PORTUGAL | NORTH HISTORICAL CITIES |

Bem-vindo/a (Welcome) to Northern Portugal!

Today, we'll arrive in the stunning city of Porto. Upon landing, the levarTravel leader will warmly welcome you at the hotel. Once settled in, we'll take some time to get to know each other, review the trip itinerary, and address any questions you may have.

There are no activities scheduled for this day. However, the leader will be available to help and advise you on what you should do and visit on this day.

As the evening sets in, we'll all come together for our first taste of authentic Portuguese cuisine. Your leader will recommend the best local restaurants and signature dishes, ensuring a delicious start to our adventure.

Accommodation: Hotel Mercure Porto Centro Santa Catarina 4★

We’ll begin our day with a stroll along the iconic Rua de Santa Catarina, one of Porto’s most vibrant shopping streets. Lined with a mix of local boutiques and international brands, it’s also home to some of the city’s most emblematic cafés, the Majestic Café. Step inside this beautifully preserved Belle Époque café and enjoy a traditional Portuguese coffee in an atmosphere steeped in history and elegance.

Next, we visit the Mercado do Bolhão, a lively and traditional market where local producers offer an array of fresh fruits, vegetables, and regional specialities. From there, we make our way to the picturesque Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colourful facades, cobblestone streets, and scenic views of the Douro River. Here, we’ll pause for lunch at a local restaurant, savouring the flavours of traditional northern Portuguese cuisine.

In the afternoon, we’ll cross the majestic Dom Luís I Bridge to the south bank of the river, arriving in Vila Nova de Gaia. From this side, you’ll enjoy a stunning perspective of Porto’s historic waterfront. We'll visit one of the renowned Port wine cellars to learn about the region’s world-famous wine and enjoy a tasting experience.

We’ll then head up to the Serra do Pilar viewpoint, offering one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Porto. It’s an ideal spot to relax and watch the sunset over the city.

Before returning to Porto, we’ll enjoy a memorable dinner at WOW (World of Wine), a vibrant cultural and gastronomic district created from the transformation of historic Port wine warehouses. This is the perfect place to end the day on a high note.

Accommodation: Hotel Mercure Porto Centro Santa Catarina 4★
Meals: Breakfast

We’ll begin the day with a visit to Livraria Lello, often considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. With its ornate neo-Gothic façade, magnificent stained-glass ceiling, and famous spiral staircase, it’s a true architectural gem and a must-see for literature and design lovers alike.

From there, we’ll walk through the peaceful Jardim da Cordoaria, a charming public garden in the heart of the city. Next, we’ll climb the Torre dos Clérigos, one of Porto’s most recognisable landmarks. Those who reach the top are rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree view over the city’s rooftops and the Douro River.

For lunch, we suggest exploring Rua das Flores, one of Porto’s most emblematic and vibrant streets. Lined with artisan shops, boutiques, and inviting restaurants, it offers a wide variety of options to enjoy local and contemporary Portuguese cuisine.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the stunning Palácio da Bolsa, once Porto’s stock exchange. Inside, you’ll have the chance to admire the spectacular Arab Room, an opulent space inspired by Moorish design and rich in detail. 

Just a short walk away is the Igreja de São Francisco, a Gothic church dating back to the 14th century, known for its extraordinary Baroque interior and lavish gilded wood carvings.

The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy at your own pace. In the evening, we’ll gather for dinner near Galerias de Paris, with its mix of stylish restaurants, vibrant bars, and energetic nightlife.

Accommodation: Hotel Mercure Porto Centro Santa Catarina 4★
Meals: Breakfast

We’ll begin our day early with a memorable journey along the Douro River. Before breakfast, we’ll head to the riverside quay to board a boat bound for Régua. As we sail through the tranquil waters, a delicious breakfast will be served on board, allowing you to enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the Douro Valley as the day begins.

Along the way, we’ll pass through the impressive Crestuma and Carrapatelo dams, remarkable feats of engineering that offer a unique glimpse into the region’s relationship with the river.

Lunch will also be served on board, giving you the chance to relax, savour local flavours, and take in the breathtaking landscapes that unfold along the riverbanks. Upon arrival in Régua, we’ll visit a prestigious Quinta do Douro, where we’ll enjoy a guided tasting of several varieties of the region’s renowned Port wine.

In the late afternoon, we’ll return to Porto by train. This is an incredible journey that offers a different and equally scenic perspective of the valley. Sit back, relax, and take the opportunity to unwind or share the day’s experiences with fellow travellers.

We’ll arrive at São Bento Station in Porto by evening, and from there, head to the city centre for a well-deserved dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel Mercure Porto Centro Santa Catarina 4★
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we’ll set off for Guimarães, known as the birthplace of the Portuguese nation. The journey, by private vehicle, takes approximately one hour through scenic landscapes.

Upon arrival, we’ll check into our accommodation before beginning our exploration of this historic city. We’ll start with a visit to the historic centre of Guimarães, a beautifully preserved area recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where charming streets and medieval architecture invite you to step back in time.

In the afternoon, we’ll tour the imposing Castelo de Guimarães, a symbol of the County of Portugal and a key site in the nation’s early struggles for independence. We’ll then visit the magnificent Paço dos Duques de Bragança, a 15th-century palace built by D. Afonso, which stands as one of Portugal’s most visited and treasured monuments.

As the day draws to a close, we recommend enjoying dinner at the picturesque Praça de Santiago, a charming square filled with inviting restaurants and a warm atmosphere.

Accommodation: Hotel Stay Hotel Guimarães Centro 4★
Meals: Breakfast

On the sixth day of our journey, we’ll travel a short distance of around 30 minutes to the captivating city of Braga, known for its rich history and vibrant cultural life.

Our first stop is the renowned Santuário do Bom Jesus do Monte, famous for its monumental Baroque staircase. We’ll climb these iconic steps to reach the sanctuary at the top, where we can take in breathtaking panoramic views of Braga and the surrounding landscape.

We’ll have lunch in Braga’s charming historic centre. We’ll then spend the afternoon exploring some of the city’s most significant landmarks. We’ll visit the Sé de Braga, one of the oldest and most important cathedrals in Portugal, with its fascinating blend of architectural styles.

Our walk continues through the impressive Arco da Porta Nova, an elegant stone gate adorned with Baroque and Neoclassical details, standing as a proud symbol of the city. 

Finally, we arrive at the Antigo Paço Arquiepiscopal, where we take time to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Jardim de Santa Bárbara, a peaceful garden nestled within the historic palace grounds.

The remainder of the day is free for you to wander Braga’s streets at your own pace, whether you choose to relax in a local café, explore hidden corners, or simply soak in the city’s charming atmosphere.

Accommodation: Hotel Moon & Sun Braga 4★
Meals: Breakfast
  

Today promises to be a full and rewarding day, so we’ll start early to make the most of every moment. After enjoying breakfast, we’ll set off for Ponte de Lima, a scenic journey of about one hour by private vehicle.

Known as the oldest and one of the most charming villages in Portugal, Ponte de Lima enchants locals and visitors alike. The Roman bridge, from which the village takes its name, stands as a testament to its ancient roots. We’ll wander through its medieval streets lined with traditional houses and take in the serene beauty of its well-tended gardens.

Before lunch, we continue to Arcos de Valdevez, where a delicious meal awaits. After dining, we’ll immerse ourselves in the village’s historic centre, discovering its quaint squares, charming architecture, and peaceful atmosphere.

In the late afternoon, we embark on the final leg of the day’s journey to Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês, a stunning natural sanctuary and Portugal’s only national park. The trip takes approximately one hour by private vehicle, and we’ll arrive just in time to settle in and enjoy a relaxing dinner surrounded by the park’s breathtaking landscape.

Accommodation: Pousada Gerês-Caniçada 4★
Meals: Breakfast
  

On this day, we’ll fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature. After breakfast, we’ll set out to explore the stunning landscapes of Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês.

We’ll start by exploring some of the most interesting points, including the incredible Cascata do Arado and Pedra Bela viewpoint, with a breathtaking view.

Our morning will begin with visits to some of the park’s most remarkable spots, including the spectacular Cascata do Arado, a powerful waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. We then head to the Pedra Bela viewpoint, where we are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the valley and mountains stretching as far as the eye can see.

In the afternoon, we’ll continue our adventure with more scenic trails, discovering hidden waterfalls and taking in awe-inspiring landscapes along the way. This is your chance to relax, breathe deeply, and fully enjoy the tranquillity and raw beauty of the natural surroundings.

As the day comes to an end, we’ll make our way back to Porto, where we will spend the night, carrying the serenity of the park with us.

Accommodation: Hotel Mercure Porto Centro Santa Catarina 4★
Meals: Breakfast

As our adventure comes to an end, we must say our goodbyes. Let us cherish every moment shared, each experience embraced, and every smile exchanged along the way.

Thank you for trusting us to take you on this unforgettable journey. See you soon!

Meals: Breakfast