Porto & The Best of Nature: 10-Day Road Trip

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.

Suggestions for the day: Charming Villages of Castro Laboreiro, Soajo & Lindoso

• Castro Laboreiro: Drive to the village of Castro Laboreiro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique granite houses and Celtic roots.
• Soajo: Continue your journey to Soajo, known for its traditional "espigueiros," granaries raised on stone pillars to protect crops from rodents. Walk around the village and visit Matriz de Soajo Church.
• Lindoso: In the afternoon, continue your drive to the village of Lindoso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lindoso is also famous for its "espigueiros" and has a charming historical center, including a beautiful 13th-century castle. Explore the village and soak up the local atmosphere. You can also visit some of the local shops and sample regional products.
• Portela do Homem: Head to the iconic Portela do Homem waterfall, and take a refreshing dip in the natural pool at the base of the falls (weather permitting).
• Before returning to the hotel, consider stopping at the São Bento da Porta Aberta Sanctuary, a 16th-century monastery perched on a mountaintop.

Say goodbye to Gerês and drive to Douro (about a 2-hour drive following the A7 route). Check-in to your hotel in the Douro region. We recommend adding an early check-in to your hotel for a more comfortable arrival.

Suggestion for the day: Douro Boat Trip

• Go on an unforgettable Douro River Boat Trip: In the afternoon (or during sunset), embark on a tranquil boat trip along the Douro River and discover why it's one of the region's top experiences. Glide through stunning landscapes of terraced vineyards and quaint villages, soaking in the beauty of Portugal's renowned wine country. 
• In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as the "alheira de Mirandela" (typical Portuguese sausage), "leitão" (roasted suckling pig), or "bacalhau" (codfish), accompanied by a glass of one of the many incredible Douro wines.

Suggestion for the day: Douro's Finest "Quintas"

Visit one (or more!) of the fantastic wineries of the Douro Valley. Many of them offer tours and tastings, so you can learn about the winemaking process and sample some of the region's finest wines.

• Quinta do Naval
• Quinta do Seixo
• Quinta da Vega Sicilia

In between winery visits, take some time to explore the charming villages and towns of the Douro Valley. Most of these villages are small and walkable, and they offer a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the region.

• Peso da Régua
• Pinhão
• Lamego
• Mesão Frio
• Favaios
• Alijó

Suggestion for the day: Vineyards Biking or Hiking

If you're feeling active, today is a great day to go for a hike or bike ride through the vineyards. There are many hiking trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging.

• Casal de Loivos (7 km/ 4.3 miles)
• São Salvador do Mundo (8 km/5 miles)
• Covas do Douro (10 km/ 6.2 miles)

Take the afternoon to enjoy your hotel's amenities, enjoy a picnic in the middle in the middle of the vineyards (many hotels in the Douro are used to preparing a picnic basket so that clients can take to the vineyards), or have dinner/lunch at a local vineyard restaurant.

Say goodbye to the incredible Douro region and drive to Porto (about a 2-hour drive following the A4 highway). Arrive in Porto and check in at your hotel. Please consider adding early check-in for more comfort.

Suggestion for the day: Downtown Porto

Start by exploring and walking around downtown Porto and get to know the city's unique highlights! The historic center of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts a rich tapestry of architectural styles reflecting its 2,000-year history. 

Don’t Miss:

• D. Luís I Bridge: This iconic double-decker bridge offers stunning panoramic views of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Take a walk across the bridge for a unique perspective, or hop on a tram for a thrilling ride.

• Ribeira District: Explore the heart of Porto's historic center. Wander through the charming Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its colorful houses, narrow streets, and lively atmosphere.

• Livraria Lello: A haven for bookworms, this historic bookstore boasts a beautiful neo-gothic facade and a grand staircase said to have inspired J.K. Rowling. Be prepared for queues, though!

• Torre dos Clérigos: Climb the 225 steps of the Clérigos Tower for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. Don't miss the adjacent Igreja do Clerigos church, known for its baroque architecture.

• Porto Cathedral (Sé Catedral do Porto): This imposing Romanesque cathedral is the oldest church in Porto. Climb the bell tower for stunning city views and admire the intricate architecture.

• São Francisco Church: Immerse yourself in the extravagant Baroque style at São Francisco Church. Be sure to marvel at the opulent gilded woodwork and the azulejo tilework within.

• Majestic Café: Step back in time at the Majestic Café, a Belle Époque gem known for its art nouveau interior and delicious Portuguese pastries.

Suggestion for the day: Beyond Porto’s City Center

There's so much more to discover in Porto! Explore other highlights beyond the historic center, all easily accessible by foot or the convenient metro system.

 Here are a few ideas:

• Capela das Almas: This captivating 18th-century chapel is a visual feast, adorned with thousands of blue and white azulejo tiles depicting scenes from the lives of saints. 

• Mercado do Bolhão: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Porto's bustling Bolhão Market. Explore the stalls overflowing with fresh produce, local delicacies, and Portuguese crafts.

• Jardins do Palácio de Cristal: Escape the urban buzz and find tranquility in these beautifully landscaped gardens. Explore the pavilions, wander through the serene walkways, and enjoy a moment of peace surrounded by nature.

• Casa da Música: Witness a symphony of architecture at Casa da Música, a modern concert hall known for its unique and eye-catching design. Take a tour or catch a performance and experience the magic of music in this stunning setting.

• Serralves Museum & Gardens: Go into the world of modern and contemporary art at this museum. Explore the impressive collection and don't miss the beautifully manicured gardens, a haven for art and nature enthusiasts alike.

• Vila Nova de Gaia: Venture across the iconic D. Luis I Bridge by tram and explore the neighboring town of Vila Nova de Gaia. Here, you can delve into the world of Port wine with tours and tastings at the many cellars, or simply relax on the waterfront and soak up the beautiful scenery.

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.

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!