Alentejo & Douro Valley

Enjoy a day at leisure exploring this exotic and vibrant coastal capital city before your exciting supercar driving aventure begins…

Hotel: 5* Altis Belém Hotel & Spa, Lisbon – 33-40 m² deluxe double room with marina view

The first leg takes you out of the city of Lisbon, following the Atlantic coastline on elegantly sweeping tarmac with panoramic vistas stretching across the ocean, before the journey inland begins. Today you’re heading to the historic Alentejo wine region, renowned for its rich, jammy and elegant red blends. Your lunch stop is a vineyard with a gourmet restaurant – an idyllic place to enjoy delicious food, and perhaps combine the experience with a short wine tasting (drivers may have to spit rather than swallow) – and the perfect opportunity to stock up some bottles for those home memories.

After lunch your drive continues, through the quiet countryside on tarmac framed by neat rows of olive groves, to your home for the night – a relaxing haven of peace in the beautiful countryside near Monforte – the Torre de Palma Wine Hotel. This traditional white-washed building dates back to 1338 – the remains of this ancient hostellery were restored in 2014 becoming one of the finest luxury hotels. This stunning estate boasts excellent facilities such as outdoor and indoor swimming pools, a luxurious spa, and a horse riding center where you can ride a majestic Lusitano horse within the extensive grounds of the hotel. At the estate’s own winery you can enjoy a pre-dinner wine tasting, before embarking on a journey through the best Alentejo delicacies in the gastronomic restaurant.

Hotel: 5* Torre de Palma Wine Hotel, Monforte – 45-52 m² junior suite with patio
Driving time: 3½-4 hours plus stops

Leaving the estate you’ll head straight towards the Serra da Estrela on fast tarmac, with a traditional lunch stop en route, serving typical home-cooked dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients. Upon arrival in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park – also the largest natural conservation area in Portugal occupying about 1,000 km² – you’ll find yourself in driving paradise, as the road opens up and the spectacular scenery invites you to explore the performance of your thrilling supercar. On the pass road rising to a height of 1,993m above sea level you’ll find the highest peak in Continental Portugal – Torre – the Zêzere Glacial Valley, and the country’s only ski station. Enjoy the unspoilt natural landscape on a spectacular drive through breathtaking scenery – what a perfect way to exercise your supercar.

Tonight you’ll be staying in the Serra da Estrela in a enchanting boutique hotel high up at an altitude of 1,200m, with an impressive view over the Glacier Valley – the Casa de São Lourenço. Relax and unwind in a luxurious room with a breathtaking view, enjoy the heated indoor and outdoor pools, revitalise in the spa, and finish off the day with a delicious supper in the hotel’s comfortable restaurant with its panoramic views of the mountains.

Hotel: 5* Casa de São Lourenço, Manteigas – 25-35 m² premium panorama double room with mountain view and balcony
Driving time: 4-4½ hours plus stops

After a sumptuous breakfast admiring the breathtaking scenery, you’ll start the descent from the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, on a twisty pass road ending in the foothills of the majestic mountains. Today you can choose between a shorter or longer route that takes you in to the Douro Valley, where you’ll join one of Europe’s greatest driving roads. Considered by many as ‘the world’s best driving road’, a Portugal supercar tour wouldn’t be complete without this special road. This iconic wine route passes by some of the best vineyards in the region, and follows the shores of the Douro river surrounded by steep slopes covered with lush rows of succulent vine.

Upon arrival in the Alto Douro region we suggest a visit to one of our recommended wineries, situated in possibly the most spectacular position overlooking the river as it twists and turns through the valley. The magnificent Quinta das Carvalhas winery is home to one of the most classic photo spots in the Douro valley – reminiscent more of a classic Indian tea plantation – a view that can be experienced on a guided tour followed by a wine tasting of some of the estate’s finest blends. Our other recommended stop is the Quinta do Seixo – Sandeman winery, set in 100 hectares of outstanding beauty in Cima-Corgo – undoubtedly one of the most traditional and grand wine-producing estates in the Douro region.

Your exclusive stopover for tonight is the outstanding luxury hotel, the Six Senses Douro Valley, set on a hilltop high above the river, boasting views of terraced vineyards and the water below, with a beautiful spa, wine library, and gastronomic restaurant. Enjoy the unforgettable views from this stunning paradise, and relax in discreet luxury…

Hotel: 5* Six Senses Douro Valley, Lamego – 46-50 m² Quinta River double room with river view
Driving time: 3½ hours plus stops – can be extended to 4-4½ hours plus stops

The first leg of today’s adventure takes you deeper into the valley, following the winding tarmac towards Porto, a coastal city known for its stately bridges and of course world-famous port wine. Here you’ll stop for a 2 star Michelin lunch at an exquisite seafront restaurant where you´ll enjoy an exclusive culinary adventure right by the water’s edge. The restaurant is run by a celebrity chef – also a Masterchef Portugal judge – and offers innovative tasting menus in an unique setting. The building is designated as a National Monument, designed by Portuguese architect Alvaro Siza – winner of the 1992 Pritzker Architecture Prize. Prepare yourself for an one of a kind lunch experience…

After lunch the drive continues on a fast road – the perfect place to put your foot down – to the magnificent Quinta das Lágrimas, a historic site a short walk from Coimbra’s medieval centre, surrounded by 12 acres of lush gardens. This enchanting hotel – for centuries a private sanctuary that welcomed Kings and Emperors – boasts a relaxing spa and is also home to two restaurants, where you can enjoy typical Portuguese flavours in a romantic setting.

Hotel: 5* Quinta das Lagrimas, Coimbra – 55 m² grand suite
Driving time: 4 hours plus stops

The highlight of today’s journey is without question the fabulous drive on this scenic road following the coastline, with amazing views across golden sandy dunes to the shimmering Atlantic Ocean. The route takes you to the famous Cabo da Roca cape, continental Europe’s westernmost point, from where a dreamy picture postcard vista opens up before you. Admire the natural beauty of the Sintra Mountains and the dramatic coastline, before your drive continues onwards to the hotel.

Overlooking the world-famous Portuguese surfers’ paradise, Guincho Beach, is the Fortaleza do Guincho – a luxurious hideway and home to a Michelin starred restaurant, with one of the most incredible views. It is a beautiful spot for sunrise and sunset, as you sip a cocktail overlooking the untamed ocean, before embarking on a gastronomic journey paired with an expansive wine list that is hand-picked by an award-winning sommelier.

Hotel: 5* Fortaleza do Guincho Relais & Châteaux, Cascais – 33 m² junior suite with sea view and closed balcony or open terrace
Driving time: 4 hours plus stops

If you’d like to extend your stay in the Lisbon area we recommend the luxurious 5* Penha Longa Resort, only a 15 minute drive from your hotel, and 25 minutes from Lisbon International Airport. Set among the rolling hills of the Sintra Cascais Nature Reserve, this hotel has a 27-hole golf course (among the top 30 in Europe), a state-of-the-art 1,500m² spa centre, and ten restaurants of which two are Michelin starred – LAB by Sergi Arola, and the Japanese restaurant Midori.

For sightseeing we recommend you visit the coastal town Cascais, known for its sandy beaches and busy marina, where the old town is home to the medieval Nossa Senhora da Luz Fort and the Citadel Palace, a former royal retreat. You may wish to take the short walk to the dramatic Boca do Inferno cliff formation – a popular photo spot – or stroll along the cobblestone alleys with their charming boutiques. James Bond fans will certainly want to visit the legendary Casino Estoril – the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s 007 novel Casino Royale. And for sunseekers who simply can’t get enough beach time, there are several beautiful beaches to choose from, with silky sand and calm waters…

If you would like to extend your Portugal supercar tour to 6 days of driving / 8 nights, with an optional visit to another award-winning winery, please get in touch with our team, and we’ll be happy to help you get the most of your time in this exceptionally beautiful part of Europe.