2022年，我们跟Velo Quebec的骑行团环游了Lac-Saint-Jean湖之后，我就想着要再跟他们去欧洲的骑行团。所以，去他们网站上，找了到10天骑行葡萄牙Algarve阿尔加维团，包机票、自行车托运、旅馆、早餐和各地间的转接，3000出头加币一个人。本来我想24年去的，但是队友说肩膀一直痛，不能去骑车行，于是作罢了。25年初，队友见自己肩膀基本没问题了，就又想起葡萄牙的骑行之旅。一查价格，四月、五月的行程价格涨到了近4000加币、十月的更是要4300了。我们觉得太贵了，就放弃骑车行的念头，改自驾去环游德国了。25年10月，从德国回来一查，Velo Quebec 2026年四月的团已经有涨到4100了 （刚才又查了一下，27年的价是4300，且没有五月和十月的团了).
但是，在葡萄牙骑车的念头并未离我而去。所以，我就提议说，要不我们2026自己去葡萄牙，到了那里就参考Velo Quebec的安排来停留，在当地租车骑行，反正他们安排的线路中本来就挺多环线回到停留地的。队友表示赞同，不过，就说要去Douro Valley试葡萄酒。我一查地图，这一南一北的，要兼顾就只能是自驾环游了，等到了Algarve多停留几天，我过过在葡萄牙骑车的瘾得了。所以，达成共识之后，我们在6月30号买好了飞Lisbon里斯本的来回机票，700加币一人，着实是比我预计的还便宜。
之后，因为队友说想要这次比我们以往自驾轻松，所以我让队友根据他的愿望，决定去哪里，停留多久，只要保证我们有在Algarve骑车的时间，先出个行程安排。他一直拖拖拉拉到七月底、才终于出了个自驾路线图和行程初稿。七月底，他弟E和弟媳妇F表示有兴趣加入我们，八月初决定加入，得到休假批准之后，八月六号买的机票。问了我们机票的航司，他们买到了我们同一班机的机票，票价850加币/人。不过，因为用了Costco的加航礼卡优惠，实际只付了不到800。虽然他们住渥太华，不过决定直接开车来蒙特利尔坐飞机，就不需要坐飞机过来转机了。
记录一下当时队友和他们的沟通确认 :)
队友：Are you sure you can keep up with us on the trip we like to walk（你确定在这次行程中能跟上我们吗？我们喜欢走路）
E/F：walking is not a problem.the biking is a problem for me, that will be in the algarve region, so maybe we'll go to the beach - would love that（步行没问题。但骑行对我来说是个难题——毕竟那是在阿尔加维区；所以，或许我们改去海滩吧——一定会喜欢的。）
我把队友的初稿进行了编辑，并在地图上一一查看，更改了一下线路和日程不合理的地方，确定了每天的住宿地，完善成了我们出发前的行程计划。线路图没改，虽然它显示的是我们在Algarve只停留一个地方。不过，那里各处都离得不远，所以对整个线路的影响不大。
接着，就按不就班的租车、订每个住宿的地方。队友找的租车行，Lisbon里斯本机场取车和还车，VOLVO XC40，11天，365.65欧元（598.43加币)。当时，我觉得，既然我们已经在里斯本市内了，没必要再回到机场去取车，应该直接在市内取车，只是还车去机场。所以，我们想查一下是不是可以更改。结果，一查之下，才发现，只不过过了两天，同一个车行给的价格差别巨大，且各个取/还车点的价格都不一样，从800多加币到1300多加币不等。我们差一点都不敢相信自己的眼睛了。
因为我们有四个人，且大部分地方都是停留的两晚，所以，都是冲着appartment公寓/名宿性质的住宿、而不是酒店/旅馆房间订的。这样一来，我们不仅可以有厨房可以自己做吃的，而且有E/F最在意的洗衣机。八月的那天些，我们两家上阵，每一个准备落脚的城市，各自找出一、两个在预算价格之内的、供选的公寓/民宿，发到群里，四人商量，确定一家大家都满意的，预定好。就这样一个地方一个地方地来，八月底把所有八个住宿订好。
现在出去旅行，我对行程安排越来越随意了，尤其这次我的主诉求就是在Algarve骑车。再加上是两家同行，且他们对各处的景点特别上心，所以，我就更乐得做丢手掌柜，啥攻略都没做了。到时候，就随他们的安排走，随遇而安吧；如果到时看到啥特别有兴趣的，再随机应变吧。
下面就是我们出发前，手头上有的行程计划和自驾线路图，里面包括E/F在同享文件中加进去的机场Taxi和住宿公寓/民宿的信息。
Portugal trip 2026
Day 1 / September 29, 2026 - Montreal to Lisbon
Leave YUL at 21h45
Day 2 / September 30, 2026 – Lisbon
Arriving in Lisbon (LIS) at 9H20
Stay overnight: at apartment in Lisbon
Day 3 / October 1, 2026 - Lisbon
Visit Lisbon***
One of the nicest places in Lisbon is the historic Alfama district, with its labyrinth of narrow streets, traditional architecture, and very cozy, local atmosphere. Some of the best viewpoints of Lisbon and lots of local restaurants where can enjoy Fado performances in the evenings. Other must-sees include the area around Praça do Comércio, Elevador de Santa Justa, and the historic Belém district with the beautiful 16th-century Jerónimos Monastery.
Stay overnight: at Apartment in Lisbon (Charm Discovery 165)
Day 4 / October 2, 2026 - Drive from Lisbon to Porto (300km)
Car Rental after breakfast (As earlier as the rental office opens) ***
1) stop Óbidos, Portugal's enchanting medieval town (a must)
Just an hour north of Lisbon, medieval charm and rich historical tapestry, ancient city walls encircle its well-preserved beauty, panoramic vistas of the lush countryside, cobblestone streets with whitewashed houses, the majestic Óbidos Castle looming proudly in the skyline. Its famed local specialty, "Ginjinha", a cherry liqueur traditionally served in chocolate cups. Vibrant cultural events, such as the Óbidos Medieval Market in July
2) stop Nazaré, the surfing Mecca
charming coastal town in Portugal - stunning beaches, rich fishing heritage, and record-breaking waves. Particularly famous is Praia do Norte, where an underwater canyon creates some of the world's largest waves. To see fishermen in wooden "boteiros" boats and explore the bustling local fish market. The local specialty "Caldeirada à Nazarena", will make your taste buds clap, especially if you enjoy seafood!
3) stop Alcobaça, Gothic splendour and culinary delights
A 15-minute detour from Nazaré to Alcobaça is well worth your time! The town's most notable landmark is the Monastery of Alcobaça, a UNESCO World Heritage site, founded in 1153 by Portugal's first king. The country's first Gothic building and one of Europe's most significant Cistercian monasteries. Inside the monastery's church lie the tombs of King Pedro I and his beloved, whose tragic love story is one of Portugal's most famous. Its sweets and pastries, known as "doces conventuais." - most famous sweets include "Trouxas de Ovos" and "Toucinho do Céu".
4) stop Coimbra, a journey through history, culture and academic prestige
historic city in central Portugal is renowned for its vibrant academic life and at its heart lies the University of Coimbra, one of Europe’s oldest universities. Once the capital of Portugal, Coimbra's historical significance is reflected in its numerous monuments, churches, and museums that chronicle the city's past, with a blend of architectural styles. The Old Cathedral (Sé Velha) is a fine example of Romanesque architecture, while the New Cathedral (Sé Nova) showcases Baroque influences.
5) stop Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal
Less than an hour away from Porto, often referred to as the "Venice of Portugal", is a picturesque city known for its charming canals, Art Noveau architecture and colourful boats called “moliceiros”. Aveiro is close to beautiful beaches such as Costa Nova and Barra. Costa Nova is famous for its colourful striped houses, while Barra boasts one of the tallest lighthouses in Portugal.
Continue to Porto ***
Stay overnight: Apartment in Porto
Day 5 / October 3, 2026 - Porto
Visit Porto
Possible things to do: jardins do palacio de cristal, parque da cidade do porto, porto chathedral, porto sao bento, etc.
Stay overnight: at Apartment in Porto
Day 6 / October 4, 2026 – Porto to Douro Valley (330km)
Visit Porto in the morning if needed, then drive from Porto to Douro Valley.
- The fastest way is driving from Porto on highway A-4. Then you may take exit to A-24 and follow to Peso da Régua or, from A-24 take the scenic national road N-323 that will take you to Sabrosa and Pinhão
- Often recognized as one of the most beautiful roads in the world, the National Road 222 (N222) follows the Douro River from its mouth in Vila Nova de Gaia close to Porto. It runs on the south bank of the river Douro, which is the opposite side to where the Douro Valley train runs. The N222 road is often called the Douro Wine Route as some of its most beautiful parts located between Peso da Régua and Pinhão, quite easy to drive.
- N-323 is another scenic road and one of the ways to reach Pinhão from the north when driving from Porto. The road has many bends, so you have to stay alert, but the views are incredible. There are several viewpoints with equipped parking places where you can stop for a minute and embrace the beauty. With a quick detour, stop at the village of Provesende and walk its quiet old streets.
- N323-3 runs for the wine village of Favaios famous for its sweet nectar-like Moscatel wines, to Pinhão passing through the scenic Vale de Mendiz. This road is a bit narrow and not for the faint-hearted. However, the views are excellent and there are very interesting stops on the way including the viewpoint Miradouro Vale de Mendiz, some of my favourite wineries in the Douro Valley, Wine & Soul and Quinta do Noval.
Be prepared for toll roads on the way to the Douro Valley. Tolls are charged at toll booths and by electronic tolls which take pictures of your plates. Typical fair between Porto and Pinhão ranges from 7 to 10 euros one way for a regular passenger car.
Stay overnight: at Apartment in Sabrosa
Apartment reservation
Day 7/ October 5, 2026 - Douro Valley
Take a tour to visit Douro valley vinyards*** (it seems N323-3 is a good way to do from Pinhão)
Stay overnight: at Apartment in Sabrosa
Day 8 / October 6, 2026 - Douro Valley to Castelo Branco (200km)
Visit Serra da Estrela Nature Park on the way
Drive to Castelo Branco ***
Stay overnight: at Apartment in Castelo Branco
Apartment reservation
Day 9/ October 7, 2026 - Castelo Branco to Evora (200km)
Visit National Park Parque Natural da Serra de São Mamede on the way and Evora
Drive to Evora ***
Stay overnight: at Apartment in Evora
Apartment reservation
Day 10 / October 8, 2026 – Evora to Faro, Algrave (260km)
Drive to Faro (region capital) via Tavira - Tavira Island, 11-kilometer-long island with scenic white-sand beaches with clear water for swimming
Stay overnight: at Apartment in Faro
Apartment reservation
Day 11 / October 9, 2026 – Faro, Algrave
Bike rental and riding***
Ruin Building, Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, Beach - Fuseta Beach (Sea), Praia da Armona (Mar), or Praia Da Ilha Deserta
Stay overnight: at Apartment in Faro
Day 12 / October 10, 2026 – Faro to Lagos, Algrave (100km)
Drive from Faro to Lagos with stop at Portimão
Bike rental and riding***
Ponta da Piedade in Lagos - Well-known coastal rock formations with caves & grottos that are often visited by boat tours.
Stay overnight: at Apartment in Lagos
Apartment reservation
Day 13 / October 11, 2026 – Lagos
Bike rental and riding*** (around the town or to Praia do Zavial (4.7)
Stay overnight: at Apartment in Lagos
Day 14 / October 12, 2026 – Lagos to Lisbon via Aljezur (340km)
Drive from Lagos to Aljezur via Cabo de sao Vincente Lighthouse and stop at beaches on route
Cabo de sao Vincente Lighthouse - Rocky headland with a lighthouse considered to be the far-southwestern edge of Portugal.
Beach - Praia Santa (4.7), Figueira Beach, Praia das Furnas, etc.
Stop Aljezur, then drive back to Lisbon and return rental car in Lisbon
Stay overnight: at apartment in Lisbon
Apartment reservation
Day 15 / October 13, 2026 – Lisbon to Montreal
Back to YUL 11H25
