SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: Fly to Porto

Fly from London to the charming city of Porto, situated on steep banks along the mouth of the Douro River in northern Portugal.

Check into your hotel in this famous wine producing region.

Days 2 & 3: Explore Porto

One of the oldest cities in Europe, Porto is made for exploring on foot, with its maze of steep and narrow cobbled streets and many viewpoints overlooking the river and its stately bridges. It has many beautiful plazas, churches and houses with colourfully tiled façades, and the medieval Ribeira (riverside) district has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Church of St Francis has a lavish Baroque interior with ornate gilded carvings, whilst the 17th century Porto Cathedral has incredible carvings that adorn every column and archway, as well as the altar. The 19th century neoclassical Bolsa Palace, formerly a stock market, was built to impress potential European investors and its interior is a delight. In Porto street art is everywhere, from ‘azulejos’ (hand-painted tiles) to graffiti sprayed across crumbling medieval walls.

Even in the heart of the city, seagulls soar on Atlantic breezes, and you can take a rickety tram to the open ocean at Foz do Douro in a few minutes. You can also take a cable car up to the Garden of Morro, a delightful green hilltop space in Vila Nova de Gaia, which is the hub of the port wine industry. The landscaped Crystal Palace Gardens offer refreshing fountains and more Douro River views.

The local Portuguese food is outstanding and, as one of the United Kingdom’s oldest allies, the locals are very welcoming. With the vineyards and rolling hills of the Douro Valley on your doorstep, there are many opportunities for river cruises and wine tasting tours into the countryside.

Day 4: Viana do Castelo by rail

This morning make your way to Porto Campanha Railway Station for your 2.5 hour train journey to Viana do Castelo, travelling through the Minho region and the beautiful countryside of northern Portugal (train ticket payable locally – please note some trains will be indirect).

On arrival make your way to your hotel in this old sailing port, situated at the mouth of the Lima River.

Day 5: Discover Viana do Castelo

Viana do Castelo is one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal. Due to its strategic coastal location, it played an important role in the Portuguese Voyages of Discovery.

The Old Town is best explored on foot, but whichever streets you stroll through in the historic centre, you will always come back to Republic Square (Praça da República), which is the heart of the city. Here you will find the 16th century Our Lady of Mercy (Misericórdia) church and hospital, as well as the old Town Hall (Paços do Concelho). Close by is the Romanesque Cathedral (Igreja Matriz). The Barbosa Maciel Municipal Museum, situated in a distinguished manor house, is also well worth visiting.

The best views of the city and Lima estuary can be seen from Santa Luzia Hill, reached by funicular. Here you can visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a revivalist building designed in 1898 by the celebrated Portuguese architect, Miguel Ventura Terra.

Viana is in fact a mecca of architecture, ranging from sumptuous Manueline (Portuguese late Gothic) to Renaissance, Baroque and Art Deco. It is a city rich in palaces emblazoned with coats of arms, churches and monasteries, monumental fountains and water features.

A Baroque church guards the image of Our Lady of Sorrow (Nossa Senhora da Agonia), the patron saint of fishermen. She is taken out every year on 20 August to bless the sea, in one of the most colourful festivals in Portugal, with rich and beautiful costumes on display.

Day 6: Take the train to Guimarães

Today make your way back to the railway station for your train to medieval Guimarães (purchase train ticket locally). The journey will take about 3.5 hours, with two changes.

On arrival take a taxi to your hotel in this city, that is regarded as the birthplace of Portugal.

Day 7: Explore Guimarães

Today is free to explore Guimarães - a compact city with a 10th century castle situated on a hilltop with sweeping city views, a series of medieval squares and many well-preserved medieval buildings.

The restored Palace of the Dukes of Bragança is a medieval estate built in the style of a French chateau, with a museum showcasing furniture, tapestries and weapons. Between the palace and the castle is the Romanesque São Miguel do Castelo Church, built in the 13th century. 

A cable car links the historic centre with beautiful Penha Natural Park.

Day 8: Fly Home

After your holiday exploring charming northern Portugal, you will be transferred 1 hour to Porto airport for your flight home.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. Flights from London are included, with regional departures on request. Purchase your trains tickets locally.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.