Tour of Northern and Central Portugal: Minho, the Douro Valley, Aveiro, and Porto

Day 1: Brussels – Porto – Viana do Castelo

After landing in Porto, pick up your rental car and drive to Viana do Castelo, where the River Lima meets the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll stay here for two nights. Once you’ve settled in, wander through the historic centre, find a terrace on Praça da República or head straight to the coast for some sea air. Your holiday has begun!

Day 2: Viana do Castelo

Take your time exploring Viana do Castelo today. Admire the grand buildings around Praça da República, then follow the old streets towards the river. Later, head up to the Santa Luzia Sanctuary above the city. The view over the Lima and the Atlantic coast is worth one more photo. Rather feel the sand beneath your feet? The beach is perfect for a walk by the ocean.

Day 3: Through the Minho to Guimarães

Drive deeper into the green Minho region, passing through Vila Nova de Cerveira and the fortified town of Valença on your way towards Monção. This is Alvarinho country, known for its fresh white wine. Stop in a village or visit a winery along the way, then continue to Guimarães for a two-night stay. Save a little energy for a first walk through the centre: behind its old façades, you’ll find plenty of inviting places for dinner.

Day 4: Braga or Peneda-Gerês

You have two very different options today. In Braga, explore the historic centre and visit Bom Jesus do Monte, famous for its grand staircase and the view from the top. If you’d rather spend the day outdoors, drive to Peneda-Gerês National Park for mountain scenery and small villages. The park means more time in the car, so it’s best to choose one plan and enjoy it fully.

Day 5: Guimarães – Amarante – Douro Valley

Start your morning in Guimarães’ historic centre, then drive to the Douro Valley via Amarante. Stop for a walk along the River Tâmega or have lunch before continuing. In the Douro, terraced vineyards follow every bend in the river. Spot a viewpoint you like? Pull over and take it all in. Your hotel can wait. You’ll spend two nights in the region.

Day 6: Douro Valley

Visit a winery, stroll through Pinhão and see the azulejo tiles at its railway station, or take a boat trip on the Douro. There’s no need to fit everything in. A long lunch overlooking the vineyards is just as good a way to spend the day. Want to see the prehistoric rock art of Vale do Côa? Set aside a full day for it, as the winding roads make the drive longer than it looks on the map.

Day 7: Via Viseu and the Dão wine region to Aveiro

Drive via Lamego to Viseu, where you can park the car, explore the centre and stop for lunch. Afterwards, you could visit a winery in the Dão region before heading to Aveiro or Ílhavo for a three-night stay. You’ll probably arrive in the evening, so leave the canals and coast for tomorrow. First, find somewhere good to eat.

Day 8: Aveiro and Costa Nova

Walk along Aveiro’s canals and watch the colourful moliceiro boats pass under the bridges. Try an ovo mole, the local sweet treat, with your coffee. Then drive to Costa Nova to see its striped houses. Once you’ve taken the photos, there’s still time for the beach and a walk along the Atlantic.

Day 9: Ílhavo and Vista Alegre

Visit the maritime museum in Ílhavo to learn about Portugal’s cod fishing history and the long voyages to the waters off Newfoundland. Then head to Vista Alegre, known for its porcelain. At the museum, you can see how its designs and techniques have changed over the years. Still craving sea air? The lagoon and coast are close by.

Day 10: Aveiro – Porto

Drive to Porto for the final two nights of your trip. Depending on your hotel, you may be able to return your rental car when you arrive. Pass through São Bento station to admire its azulejo tiles, then walk by the cathedral and down to Ribeira. There’s always a terrace along the waterfront where you can watch the boats on the Douro. The sightseeing can wait until your drink arrives.

Day 11: Porto

Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia for a visit to a port wine cellar. Afterwards, walk back to Ribeira, visit a museum or settle in for a long lunch overlooking the river. Leave some time for any side streets that catch your eye. For your last evening, pick a good restaurant. A glass of port afterwards feels only right.

Day 12: Homeward bound

Enjoy one last breakfast in Porto before heading to the airport. If you still have your rental car, return it there. Then fly back to Brussels with a phone full of photos and perhaps a bottle of wine in your suitcase.

Frequently asked questions about this trip

Do you need a rental car for this trip?

Yes. A rental car takes you from the Minho through the Douro Valley to Aveiro, with the freedom to stop at villages and viewpoints along the way. You may be able to return it when you reach Porto, as the city is easy to explore on foot.

Which wine regions will you visit?

You’ll travel through the Minho, known for Vinho Verde and Alvarinho, past the vineyards of the Douro Valley and through the Dão wine region around Viseu.

What if you prefer nature to cities?

You could take a day trip from Guimarães to Peneda-Gerês National Park. In the Douro Valley, you can explore by boat or go for a walk. We’ll shape the details around what you enjoy most.

Can you extend this trip?

Yes. An extra night in the Douro Valley gives you more time for a boat trip or a winery visit. If you’d rather spend longer in the city, you can add extra nights in Porto.