Portugal's most fertile region lies between the Spanish province of Galicia to the north and the Douro Valley to the south. Occupying the country's north western corner, the lush green Minho region takes its name from the river that has always marked Portugal's northern frontier. Braga, its capital, is an ancient Celtic city with more than 300 churches. Outside the city, the Baroque splendour of Bom Jesus do Monte is an important pilgrimage shrine. Further south lies Guimarães, the undisputed birthplace of the country. When Afonso Henriques proclaimed himself the first king of Portugal in 1139, he chose Guimarães as his capital. Between Braga and the Atlantic coast is Barcelos, the ceramics centre of Portugal. The town's large weekly market every Thursday is a major attraction for locals and tourists alike. Further north lies the attractive riverside town of Ponte de Lima, famous for its extensive Roman bridge. The coastal town of Viana do Castelo is also interesting for its winding streets and ancient monuments. Portugal's northeastern most region, Trás-os-Montes, is a remote wilderness of rugged moorland and sleepy stone villages. Its capital, Bragança, boasts an ancient walled citadel standing on an isolated hilltop. The surrounding Parque Natural de Montesinho is an extensive nature reserve covering 70,000 hectares of protected landscape. Visitors exploring the southern part of the region can reach the Douro Valley by boat, car or train. The journey through Port wine country is one of the most pleasant travel experiences in Southern Europe, passing by many of the famous vineyards along the way. A popular stopover on this route is Lamego, an attractive town within the demarcated Port wine making area. Its main sites include a 12th-century Gothic cathedral and a small hilltop chapel dating back to 1391.Porto, is gracious capital of the north is Portugal's second largest city and a thriving industrial hub, successfully blending commercial efficiency with an atmosphere of unpretentious charm. Rich from centuries of trade, modern Oporto is as much a cosmopolitan centre as it is a city steeped in the historical events of the past. Magnificently situated on the great gorge of the River Douro, which spills into the Atlantic after its scenic 927 km journey from Spain, the 'granite city' is best known for its striking bridges and the much-celebrated Port wine, which is stored and savoured by wine lovers all over the world. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 1996, the ancient Ribeira riverside district is a warren of narrow, twisting streets and shadowy arches.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Santiago De Compostela - Braga - Briteiros - Guimaraes
Your private chauffeur will pick you up from Santiago's Airport or Train Station (Upon request from the hotel). Drive by highway leaving Galicia and entering into the region of Porto & Northern Portugal. Stop in Braga to visit the Cathedral & old quarter of the city.
Lunch on your own. After lunch visit the Sanctuary Bom Jesus just outside of the city. Continue on to visit the Celtic Hill-Fort Of Briteiros. Upon arrival to Guimaraes check in hotel. Dinner in the hotel's restaurant, serving traditional Portuguese cuisine. Overnight in Guimaraes.
Day 2: Guimaraes - Porto
Breakfast. Morning visit to the Castle, Paço dos Duques, Alberto Sampaio and Martins Sarmento Museums, etc. Lunch on your own. After lunch travel by highway to Porto. Upon arrival to Porto check in hotel in the centre of the city. In the late afternoon cross over the bridge to Vila Nova De Gaia visit the Port winery lodge of Taylor which is the Denomination Of Origin Porto E Douro. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Porto. Includes: (B);
Day 3: Porto
Breakfast. In the morning visit the Palaço da Bolsa, San Francisco Church & old quarter. Lunch own your own. Explore the cities streets. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Porto (Note if you wish to extend your stay in inquire for extra nights & guided tours). Includes: (B);
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Prices above are per person based on 6 people traveling. This tour is available for as little as 2 people. Please inquire for exact prices. When you book your vacation, an agreement is made between you, our company and others who provide services. Upon request we can provide you with our general terms and conditions governing the provision of these holidays. A non-refundable upfront initial deposit of € 200 Euros is due within 7 days of the initial booking request. Final payment is due 45 days before the tour departure. Within 45 day full payment is due upon booking request. All prices, itinerary etc. listed are subject to change without notice
No unused portion of the vacation can be refunded. Cancellation penalties apply & change fees after booking is confirmed, refer to our general terms. Please inquire for pre or post tour add-ons / hotel stays.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Portugal
Spain
Food & Wine
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