12-Day Private Tour: Porto, Aveiro, Douro Valley
North private travel inspiration
Duration: 12 days
Region: North
From 6750 EUR per person
Overview
This 12-day private journey through Portugal's North offers a detailed exploration for two, from Porto's historic charm to the tranquil vineyards of the Douro Valley. This trip balances city exploration and scenic drives, progressing from Aveiro's canals to the cultural depths of Lisbon and the romantic architecture of Sintra. You will experience diverse landscapes and significant landmarks, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of each region's unique character. The itinerary is structured for practical enjoyment and discovery at a comfortable pace.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Porto Arrival & Ribeira Exploration
Upon arrival at Porto Airport (OPO), your private driver will meet you for a direct transfer to your hotel. After check-in, begin your visit to the Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will explore its medieval streets, view the iconic bridges, and experience the Douro River's lively atmosphere, providing an initial overview of the city.
- Meet your private driver at Porto Airport
- Check into your Porto hotel
- Explore the historic Ribeira district
- Observe Porto's six iconic bridges from the riverside
Day 2 — Porto's Historic Sites & Port Wine
This full-day tour covers Porto's key historical and cultural sites. You will visit the São Francisco Church, noted for its golden carvings, and the Clérigos Tower. Explore Livraria Lello, a famous bookstore, and the Bolhão Market. The day concludes with a Port wine tasting at a cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia.
- Visit the São Francisco Church's gilded interior
- Ascend Clérigos Tower for city views
- Discover Livraria Lello, a celebrated bookstore
- Participate in a Port wine tasting
Day 3 — Aveiro's Canals & Costa Nova's Fishermen's Houses
Travel to Aveiro, also known as the 'Venice of Portugal'. You will take a ride on a traditional 'Moliceiro' boat through its canals, observing the Art Nouveau architecture. Afterwards, visit Costa Nova to see its distinct striped fishermen's houses, then return to Porto.
- Ride a traditional Moliceiro boat in Aveiro
- Observe Aveiro's Art Nouveau buildings
- See the striped houses of Costa Nova
- Experience the Atlantic coast at Costa Nova
Day 4 — Travel to Douro Valley & Vineyard Arrival
Depart from Porto for the Douro Valley, the world's oldest demarcated wine region. The drive offers views of winding roads and terraced vineyards. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel, located amidst the vineyards, allowing you to settle in and enjoy the scenery.
- Travel through a scenic driving route
- Stop at Douro Valley viewpoints
- Arrive at your Douro Valley hotel
- Experience the peaceful vineyard landscape
Day 5 — Douro Valley: Optional Activities & Relaxation
Today presents an opportunity for independent activities. You can utilize your hotel's amenities, such as a pool with vineyard views, or relax on a terrace. Alternatively, take a walk through a nearby vineyard at your own pace. This day is structured for personal relaxation within the Douro Valley landscape.
- Utilize your Douro Valley hotel's amenities
- Enjoy a day of unstructured relaxation
- Explore your estate's immediate surroundings
- Experience the valley's tranquility and views
Day 6 — Douro Wine Estates, River Cruise & Views
Explore the Douro's wine country. Visit a well-known riverside estate for a wine tasting. Enjoy a one-hour private boat trip on the Douro River. The itinerary also includes driving along scenic routes to discover viewpoints and villages, capturing the essence of this UNESCO region.
- Drive scenic routes to viewpoints
- Take a one-hour private Douro River cruise
- Participate in a wine tasting at an estate
- Explore traditional villages in the region
Day 7 — Alentejo Journey & Évora's Ancient Sites
Travel south to the Alentejo region, known for its plains and historical sites. Your destination is Évora, a city recognized for its historical significance. After checking into your hotel, begin exploring the UNESCO-listed historic center, including the Roman Temple.
- Travel through Alentejo's landscapes
- Arrive in Évora, a UNESCO city
- Visit Évora's Roman Temple
- Experience Évora's historic atmosphere
Day 8 — Évora's Historic Depth & Megalithic Past
Further explore Évora with visits to the Chapel of Bones and the Évora Cathedral. In the afternoon, you will explore the Alentejo countryside, focusing on its megalithic monuments. This includes the Almendres Cromlech, the Iberian Peninsula's largest megalithic complex, before returning to your hotel.
- Visit the Chapel of Bones
- Explore Évora Cathedral and its views
- Discover the Alentejo countryside
- See the ancient Almendres Cromlech
Day 9 — Transfer to Lisbon & Belém Exploration
Enjoy a comfortable transfer from Évora to your Lisbon hotel. After settling in, begin an introductory tour of Lisbon's Belém district, a tribute to Portugal's Age of Discovery. You will visit the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, concluding with a tasting of original Pastéis de Nata.
- Transfer to Lisbon
- Explore Lisbon's Belém district
- Visit Jerónimos Monastery
- Taste original Pastéis de Nata
Day 10 — Lisbon's Maritime History & City Quarters
This day is dedicated to Lisbon's core areas. You will walk through the Alfama district's narrow streets, visit São Jorge Castle for city views, and experience the Baixa and Chiado neighborhoods. This full-day itinerary covers Lisbon's diverse character and historical extent.
- Walk through Alfama's streets
- Visit São Jorge Castle for city views
- Experience Chiado's atmosphere
- Explore the Baixa neighborhood
Day 11 — Sintra, Cabo da Roca & Cascais Excursion
Embark on a day trip to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will visit the Pena Palace, located on a hill. Afterwards, drive to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe. The day concludes with a visit to the fishing village of Cascais before returning to Lisbon.
- Explore Pena Palace in Sintra
- Visit Cabo da Roca, Europe's westernmost point
- Stroll through Cascais
- Enjoy the coastal drive back to Lisbon
Day 12 — Lisbon Departure
On your final day, your private driver will provide a timely transfer from your hotel to Lisbon Airport (LIS), ensuring a seamless conclusion to your tour of Portugal.
- Enjoy a final breakfast
- Receive transfer to Lisbon Airport
- Reflect on journey memories
- Depart with Portugal's spirit