Porto Trip Overview
Choose this self-drive tour around Portugal and spend eight memorable days exploring the superb culture and landscapes of this country. Visit its inspiring, lively towns and catch a glimpse of the scenic, historical villages. Stroll the beautifully arranged streets of Oporto admiring its picturesque location, walk the mesmerizing alleys of Guimarães, and enjoy delicious wines in one of the local cellar in the Peso da Régua and Oporto.
Oporto: one of the oldest cities in Europe, surrounded by the stunning hills and blue rivers. Beautiful plazas, churches and houses with colourfully tiled façades are the architectural treasures of this city, and the taste of local wine and gastronomy will take you to become a part of this unique culture
Guimarães: attractive historic city, filled with medieval atmosphere that is expressed at many castles and medieval fortresses, often recognized as a cradle of Portugal
Additional Info
* Duration: 8 days
* Starts: Porto, Portugal
* Trip Category: Outdoor Activities >> 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
Explore Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Porto, Northern Portugal, Portugal
Choose this self-drive tour around Portugal and spend eight memorable days exploring the superb culture and landscapes of this country. Visit its inspiring, lively towns and catch a glimpse of the scenic, historical villages. Stroll the beautifully arranged streets of Oporto admiring its picturesque location, walk the mesmerizing alleys of Guimarães, and enjoy delicious wines in one of the local cellar in the Peso da Régua and Oporto.
Oporto: one of the oldest cities in Europe, surrounded by the stunning hills and blue rivers. Beautiful plazas, churches and houses with colourfully tiled façades are the architectural treasures of this city, and the taste of local wine and gastronomy will take you to become a part of this unique culture
Guimarães: attractive historic city, filled with medieval atmosphere that is expressed at many castles and medieval fortresses, often recognized as a cradle of Portugal
Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVAL OPORTO
Pass By: Portugal, Portugal
Arrive at Oporto International Airport, meet and greet by our local representative who will assist you with your car hire (Car group C – Seat Leon or similar) 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 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. Accommodation: 3* Hotel, Cristal Hotel or similar on bed and breakfast basis.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 2: OPORTO
Pass By: Portugal, Portugal
Wake up to your tasty breakfast (included) 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 or Caves Taylor’s are 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 (not included) – 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. Accommodation: 3* Hotel, Cristal Hotel or similar on bed and breakfast basis.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 3: OPORTO – GUIMARAES
Pass By: Portugal, Portugal
Enjoy your morning breakfast (included) 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 that was within Guimarães city walls, is associated with the creation and identity of Portugal and was classified a World Heritage site based on the originality and authenticity applied in its restoration. Beautiful sites are 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 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. Accommodation: 3* Hotel, Guimarães Hotel or similar on bed and breakfast basis.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 4: GUIMARAES
Pass By: Portugal, Portugal
Start your day with the breakfast (included) 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 be donated ingredients like eggs on special occasions. Egg yolks, along with almonds and cinnamon are the main ingredients in the pastry, Tortas de Guimarães, while toucinho do céu (bacon from heaven) is a traditional almond cake that also relies on a lot of egg yolks. For savory 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. Accommodation: 3* Hotel, Guimarães Hotel or similar on bed and breakfast basis.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 5: GUIMARAES – PESO DA RÉGUA
Pass By: Portugal, Portugal
After breakfast (included) continue 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 offer 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 tour, 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 a 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. Accommodation: 3* Hotel, Régua Douro Hotel or similar on bed and breakfast basis.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 6: PESO DA RÉGUA – CASTELO DE PAIVA
Pass By: Portugal, Portugal
Morning breakfast (included) at the hotel and big farewell to Peso da Régua. Your following destination is Castelo de Paiva, the municipality in northern Portugal, located about an hour from the city of Aveiro. The city is getaway to the north of the Montanhas Mágicas territory and its river system, that includes the river Douro, Paiva, Arda, and Sadoura Rivers, defined whole beauty of this region. Surrounded by the 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 with accompanied by the excellent Vinho Verde de Paiva. Overnight in Castelo de Paiva. Accommodation:3*Hotel, Douro Hotel 41 & Spa or similar on bed and breakfast basis.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 7: CASTELO DE PAIVA – OPORTO
Pass By: Portugal, Portugal
Enjoy your breakfast (included) at the hotel and the last moments in this tranquil atmosphere of Castelo da Paiva. 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. Accommodation: 3* Hotel, Cristal Hotel or similar on bed and breakfast basis.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 8: DEPARTURE OPORTO
Pass By: Portugal, Portugal
Spend your last morning in Portugal savouring your breakfast (included). Then, return the rental car at the Oporto Airport and prepare for your return flight.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
