Porto & Minho: A Roadtrip to Unwind

Suggestion for the day - Peneda-Gerês National Park Exploration: 

• After a hearty breakfast, venture into the stunning Peneda-Gerês National Park.
• Explore the breathtaking natural beauty, with its majestic mountains, cascading waterfalls, and serene lakes.
• Hike through scenic trails and encounter the local wildlife.
• Return to Arcos de Valdevez for a relaxing evening.

Suggestion for the day - Minho Wine Region:

• Depart for the Minho Wine Region, known for its vineyards and excellent wines.
• Visit local wineries, learn about the winemaking process, and indulge in wine tastings.
• Enjoy a delightful lunch paired with regional delicacies.
• Return to Arcos de Valdevez and spend the evening at your leisure.

The scenic drive to Porto is approximately 1 hour, covering a distance of 102 km (63 mi). Enjoy the beautiful journey as you make your way to this charming destination.

Suggestion for the day:

• We recommend taking a stroll around downtown Porto and having a “francesinha” for lunch/ dinner accompanied by Portuguese wine.

Highlights :

• Bridge D. Luís I
• Ribeira
• Livraria Lello
• Torre dos Clérigos
• Majestic Café.

Suggestion for the day:

• Drive to Guimarães (33 mi/ 54 km, approximately 40 minutes). Guimarães is known as the "Cradle City" of Portugal since it was here that the first King of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, was born. Associated with the formation of Portugal, the historic center of Guimarães was classified as an official World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The city is remarkably well-preserved, and its rich heritage and history is demonstrated by the graceful iron balconies, granite balconies, and porches, manor houses, arches connecting narrow streets, floor slabs smoothed by time, towers and cloisters that abound everywhere the eye can see. In this city, for a moment, it seems as if you stepped back in time to a medieval setting, where nobility built jaw-dropping villas, like the Casa Mota Prego, the Palácio de Vila Flor, do Toural and many others--all of which give Guimarães a unique and awe-inspiring atmosphere.

Highlights in Guimarães: Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, Guimarães Old Town, Guimarães Castle, Citânia dos Briteiros.

Suggestions for the day:

• Explore coastal Porto: Foz do Douro, Matosinhos, Senhor da Pedra.
• Visit Aveiro: Situated between the sea and the ria (estuary) and criss-crossed by a network of channels, it is no wonder that Aveiro is often referred to as "The Venice of Portugal". Visitors can cruise the water-filled landscape of Aveiro aboard moliceiros (these slim, colorful boats used to be used by locals to collect algae and seaweed), or hop on a "BUGA" bicycle to cruise the flat streets of the city.  Marvel at the beautiful Art Nouveau architecture that marks the city along the main channel. Visit Aveiro's many museums dedicated to its history, art and architecture.