Porto & The Best of Nature Road Trip

Suggestion for the day: Travel to the “Venice of Portugal” 

Aveiro, often referred to as the "Venice of Portugal," is a charming coastal city renowned for its picturesque canals, vibrant Moliceiro boats adorned with colorful decorations, and unique Art Nouveau architecture. Situated along the Ria de Aveiro lagoon, this city seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, offering visitors a delightful mix of cultural heritage, culinary delights, and natural beauty. Don’t Miss:

• Aveiro Canals: Explore the scenic canals of Aveiro aboard a Moliceiro boat cruise. These traditional boats, once used for harvesting seaweed, now offer visitors a leisurely way to admire Aveiro's colorful architecture and historic landmarks.
• Costa Nova: Visit the charming village of Costa Nova, known for its brightly painted striped houses. This former fishing district boasts a beach, vibrant streets, and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Aveiro Cathedral (Sé de Aveiro): Admire the Aveiro Cathedral, a striking blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture dating back to the 15th century. 
• Art Nouveau Route: Wander through Aveiro's streets to explore its Art Nouveau buildings. 
• Salt Pans of Aveiro: Learn about Aveiro's salt production heritage with a visit to the Salt Pans.

Tips for Your Visit:

• Aveiro is easily accessible from Porto by train or car (about 1 hour). Once in Aveiro, the city center and main attractions are within walking distance.
• Indulge in Aveiro's gastronomic specialties, including seafood dishes and sweet treats like "Tripas de Aveiro" and “Ovos Moles de Aveiro” (sweet pastries).
• Consider taking a Moliceiro boat tour early in your visit to get a comprehensive overview of Aveiro's canals and landmarks.
• Explore local crafts and souvenirs, such as ceramic tiles and handmade lace, perfect for bringing home a piece of Aveiro's culture.
• From Porto city center to Aveiro:
  • Driving distance: approx. 75 km / 47 miles
  • Driving time: about 1 hour (via A1 or A29, depending on traffic)

Overnight in Porto

Suggestion for the day: Explore the Village of Gerês

• Visit São Francisco Church, an 18th-century church with a beautiful Baroque interior.
• Take a stroll through the village square and browse the local shops selling handicrafts and regional products.
• Relax at one of the local thermal baths, like the Termas do Gerês/Caldas do Gerês. Located about 4 km from the village center, Termas do Gerês offers thermal pools, spa treatments, and wellness programs amidst the beautiful natural surroundings of the national park
• In the evening, enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner at a restaurant in Gerês. Sample dishes like "cozido à portuguesa" (a hearty stew) or "bacalhau à Brás" (shredded cod with potatoes, onions, and eggs).

Overnight in Gerês

Suggestion for the day: Peneda-Gerês National Park

• Stop at the Mata da Albergaria National Forest, a beautiful area with walking paths and picnic areas. You can relax here, enjoy the fresh air, and admire the scenery.
• Continue your drive to the Pedra Bela Viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Here you can take in the breathtaking beauty of the park and capture some amazing photos.
• Drive to Fecha de Barjas/Tahiti Waterfalls, a series of beautiful cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery.
• In the afternoon, drive to the Caniçada Dam, a large dam nestled in the mountains. There's a viewpoint here where you can admire the dam and the lake it creates. You can also go for a boat ride on the lake or have a picnic lunch by the water.
• If you're more active and feel like going on a hike or mountain bike adventure, we recommend Pitões das Júnias (4 km), 7 Lakes of Gerês (10-12 km), or Miradouros Trail (10 km).
• To finish your day and before returning to the hotel, enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner in one of the many restaurants in Gerês. Some of the traditional dishes here include "papas de sarrabulho", "rojões", goat meat, Portuguese stew, and lamprey.

Overnight in Gerês

The Douro Valley is one of Portugal’s most remarkable regions, where terraced vineyards follow the curves of the Douro River. As Portuguese travel experts, we see the Douro as a place best enjoyed at a slower pace — through its landscapes, historic wine estates, river cruises, and the deep-rooted traditions that make this valley a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The drive into the Douro Valley is part of the experience. If you’ve already enjoyed the mountain scenery in Gerês, take the highway route and save energy for the N222, which is where the Douro scenery truly shines. From Gerês to the Douro Valley (Pinhão area):

• Driving distance: approx. 150 km / 93 miles
• Driving time: about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the route and traffic

Suggestion for the day: Peso da Régua & Pinhão

• Peso da Régua – Stop to understand the region’s wine heritage at the Museu do Douro
• Continue to Pinhão, considered the heart of the valley
• Visit the historic Estação Ferroviária do Pinhão, famous for its hand-painted tiles
• Optional Douro River cruise or a relaxed wine tasting at a local quinta

Overnight in Douro

Suggestion for the day: Wine Estates & Scenic Viewpoints

• Visit a renowned wine estate such as Quinta do Bomfim or Quinta da Roêda for a guided tasting
• Enjoy lunch overlooking the river at a vineyard restaurant
• Drive to some of the valley’s most beautiful viewpoints:
  • Miradouro de Casal de Loivos
  • São Leonardo de Galafura

Overnight in Douro

Suggestion for the day: Lamego

• Explore Lamego, known for its cultural and religious heritage
• Visit the iconic Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, with its grand staircase and panoramic views
• Stroll through the historic centre and enjoy a traditional lunch

Overnight in Douro

Drive back to Porto for one final night before heading home in comfort. The next day, the drive to the airport is easy and short.

• Driving distance: approx. 125 km / 78 miles

Suggestion for the day: Souvenir Shopping in Porto

For your final day in Porto, slow down and enjoy the local food scene. Wander without a plan, stop for petiscos, try classic dishes, and savour a long meal paired with local wine. A simple, authentic way to end your time in the city.

What to Buy in Porto — Quick Picks (Souvenirs)

• Port wine – A classic and iconic gift (Ruby, Tawny, or Vintage)
• Local olive oil – High-quality and easy to pack
• Craft cork items – Wallets, coasters, bags — uniquely Portuguese
• Azulejos (tiles) – Small decorative tiles with traditional patterns
• Mini bottles of ginjinha – Sweet cherry liqueur, great as a treat or gift

Where to Find Them

• Local markets like Mercado do Bolhão
• Shops along Rua de Santa Catarina
• Boutique stores in the Ribeira district

Note: Please be aware of your airline’s luggage and liquid policies when purchasing souvenirs, especially items such as wine, olive oil, or other liquids.

Overnight in Porto

One last stop: returning your rental car.

Thank you for choosing us to be your travel companions on this adventure! It's been a pleasure assisting you in creating unforgettable memories. We wish you happy travels and until next time!