Medieval Wonders Road Trip Itinerary
The Medieval Wonders Road Trip is a 781 km journey through Portugal, beginning in Lisbon and ending in Mértola. Along the way, you will explore the towns of Sintra, Óbidos, Tomar, Elvas, and Évora, each with its own unique charm and beauty. The best time to take the trip is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild and the days are long.
You will have the opportunity to explore a variety of historical sites, including monuments and castles, as well as stunning landscapes. Along the route, you will find many UNESCO Heritage Monuments, such as the Convent of Christ in Tomar and the walls of Elvas. The roads are in excellent condition and are mostly straight, although there are some narrow and curvy roads.
The Medieval Wonders Road Trip is sure to provide a memorable experience for every driver, and can be managed on a moderate budget. From the stunning architecture to the beautiful countryside, this road trip is sure to leave you with lasting memories.
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781 km
route length
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family
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START
Lisbon
Distance 781 km
Driving time 13.3 h
Pace: modest
202.9 kWh
Airports
LIS
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CAT
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Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, is an excellent starting point for the "Medieval Wonders Road Trip". Located on the Tagus River estuary, Lisbon is a historic city full of interesting sights and attractions. Among the most remarkable sites are the Jeronimos Monastery, a 16th century Manueline style building and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Sao Jorge Castle, an 11th century Moorish fortress; and the Belem Tower, a 16th century fortified tower. The nearby town of Sintra is also worth a visit, and is home to the Pena Palace, a 19th century Romanticist palace with stunning views of the Serra de Sintra mountains.
The closest international airport to Lisbon is Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS), which offers a wide range of car rental options with both national and international companies. From the airport, visitors can easily reach the city center and explore the sights of Lisbon.
So, if you're looking for a great start to the "Medieval Wonders Road Trip", Lisbon should be your first port of call. With its fascinating historical sites, beautiful landscapes and easy access to car rental, it's sure to be an unforgettable journey.
1
Lisbon
- Sintra
Distance 29 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: modest
7.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an amazing 29 km road trip from Lisbon to Sintra and discover the historical sites and monuments of Portugal. This journey will take less than an hour and you will be rewarded with some of the most stunning views in the country. Along the route, you will find some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Monastery of the Hieronymites and the Tower of Belém, so don’t forget to stop and admire these incredible monuments. The road is narrow in some sections, so keep your eyes on the road and enjoy the beautiful scenery. You will also find many other attractions and activities to enjoy in Sintra, such as the Pena Palace, the Sintra National Palace and the Quinta da Regaleira. For more information about attractions, accommodation, recommended restaurants and campsites, check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Sintra - Portugal - Europe - Road Trip - www.wallpaperflare.com
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2
Sintra
- Óbidos
Distance 96 km
Driving time 2.2 h
Pace: modest
25.1 kWh
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Sintra to Óbidos! This 96 km journey will take less than 3 hours, and there are plenty of interesting places to visit along the way. Some of the highlights include the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Sintra and Óbidos, as well as the picturesque landscapes and winding roads. As you drive, be sure to keep an eye out for the narrow roads that run through the countryside. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, so make sure to check out the "Itinerary" for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your trip!
Óbidos - Portugal - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Óbidos - Portugal - Europe - Road Trip - Needpix.com
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3
Óbidos
- Tomar
Distance 103 km
Driving time 1.6 h
Pace: fast
31.0 kWh
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Embark on a 103 km journey through the Portuguese countryside, starting in Óbidos and ending in Tomar. This two hour road trip is the perfect way to explore some of the most interesting places in Portugal. Begin your journey in Óbidos, known for its medieval castle and cobblestone streets. Then, explore the breathtaking Alcobaça Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Next, take a stroll through the Batalha Monastery, another stunning example of Portuguese architecture. Finally, make your way to Tomar and explore the Convent of Christ, a 12th century Templar castle. Throughout this journey, you will be surrounded by picturesque landscapes, and you may even catch glimpses of historical sites. Make sure to keep an eye out for the best places to take photos and soak in the beauty of Portugal. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Tomar - Portugal - Europe - Road Trip - pxhere.com
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4
Tomar
- Elvas
Distance 227 km
Driving time 3.7 h
Pace: fast
68.1 kWh
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Embark on an exciting road trip starting in Tomar, Portugal and ending in Elvas, 227km away. Along the way, you'll be able to explore the fascinating historical sites of Castelo de Vide and Marvao. You'll have plenty of time to take in the beautiful scenery of the winding roads and witness the narrow streets of the old towns. This is just one stage of a larger tour, so you won't have time to see everything, but you can find more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Castelo de Vide is home to a Jewish quarter and a castle, and Marvao is a well-preserved medieval walled city with a castle and a few churches. Both sites have been declared UNESCO Heritage sites. Don't forget to take plenty of pictures and enjoy the drive, as it will only take you a little over 4 hours to complete the journey.
Elvas - Portugal - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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5
Elvas
- Évora
Distance 102 km
Driving time 1.9 h
Pace: modest
26.6 kWh
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Itinerary
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Get ready for an amazing road trip starting in Elvas, Portugal and ending in Évora! This route will take you through the charming city of Vila Vicosa and is only 102km long, so it will take you less than 2 hours to complete. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to admire some of Portugal's most impressive historical sites, including UNESCO Heritage sites. You'll also have the chance to enjoy some of the region's most scenic roads. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for some of the hidden gems that you'll only find by taking this route. When you arrive in Évora, you'll be able to explore the city and its many attractions. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
Évora - Portugal - Europe - Road Trip - CMS-media-panel
Évora - Portugal - Europe - Road Trip - pixabay
Évora - Portugal - Europe - Road Trip - www.needpix.com
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6
Évora
- Mértola
Distance 222 km
Driving time 3.5 h
Pace: fast
66.7 kWh
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Start your road trip in Évora, Portugal and journey through Beja and end in Mértola. This 222 km journey will take less than 4 hours, but there are so many attractions along the way that you will want to make stops. Visit the historical sites of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take in the breathtaking views of the Alentejo plains. As you drive through Beja, take a break to explore the city’s ancient churches and monuments. In Mértola, visit the castle and admire the stunning views of the Guadiana River. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for scenic roads, charming towns, and local restaurants. There is plenty to explore and discover in this region. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Mértola - Portugal - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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Mértola
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Mértola, Portugal, is the perfect ending point for the Medieval Wonders Road Trip. Located in the south of the country, near the border with Spain, this is an ideal place to explore the incredible history and culture of the region.
Mértola has a lot of interesting places to visit, such as the Castle of Mértola, a fortress built by the Moors in the 12th century. Inside the castle, visitors can admire the remains of the interior walls and the tower of the keep. Other places worth visiting include the Church of Santa Maria do Castelo, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça and the Church of São João Batista, all of which are located in the city center.
The region of Mértola also has some stunning natural sites, including the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve, a protected area that is home to a variety of wildlife, including flamingos and various species of migratory birds.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Faro Airport (FAO), located about 150 km away. From there, visitors can rent a car and drive to Mértola, which takes about two hours.
Mértola is the perfect place to end your Medieval Wonders Road Trip. With its stunning castles, churches and nature reserves, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Medieval Wonders Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Lisbon
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End:
Mértola
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Distance:
781 km
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Stay:
6 days
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Getting there:
Humberto Delgado Airport (Lisbon Portela Airport) (LIS),
Cascais Airport (CAT)
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When to drive:
March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The Medieval Wonders Road Trip is a captivating 781 km journey that takes you from the vibrant capital city of Lisbon to the serene town of Mértola in the Alentejo region. This Road Trip not only lets travelers delve into the depths of Portugal's rich medieval heritage but also allows for the exploration of its diverse landscapes, from the Atlantic coast to the rolling plains of the interior.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Sintra: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sintra is renowned for its Romanticist architecture, exemplified by the whimsical Pena Palace perched atop a hill with panoramic views. The nearby Moorish Castle offers a glimpse into the region's Islamic influences.
- Óbidos: Encircled by fortified walls, Óbidos exudes medieval charm and hosts an annual traditional Medieval Market. Sampling the local cherry liquor, Ginja, served in a chocolate cup is a must.
- Tomar: The Convent of Christ in Tomar, another UNESCO Heritage Monument, is intrinsically linked to the history of the Knights Templar and features the ornate Manueline window.
- Elvas: The Garrison Border Town of Elvas and its Fortifications are recognized by UNESCO for their extensive military fortifications, including a unique aqueduct that spans five kilometers.
- Évora: A member of the Most Ancient European Towns Network, Évora is a museum-city with roots dating back to Roman times, as seen in the well-preserved Roman Temple.
- Mértola: This tranquil town offers insights into its Islamic heritage, with an impressive Islamic festival held biennially. Its location on the banks of the Guadiana River makes for striking natural scenery.
Best Time to Go:
Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are considered the best times for this Road Trip, with pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and the countryside bursting with color.
Potential Risks:
Travelers should be mindful of the potentially challenging driving conditions on some of the historic town centers' narrower streets. Additionally, keeping abreast of local parking restrictions will help avoid fines.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- Portugal's Road network is ranked as one of the best in the world, ensuring smooth travel.
- The route is economically friendly, with affordable dining and accommodation options.
- Along the way, travelers can witness a blend of Gothic, Manueline, Moorish, and Romanesque architectural styles.
- The gastronomy of the regions visited includes a variety of cheeses, wines, and traditional dishes that reflect the country's cultural diversity.
A good choice for:
The Medieval Wonders Road Trip is more than just a vacation; it is a historical odyssey that weaves through the tapestry of time. Each destination serves as a chapter in Portugal's grand narrative, offering travelers an unparalleled experience of discovery and wonder amidst some of Europe's most breathtaking backdrops.
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