Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Porto - Guimarães - Pinhão
100% customisable for you
Your adventure to the enchanting landscapes of northern Portugal begins today with a two-hour flight to Porto, the nation’s beautiful second city. Head to the airport, whizz through security and enjoy some down time in the airport lounge with some nibbles and refreshments as you await departure. A private driver will be waiting for you on arrival to whisk you off to your first hotel: an elegant property nestled in the heart of the old town.
After settling in and freshening up, why not hit the ground running with a trip to the beach? Hop onto the old yet very well-maintained tram and travel along the River Douro to the choppy shores of Foz Beach. As for this evening, turn to your coveted destination-specific Dossier for our top picks of eateries in Porto. We particularly recommend seeking out a spot in nearby Villa Nova de Gaia, an upmarket neighbourhood perched on the other side of the river offering stunning views of Porto, as well as a generous collection of high-end restaurants and wineries.
Rise and shine, it’s your first full day in northern Portugal and there’s not a moment to waste. Head out this morning in the company of a clued-up local guide for a private walking tour of Porto. The walk is relaxed and based around what you want to see and do, so you can be entirely spontaneous. Whether you’re after a taste of Porto’s delicious namesake wine, a beautiful view of the Douro or a discovery of the city’s top sights, this tour is very much your oyster. This afternoon is then yours to play with. You can continue soaking in the delights of Porto at your own pace, or we can arrange for you to be met by a second seasoned guide for a private tour to learn all about the city’s gastronomic heritage.
Collect your spacious and comfortable rental car and hit the road to Guimarães, a well-preserved medieval city located an hour northeast of Porto. Hang up your hat for two nights in stylish yet cosy hotel in the centre of town and spend the rest of today discovering Guimarães with a knowledgeable private guide. Boasting a cathedral without a bishop, a palace without a king and a bridge without a river, Guimarães is a city of many paradoxes. It is also known as one of the most attractive cities in Portugal, owing to its breathtaking UNESCO-listed historic centre that unfolds around a pristine plaza (square). Other fascinating sites you can visit today include the towering Castle of Guimarães, the Saint Michel Chapel and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, a medieval estate dating back to the 15th century.
Spend today making the most of your base in Guimarães to visit Viana Do Castelo, a charming coastal town set at the mouth of the Lima River, a one-hour drive away. The town is renowned for its architectural heritage, with the elegant Praça da Republica, Basilica of Santa Luzia and Church of Misecordia taking centre stage. The basilica particularly dazzles with its panoramic views across the grand architectural gems that extend below. Viana Do Castelo is also a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts, with kitesurfing, windsurfing and kayaking all presented to you on a silver platter. Round off your day with a sunset drive back to your cosy hotel in Guimarães.
Your journey across northern Portugal continues today with an hour-and-a-half drive to Pinhão, a beautiful town nestled deep in the Portuguese hinterland. On arrival, check-in for two nights in a historic hotel surrounded by vineyards and spend the rest of today taking the pulse of your new countryside surroundings. Famed for its port wine production, Pinhão is surrounded by terraced hillsides, making it the perfect place to delve into the world of this indulgent dessert wine. We could also arrange for you to head out onto the river to enjoy a cruise in a private rabelo (traditional wooden cargo boat).
On today’s agenda: a private Jeep adventure in the prestigious Douro Valley followed by a wine tasting in a classic winery. Born in the mountains of old Spanish Castile, the Douro crosses Portugal from east to west for nearly 150 miles, finally flowing into the Portuguese waters in the Atlantic Ocean in Porto. While the slopes are epic, the river is calm and peaceful, regulated by large dams and gigantic locks. Bound through these varied landscapes aboard a Jeep as you journey to a private vineyard. Here you’ll learn all about the acclaimed history of port wine, secrets that have been passed down from generation to generation, regional grape varieties and both traditional and modern forms of port production. Naturally, the tour ends with a tasting of a selection of delicious port wines.
Sadly, the time has come to pack your bags and embark on the journey home. After a delicious breakfast this morning, hop back into your hire car and drive an hour-and-a-half back to the airport in Porto. Drop off your hire car, whizz through security and enjoy one final glass of port wine in the airport lounge as you await the departure of your two-hour flight back to the UK.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
ENQUIRE NOW
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
