Start and end in Porto! With the In-depth Cultural tour The Highlights of the North of Portugal tour, and Self-drive, you have an 8 days tour package taking you through Porto, Portugal and 2 other destinations in Portugal. The Highlight of the North of Portugal tour, Self-drive includes accommodation in a hotel as well as meals, transport and more.
Additional Information:
Tour Operator: Destination Services Portugal
Max group size: 45
Age range: 10 to 99
Operated in: English
Tour id: 196268
Itinerary:
Day 1: ARRIVAL OPORTO
Arrive at Oporto International Airport, and meet and greet our local representative who will assist you with your car hire and inform you how to proceed on your departure day. Enjoy the rest of the day while exploring this beautiful town. Few cities are as packed with history as this one is, with classic and surprising sites, cultural treasures, and a beautiful setting that makes it a paradise for walkers and photographers. Drive to your first hotel and check in to spend the night. Overnight in Oporto.
Start point
Pick up at Oporto International Airport,
Aeroporto Francisco Sá Carneiro (OPO), Pedras Rubras, Vila Nova Da Telha, Porto, Portugal
07:00 – 22:00
Day 2: OPORTO
Wake up to your tasty breakfast and get ready for your first Portuguese drive. Today you could drive out of the city, to explore the charming vineyards of Oporto. The region is famed for the production of Porto wine, which is still stored and manufactured in the vast cellars that stretch along the banks of the Douro River. We suggest the visit to the wine cellars that are located right across the river. Nearly all port wine cellars provide guided tours and tastings. Caves Ferreira, Caves Calém, Caves Churchill and Caves Taylor’s are a few popular cellars where you can enjoy a great wine degustation and learn about the wine art of this region. Once back in Oporto fill your energy with the typical local dish – Francesinha, which is steak, sliced ham and spicy sausage between toasted bread, all covered with melted cheese and a hot sauce. The recipe is kept secret for whole generations. Overnight in Oporto.
Day 3: OPORTO – GUIMARAES (70 km – 1 h)
Enjoy your morning breakfast at the hotel and prepare yourself for your following destination. Guimarães is considered the cradle of Portugal, as D. Afonso Henriques, who became the first independent King of Portugal, was born here. The historical centre in the area which was within Guimarães city walls is associated with the creation and identity of Portugal and was classified as a World Heritage site based on the originality and authenticity applied in its restoration. Beautiful sites are the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, Guimarães Castle, Citânia de Briteiros, São Francisco church and the Gardens of Palacio de Vila Flor. After the full day of sightseeing, check in to your hotel and perhaps stroll down the streets of this royal town and try some of the local dishes. Overnight in Guimarães.
Day 4: GUIMARAES
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. Today you can explore even deeper the traditional gastronomy of this region by visiting one of many convents, rise to all sorts of confectionery as by tradition the nuns, would donate ingredients like eggs on special occasions. Egg yolks, along with almonds and cinnamon are the main ingredients in the pastry, Tortas de Guimarães, while Coutinho do céu (bacon from heaven) is a traditional almond cake that also relies on a lot of egg yolks. For savoury food papas de sarrabulho is a rich, filling meat dish with various pork products, beef and chicken, made in the winter months. Overnight in Guimarães.
Day 5: GUIMARAES – PESO DA RÉGUA (110 km – 1.15 hrs)
After breakfast continues your drive to another famous wine region- Peso da Régua. This agriculture area is situated on the bank of the River Douro and its vineyard is fabulously shaping the whole landscape and offers spectacular views to all its visitors. Until the last century, Peso da Régua was the place, where the barrels were loaded onto wooden boats, known as Rabelos, and shipped down to Vila Nova de Gaia at the mouth of the Douro. And this is also the base of the oldest demarcated wine region in the world, the Douro DOC, regulated since 1756. Wine tours, river trips and walks through this incomparable landscape all need to be in your plans. Explore the region with Port Wine, Wine Tours and Douro Historical Train in your plans. In the evening give try to the Peso da Régua’s gastronomy. Here you can appreciate rice in the oven with roast lamb, “custard”, and a regional candy “Rebuçados da Régua”. Overnight in Peso da Régua.
Day 6: PESO DA RÉGUA – CASTELO DE PAIVA – PESO DA RÉGUA (220 km – 3 hrs)
After morning breakfast at the hotel visit Castelo de Paiva, a municipality in northern Portugal, located about an hour from the city of Aveiro. The city is a getaway to the north of the Montanhas Mágicas territory and its river system, which includes the river Douro, Paiva, Arda, and Sadoura Rivers, defined the whole beauty of this region. Surrounded by hills and valleys, it offers fascinating views over this stunning landscape. From the cultural sites make sure you visit the Marmoiral de Sobrado, the Pelourinho de Raiva, the Medieval graves dug in Penedo de Vegide; and the manor houses, especially the Solar de Boavista and the Solar da Fisga with charming fountains and gardens and in the evening try out some traditional dishes at one of the local restaurants. Baked rice in the oven, Sta. Euforme’s chive steaks, traditional roast veal, farmer’s stew, and many more delightful plates taste delicious accompanied by the excellent Vinho Verde de Paiva. Overnight in Peso da Régua.
Day 7: PESO DA RÉGUA – OPORTO (120 km – 1.5 hrs)
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and the last moments in this tranquil atmosphere of Peso da Régua. Today you will drive back to Oporto. Stroll down the streets and enjoy buzzing streets, musicians, and vibes of this city for the last time. Overnight in Oporto.
Day 8: DEPARTURE OPORTO
Spend your last morning in Portugal savouring your breakfast. Then, return the rental car at the Oporto Airport and prepare for your return flight.
Endpoint
Drop off at Oporto International Airport,
Aeroporto Francisco Sá Carneiro (OPO), Pedras Rubras, Vila Nova Da Telha, Porto, Portugal
07:00 – 22:00
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