Get to know the overwhelming and mountainous nature of northern Portugal. Here, in the 'land beyond the mountains', there is pure simplicity and authenticity, which is also typical for the excellent local products. Especially the wines you can enjoy here. The rugged natural beauty makes this northern region a true hiking paradise. Let yourself be seduced by the 'real' Portugal!
Day 1 : Departure to Porto - Douro valley
You will arrive in Porto, where you will first collect your rental car. A scenic drive along the winding Douro with impressive landscapes and vineyards, will take you to a Caractère hotel of your choice, in which you will stay for two nights.
Day 2 : From the 'Solar de Mateus' to Amarante
Today you will visit the famous winery 'Solar de Mateus' near Vila Real, a jewel of baroque. Passing through Vila Real, you then drive to Amarante, idyllically situated on the banks of the Tâmega.
Day 3 : Vale do Coâ - Bragança - Chaves - Vidago
You leave the Douro region towards Vale do Coâ, an important open-air paleolithic engraving site and the Parque Arqueológico do Côa with an impressive contemporary museum. After this, continue to Bragança, the city with a glorious past referring to one of its most distinguished families. Depart Bragança towards Vidago via Chaves, known for its exquisite smoked ham (presunto), where you will stay two nights at a Caractère hotel.
Day 4 : Pedras Salgadas - Vila Pouca de Aguiar
A day programme will take you to the Pedras Salgadas park with its beneficial water springs. Then you will head to Vila Pouca de Aguiar, where you will visit the Castelo de Pena de Aguiar, the remains of a medieval castle whose origins date back to Roman rule.
Day 5 : Bom Jesus - Braga - Telões - Viana do Castelo - Vila do Conde
Through the beautiful Parque Nacional do Peneda Gerês, covering an area of 72,000 hectares, or through Guimarães, the former capital of Portugal you will continue your journey towards Bom Jesus and Braga. The world-renowned Santuário de Bom Jesus do Monte and its impressive 'Staircase of the 5 Senses' is the absolute highlight of Portuguese Baroque. Braga is the country's most important religious centre. This was where Afonso Henriques proclaimed himself the country's first king. Afterwards, you will head to Telões (Amarante) where you will stay for 2 nights.
Day 6 : Valença do Minho: flirting with the Spanish border
Historic Valença do Minho is a pleasant town enthroned high above the Minho River, with plenty of historical monuments. Just across the Spanish border, you will visit charming Baiona, a lively seaside town with a lovely fishing port.
Day 7 : Viana do Castelo - Povoa de Varzim - Porto
Your day starts with a visit to Viana do Castelo, a charming seaside town in the Minoan region located on the Atlantic Ocean, with numerous Manueline- and Renaissance-style houses. The centre of Viana is the Praça da Republica, which is the central square full of beautiful buildings that best reflect Viana's glory days. After this, you will pass through Povoa de Varzim to Porto where you will stay 2 nights in a Caractère hotel of your choice.
Day 8 : Porto
Apart from its beautiful historic centre, Porto is also known for its many port houses located in the city, including the big names Taylors, Sandeman and Ramos Pinto. A tasting is a must!
Day 9 : Going home
On the ninth day of your trip, you will return your rental car and wait for your return flight. Don't feel like returning home yet? We will be happy to arrange an extension at one of our Caractère hotels of your choice.
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