16-Day Portugal Tour From Porto to Douro Valley
Discover Northern Portugal: A detailed, practical guide for couples exploring historic cities and scenic wine
Duration: 16 days
Region: North
From 7450 EUR per person
Overview
This 16-day private tour through Northern Portugal offers a comprehensive exploration of the region's diverse landscapes and rich history, ideal for a couple seeking a curated journey. From the vibrant riverside districts of Porto, tracing tales of maritime trade and grand architecture, to the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley where Port wine traditions flourish, this itinerary provides a balanced pace. You will also visit significant historical sites like Guimarães, recognized as Portugal's birthplace, and the charming canal-filled city of Aveiro, ensuring a deep immersion into the cultural fabric of this distinctive area.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Porto Arrival: Riverside Districts and Grand Architecture
Upon arrival in Porto, you will settle into the city's welcoming environment. Begin your exploration with a relaxed introduction to its historic core, appreciating the riverside ambiance and notable buildings.
- Arrive in Porto to commence your tour.
- Walk through the Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- View the Dom Luís I Bridge over the Douro River.
- Enjoy an evening meal with views of the Douro River.
Day 2 — Porto: Architecture, History, and Tiled Facades
Spend the day discovering Porto's streets, learning about its history, artistic expressions, and architectural highlights, which range from detailed tile work to neoclassical structures.
- Observe the azulejo tiles within São Bento Railway Station.
- Discover Sé Cathedral, offering city views.
- Explore Porto's historic streets.
- Visit Lello Bookshop, a neo-Gothic building.
Day 3 — Douro Valley: Wine Estates and River Excursions
Undertake a scenic trip to the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its terraced vineyards and Port wine. This includes a calming river cruise and a visit to a noted wine estate.
- Travel through the Douro Valley's terraced landscapes.
- Take a 1-hour private boat trip on the Douro River.
- Visit a quinta for a Port wine tasting.
- Photograph valley views from scenic points.
Day 4 — Guimarães & Braga: Portugal's Origins and Sacred History
Take a day trip to the historical cities of Guimarães and Braga. Explore Portugal's foundational site and its spiritual legacy.
- Explore Guimarães Castle, Portugal's birthplace.
- Walk through Guimarães' medieval streets.
- Ascend to Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary in Braga.
- Discover Braga Cathedral, Portugal's oldest.
Day 5 — Aveiro & Costa Nova: Canals and Striped Houses
Travel to the scenic coastal area, exploring Aveiro's canals, known as the 'Venice of Portugal,' and Costa Nova's brightly striped houses.
- Journey on a moliceiro boat along Aveiro's canals.
- Observe Art Nouveau architecture in Aveiro's center.
- View Costa Nova's candy-striped houses.
- Enjoy fresh seafood with Atlantic Ocean views.
Day 6 — Viana do Castelo & Ponte de Lima: Coastal and Medieval Towns
Head north to Viana do Castelo, a coastal city known for its filigree jewelry and basilica, then proceed to the medieval market town of Ponte de Lima.
- Ascend to Santa Luzia Sanctuary for Viana do Castelo views.
- Explore Viana do Castelo's historic center.
- Discover Ponte de Lima, an ancient town with a Roman bridge.
- Walk through Ponte de Lima's medieval streets and gardens.
Day 7 — Coimbra & Fátima: University City and Pilgrimage Site
Depart from Porto and travel south, making stops to explore Coimbra, an ancient university city, and Fátima, a significant pilgrimage destination.
- Discover the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO site.
- See the opulent Joanina Library.
- Visit the Sanctuary of Fátima, a Marian pilgrimage site.
- Experience quiet reflection at the Chapel of the Apparitions.
Day 8 — Lisbon's Maritime History: Belém and the Tagus River
Engage with Lisbon's maritime heritage by exploring the monumental Belém district and enjoying vistas along the Tagus River.
- Admire Belém Tower, a symbol of the Age of Discoveries.
- View Jerónimos Monastery, a Manueline work.
- Taste Pastéis de Belém at the original bakery.
- Enjoy Lisbon views from Parque Eduardo VII.
Day 9 — Sintra Palaces, Cabo da Roca & Cascais
Travel to Sintra's enchanting, fairytale setting, a UNESCO World Heritage site, then proceed to continental Europe's westernmost point and elegant coastal towns.
- Explore Pena Palace, a Romanticist castle.
- Walk through Sintra's historic village.
- Visit Cabo da Roca, Europe's westernmost point.
- Discover Cascais, a coastal town.
Day 10 — Évora & Monsaraz: Alentejo's Ancient Locations
Journey into the Alentejo region, discovering Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage city with its Roman Temple and unique Chapel of Bones, followed by the medieval hilltop village of Monsaraz.
- Explore Évora's ancient Roman Temple.
- Visit the Chapel of Bones.
- Walk through the walled village of Monsaraz.
- Experience an Alentejo wine tasting.
Day 11 — Óbidos, Nazaré & Alcobaça: Medieval Sites and Coastal Views
Embark on a journey north of Lisbon to explore Óbidos, a medieval walled town, Nazaré's dramatic cliffs, and the Alcobaça Monastery.
- Walk through the medieval walled town of Óbidos.
- Taste ginjinha (cherry liqueur) in a chocolate cup.
- Observe Nazaré's waves and clifftop views.
- Explore Alcobaça Monastery, a UNESCO site.
Day 12 — Arrábida Natural Park & Setúbal: Nature's Beauty and Marine Life
Leave the city for Arrábida Natural Park's natural beauty, followed by a visit to Setúbal, with an optional dolphin-watching activity.
- Drive through Serra da Arrábida Natural Park for ocean views.
- Take a dolphin-watching boat tour in the Sado Estuary.
- Explore Setúbal's fish market and historic center.
- Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch by the sea.
Day 13 — Lisbon Exploration: Alfama, Baixa & Chiado Districts
Immerse yourself in Lisbon's historic core, wandering through its oldest districts, bustling squares, and shopping areas.
- Explore Alfama, Lisbon's oldest district.
- Discover Baixa's streets, rebuilt after 1755.
- Visit Chiado, known for theaters and cafes.
- Ascend to a viewpoint for Lisbon vistas.
Day 14 — Mafra Palace & Ericeira: Royal Estate and Coastal Town
Travel to the Mafra National Palace, a large royal complex, then continue to Ericeira, a fishing village and surf destination.
- Explore the magnificent Mafra National Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Discover the grand basilica, convent, and palace rooms of this imposing complex.
- Stroll through the picturesque streets of Ericeira, a traditional fishing village.
- Enjoy a delightful seafood lunch with ocean views in Ericeira.
Day 15 — Leisure Day in Lisbon: Personal Discoveries
Enjoy a flexible day to explore Lisbon at your own pace, revisiting favorite spots, discovering new ones, or indulging in some shopping and relaxation.
- Revisit a favorite neighborhood or discover a hidden gem in Lisbon.
- Indulge in some last-minute souvenir shopping or authentic Portuguese crafts.
- Relax at a charming cafe, savoring a pastel de nata and coffee.
- Enjoy a farewell dinner, reflecting on your incredible Portuguese journey.
Day 16 — Departure from Lisbon
Enjoy a final Portuguese breakfast before your private transfer to Lisbon Airport for your departure.
- Savor a final Portuguese breakfast, reminiscing about your journey.
- Enjoy a seamless private transfer to Lisbon Airport.
- Depart with cherished memories of Portugal's captivating charm.
- Plan your next return to this beautiful country.