Day 1

Porto
Arrival at Porto airport. Transfer and accommodation.

 

Day 2

Porto 
Second largest city and one of the oldest in Portugal, Porto has incredible charm and offers  visitors a unique experience. Built on the hillsides on the Douro River, the city is world known for the sweet wine Porto and is a UNESCO Heritage Site with its riverfront Bairro of Ribeira. Enjoy a city tour, starting at the monumental central avenue Avenida dos Aliados.  See the Palacio da Bolsa, with the beautiful Arab room, St. Francisco Church, Clerigo Tower and reach the riverfront of Ribeira with its colorful painted houses and great views of Douro River. Afternoon at leisure. 

 

Day 3

Porto - Vila Nova de Gaia - Porto
Today visit the city of Vila Nova de Gaia, on the left bank of the Douro River, where most of the world’s supply of Port wine is located. Before getting there you will cross the Dom Luis Bridge, an iron masterpiece, designed by Eiffel, the famous architect of the Paris Tower. In Vila Nova de Gaia visit one of the many Port Wine Cellars and enjoy tasting the famous drink, while admiring Porto’s stunning skyline. Return to Porto and a chance to visit one of the city’s best museums. In the evening enjoy a traditional fado show and dinner in one of Porto’s restaurants with a spectacular night view of the Douro River. 

 

Day 4

Porto - Amarante (60 km/1h) - Vila Real (40 km/1h)- Pinhão(40 km/1h)- Lamego (40 km/1h)- Porto (110 km/3h)
Travel along the World Heritage Douro Valley, the first demarcated and regulated wine region in the world, the home of the porto. Enjoy all day the spectacular landscape of almond trees, cherry blossom and colorful vineyards. Visit the Monastery of S.Gonçalo on the banks of the river in Amarante, then proceed to Vila Real and its beautiful Casa de Mateus. A must-see is Pinhão, a small wine town with one of the best porto estates. In the end, see the marvelous Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios with its tiled staircase in Lamego, and enjoy a guided visit and wine tasting in one of the historic and famous “quintas” of this rich region. Return to Porto. 

 

Day 5

Porto - Barcelos (70 km/1h)- Braga (30 km/30 min)- Guimarães (30 km/30 min) - Porto (60 km/1h)
Today drive north to Minho region and enjoy the intense green of the landscape. The first stop in Barcelos reveals a very important town, connected to the national symbol of Portugal – the cockerel. Here also is the place of the largest weekly market in the country. Continue to Braga, for a visit of Bom Jesus Sanctuary, the city’s highlight. This baroque masterpiece is unique with its ornamental stairway, dedicated to the Five Senses and the Three Theological Virtues. Proceed to Guimarães, considered as the birthplace of Portugal. Visit the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, built in the 15th century as a medieval palace, and explore more of this World Heritage city. Return to Porto.

 

Day 6

Porto - Viana do Castelo (80 km/1,30h) - Santiago de Compostela (170 km/3h) - Ponte de Lima (150 km/2h) - Porto (90 km/1,30h)
Prepare to travel on St.James way, the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Before crossing the frontier, stop for a visit of the coastal town Viana do Castelo, set on the north bank of the Lima River estuary. The biggest attraction here is the massive domed basilica Santa Luiza, modeled on the Sacré Coeur in Paris. Afterwards, proceed to Spain and Santiago de Compostela. Enjoy a guided tour of this important religious center and final destination for millions of pilgrims. Visit Santiago Cathedral, a World Heritage Site, and explore the Old Town. In the afternoon, travel back to Porto, and on the way make short stop in Ponte de Lima, a lovely town with beautiful roman bridge. 

 

Day 7

Porto
Departure to Porto airport.