Portugal’s Northern Wonders Road Trip

Porto, Aveiro & Douro Valley

Best time to travel

Jun – Oct

Ideal length

9 nights

Perfect for

Couples

From (incl flights)

€1,299 pp

At a glance

Direct return flights from Dublin to Porto.
Private airport transfer as well as 6 days’ pre-arranged car rental.
9 nights’ luxury accommodation in Porto, Manteigas, Douro Valley and Guimarães.
Luxury gastronomic and wine experiences including an exploration of The Graham’s Port Wine Cellars and a private tour and cheese tasting in Casa Matias.
Privately guided hiking experience in the Serra de Estrela as well as an underground performance in Porto.

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Introduction

Set out on a luxury exploration of Portugal’s northern wonders, starting in the bohemian city of Porto and finishing in the medieval heart of Guimarães. This suggested itinerary is experienced by road, allowing you to stumble upon marvellous towns and cities of your choosing. Leaving Porto to start your self-drive discovery, we will guide you to places like Aveiro, a Venetian-style city where neoclassical buildings lie along peaceful waterways lined with bobbing Moliceiro boats. Continue deep into the heartlands, arriving in the mountains and valleys of Serra de Estrela, where warrior tribes once fought off the invading Romans. Continue to the celebrated valleys of the River Douro, to enjoy uninterrupted relaxation before you set off for one last stop in Guimarães, a medieval city said to be the birthplace of Portugal.

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Trip Overview

Depart from Dublin to the coastal city of Porto.

Your private driver will be waiting to transfer you to your luxury Porto hotel, where you’ll spend three nights. Start exploring its bohemian markets, historical landmarks and riverside restaurants and bars.

Enjoy a private wine tasting experience at the acclaimed Graham’s Wine Cellars.

These acclaimed cellars date back to the 1820s, when two brothers decided to invest in high-quality port wine. After listening to its incredible story and inception, enjoy a private wine tasting before you set out to explore the city at your leisure.

Journey underground beneath the Porto Customs House.

Tonight will entail an immersive virtual show that introduces you to the mighty legends of Porto. Set in the impressive Customs House, enjoy a fun evening filled with mystery before enjoying a candlelit dinner at one of the trendy riverside restaurants.

Pick up your pre-arranged rental car and drive to the city of Aveiro.

Set on the waterways of the Vouga River, this picturesque city is defined by its traditional Moliceiro boats, peaceful canals and marvellous riverside architecture. Spend the day admiring the city before arriving in Serra da Estrela for your three night stay.

Hike through Serra da Estrela with a private guide.

This beautiful region’s dramatic terrain is defined by mountains, u-shaped valleys, massive cliffs and gorges. Once the home of native warrior tribes, it has since become a haven for wildlife. With your guide, follow the scenic trails and look out for indigenous wildlife.

Hike through Serra de Estrela with a private guide

Visit Casa Matias cheesemakers for a private tour.

The mountainous Serra da Estrela is the cheesemaking capital of Portugal, and its celebrated cheeses use milk from the highland sheep of the Estrela Mountain Range. Learn about traditional cheesemaking processes whilst sampling a delicious selection of cheese.

Serra de Estrela is the cheesemaking capital of Portugal

Drive to the ancient riverbanks of the Douro Valley.

We’ve arranged a stay at a luxurious retreat set on a sloping valley along the River Douro. Relax and unwind in the spectacular surroundings. The epicentre of viticulture and gastronomy, plenty of wining and dining awaits.

Set out for the ancient city of Guimarães.

Along the way, stop off at charming spots like the small town of Amarante. Enjoy lunch on a scenic terrace near the São Gonçalo Bridge before setting out once again to arrive on the slopes of the Penha Mountain, where you’ll spend the night in a historic pousada.

Make your way by car to the international airport.

Drop off your rental car and board your flight home. Arrive in Dublin.

Tailoring your holiday

OROKO Itineraries are created with you in mind and no two are the same. These can be used to help plan your trip - or we can design a completely different itinerary to suit you.

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Accommodation

Where to rest your head

Looking for the best accommodation? We've got the contacts

Infante Sagres

Just a short stroll from the renowned Livraria Lello and Clérigos Church lies the Infante Sagres. Reflective of its neighbouring sites, the hotel is housed within a historic property.

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Pousada Mosteiro de Guimares

The luxury hotel of Pousada Mosteiro is housed within an impressive 12th-century monastic building on the slopes of Penha Mountain.

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Casa de Sao Lourenco

Set within the Serra da Estrela National Park and overlooking Zezere Glacier Valley, Casa de São Lourenço occupies one of the most picturesque settings in all of Northern Portugal.

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Casa de Quinta do Merouco

Set upon a sloping valley along the River Douro lie the houses of Quinta de Merouço. Providing a relaxing retreat in the UNESCO protected valleys.

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What people are saying

“We recently travelled to Barcelona and Mallorca with the expert help of Oroko and will never book a holiday any other way again! The staff were so friendly and knowledgable and made the process of booking extremely easy. The travel pack was very impressive with our luggage tags, complimentary treats for the airport, and comprehensive guide to both areas with recommended restaurants which didn’t disappoint. I couldn’t speak highly enough of our experience with this company and would highly recommend to friends.”

Orla & partner – Mallorca 2019