Itinerary
- Day 1
Porto to Viana do Castelo
You'll land at Porto airport and pick up your rental car for the drive north to Viana do Castelo. Once there, start by walking through the main square to see the historic Renaissance fountain, then make your way up to Santa Luzia Sanctuary where you get panoramic views over the city, river, and Atlantic coast. Spend some time down by the riverside watching local fishermen at work, and grab lunch at one of the traditional taverns serving fresh seafood.
- Start point
- Avenida De Pedras Rubras, 4470-750 Vila Nova da Telha, Porto, Portugal (Aeroporto Francisco Sá Carneiro)
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Selected hotels/accommodations)
Optional Activities
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage Porto historic centre with guided tour
- Guided tour and tasting at a Port Wine cellar
Landmarks Santa Luzia Sanctuary Porto Historic Centre 
- Day 2
Ponte de Lima - Soajo
Head out from Viana do Castelo toward Ponte de Lima, Portugal's oldest village, and stop at a biodynamic winery to learn how Vinho Verde gets made with a guided tasting included. From there, continue to Soajo in the Peneda-Gerês National Park and walk the Paths of Bread and Faith, an ancient pilgrimage route that's 7 km and moderate difficulty. Don't skip trying the traditional corn bread here, which CNN has recognized as one of the world's best.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Casual hotels)
Optional Activities
- Visit to biodynamic winery with guided tasting of Vinho Verde and local products
- Walk along the Paths of Bread and Faith (7 km/4 mi, moderate level)
Landmarks Ponte de Lima Peneda-Gerês National Park 
- Day 3
Barcelos - Braga - Chaves
Drive through the historic towns of Barcelos and Braga, taking a circular route to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte. After that, you'll head through Peneda-Gerês Natural Park where you can see the Rabaçao River flowing below. End your day in Chaves, which is known for its natural thermal waters, so walk around the Roman Bridge and explore the fortified historic centre. Try local specialities like Presunto and Pastel de Chaves at a local restaurant.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Selected hotels/accommodations)
Optional Activities
- Circular route to Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte (3 km/2 mi, moderate level)
Landmarks Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte Peneda-Gerês National Park Roman Bridge Chaves Historic Centre 
- Day 4
Vinhais - Bragança - Rio de Onor
Today you'll drive through rolling mountains and forests past Vinhais, where the famous Alheiras sausage originates. You get nice views of Montesinho Natural Park, which is home to 80 percent of Portugal's mammals. Visit the 12th century castle in Bragança or walk through Rio de Onor village in the Montesinho Nature Reserve instead. There's a circular hiking trail that's 8 km and easy difficulty, and you'll end with a guided wine tasting and traditional delicacies.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Selected hotels/accommodations)
Optional Activities
- Visit 12th century castle in Bragança with panoramic views
- Explore Rio de Onor village and circular trail (8 km/5 mi, easy level)
- Guided wine tasting of Trás-os-Montes wines with sausages, cheeses and homemade bread
Landmarks Montesinho Natural Park Bragança Castle Rio de Onor 
- Day 5
Miranda do Douro
You'll drive through natural mountain areas and pass through picturesque villages like Vimioso in the Trás-os-Montes region. Arrival in Miranda do Douro brings you face to face with the dramatic Douro River Canyon where cliffs rise over 200 metres. Visit the Penedo Amarelo viewpoint and walk the Route of the Viewpoints, which showcases the Douro Valley, Tua River Valley, and the northern plateau stretching out below.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- (Selected hotels/accommodations)
Optional Activities
- Half-day guided kayak tour along the Douro River
- Hike trail to Pena Branca (12 km/7 mi, moderate level) with panoramic views of Douro River and surrounding valleys
Landmarks Douro River Canyon Penedo Amarelo Viewpoint Pena Branca 
- Day 6
Côa Valley - Pinhão - Provesende
Start at the Penedo Durão viewpoint where you'll have Douro River views and chances to spot birds of prey soaring overhead. Later, explore the Côa Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with important archaeological significance, and visit the rock art centre with a guide. You'll drive through charming villages with terraced vineyards overlooking the Douro River, and by evening you'll reach Pinhão where you take a traditional rabelo boat trip learning about these iconic port wine transport boats.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- (Selected hotels/accommodations)
Included Activities
- River cruise in a rabelo boat
Optional Activities
- Guided visit to rock art centre in Côa Valley, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Landmarks Penedo Durão Viewpoint Côa Valley Douro River Provesende 
- Day 7
Sabrosa - Fermentões - Douro Valley
Begin with freshly baked bread from a traditional local bakery, then visit Sabrosa, birthplace of navigator Fernão de Magalhães. Walk to Provesende, a 9 km moderate hike through rolling vineyards and tranquil valleys where you pass picturesque quintas along the way. You'll get panoramic views at Fermentões and take a guided tour of an olive oil producer. End the day with a guided tasting at a local winery where you'll learn about the sophistication of Douro wines.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- (Selected hotels/accommodations)
Optional Activities
- Walk from Sabrosa to Provesende (9 km/6 mi, moderate level) through vineyard landscapes
- Guided tour of olive oil producer with tasting
- Guided tasting at local winery featuring Douro wines
Landmarks Sabrosa Provesende Fermentões 
- Day 8
Douro Valley to Porto
Travel south to Porto on National Road 222 with the Douro River accompanying you for roughly half the journey. Stop at several scenic viewpoints along the way to take in the scenery and photograph the landscape. When you arrive in Porto, return your rental car and either fly home or arrange an extra night to explore the city on your own.
- End point
- Avenida De Pedras Rubras, 4470-750 Vila Nova da Telha, Porto, Portugal (Aeroporto Francisco Sá Carneiro)
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Extra night in Porto to explore the city
Landmarks Douro River Valley 
