Arrive at your first hotel in Porto. Perched on the banks of Douro River, this is a prime location in the Ribeira District and an excellent base for your time in the city.

Overnight Ribeira do Porto Hotel 3*, Porto.

Porto is a city that deserves exploration, on foot is certainly the best way. Navigate the steep cobbled streets contrasted by the bustling hub of activity on the riverside. During your stay, we’ve included tickets to visit the historic Livraria Lello Bookshop. Carrying over a century of stories with striking architecture inside, the most emblematic features are its iconic staircase and stain glass windows – and it’s rumoured to be where JK Rowling had her inspiration for Harry Potter.

In the afternoon, we have arranged a port tasting at a nearby, traditional Port House. The perfect introduction to its namesake city!

Overnight Ribeira do Porto Hotel 3*, Porto.

Wave goodbye to Porto for the day as you float down the Douro River, gaining a new vantage point of the rolling hills and terraced vineyards of UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Douro Wine Region. Sail past beautiful scenery as the river meanders through increasingly steep slopes, making your way towards Regua.

Return to Porto on one of the most scenic rail journeys in Portugal. After arriving in Porto’s main station, Campanha, we recommend taking the metro to São Bento station. Built between 1904 & 1916, the azulejo tiling in the main hall makes it one of Europe’s most beautiful stations, and a top Porto attraction. Make sure you call in here!

Overnight Ribeira do Porto Hotel 3*, Porto.

Take some time to explore more of Porto, not forgetting to sample the famous Pastel de Nata (Portuguese tart). When you’re ready, take the train (1hr) to your next hotel located in one of the most beautiful cities in Northern Portugal, Viana do Castelo.

Facing the River Lima, yet just a couple of minutes’ walk from the city centre, this is a fantastic base for your next 3 nights. Just a short walk from your hotel is the former Portuguese hospital ship, Gil Eannes, which operated off the coast of Newfoundland, now open as a museum ship. Well worth a stroll down in the evening to have a look and sample one of the nearby seafood restaurants.

Overnight Hotel Dona Aninhas 4*, Viana do Castelo.

Viana is rich in palaces emblazoned with coats of arms, churches and monasteries, monumental fountains and water features that constitute a wealth of heritage, well worth visiting. Dominating the skyline of Viana is the Santuario de Santa Luzia, a neo-byzantine church that stands atop the Monte de Santa Luzia hill; from here, you’ll be rewarded with one of the finest panoramic views in all of Portugal. Outside of the historic centre, it’s just a short walk to the coastline with long, sandy beaches, complemented by the backdrop of the green hills of the Minho region.

In the afternoon, we have arranged a wine tasting for you to sample the local wines of the area; transfers to/from your hotel are also included.

Overnight Hotel Dona Aninhas 4*, Viana do Castelo.

Today, we give you plenty of options to explore the very north of Portugal, even crossing the border into Spain. Trains from Viana to the coastal towns of Vila Praia de Ancora and Caminha are very regular and take just under 20mins. Whether you want to relax on the beach or wander the charming town centres, this is a varied, leisurely day.

We also recommend taking the short ferry (15mins) from Caminha across the River Minho to A Guarda in Galicia, Spain. Here, Santa Trega Mountain is a must see, offering incredible panoramic views of the River Minho and Atlantic Ocean.

Overnight Hotel Dona Aninhas 4*, Viana do Castelo.

Enjoy a relaxing morning in Viana before returning to the city that keeps on giving – Porto! Take your time exploring the rest of Porto at your own pace. Enjoy a glass of wine overlooking the beautiful river as you reflect on your Northern Portugal adventure – the perfect spot to watch the sun set over the city.

We offer the option to upgrade hotels on your last night to the luxury 5* Yeatman with unrivalled views and a unique gastronomic experience. Certainly, a memorable end to your trip!

Overnight Ribeira do Porto Hotel 3*, Porto. 

Wave goodbye to Porto with fond memories of Northern Portugal.