Northern Portugal is a region of mountains, natural parks and rivers – a land of contrasts and a historical treasure chest waiting to be discovered. Our suggested itinerary below is not set and can be amended to suit individual requirements.
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Day 1 - Day of Arrival
On arrival at Porto airport, collect your hire car and drive north to the historic town of Barcelos (46km).
Overnight at the Quinta do Convento da Franqueira.
Quinta Do Convento Da Franqueira, Minho
Day 2 - Day of Leisure
Opportunity to visit Barcelos - particularly lively on a Thursday when it’s weekly market, selling a variety of goods from ceramics to livestock, takes place in the town square. Or, head to Braga (23km), Portugal’s third city and an architectural delight, with buildings dating back to the Neolithic and Roman eras.
Overnight at the Quinta do Convento da Franqueira.
Braga, Portugal
Day 3 - Drive south towards Pinhão
After breakfast, drive south towards Pinhão (165km). Pinhão, considered to be the geographical centre of the Douro, has a beautifully decorated railway station adorned with blue and white azulejos (ceramic tiles) depicting a scene of the wine harvest.
Overnight at Casa de Casal de Loivos.
Casa De Casal De Loivos, Douro
Day 4 - Day of Leisure
Visit the attractive towns of Lamego (38.6km) and Vila Real (37.9km) both of which have fine baroque buildings. Lamego boasts the ruins of a 12th century castle, the Church of Santa Maria de Almacave and a Gothic cathedral. Vila Real’s medieval centre is lined with noble homes, cobbled shopping streets and, for the best view over the city, the hilltop of Calvario. Just 3km from Vila Real is Mateus Palace, one of the jewels in the Portuguese baroque crown with some exquisite paintings, antique furniture and beautiful grounds.
Overnight at Casa de Casal de Loivos.
Our Lady of Remedios in Lamego, Portugal
Day 5 - Douro River Valley
After breakfast, drive along the Douro River valley alongside the terraced vineyards, for which the region is renowned, to the city of Porto (132km).
Overnight at the Pousada do Porto (Pestana Palácio do Freixo)
Pousada do Porto, Douro
Day 6 - Day at Leisure
Portugal’s second largest city boasts fine examples of baroque architecture, including the Church of São Francisco, built in the 14th century and the Torre dos Clérigos, which dates from the 18th century. The city, best explored on foot, is a shopper’s paradise and a gastronomic delight.
Overnight at the Pousada do Porto (Pestana Palácio do Freixo)
Porto, Douro
Day 7 - Day at Leisure
Day at leisure in Porto with time to visit one of the city’s many Port wine cellars. The district of Vila Nova de Gaia, on the south bank of the River Douro, is the main centre for this fortified wine and guided tours and wine tastings can be arranged locally.
Overnight at the Pousada do Porto (Pestana Palácio do Freixo)
Port wine
Day 8 - Day of Departure
After breakfast, self drive to Porto airport for your return flight home.