Self-guided cultural tour
7 nights,
twin centre
Flights
available
17.0Kg CO2e
As one of our Independent Tours, we've carefully selected the two cities of Porto and Viana do Castelo to showcase the most authentic yet contrasting sides of Northern Portugal. Your tour begins in Porto, a World Heritage City. Small enough to comfortably wander the narrow-cobbled streets whilst still making new discoveries with every step, Porto is known for its stately bridges and namesake port production. Overlooking the sweeping Douro River, famous for its terraced vineyards and historic Port Houses dotted along its banks, we've arranged a River Cruise where you'll enjoy magnificent views as you sail past the six bridges that unite Porto and Gaia.
We recommend many must-see attractions, eateries, and spots to enjoy a glass of port riverside as you take your time exploring the city. Many buildings and churches in Porto are embellished with blue and white azulejo tiles, portraying specific aspects of Portuguese life and beautiful floral themes, a tradition which dates to the 13th century and has since become somewhat of an icon to Porto. We've arranged tickets for entry to Livraria Lello Bookshop, a historic building with striking architecture said to have inspired JK Rowling to write Harry Potter. And of course, no visit to Porto is complete without visiting a traditional Port House for a port tasting - all included within your tour.
The next stop on your tour of Northern Portugal is the underrated city of Viana do Castelo. A beautiful city facing the River Lima, Viana is growing in popularity and boasts a beautiful historic centre, a peaceful waterfront location with fantastic, sandy beaches and some of the finest panoramic views in all of Portugal.
Explore the churches and monasteries, absorbing the local culture as you enjoy a wine tasting we've pre-arranged for you. We recommend exploring further north up the coast, visiting Vila Praia de Ancora and Caminha. Here, you can relax on the popular beaches or take the 15-minute ferry across the border to Spain where you walk up Santa Trega Mountain, rewarding you with panoramic views across the River Minho and the Atlantic Ocean. End your day with a warm evening stroll along the beach, choosing from one of the many great seafood restaurants.
Return for one last night in Porto where you have the option to upgrade to a luxury 5* hotel with unrivalled views and unique gastronomy on offer. Relax and enjoy a final glass of port riverside as you watch the sun set over the city.
Arrive at your first hotel in Porto. Perched on the banks of Douro River, this is a prime location in the Ribeira District and an excellent base for your time in the city.
You stay at Ribeira do Porto Hotel.
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Tea/coffee
Overlooking the Douro River, this is a fantastic location within the Ribeira District. Just a couple of minutes walk from D.Luis Bridge and many other must-see sights around Porto, this hotel offers elegant rooms, and great drinks served at A Tasca bar.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Porto is a city that deserves exploration, on foot is certainly the best way. Navigate the steep cobbled streets contrasted by the bustling hub of activity on the riverside. During your stay, we've included tickets to visit the historic Livraria Lello Bookshop. Carrying over a century of stories with striking architecture inside, the most emblematic features are its iconic staircase and stain glass windows - and it's rumoured to be where JK Rowling had her inspiration for Harry Potter.
In the afternoon, we have arranged a port tasting at a nearby, traditional Port House. The perfect introduction to its namesake city!
Wave goodbye to Porto for the day as you float down the Douro River, gaining a new vantage point of the rolling hills and terraced vineyards of UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Douro Wine Region. Sail past beautiful scenery as the river meanders below the six iconic bridges that unite Porto and Gaia. As you depart Porto quay, you will have the opportunity to observe Ribeira, D. Luis Bridge, Monastery Serra do Pilar, Infante Bridge, D. Maria Pia Bridge, S. Joao Bridge and Freixo Bridge.
We recommend returning to your hotel via the Sao Bento metro station. Built between 1904 & 1916, the azulejo tiling in the main hall makes it one of Europe's most beautiful stations, and a top Porto attraction. Make sure you call in here!
Take some time to explore more of Porto, not forgetting to sample the famous Pastel de Nata (Portuguese tart). When you're ready, take the train (1hr) to your next hotel located in one of the most beautiful cities in Northern Portugal, Viana do Castelo.
Facing the River Lima, yet just a couple of minutes' walk from the city centre, this is a fantastic base for your next 3 nights. Just a short walk from your hotel is the former Portuguese hospital ship, Gil Eannes, which operated off the coast of Newfoundland, now open as a museum ship. Well worth a stroll down in the evening to have a look and sample one of the nearby seafood restaurants.
You stay at Hotel Dona Aninhas.
Visa
PoolHairdryerWiFiTVAircon
Safe
Located in the historical centre of Viana, this charming hotel boasts a spa in with indoor pool, sauna, and Turkish bath. Guests can also enjoy the onsite restaurant and bar with a relaxed atmosphere.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Viana is rich in palaces emblazoned with coats of arms, churches and monasteries, monumental fountains and water features that constitute a wealth of heritage, well worth visiting. Dominating the skyline of Viana is the Santuario de Santa Luzia, a neo-byzantine church that stands atop the Monte de Santa Luzia hill; from here, you'll be rewarded with one of the finest panoramic views in all of Portugal. Outside of the historic centre, it's just a short walk to the coastline with long, sandy beaches, complemented by the backdrop of the green hills of the Minho region.
In the afternoon, we have arranged a wine tasting for you to sample the local wines of the area; transfers to/from your hotel are also included.
Today, we give you plenty of options to explore the very north of Portugal, even crossing the border into Spain. Trains from Viana to the coastal towns of Vila Praia de Ancora and Caminha are very regular and take just under 20mins. Whether you want to relax on the beach or wander the charming town centres, this is a varied, leisurely day.
We also recommend taking the short ferry (15mins) from Caminha across the River Minho to A Guarda in Galicia, Spain. Here, Santa Trega Mountain is a must see, offering incredible panoramic views of the River Minho and Atlantic Ocean.
Enjoy a relaxing morning in Viana before returning to the city that keeps on giving - Porto! Take your time exploring the rest of Porto at your own pace. Enjoy a glass of wine overlooking the beautiful river as you reflect on your Northern Portugal adventure - the perfect spot to watch the sun set over the city.
We offer the option to upgrade hotels on your last night to the luxury 5* Yeatman with unrivalled views and a unique gastronomic experience. Certainly, a memorable end to your trip!
You stay at Ribeira do Porto Hotel 3*.
VisaHairdryerWiFiTVAirconTea/coffee
Overlooking the Douro River, this is a fantastic location within the Ribeira District. Just a couple of minutes walk from D.Luis Bridge and many other must-see sights around Porto, this hotel offers elegant rooms, and great drinks served at A Tasca bar.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Wave goodbye to Porto with fond memories of Northern Portugal.
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £319.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Porto airport.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Self-guided cultural tour
7 nights,
twin centre
Flights
available
17.0Kg CO2e
