One of our most popular Portuguese tours is this incredible trip to Northern Portugal, and with good reason. We delve into this beautiful region with sun-drenched vineyards, historical landmarks and charming villages. Highlights include a guided tour of the historic city of Porto, sample Port at a local wine estate, a guided tour to O Grove in Galacia and a river cruise on Spain’s Ria de Arousa. No trip to the region would be complete without a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Guimarães.
Guimaraes
Bom Jesus do Monte Monastery in Braga
Vila Nova de Gaia with Monastery of Serra do Pilar
Bom Jesus do Monte Monastery in Braga
Itinerary
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Porto & Wine Estate Visit
Today we enjoy a guided tour of the historic city of Porto, Portugal’s second city, with its beautiful buildings and atmospheric squares. In the afternoon we visit a Port wine estate across the river in the Vila Nova de Gaia area and learn the process of producing Port whilst enjoying a sample or two!
Day 3 Vila Praia de Ancora Driver’s Day Off
Today we enjoy a relaxing day in our resort. We can spend time in our hotel, making the most of the leisure facilities, or explore the nearby golden sands.
Day 4 Guided Tour to Galicia with Cruise
Today we are joined for the day by a local step on guide who will accompany us north into Spain. First, we visit the pretty Galician island of La Toja, before enjoying a 1-hour cruise on the Ria de Arousa including mussels and wine tasting. After lunch, we return south with stops at the old quarter of Combarro, and the border town of Valença overlooking the River Minho.
Day 5 Guimarães & Braga
This morning, we head inland to the historic town of Guimarães for a guided walking tour. The first capital of Portugal and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is often referred to as the birthplace of the Portuguese nationality and is one of the most atmospheric towns in the north of Portugal. Visit the 10th century castle, the 15th century Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and the picturesque Praça de Oliveira. In the afternoon we make our way to the town of Braga. Attractions here include the Bom Jesus Sanctuary, one of the most remarkable examples of 18th century religious architecture, which is breathtakingly beautiful and decorated with fountains and stone carvings.
Days 6 Portugal to UK
Today we depart Portugal and begin our journey back to the UK.
Hotel
Hotel Meira
Vila Praia de Ancora
The Hotel Meira is a small and friendly family-run hotel situated in the city of Vila Praia de Ancora. Just a few minutes’ walk away is a wide sandy beach. The hotel’s stylish and modern air-conditioned guest rooms are fully-equipped with hairdryer, bathroom toiletries, safe, 24-hour room service and a pillow menu for ultimate comfort. A daily breakfast buffet is available from the light and airy restaurant. Guests can relax in the welcoming bar, or perhaps enjoy the hotel’s spa or use of the sauna, Turkish bath, outdoor pool and terrace.
• Lift • Breakfast room • Bar • Leisure facilities • Coach parking is off-site and free of charge
BarLiftParking Off Site & Free of Charge
Pricing
5 Nights Half Board
Based on Friday departures
Inclusions
- Full day guided tour to Galicia
- 1-hour cruise with mussels and wine tasting
- Half-day guided tour of Porto
- Tour of Port wine estate & tasting
- Half-day guided tour of Guimarães
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION
Alternative accommodation at the popular Axis Vermar Hotel in Povoa de Varzim.
