Spend time exploring the northern part of Portugal from Oporto with its picturesque fishing boats in the harbour and its many colorful buildings and majestic cathedral, to the rugged coastline and places of interest in the region such as the charming coastal town of Costa Nova with it board and batton multi colored buildings, historical towns and monuments, and the picturesque valley of Mesao Frio. Sample some artisanal port and visit historical towns such as Barcelos, known for its ceramic making before exploring the town of Guimaraes, the "birth of the nation". The Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela makes for an accessible and entertaining day trip. World renowned for it pilgrims who follow the road to Santiago, and where you will be able to experience a religious ceremony of pilgrimage, enjoy a visit to the Cathedral, the town's main destination for the last 900 years and wander throguh the historic centre. This fully customizable itinerary focuses on the rich culture in the Northern part of Portugal.

Porto, also known as Oporto in English, is the second largest city in Portugal and one of the major urban areas in the Iberian Peninsula. Located along the Douro river estuary in northern Portugal, Porto is one of the oldest European centres, and registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Its settlement dates back many centuries, when it was an outpost of the Roman Empire. One of Portugal's internationally famous exports, port wine, is named for Porto, since the metropolitan area was responsible for the production and export of the fortified wine.

Enjoy a private transfer from the Porto Airport to your city centre hotel.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

A private driver and guide will pick you up at your hotel to escort you on your half day guided tour of Porto. Enjoy a visit to Sé Cathedral, followed by the panoramic viewpoint of Gaia. Head to Batalha Square, then walk Santa Catarina Street. You will stop next at Liberdade Square, and the Clérigos Church and Tower. Visit the beautiful Lello bookshop, venture to Ribeira Square and conclude with a visit to Porto Wine Cellars with a tasting. You will then be transferred to your hotel. No entrance fees included.

Pestana Porto Hotel (4*) located in the heart of historic Porto, in Praca da Ribeira. This Porto hotel is built in a magnificent building that belongs to the UNESCO as part of the world heritage site. Its privileged location allows beautiful views of the Douro River. There are 48 guestrooms including double, single, superior double and Suite. Rooms are fully fitted and nicely decorated, all of them featuring views overlooking the river or the city. Guests can dine at the Vintage Restaurant, serving Potuguese and International cuisine in a comfortable atmosphere. Bar Heritage is the ideal place where guests can have a drink and relax after a long day visiting the beautiful city of Porto.

Overnight at Pestana Porto Hotel (4*).

Your private guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and escort you to stops on your guided full-day tour of Aveiro, Ilhavo and Coimbra. While in Aveiro, you will tour the city centre as well as the cathedral. You will drive through Costa Nova to Ilhavo, where you will have an opportunity to visit the Vista Alegre Museum. A drive through Cantanhede will land you in Mealhada where you will have some free time to lunch (not included). Finally you will arrive in Coimbra for a visit to the Santa Clara Convent as well as the city's university. Afterward, you will have a return transfer to your hotel. No entrance fees included.

Overnight at Pestana Porto Hotel (4*).

Your private guide and driver will escort you from your hotel to various stops along a full day tour of Amarante, Mesao Frio, Regua, Pinhao and Vila Real. Each area you will discover something wonderful. In Amarante, visit the Sao Gonçalo Monastery and historical city centre. You will have a short passage through the picturesque valley, Mesão Frio, home of the Gothic parish church of São Nicolau. Afterward, take a walk on the seaside wharf in Régua, then in Pinhão, you will visit the renowned train station, take a break for lunch (not included), and visit a Port Wine farm. Lastly, enjoy the historic city centre of Vila Real before a transfer back to your hotel. No entrance fees included.

Overnight at Pestana Porto Hotel (4*).

Guimaraes is one of the most important historical cities of Portugal. Its historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of the largest tourist centers in the region. The city is often referred to as the "birthplace of the Portuguese nationality" or "the cradle city". Guimaraes, jointly with Maribor, is going to be European Capital of Culture in 2012.

A private vehicle and driver will pick you up at your hotel and chauffeur you on your full day journey as you visit the region where the country of Portugal was born in the 12th century. Travel through the capital of Minho and on to Braga with its three sanctuaries shaping the triangle of faith, devotion and pilgrimage. Visit Barcelos' historical center known for its ceramic handicraft: the colorful Rooster of Barcelos, its main icon. In Viana do Castelo, dazzle yourself with its historical centre and don’t miss the neo-Byzantine Church of Santa Luzia, located on top of the Santa Luzia hill, with an astonishing view of Viana do Castelo, the river estuary and the sea. At the conclusion of the day you be brought to the "birth of the nation", the 9th century settlement of Guimarães. No entrance fees included.

Overnight at Pousada Nossa Sra. da Oliveira (4*).

Enjoy the day at leisure spending it exactly how you please.  Sleep in, have a leisurely breakfast, read your book until mid morning and have a swim before breakfast. Then have a mid afternoon stroll before thinking about dinner plans this evening - you are on vacation after all!

Overnight at Pousada Nossa Sra. da Oliveira (4*).

Enjoy a private guide and driver to escort you on your guided day trip to Santiago de Compostela. Situated in the heart of Galicia, Spain, Santiago de Compostela is the spiritual and political capital of this beautiful province. Many pilgrims follow the road to Santiago, just as they do to Rome or Jerusalem. In the late morning, you will be able to experience a religious ceremony of pilgrimage (11:00am). After the ceremony, enjoy a visit to the Cathedral, the town's main destination for the last 900 years. Take a stroll through the historic centre of Santiago de Compostela and see Obradoiro Square, the core of what appears to be a town museum. See the 16th century Catholic Kings' Hosptial, now a hotel, and the neo-classical Raxoi Palace- now used as city hall. You will be transfered back to your hotel at the end of the day. No entrance fees included.

Overnight at Pousada Nossa Sra. da Oliveira (4*).

Take a private transfer from Guimaraes to Porto today. The transfer should take approximately 45 minutes.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).