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Discover Northern Portugal

From well-known world heritage sites to hidden gems, this tour is the perfect combination for anyone who would like to discover the most varied region of Portugal. Northern Portugal is full of unique nature, culture and a variety of delicious wines. This tour consists of an interesting mix of cultural and easy hiking experiences, of train travel and self-drive travel.

Duration: 
15 days/14 nights
Country: 

Portugal

Activity: 
Culture
Nature
Type: 
Self-drive
Train

Highlights

  • Porto city and the wine cellars
  • Aveiro, the Portuguese Venice with its Ria water canals and typical boats
  • Religious city of Braga
  • Medieval castle, palace and cozy but impressive city center of Guimerães
  • The Douro valley and its famous vineyards along the Douro river
  •  Hiking in Montesinho Natural Park
  • Self-drive via Spain, through transboundery Park Gerês-Xurês
  • Along Roman hotsprings and archeological site
  • Ancient town of Ponte de Lima and riverside hike to Lagoas de Bertiandos
  • Coastal walk Viana do Castelo, beautiful city by the bay

From well-known world heritage sites to hidden gems, this tour is the perfect combination for anyone who would like to discover the most varied region of Portugal. Northern Portugal is full of unique nature, culture and a variety of delicious wines. This tour consists of an interesting mix of cultural and easy hiking experiences, of mountains and coastal scenery, of cities and nature.

Where possible, we have opted for train travel as much as possible, making this a more sustainable tour. The rental car only needs to be picked-up in Braga, which also allows us to avoid driving in the busy Porto center and suburbs. 

DAY 1 Welcome to Northern Portugal

Welcome to Portugal!

Upon arrival at Porto airport, our driver wil welcome you and drive you to your hotel in Porto city.

The elaborate roadbook, which we create for you after booking, will contain information and inspiration on what to see and do during this unique holiday.

The type of accommodation will be chosen according to your preference and budget.

Night in Porto.

 

DAY 2 Porto

After breakfast, take your time to discover this special city and its different neighborhoods at your own pace. Do not forget to cross the Douro river and visit the wine cellars on the other side where you can taste the famous Port wines!

Night in Porto.

Day 3 A day in Aveiro

This morning a one hour train ride will bring you straight from Porto city center to Aveiro, also known as the "Portuguese Venice" .

Take a stroll along the water canals, filled with colorful boats, called moliceiros. From these beautiful vessels men used to collect seaweed and algae. Enjoy the amazing Art Nouveau architecture of several buildings, visit the museum, convent, church, have a look inside the small shops and try some local food on a terrace. Don't forget to take a coffee break and taste the local sweet, called Ovos Moles.

The train will take you back to Porto. 

Night in Porto.

Day 4 Braga

Today the train takes you inland where the famous city of Braga is waiting for you.The oldest cathedral of Portugal stands its ground in Braga while the universities attract a younger crowd.  It is a religious center and a vivid student town at the same time, a place where a rich history and modern ideas live hand in hand, a place that offers entertainement for any age. Enjoy the local gastronomy and nightlife as you will stay overnight in this versatile city.

Night in Braga.

Day 5 Guimerães and Douro valley

Time to pick up your rental car and drive to the magical Douro Valley which is listed as World Heritage Site. But not before making a stop in the small, medieval town of Guimerães. Just outside the city center you also find the ancient castle and the palace. Let our roadbook inspire you on what to see and do. Then head to to the famous wine region for dinner and of course, wine.

Night in the Douro Valley.

Day 6 The Douro Valley

Waking up surrounded by vineyards, you may want to take a self-guided hike on the flanks of the Douro river? And maybe taste some wines at the wineries?

A meal with a view on the stunning surroundings? A small cruise on the Douro river? There are many different ways to enjoy this special scenery!

Night in the Douro Valley.

Day 7 Montesinho Natural Park

After all these must-see highlights, it is time to explore the lesser well-known northeastern part of Portugal. Hop in and drive your rental car in the direction of Brangança and the Montesinho Natural Park! Upon arrival, take some time to relax or visit the town of Brangança. You will find several nice musea here, such as the museum of contemporary art, the photography museum,...).

Night in Bragança surroundings.

Day 8 Montesinho Natural Park guided tour

Our local guide will meet you today and will show your around in the Natural Park. This way you get to enjoy some relaxed hiking in beautiful scenery without getting lost. Your guide will also show you some of the Park's highlights. Feel free to ask questions and learn more about this special, authentic region.

Night in Bragança surroundings.

Day 9 Let's take a road trip!

Today you will be driving along scenic roads while passing by the old Roman city of Chaves. Enjoy the scenery and marvel at local life in these mountains!

Night in  Pitões das Júnias.

Day 10 Exploring Gerês hike

Discover the beauty of this region further on foot. You will find a self-guided hiking route in the customized roadbook.

Distance approx. 7 km | height difference +/- 200 meters.

Night in  Pitões das Júnias.

Day 11 Scenic self-drive via Spain

This morning you can drive from Pitões das Júnias, via Spain, crossing the Transboundery Park Gerês Xurês. Make sure to visit the Roman hot springs in Bande and the archeological site Aquis Querquennis. Then enter Portugal again via the beautiful village of Lindoso in the Peneda-Gerês NP and drive on to the authentic, ancient small town of Ponte de Lima.

Night in Ponte de Lima.

Day 12 Ponte de Lima and Lagoas de Bertiandos walk

A day to relax, take a stroll in the small historical center of Ponte de Lima and enjoy a delicious meal. We also provide a beautiful self-guided hiking route along the Lima river to the protected area of Lagoas de Bertiados. This way, you can combine visiting the ancient town center with exploring it's stunning natural surroundings, all at your own pace.

Walk aprox. 12 km | +/- 150 meters.

Night in Ponte de Lima.

Day 13 Viana do Castelo

Time to head back to the Ocean! Follow the Lima river and have a look at the estuary with its islands and the iron Eifel bridge over the river.

The historical town of Viana do Castelo harbours some interesting musea, as well as beautiful buildings and high quality restaurants. There are several harbours organized by type of boat ( fishing, sailing,...). The most famous one being the Gil Eanes hospital ship, which is now converted into an interesting museum. High above the city on the hilltop you can see the Santa Luzia which can be reached by funicular or by climbing around 600 steps. You can discover the city and its many sites using the information in the roadbook.

Night in Viana do Castelo.

Day 14 Coastal walk

Viana do Castelo is a city by the Atlantic Ocean, with pristine beaches and geological rock formations along the shores. Take a self-guided easy coastal walk to enjoy the ocean breeze, marvel at ancient wind mills and fortresses or why not...take a dip or a surf lesson?

Walking approx. 8 km | +/- 175 meters.

Night in Viana do Castelo.

Day 15 Bye bye Portugal!

Today after breakfast we can provide a transfer back to Porto airport or, we can help you with an extension of your holiday in other parts of Portugal and in Galicia, Spain. Do not hesitate to contact us. We will be more than happy to customize your holiday.

This example itinerary can be customized with accommodations and activities of your choice. Do not hesitate to contact us. We are always more than happy to design your perfect holiday.

Pricing and options

What is included?

  • 14 nights local accommodation with breakfast
  • Airport transfer to your hotel in Porto on day 1
  • Personalized route notes
  • GPS tracks
  • Access to our app Wikiloc Premium with hiking tracks
  • Train tickets to Aveiro
  • Train tickets to Braga
  • Full day guided tour in Montesinho Natural Park
  • 24/7 phone support

What is not included?

  • Flights 
  • Rental car ( your can choose the rental company and car you like. Below you also find a link to the website of our preferred partner, Sunny Cars, where you can reserve and book the car you like).
  • Personal expenses 
  • Travel Insurance (cancellation, covid, repatriation,...)
  • All item not mentioned as “included”

The price

The price is always subject to availability and varies according to personal wishes, extra services, changes in the itinerary, amount of participants, type of accommodation and so on. Only the confirmed price on your definite order form is valid. Please contact YŪGEN tours to request a personalized itinerary and quote according to your preferences.

You can always contact us by email at hello@yugentours.com or you can fill out the YŪGEN compass in case you like a completely personalized travel plan. The compass helps you to show us what your holiday should be like and at the same time provides you several images, inspiration and possibilities. There is also space to write down any question you may have or additional information you would like to give us. 

The YŪGEN compass

Use our compass to let us know what kind of holiday you would like and let us guide you in the right direction. Together we will create your custom-made itinerary which fits your style and wishes.

Take the quiz!

 

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Rental car

You are free to book with any supplier of your choice. Several companies are present at both Porto and Lisbon airports. Or you can book directly with our preferred supplier through the link below. Please contact us first to check availability for your travel itinerary with the desired accommodations and other service providers before booking a car.

Important information

Best time to travel

Best times of year for this tour itinerary are spring and fall as the weather is normally excellent. During summer months it may get very hot and busy, especially in August.

Travel insurance

It is always recommend to take out a travel insurance, covering for cancellation and curtailment, medical situations, baggage, emergency evacuation. Always check the specific conditions and coverage of your insurance policy, especially when participating in more adventurous activities.

YŪGEN tours does not provide travel insurance.

Medical Precautions

Check with your local immunization authority, travel clinic, public health facility or personal physician.

Visit the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION website for up to date information www.who.int

Travel documentation

If you do not have the Belgian nationality, you should inquire at the embassy in your country. The following is valid for people with Belgian nationality:

  • A valid Belgian identity card or an international passport. 
  • A visa is not required.
  • Children need their own identity card. Within the Schengen Zone it is recommended to bring a copy of the passport of the parent which does not accompany the other parent and the minor during the trip, as well as a document of consent of the non-traveling parent. This can prevent delays.
  • Belgian citizens should consult the website of the Federal government for all travel related advise: diplomatie.belgium.be/nl/Diensten/Op_reis_in_het_buitenland/reisadviezen/portugal

Flights

  • Flights are not included in the price of the tour. You are free to choose your flight dates, route, price and airline company if you wish to fly to Portugal.
  • If you opt for flights with a stopover or transfer in the United States of America, please note that you must complete a VISA WAIVER. You can do this up to a minimum of 72 hours before arrival, and this on the website of ESTA(link is external). The permission is valid for 2 years and costs approximately 14 USD per person.
  • Before booking your flights, please contact YŪGEN tours first to check if our local partners are not fully booked on the desired dates.
  • The closest international airport to our suggested trips is Porto's Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport.

Drive and self-drive tours

If you do not have the Belgian nationality, you should inquire in your country of nationality. Travelers from the Netherlands can consult the website of ANWB. The following is valid for people with Belgian nationality:

Your identity card and drivers license should be sufficient. In case of renting a car, do check the specific regulations of the rental company. Often a credit card is required to be able to rent a car and you need to be in possession of a drivers license during a certain amount of time already and/or a minimum age may apply.

More information on driving in Portugal and regulations can be found here: www.vab.be/nl/info-en-diensten/wegeninfo/europa/portugal

Please note that there are several toll roads in Portugal. Rental companies offer different solutions. On some highways you can pay in cash, but some are fully electronic and you need a special device to use them. Car rental companies can provide the device against an additional cost. Dutch speaking travelers can consult: www.vab.be/nl/info-en-diensten/wegeninfo/europa/portugal. In case of renting a car always consult the car rental company.

Several car rental companies are present at Porto Airport. Cars can also be rented in Viana do Castelo, according to availability.

Feel free to contact YŪGEN tours for more information and assistance. We will be more than happy to assist.