Discover the charm of Northern Portugal through its lesser-known treasures: Amarante, Guimarães, and Viana do Castelo. This 5-day itinerary offers a slower pace to explore picturesque towns, immerse yourself in local traditions, and savor authentic Portuguese culture.
Day 1: Arrival in Porto and Drive to Amarante
Where to Stay: Casa da Calçada Relais & Châteaux, a luxury boutique hotel overlooking the Tâmega River.
- Cost: €150–€250 per night.
What to Do:
- Explore the historic streets of Amarante, known for its Baroque architecture and connection to Portuguese art.
- Visit the São Gonçalo Church, a stunning riverside landmark.
- Relax by the Tâmega River and enjoy a leisurely walk over the medieval bridge.
Where to Eat: Restaurante Largo do Paço (Michelin-starred dining).
- Why: For a gourmet experience with local flavors and impeccable presentation.
- Cost: €50–€100 per person.
Travel Tip: Rent a car from Porto for flexibility.
- Car Rental Cost: ~€50–€70/day.
- Driver Option: Private drivers cost ~€100–€150/day.
Day 2: Guimarães – The Birthplace of Portugal
Where to Stay: Pousada Mosteiro de Guimarães, a converted 12th-century monastery with lush gardens.
- Cost: €120–€180 per night.
What to Do:
- Visit Guimarães Castle, the birthplace of the Portuguese nation.
- Stroll through the Largo da Oliveira, a charming square with medieval vibes.
- Explore the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and its intricate interiors.
- Shop for local crafts, such as embroidery and ceramics, at boutique stores in the historic center.
Where to Eat: A Cozinha by António Loureiro (Michelin-starred).
- Why: A modern twist on Northern Portuguese cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.
- Cost: €40–€80 per person.
Activity Idea: Take a cable car ride to Monte da Penha for panoramic views.
Day 3: Viana do Castelo – Coastal Elegance
Where to Stay: FeelViana Sport Hotel, a stylish retreat near Cabedelo Beach.
- Cost: €100–€200 per night.
What to Do:
- Visit the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia, a hilltop church with breathtaking views of the Atlantic and the Lima River.
- Wander through the historic center, admiring traditional Manueline architecture.
- Spend time at Cabedelo Beach for relaxation or water sports.
Where to Eat: Tasquinha da Linda, known for its fresh seafood and riverside views.
- Why: Exceptional local fish dishes and a cozy atmosphere.
- Cost: €25–€50 per person.
Travel Tip: Explore local artisan shops selling Viana’s iconic filigree jewelry, a symbol of Portuguese craftsmanship.
Day 4: Exploring the Lima Valley and Ponte de Lima
What to Do:
- Drive to Ponte de Lima, the oldest town in Portugal, known for its historic charm and beautiful gardens.
- Walk across the iconic Roman bridge and visit the Museum of the Portuguese Toy.
- Savor the famous Arroz de Sarrabulho (a traditional rice dish) at Restaurante O Marquês.
Activity: Take a cycling tour along the Ecovia do Lima, a scenic riverside path.
- Cost: ~€25/person for bike rentals.
Day 5: Return to Porto and Optional Day of Exploration
What to Do:
- Spend your final day in Porto, revisiting favorite spots or indulging in last-minute shopping.
- Explore neighborhoods like Ribeira or Gaia for Port wine tasting.
Where to Eat:
- Lunch at Café Santiago for a classic Francesinha sandwich.
- Cost: ~€15–€20 per person.
For a trip to Northern Portugal, you’ll likely fly into Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO), located in Porto. This is the main international airport serving the region and is well-connected to major cities in Europe and beyond.
Transportation Options from Porto Airport:
Car Rental
- Availability: Numerous car rental companies operate at Porto Airport, including Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, and local providers.
- Cost: ~€50–€70/day for a standard car.
- Recommendation: Renting a car is ideal for flexibility, especially if you plan to explore smaller towns like Amarante and Ponte de Lima.
- Booking Tip: Reserve your car online in advance for better rates and vehicle availability.
Private Driver/Transfers
- Availability: Private transfer services can be booked in advance for a hassle-free experience. Companies like Welcome Pickups, Blacklane, or local chauffeurs cater to travelers.
- Cost: ~€100–€150 for a one-way transfer from Porto Airport to nearby towns (e.g., Amarante or Guimarães). Daily rates for hiring a driver typically range from €150–€250, depending on distance and service.
- Recommendation: A private driver is an excellent option for those who prefer not to navigate unfamiliar roads or wish to relax between destinations.
Travel Tips
- Transportation:
- Renting a car is ideal for flexibility in exploring Northern Portugal.
- Parking is generally available in smaller towns but check with hotels.
- Travel Insurance:
- Essential for medical emergencies and trip cancellations.
- Cost: ~€30–€50 for a 5-day trip.
- Packing Essentials:
- Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets.
- Layered clothing for varying weather.
- Estimated Costs:
| Category | Estimated Cost (Per Person) |
| Accommodation (4 nights) | €500–€800 |
| Meals (daily average) | €30–€60 |
| Activities & Tours | €100–€150 |
| Transportation (car/driver) | €200–€300 |
| Total (per person) | ~€1,000–€1,500 |
Tips for Booking Transportation:
- Driving License: Ensure you have an international driving permit (if required) along with your national license for car rentals.
- Navigation: Use GPS or offline maps, as some rural areas may have limited signage.
- Driver Services: When hiring a driver, confirm the rate covers fuel, tolls, and waiting time.
- Parking: Check with accommodations for parking availability, especially in historic centers like Guimarães or Amarante.
Both options are available directly from Porto Airport, making it easy to start your journey into Northern Portugal’s hidden gems!
I also specialize in booking customized packaged vacations for my clients, ensuring a seamless and stress-free travel experience. Check out an example itinerary here for inspiration! If you’d like more details or have specific preferences, feel free to request a personalized quote tailored to your needs. Let’s plan your dream getaway!
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