Portugal 9-Day Self-Guided 4WD Self-Drive Journey (from Madrid)

Day 1: Welcome to Madrid!

1. Madrid
   10h
   rrival in Madrid (Spain), head to your hotel. According to the time of arrival, you can visit Plaza Mayor, the largest square in Madrid, which you shouldn't miss. In the center of the square, you'll find the giant bronze statue of King Philip III. Next to the square, you can enjoy one of the many scattered restaurants and a variety of shops. The famous Gran Via street crosses the square, and from there, you can continue your journey along the street and enjoy the abundance of shops that Madrid has to offer.

Day 2: Cross into Portugal: Belmonte - Homeland of the explorers

1. Belmonte
   10h
   Pick up your SUV 4X4 vehicle from the car rental office in Madrid and head towards the Portuguese border.
   
   Belmonte is one of the oldest cities in Portugal, from which explorers set out to discover the New World. It is the birthplace of the explorer Pedro Carbel, the navigator and explorer who first discovered Brazil in 1500. His statue stands on the street that bears his name. We will visit the ancient fortress of the Karbel family at the top of the village, walk among the alleys and the stone houses, will visit the explorer's museum, where we can be exposed to the discoveries of the new world by the Portuguese.

Day 3: Serra da Estrela Nature Reserve

1. Serra da Estrela
   10h
   An exciting day of off-road in Serra da Estrela National Park, the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal, known for its beautiful natural landscapes- waterfalls, the glacial valley of Zêzere, impressive cliffs, and breathtaking views.
   
   Visit one of the largest glacial valleys in Europe
   
   Climb to the highest point in Portugal and enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the reserve all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.
   
   Devil's Fall – a picturesque 10-meter cascade surrounded by schist and granite cliffs

Day 4: Piódão Slate Village, Douro River Estuary, Viseu

1. Viseu
   10h
   A day of off-road drives, breathtaking and unique viewpoints, massive wind turbines, and a walking tour in the slate village of Piódão. From there, we will head north.
   
   At Piódão, the slate village, we will walk through the picturesque alleys of the slate village

Day 5: The largest suspended walking bridge in Europe, Porto

1. Porto
   10h
   We will continue our journey north to Europe's largest suspended walking bridge. We then continue our trip to the port city on the banks of the Douro River, Porto, where we will embark on a walking tour among its fascinating sites.
   
   The longest hanging bridge in Portugal, 516 meters long and 175 meters high, with a transparent floor… between the waterfalls and the river
   
   Charming, colorful Porto - The vibrant port city on the banks of the Douro River
   
   Funicular Station
   
   Viewpoint from the bridge
   
   The old Train Station

Day 6: Off-road routes in the Gerês Nature Reserve

1. Peneda-Geres National Park
   10h
   Continuing north to the Gerês Nature Reserve, a joint nature reserve of Spain and Portugal. Off-road routes within the reserve through the pine and oak forests.
   
   Drive along scenic off-road trails and varied terrain within the Gerês Reserve. Along the way, enjoy panoramic lookouts and short walking paths, all clearly marked in the navigation app provided
   
   Starting on a Roman dirt road, note the Roman milestones along the way, continuing to a huge dam and from there to the top of the reserve for an observation point on Gerês.

Day 7: The mighty Ermelo Waterfall and the Douro Valley

1. The Douro Valley
   10h
   We depart from the Gerês Nature Reserve and travel to the Douro Valley, where the famous Port wines are produced. We will ascend to a viewpoint overlooking the mighty Ermelo Waterfall, and we will explore off-road routes among the vast vineyard terraces of the Douro Valley.
   
   Pena, the picturesque village - The village is located near a park of sculpted granite rocks. You can visit the park and tour the houses of the picturesque village
   
   Off-road trail to Armaló Waterfall - Stop and walk to the viewpoint of the largest waterfall in Portugal

Day 8: Boat trip in the Douro Valley and a visit to the 'Port' wine cellar

1. Douro River
   10m · Admission ticket included
   Embark on a boat trip along the Douro River amidst the vineyards and the river, walking among the grapevines, visiting one of the wineries where the famous Port wine is produced, combined with wine tasting.

Day 9: The Dams of the Douro River, return back to Spain

1. Douro River
   10h
   Drive east along the Douro River, with a viewpoint of one of its massive dams. Border crossing back into Spain and drive to the airport
   
   Dams on the Douro River
   
   Off-road trail through the vineyards of the Douro
   
   Marialva Castle- a medieval castle, recommended to enter and tour the castle
   Return the vehicle at Madrid airport
   
   End of Trip

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Car rental is subject to the terms and conditions of local rental companies, and local laws
• Package price is based on sharing one vehicle
• Drivers must be at least 24 years old
• Our off-road routes follow only permitted trails that are already in use by local communities