres (1,060 miles). The driving time has been thoughtfully distributed across each day, and will of course include stops along the way. The average driving time will be 2:45h per day, except on the first day when we will drive for 7h in total. You’ll have a private vehicle and driver for the duration of the trip. The type of vehicle (car, van, or minibus) will depend on the size of your group.
Travellers should feel comfortable walking two to three miles over the course of each day. While we can tailor the pace and activity level to your group, a few of the highlights require a medium hike (5 miles/8km) and/or walking on dirty trails, kayaking in calm waters, cycling for 30 km/18 miles in a flat bike lane. As the itinerary covers a range of different locations, you’ll want to pack sturdy walking shoes, and comfortable clothes for the drives.
This Portugal trip begins in Lisbon and ends in Faro; both locations have an international airport for your convenience. On the first day, your guide and driver will arrange to meet you at an agreed-upon location (or your hotel) in the early morning. We recommend you arrive the day before the start of the tour, and depart anytime on the day after the tour ends. If you’d like to extend your stay on either end, we’re happy to arrange extra nights and provide suggestions for things to do and see on your own. If you would like to get back to Lisbon after the tour ends, we can arrange transportation. If you would like to start the tour in Porto, we’re happy to discuss the options and prices. And if you would like to have a pick-up from the airport at arrival, we are happy to arrange it for you. Just get in touch for all arrangements.
- Private transfer throughout your trip in a comfortable vehicle with an English-speaking driver;
- Local, expert English-speaking guide accompanying you for the duration of the trip;
- 8 nights of accommodation in 4-star hotels;
- Daily breakfast and 8 full meals;
- Cooking class;
- Island hopping in a private boat;
- Tour in the Douro Valley in a private boat with Port tasting;
- Entrance fees to all sites and activities included in the itinerary;
- 24/7 assistance for the whole trip;
- Extraordinary and unique experiences!
- Transportation to and from Portugal;
- Additional meals and drinks outside the ones included;
- Travel insurance;
- Tickets for extra activities or attractions not mentioned in the itinerary;
- Gratuities;
- Pre and post trip accommodation (available upon request at extra cost);
- Portuguese visa (if applicable);
- Transfers to and from the airport (available upon request at extra cost).
If you are arriving in Lisbon or Porto some days before our tour and wish to have a tour of the city, we are more than happy to provide walking historical tours of both cities with our amazing guides. Explore our Portugal Tours or just ask us about options and prices.