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Departure, first long stage
A deliberately short first stage, so you can start the trip at a relaxed pace.
This is where your trip begins. You set off early, because there's a long way to go before central Portugal, which you'll spread comfortably over several days.
A quietly situated campsite near the Lahn, easy to reach as a first stopover. After around four hours of driving, you can pitch the roof tent here and take a breather by the water.
Long driving stage, overnight stopover
This crossing through France is deliberately planned as a pure driving day.
Plan plenty of breaks, as the daily driving allowance is exceeded here.
Long stage — plan in some breaks.
A natural campsite south of Bordeaux in the pine forests of the Landes. A good spot for a night on the way south, with a pool and quiet pitches under the trees.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Arrival in Portugal
The last long driving day, after which you'll have arrived and stay longer in one place.
Long stage — plan in some breaks.
A green campsite on the edge of Coimbra, ideal as a base for the city. From here you have good access to the centre and can unwind after the long journey.
Student city and history
A quiet city day with no change of location, you'll sleep again at Camping Coimbra.
One of the oldest universities in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013. From the Paço das Escolas you have a sweeping view over the city, and the clock tower and the Capela São Miguel are well worth the walk round.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
A magnificent Baroque library from the 18th century with gilded shelves and around 60,000 historic volumes. A small colony of bats protects the books from insects at night, a detail that makes the tour all the more memorable.
The winding lower town with narrow lanes, the Romanesque Sé Velha cathedral, and small fado venues. In the evening, it's worth strolling around and catching a Coimbra fado concert, which differs from the Lisbon style.
First Aldeias do Xisto
Short distance, but allow plenty of actual driving time because of the winding roads.
One of the most beautiful slate villages in Portugal, an amphitheatre of dark stone houses with blue doors on a steep slope. The village belongs to the Aldeias do Xisto and feels almost untouched by time; the winding approach is an experience in itself.
A simple, quiet campsite by the river below Piódão, surrounded by mountains. Exactly the kind of secluded mountain spot you're looking for, with the chance to bathe in the cool river water.
Into the high mountains
You stay two nights in the mountains, so you can enjoy the Torre and some hikes at a relaxed pace.
A mountain town in the deeply cut Zêzere glacial valley, a starting point for hikes in the heart of the Serra da Estrela. From here, the impressive Vale Glaciar do Zêzere opens up before you.
A waterfall in a wooded gorge above Manteigas, where the water tumbles into a cool pool. The short approach along a narrow mountain road and the walk to the falls are especially worthwhile in early summer, when there's plenty of water.
A campsite at over 1400 metres by a mountain lake in the middle of the nature park. Clear nights, cool air and direct access to hiking trails make it an ideal base camp in the mountains.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
The highest point in Portugal and a mountain hike
A day for rest and hiking with no change of location, you'll sleep again at Vale do Rossim.
At 1993 metres, the highest point of mainland Portugal, reached via a magnificent pass road. At the top stands a stone tower, with sweeping views and, in summer, the odd patch of snow still lingering in the hollows.
From the Lagoa Comprida reservoir, easy paths lead across the bare granite plateau, with views of rocky outcrops, cotton grass and wide horizons. A family-friendly loop to experience the vastness of the high mountains.
Castles, Jewish heritage and the rock village
A varied day with two cultural highlights and a moderate total driving time.
Birthplace of the navigator Pedro Álvares Cabral, with a well-preserved castle and one of the oldest Jewish communities in Portugal. The Museu Judaico and the Sinagoga Bet Eliahu tell the story of the Sephardic Jews who lived here in hiding in striking detail.
A spectacular village whose houses nestle between huge granite boulders, some using a single rock as their roof. The climb up to the ruined castle rewards you with sweeping views over the plain all the way to Spain.
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A quiet campsite by a reservoir south of Monsanto, with shade and swimming. A pleasant base for exploring the rock village and its surroundings.
The journey home begins, crossing into Spain
The journey home begins, but with a worthwhile city stop in Salamanca.
A golden sandstone city with one of the oldest universities in Spain and the sweeping Plaza Mayor. A rewarding stopover on the way back, to soak up some city atmosphere once more before the long stages begin.
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A convenient campsite on the edge of Salamanca with a bus link into the centre. A good stopover for one night, so you can set off refreshed the next day.
Driving day heading north
A pure driving day, exceeding the daily driving allowance, so plan in plenty of breaks.
Long stage — plan in some breaks.
Once again the quiet forest campsite south of Bordeaux, familiar from the outward journey. A tried-and-tested stop for the last night before the final stretch home.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Arrival back at the starting point
The drive back from southern France to Hannover is very long. If you'd rather travel at a more relaxed pace, add an extra stopover here and extend the trip by a day.
Long stage — plan in some breaks.
Your round trip ends here. After the mountains of central Portugal and the long drive back, you've arrived home again.
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