Portugal: the North & Douro Region - 7 Days

Highlights

• Take a culinary tour through Porto and sample local flavors
• Go port wine tasting or learn about olive oil pressing in the Douro Valley
• Visit the charming ancient towns of Guimarães, Braga, and Viana do Castelo
• Take a day trip to the Cíes Islands, a paradise over the Spanish border
• Explore the waterfalls, hiking trails, and bridges of Peneda-Gerês National Park

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Porto, Culinary Excursion & Port Wine Tasting

Welcome to Portugal! On arrival at Porto's airport, meet a private driver for your transfer to your hotel. Rest up and refresh ahead of this afternoon's culinary walking tour through the historic downtown. Your friendly English-speaking guide will reveal a firsthand look at the culinary renaissance the city is experiencing, including the rebirth of specialty food shops and new restaurants that are adopting old methods. Stop to taste simple, quality products and recipes and encounter family-owned businesses that keep the gastronomy of Porto and its traditions alive.

The evening, of course, would not be complete without an introduction to the famous drink of Porto: port wine. As you taste three different versions, including one vintage, you will learn about the history of this drink and why it is a timeless favorite.

Day 2: Get to Know Porto, Visit a Canning Factory

Today a private local guide will share stories of the city's history, heroes, and battles as you make your way through Porto. Find out why it's called "Invicta" (Unbeaten City) and explore Boavista Avenue, one of the city's most important streets, and Foz, home to some of the most revered museums and modern local treasures. In the city center—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—admire the most renowned Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and neoclassical monuments and sites, including the São Bento Railway Station, Clerigos Tower, Lello Bookshop, and Bolhão Market. 

After visiting the imposing Porto Cathedral with its grand silver altarpiece, you'll venture down to the banks of the vast Douro River with views of Ribeira Plaza and the Dom Luís I Bridge. But that's not all—you'll also visit a small-scale canning factory, which produces gourmet-quality tinned fish conserves. Admire the handmade processing techniques that have been used for the last century, and learn how this delicacy is crafted.

Day 3: Day Trip to the Douro Valley: Olive Oil Estate, Wine Tasting & River Cruise

Embark on a remarkable journey through the picturesque Douro Valley, where you'll explore traditional wineries, savor a delicious lunch, and unwind on a scenic river cruise. A private driver will transfer you from the city streets to the vineyards and valleys of the famous wine region. You'll spend the day visiting traditional wineries and learning about the region's fascinating UNESCO-protected wine heritage. After a tasting of port wine, table wines, or olive oil at a magnificent vineyard, stop for a traditional lunch at a local restaurant (paired with local wines, of course!).

Then it's time to hop aboard a traditional wine boat for a leisurely hourlong cruise down the tranquil Douro River. Relax and admire the beautiful scenery of the valley, where the vines roll down to the riverbank while sipping on a glass of port. At the end of the day, return to Porto, where you can spend your evening in the city at leisure.

Day 4: Transfer to Guimarães via Braga

Today you'll hit the road to visit two destinations full of charm and history. First up is scenic Braga, the oldest Portuguese city and religious capital of Portugal. For centuries, the city has been an archiepiscopal seat and pilgrimage site. You'll visit the sanctuaries that comprise the "Triangle of Faith"—the storied 11th-century Braga Cathedral, the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and Our Lady of Sameiro. After ticking off the sights, enjoy free time to browse the local shops and find somewhere to lunch before hitting the road again.

Your next stop is Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal as a nation. You'll walk through the UNESCO World Heritage city center with its medieval atmosphere before visiting the imposing 10th-century castle and majestic Dukes of Bragança Palace with your local guide. Wherever you are in the city, the fortified palace towers always loom above the skyline. As night settles in, enjoy dinner in town and a quiet evening stroll through the illuminated city.

Day 5: Boat Trip to the Cíes Islands (Spain), Transfer to Viana do Castelo

This morning you'll cross the border into Spain for a special boat trip to the Cíes Islands. Discover an unrivaled natural paradise featuring crystal-clear waters, pristine white-sand beaches, and countless natural sights. Take a 90-minute transfer to Baiona, where you'll embark on an unforgettable day trip to this true gem of Galicia. Choose to hike through scenic trails, relax on the expansive beaches, or simply soak in the awe-inspiring vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. In the late afternoon, you'll return to Baiona for a 75-minute transfer to Viana do Castelo.

Considered the jewel of the Costa Verde, this beautiful town features a medieval center and beautiful riverfront. In the old quarter, you'll be charmed by leafy 19th-century boulevards, narrow lanes crowded with Manueline manors, and Rococo palaces—all under the watchful gaze of the dramatic, pearly white Neo-Byzantine Santa Luzia Church, perched on a hilltop high above the town. To visit the top, you can hike or ride the small cable car up the mountain. It's the perfect spot to catch the sunset and views of the coast before returning to town for dinner. 

Day 6: Excursion to Peneda-Gerês National Park

Immerse yourself in Portugal's wild landscapes on a full-day small-group tour of Peneda-Gerês National Park, where you can hike incredible mountains, admire local fauna and flora, drink in amazing viewpoints, splash around in waterfalls, and potentially see wild horses. Start with a mellow but gorgeous trek to see beautiful lagoons and stunning waterfalls. If you like, you can swim in the refreshing waters. At lunch, you'll pause for a traditional picnic lunch at Pedra Bela, one of Gerês' most iconic viewpoints. Rest with the mountain at your feet and admire the incredible scenery.  

Over the afternoon, you'll embark on other short, accessible walks through the gorgeous mountain landscapes, enjoying breathtaking views and wild swimming in crystal-clear lagoons. You'll see waterfalls taken straight from fantasy books and visit villages that have been frozen in time. Return to Viana do Castelo for another evening.

Day 7: Transfer to Porto, Coastal Porto Tour, Depart

 It's your final day in Portugal, so if you have time for one more adventure, make it a trip to Foz do Douro and Matosinhos. The coastal area outside of Porto is where the city's residents come to kick back by the coast and dine on fresh seafood. Meet your private guide and stroll under the Pergola da Foz, built in the 1930s. Enjoy a coffee break and relax with the Atlantic Ocean in front of you. Then, explore Matosinhos, an oceanfront suburb with one of the best beaches in the Porto area, with surf-friendly waves year round.

This area was also the main source of the city's fish, so if you have time, stay for a grilled seafood lunch by the water. At the designated time, you'll be picked up and transferred to the airport for your onward departure or flight home. Safe travels!

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