Portugal Road Trip

The Real Deal: Seven nights' accommodations and rental car from 294 euros (about $390) per person.

When: Through Mar. 31, 2007.

Landscape in Marvao, Portugal (Joo Paulo) [enlarge photo]

Details: Hotel taxes, gratuities, and breakfast daily are included. Based on double occupancy; single supplement 294 euros (about $390).

Book By: No deadline; based on availability.

Contact: Touring Unlimited, touringunlimited@pousadas.pt.

The Touring Unlimited package includes seven nights at a choice of participating pousadas--a loose network of converted castles, manor houses, and monasteries throughout Portugal--as well as a rental car from Avis with unlimited mileage, and a 10 percent food and beverage discount card for all of the pousadas' restaurants. Children ages 2 to 12 stay free in the same room.

Plan your itinerary based on the following pousadas: Alijo, Almeida, Beja, Braganca, Elvas, Guimaraes (Oliveira), Marao, Marvao, Murtosa/Torreira, Proenca-a-Nova, S. Bras de Alportel, Sagres, Santiago do Cacem, Sousel, Sta.Clara-a-Velha, Torrao, Viana do Castelo, Vila Pouca da Beira, and Vila Vicosa. You can also opt to book an alternate pousada, in which case you'll pay the standard nightly rate (most likely $100-$140 per room).

When you purchase the package, you'll receive a passport, which will be stamped at each pousada you visit. You can make your reservations in advance, or pick and choose as you go. For instance, when you check out of one pousada, the staff can call ahead to check availability at other properties on your list.

Most travelers start out from one of three major Portuguese cities: Porto, Lisbon, or Faro. For nine suggested driving routes and the complete list of pousadas, visit pousadas.pt. Note that the package rate is based on a manual-transmission car. You can upgrade to an automatic, but it's pricey; expect to pay as much as $400.

Getting There: The lowest round-trip airfares we've found for Lisbon in late January are $536 from New York City (Continental), $622 from Boston (United and Lufthansa), $641 from Chicago (Continental), $669 from Houston, and $791 from San Francisco (multiple carriers).

SPAIN: Portugal's next-door neighbor has a similar network of 91 paradores. The Spanish system offers several savings plans, such as a five-night card for accommodations for one or two persons at 450 euros (about $593) or a two-night special that provides a 20 percent discount when you spend two or more consecutive nights at the same parador.

Young and old travelers also catch a break. If you're between 20 and 30 years old, you can stay in a standard double room for 48 euros (about $64); if you're 60 or older, you'll receive a 35 percent Golden Days discount on your accommodations.

These Spanish discounts include breakfast daily and are based on travel from Jan. 2 to Dec. 31, 2007; some blackout dates may apply.

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