Porto, Portugal
Porto is a picturesque city in northern Portugal known for its historic center, charming streets lined with colorful houses, vibrant riverfront, delicious Port wine, and iconic bridges.
Trip to Porto, Portugal
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City Centre
Upon arrival in Porto, take a moment to settle into your accommodation before setting off to explore the city centre. A great starting point is to visit the iconic Clerigos Tower and the adjacent church. These historic landmarks offer panoramic views of the city and are a true delight. While in the area, visit the Lello Bookshop which is renowned for its unique and enchanting architecture. After that, revisit the past at the historic Ribeira square or relax at a riverside café while taking in the beauty of the Douro River. At night, head to Baixa neighborhood for some of the best nightlife that Porto has to offer.
Day 2: Porto Wine Cellars Tour
What better way to enjoy Porto than to try their world-famous wine? Tour the Porto wine cellars and learn the history of this iconic Portuguese wine while sampling various local vintages. This is a unique opportunity to taste the famous Vinho Verde and iconic Port wine against the backdrop of scenic riverside cellars.
Day 3: Day Tour to Minho Region
Embark on a journey to the stunning Minho region of Portugal. Visit the charming town of Guimaraes and explore its cobblestoned streets lined with unique artisanal stores and cafes. Get a glimpse of the history, architecture, and art of Portugal’s first capital city and its medieval castles. On your return, stop by Braga and visit the iconic Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, a hilltop pilgrimage site that is both grandiose and picturesque.
Day 4: Douro Valley Wine Tour
Embark on a day trip to the Douro Valley, the picturesque wine-growing region that Porto is famous for. Take a leisurely boat ride along the river while enjoying the spectacular scenery of the valley, vineyards and wine estates. Learn about the history and traditions of the local wine industry while tasting the fantastic wines of the region.
Day 5: Beach Day at Matosinhos
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city for a day and head over to the tranquil and picturesque Matosinhos beach. Enjoy the calm waves, bask in the sun, or indulge in some of the freshest seafood Porto has to offer.
Day 6: Coastal Tour
For those who love to sightsee, embark on a scenic coastal tour and visit some of the most beautiful coastal towns near Porto. Visit the colorful castle and winding streets of Aveiro, Portugal’s Venice; experience the laid-back vibe of Costa Nova, known for its picturesque striped beach huts, and end your tour with a visit to the opulent seaside resort of Espinho where you can relax at one of the town’s white sand beaches.
Day 7: Day at Serralves Foundation
On your final day in Porto, visit the Serralves Foundation, this is a celebration of contemporary art, architecture and nature. Designed by Porto’s greatest architects, it also contains a museum, park, and art collections and is considered one of the most significant cultural institutions in Portugal. Take a guided tour of the grounds, visit the museum, or just walk the scenic gardens before departing to wrap up your trip.
This itinerary is just a guideline, feel free to modify this itinerary to include any other activities and attractions. Hope this helps to make your trip to Porto a memorable one.