Portuguese Cultural Route

7-Night Itinerary

This itinerary begins on the outskirts of the capital at the Pousada de Queluz in front of the blue Queluz Palace. This is a great location for exploring Lisbon from a quieter base with a direct train service into the city centre located a 10 minute walk away. 

From here you head north to the charming medieval town of Óbidos and a night at the Pousada Vila d'Óbidos, an 18th century building in the heart of the village. Óbidos is known for its beautifully preserved cobbled streets, annual medieval fair and its proximity to Fátima, a popular pilgrimage spot.

Your next stop takes you to the charming town of Viseu and its treasure of a Pousada which occupies the former 18th São Teotónio Hospital, a stunning neoclassical building of 4 floors surrounding an atmospheric cloister. The Pousada is just a short walk from the town centre, famous as the birthplace of artist Vasco Fernandes and home to excellent religious art and wonderful architecture.

From Viseu you will head north to the lovely town Guimarães, one of Portugal’s historical gems commonly known as ‘birthplace of Portugal’ and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can enjoy exploring its charming cobbled squares and spend a night in the beautiful Pousada which occupies a 12th century monastery. 

From Guimarães we recommend planning your route through the lovely towns of Braga and Ponte de Lima before your final two nights in the charming town of Viana do Castelo where you can enjoy fabulous views of the ocean and town from this hilltop Pousada or taking the funicular down to the town below. Porto airport is just a 48-minute drive from Viana do Castelo so those with later flights can enjoy a leisurely drive along Portugal's northern coastline on their return (or perhaps enjoy a night or two in Porto in one of the wonderful Pestana hotels?)