Tour Description
Put your luggage on the rack, grab a seat by the window and let Portugal come to you with this independent rail tour from Lisbon to Faro!
You’ll visit a wide variety of scenic destinations, from the charming capital, Lisbon, to the enchanted Sintra, and the Algarve, from East to West.
A combination of experiences, both relaxing and exciting!
Your train tour will start in Lisbon, a city surrounded by tradition and blessed with modernity.
Jeronimos Monastery Lisboa, along with the Belem tower, is the most important tourist attraction in Lisbon.
The city’s seven hills, covered with layers of history and heritage, have become a popular European destination for its diversity, vintage trams, cobblestone streets, Fado songs, majestic azulejo adorned architecture, and an enviable climate.
From here, departure to Sintra, leaving from the central Rossio station, a Neo-Manueline building from the late 19th century, strikingly adorned. You will ride towards the city outskirts through a 1.8-mile tunnel, a technological marvel when it first opened in 1890!
Sintra is a scenic splendour, a realm of romance where majestic fairytale-like palaces, a grandiose castle, regal estates, and charming red-tiled houses stand amidst a landscape of luxuriant, semi-tropical forests and hilltops.
Sintra fairytale scenery. Amazing Pena Palace in Sintra just 30 minutes from Lisboa. Considered to be Europe’s best castle.
Your journey to the south of Portugal starts on the modern Oriente train station, designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava for the Expo’98 world’s fair.
Along the three-hour journey to Faro, the capital of the Algarve, you’ll pass through the green-yellow fields of Alentejo with a distinctive landscape change.
The Algarve is a world-known summer holiday destination, with beaches bustling with tourists during the high season. Faro, however, is a quiet town, home to a vast Moorish Heritage that lingers in some of the most secretive corners of the town.
You arrive at a station facing the lovely Ria Formosa, near the old town, and the beautiful marina.
This will be your base to explore both ends of the region, with very different sights.
Vila Real de Santo António, in the East Algarve, is a historically important town. It was built as a replica of central Lisbon’s street layout after the 1755 devastating earthquake.
Lisbon, Monument to the Discoveries, evokes the Portuguese overseas expansion.
The city centre is today a shopper’s paradise, with traditional small stores and terraces. The region was always associated with fishing and is very proud of its rich gastronomy, with famous dishes made from tuna, a long-established tradition. Ferries cross the placid Guadiana River to Ayamonte, in Spain, on the opposite bank.
Heading tho the West Algarve, you’ll take the train to the cosmopolitan city of Lagos, once a landmark of the Portuguese Discoveries, and refuge of pirates.
Due to its unique bay and port, directly across from Africa, Lagos became a major point of departure and arrival for the ships that set sail in the discovery of new worlds. From here, Henry the Navigator dreamed of unknown lands and vast richness.
Today, Lagos is a cosmopolitan city with a relaxed atmosphere, making it one of the most appealing locations in the Algarve. It is well worth visiting the city’s churches, museums, the castle, and the walls.
This rail holiday provides the best of both worlds – you can travel independently while you sit back and soak up the views!
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Lisbon
We recommend flying into and out of Lisbon Airport (LIS).
There are various options of public transport (Bus/Metro) so that you can comfortably make your way to the first hotel.
Should you prefer optional private transport, please contact us for further information.
Sightseeing in Lisbon – Bica elevator tram. A unique form of transport in Lisbon is the Elevador da Bica
Day 2 – Belém
Your first day will be dedicated entirely to the capital, and one of its ex-libris: Belém. We suggest taking the bus to Belém and visit the National Coach Museum, created in 1905 by the Queen D. Amélia of Orleães e Bragança.
Nowadays, the museum’s collection comprises a set of coaches and carriages of the extinct Royal House, as well as vehicles coming from the church assets.
Take the time will to explore the area and its magnificent monuments.
Lisbon, Monument to the Discoveries, 52 meters tall, this monument commemorates the five hundredth anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator.
Day 3 – Sintra
Departure to Sintra, leaving from the central Rossio station, a Neo-Manueline building from the late 19th century, strikingly adorned. You will ride towards the city outskirts through a 1.8-mile tunnel, a technological marvel when it first opened in 1890!
Sintra is a scenic splendour, a realm of romance where majestic fairytale-like palaces, a grandiose castle, regal estates, and charming red-tiled houses stand amidst a landscape of luxuriant, semi-tropical forests and hilltops. Take the train to Sintra. The line between Lisbon and Sintra opened in 1887 and nowadays, this suburban train crosses the outskirts of Lisbon to this enchanting town.
Sintra, Mouros Castle, dates back to the early days of the Moorish occupation.
Day 4 – Day off
Treat yourself to a lazier morning on our comfortable location, meander early in the morning into the old parts of town before the city starts buzzing, or just take the time to stroll around!
Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira. One of Sintra most enigmatic sights, with a spectacular view over Serra de Sintra
Day 5 – Faro
Your journey to the south of Portugal starts on the modern Oriente train station, designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava for the Expo’98 world’s fair.
Along the three-hour journey to Faro, the capital of the Algarve, you’ll pass through the green-yellow fields of Alentejo with a distinctive landscape change.
The Algarve is a world-known summer holiday destination, with beaches bustling with tourists during the high season. Faro, however, is a quiet town, home to a vast Moorish Heritage that lingers in some of the most secretive corners of the town.
You arrive at a station facing the lovely Ria Formosa, near the old town, and the beautiful marina.
We suggest taking the time to explore the old town and its historic monuments and enjoy the local cuisine.
Train in Faro, Portugal. The train is among the most spectacular ways to get around the sunny Algarve
Day 6 – Vila Real de Santo António & Ayamonte
Vila Real de Santo António, in the East Algarve, is a historically important town. It was built as a replica of central Lisbon’s street layout after the 1755 devastating earthquake.
The city centre is today a shopper’s paradise, with traditional small stores and terraces. The region was always associated with fishing and is very proud of its rich gastronomy, with famous dishes made from tuna, a long-established tradition. Ferries cross the placid Guadiana River to Ayamonte, in Spain, on the opposite bank.
Vila Real Historical Centre, designed by the Marquis of Pombal, Classified Heritage Since 2011.
Day 7 – Lagos
Heading tho the West Algarve, you’ll take the train to the cosmopolitan city of Lagos, once a landmark of the Portuguese Discoveries, and refuge of pirates.
Due to its unique bay and port, directly across from Africa, Lagos became a major point of departure and arrival for the ships that set sail in the discovery of new worlds. From here, Henry the Navigator dreamed of unknown lands and vast richness.
Today, Lagos is a cosmopolitan city with a relaxed atmosphere, making it one of the most appealing locations in the Algarve. It is well worth visiting the city’s churches, museums, the castle, and the walls.
Our tailored made program was designed to cover all interests whether you prefer a visit dedicated to the local monuments and historical background, or other suggestions, like an optional boat trip to the famous grottoes of Lagos.
Lagos Fortress is a charming old fort with small watchtowers and an old wooden draw bridge. It’s located by the town beach.
Day 8 – Individual departure or extra days
We recommend flying out of Faro Airport (FAO).
There are various options of transport (Bus/Taxi) so that you can comfortably make your way to the airport.
Should you prefer optional private transport, please contact us for further information.
Info
Czar Lisbon Hotel
Hotel Eva, Faro
Hotels
Czar Lisbon Hotel (4****) or similar
Located in the centre of Lisbon, the 4-star Czar Lisbon offers features elegantly decorated rooms with wooden furniture and carpeted floors. Each of the stylish air-conditioned rooms has a flat-screen cable TV, a work desk, free WiFi, and a minibar. Guests of the Czar Lisbon Hotel can start their day with a breakfast buffet, before exploring the city. The à la carte restaurant serves typical Portuguese cuisine, while the bar offers cocktails and light meals.
Hotel Eva, Faro (4****) or similar
Embraced by the Marina and the stunning landscape of Ria Formosa, Hotel Eva is a landmark hotel in the. Integrated into the historic and commercial centre of Faro, Hotel Eva leaves nothing to chance and it is an excellent choice for those seeking to combine work and leisure. Faro, the capital of Algarve, stands out from the popular Algarve cities for its history, heritage, cultural life, and natural beauty.
Insurance
You must be adequately insured to join our Guided Train Tours and Self-Guided Train Tours holidays. We do not insist that you insure with us but we require that you are adequately insured for the nature of your holiday.
BeCool Travel has partnered with WorldNomads.com to keep you travelling safely. WorldNomads.com Travel Insurance is designed for independent and adventurous travellers, with coverage for overseas medical expenses, cancellation, baggage, and other expenses.
Please consult our Travel Insurance page, where you’ll be able to get more detailed info about insurance requirements and an immediate quote for your trip.
