The simplest way is to fly into and out of Lisbon.

It is possible to take this trip at pretty much any time of year but for the best balance of temperatures, rainfall and visitor numbers, we advise you plan to travel from late March through to June and then September through early November. During these times of year, you should be able to swim in the sea and enjoy pleasant walking temperatures inland and in the cities.

Peak season is from mid-July to the end of August but we do not generally offer this trip during that period as the area is busier with summer holidaymakers from Portugal, and it is too hot for most.

On this trip you stay in a mix of our favorite small hotels, lodges and inns. Typically these will be owner-hosted and have around 10 rooms. Comfort, character, service and location are the critical elements in our choices. Please inquire for full details.

Generally, it can be as active as you want it to be. A major advantage of having free time in Lisbon to follow our recommendations is that you have complete control over how much or how little you do on any given day.

On the coast, we do encourage you to get out and do some walking. We provide details and GPS tracks for a couple of our favorite walks, with ways to reduce them where you want to. To give you an idea, you might spend 2-3 hours walking, but spread it over a longer time if you want to swim in the sea, relax on the beaches or stop for a bite to eat. It's also possible to do kayaking, paddleboarding and surfing.

The roads are all paved and in a good to excellent state of repair. Given how quiet the roads are, how close everything is and how beautiful the landscapes are, driving is a pleasurable pursuit in these parts. It's not a price to pay to win your freedom, it's very much part of the experience.

For two people traveling to Portugal you can expect a medium-sized vehicle such as a VW Golf.

Sat Navs are not included but can sometimes be requested (and paid for) locally. We find that Google Maps and Waze are far easier and more reliable to use. You will be given instructions on how to download them on your smartphone and use them without needing data.

For any clients not based in Europe, an international driving license is officially required, but we don't know of any local office in Spain or Portugal that has requested to see it. But it is officially a requirement. If you are in the US, visit https://www.usa.gov/international-drivers-license for more information and details of how to apply.

Not at all, no. Your hosts and guide all speak good English and you'll have little problem in somewhere so geared towards tourism as Lisbon is. On the coast, you'll find some restaurants and bars have limited English, but part of the fun is getting by and finding ways to communicate. Generally, if you're somewhere where English is not widely spoken, then that's a sign you're somewhere interesting...

For sure. From start to finish, this trip takes you deep into the heart of Portugal's engaging and varied culture in both the cities and rural areas. We are sure to include time with our local guides at key moments in the journey.

Yes, as long as we retain the essence of this trip through the pacing and content. If you have more time to play with then our 10-night version of this trip explores a little more of the Alentejo. Also, you can easily connect Lisbon and Porto by train if you want to see Portugal's second city.