Northern Portugal Pearls Self-Drive

Arrive at Oporto International Airport, where our local representative will welcome you and assist with your car hire, as well as provide guidance for your departure day. After settling in, take the opportunity to explore this historic city at your own pace. Porto is rich in heritage, offering a mix of classic landmarks and hidden gems set against a stunning riverside backdrop—ideal for walking and photography. When ready, drive to your hotel and check in for your first night in Porto.

After breakfast, set off on your first drive through the Portuguese countryside. Head out of Porto to explore the region’s renowned vineyards, famous for producing Port wine. Along the banks of the Douro River, you’ll find extensive wine cellars where Port is still aged and stored. We recommend visiting one of the well-known cellars just across the river—options include Caves Ferreira, Caves Calém, Caves Churchill or Caves Taylor’s. Each offers guided tours and tastings, providing insight into the region’s winemaking traditions. Once back in Porto, refuel with a Francesinha, a local speciality consisting of steak, sliced ham and spicy sausage layered between toasted bread, topped with melted cheese and a secret spicy sauce. Spend the night in Porto.

After breakfast, we leave Porto and drive to Guimar?es, known as the birthplace of Portugal. This historic city is where D. Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, was born. We explore the well-preserved medieval centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its authentic restoration. Highlights include the Palace of the Dukes of Bragan?a, Guimar?es Castle, the Cit?nia de Briteiros archaeological site, São Francisco Church, and the gardens of the Pal?cio de Vila Flor. After a full day of sightseeing, we check in to your hotel. You may wish to take a leisurely evening stroll through the charming streets and sample some local cuisine. Overnight in Guimar?es.

After breakfast at the hotel, spend the day delving deeper into the traditional gastronomy of the Guimar?es region. Visit one of the local convents, where nuns historically used donated ingredients such as eggs to create distinctive pastries. Sample Tortas de Guimar?es, a sweet treat made with egg yolks, almonds and cinnamon, or try toucinho do c?u, an almond cake rich in egg yolks. For something savoury, papas de sarrabulho is a hearty winter dish combining various pork products, beef and chicken. Enjoy the day exploring these culinary traditions before returning to your hotel in Guimar?es for the night.

After breakfast, continue your drive to Peso da Régua, a renowned wine region nestled on the banks of the Douro River. The vineyards here shape the landscape, offering spectacular views at every turn. Historically, Peso da Régua was the loading point for barrels onto traditional wooden boats called rabelos, which transported wine downriver to Vila Nova de Gaia. This area forms the heart of the Douro DOC, the world’s oldest demarcated wine region, established in 1756. We include opportunities to explore the region through wine tours, river cruises and the historic Douro train. In the evening, sample local dishes such as oven-baked rice with roast lamb, custard desserts, and the regional sweet known as Rebuçados da Régua. Overnight in Peso da Régua.

After breakfast, we visit Castelo de Paiva, a municipality in northern Portugal about an hour from Aveiro. Nestled within the Montanhas Mágicas region, this area is defined by its network of rivers—the Douro, Paiva, Arda and Sadoura—and framed by hills and valleys that create striking landscapes. We explore cultural highlights including the Marmoiral de Sobrado, the Pelourinho de Raiva, medieval graves carved into Penedo de Vegide, and notable manor houses such as Solar de Boavista and Solar da Fisga, known for their charming fountains and gardens. In the evening, you can enjoy traditional local dishes at one of the town’s restaurants, with options like baked rice, Sta. Eufórmia’s chive steaks, roast veal, and farmer’s stew, all well complemented by the region’s renowned Vinho Verde de Paiva. We stay overnight in Peso da Régua.

After breakfast, take in the peaceful surroundings of Peso da Régua before driving back to Porto. Once in the city, enjoy some free time to wander through its lively streets, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere filled with street musicians and local energy. Spend your final night in Porto, reflecting on your journey.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on your final morning in Portugal. Afterwards, return your rental car at Oporto Airport and make your way to check in for your departure flight.