The Pearls of the North of Portugal, Self-drive

Choose this self-drive tour around Portugal and spend eight memorable days exploring the superb culture and landscapes of this country. Visit its inspiring, lively towns and catch a glimpse of the scenic, historical villages. Stroll the beautifully arranged streets of Oporto admiring its picturesque location, walk the mesmerizing alleys of Guimarães, and enjoy delicious wines in one of the local cellar in the Peso da Régua and Oporto.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Oporto: one of the oldest cities in Europe, surrounded by the stunning hills and blue rivers. Beautiful plazas, churches and houses with colourfully tiled façades are the architectural treasures of this city, and the taste of local wine and gastronomy will take you to become a part of this unique culture   

Guimarães: attractive historic city, filled with medieval atmosphere that is expressed at many castles and medieval fortresses, often recognized as a cradle of Portugal

Peso da Régua: picturesque town settled on the banks of the River Duoro, one of the principal region of wine production. 

Day 1: ARRIVAL OPORTO

Arrive at Oporto International Airport, meet and greet by our local representative who will assist you with your car hire and inform you how to proceed on your departure day. Enjoy the rest of the day while exploring this beautiful town. Few cities are as packed history as this one is, with classic and surprising sites, cultural treasures, and a beautiful setting that makes it a paradise for walkers and photographers. Drive to your first hotel and check in to spend the night.

Overnight in Oporto.

Day 2: OPORTO

Wake up to your tasty breakfast and get ready for your first Portuguese drive. Today you could drive out of the city, to explore the charming vineyards of Oporto. The region is famed for the production of Porto wine, which is still stored and manufactured in the vast cellars that stretch along the banks of the Douro River. We suggest the visit to the wine cellars that are located right across the river. Nearly all port wine cellars provide guided tours and tastings. Caves Ferreira, Caves Calém, Caves Churchill or Caves Taylor's are few popular cellar where you can enjoy a great wine degustation and learn about the wine art of this region. Once back in Oporto fill your energy with the typical local dish – Francesinha, which is steak, sliced ham and spicy sausage between toasted bread, all covered with melted cheese and a hot sauce. The recipe is kept secret for whole generations. 

Overnight in Oporto.

Day 3: OPORTO – GUIMARAES (70 km – 1 h)

Enjoy your morning breakfast at the hotel and prepare yourself for your following destination. Guimarães is considered the cradle of Portugal, as D. Afonso Henriques, who became the first independent King of Portugal, was born here. The historical center in the area that was within Guimarães city walls, is associated with the creation and identity of Portugal and was classified a World Heritage site based on the originality and authenticity applied in its restoration. Beautiful sites are Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, Guimarães Castle, Citânia de Briteiros, São Francisco church and the Gardens of Palacio de Vila Flor. After the full day sightseeing, check-in to your hotel and perhaps stroll down the streets of this royal town and try some of the local dishes.

Overnight in Guimarães.

Day 4: GUIMARAES

Start your day with the breakfast at the hotel. Today you can explore even deeper the traditional gastronomy of this region by visiting one of many convents, rise to all sorts of confectionery as by tradition the nuns, would be donate ingredients like eggs on special occasions. Egg yolks, along with almonds and cinnamon are the main ingredients in the pastry, Tortas de Guimarães, while toucinho do céu (bacon from heaven) is a traditional almond cake that also relies on a lot of egg yolks. For savoury food papas de sarrabulho is a rich, filling meat dish with various pork products, beef and chicken, made in the winter months. 

Overnight in Guimarães.

Day 5: GUIMARAES – PESO DA RÉGUA (110 km – 1.15 hrs)

After breakfast continue your drive to another famous wine region- Peso da Régua. This agriculture area is situated on the bank of the River Douro and its vineyard is fabulously shaping the whole landscape and offer spectacular views to all its visitors. Until the last century Peso da Régua was the place, where the barrels were loaded onto wooden boats, known as Rabelos, and shipped down to Vila Nova de Gaia at the mouth of the Douro. And this is also the base of the oldest demarcated wine region in the world, the Douro DOC, regulated since 1756. Wine tour, river trips and walks through this incomparable landscape all need to be in your plans. Explore the region with Port Wine, Wine Tours and Douro Historical Train in your plans. In the evening give a try to the Peso da Régua's gastronomy. Here you can appreciate rice in the oven with roast lamb, "custard", and a regional candy "Rebuçados da Régua". 

Overnight in Peso da Régua.

Day 6: PESO DA RÉGUA – CASTELO DE PAIVA – PESO DA RÉGUA (220 km – 3 hrs)

After morning breakfast at the hotel visit Castelo de Paiva, a municipality in northern Portugal, located about an hour from the city of Aveiro. The city is a getaway to the north of the Montanhas Mágicas territory and its river system, that includes the river Douro, Paiva, Arda, and Sadoura Rivers, defined the whole beauty of this region. Surrounded by hills and valleys, it offers fascinating views over this stunning landscape. From the cultural sites make sure you visit the Marmoiral de Sobrado, the Pelourinho de Raiva, the Medieval graves dug in Penedo de Vegide; and the manor houses, especially the Solar de Boavista and the Solar da Fisga with charming fountains and gardens and in the evening try out some traditional dishes at one of the local restaurants. Baked rice in the oven, Sta. Euforme's chive steaks, traditional roast veal, farmer's stew, and many more delightful plates taste delicious accompanied by the excellent Vinho Verde de Paiva.

Overnight in Peso da Régua. 

Day 7: PESO DA RÉGUA – OPORTO (120 km – 1.5 hrs)

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and the last moments in this tranquil atmosphere of Peso da Régua. Today you will drive back to Oporto. Stroll down the streets and enjoy buzzing streets, musicians, and vibes of this city for the last time.

Overnight in Oporto.

Day 8: DEPARTURE OPORTO

Spend your last morning in Portugal savouring your breakfast. Then, return the rental car at the Oporto Airport and prepare for your return flight.