The Pearls of the North of Portugal, Self-drive
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating self-drive adventure through the enchanting north of Portugal with "The Pearls of the North of Portugal" tour. Begin your journey in the historic city of Oporto, where you'll be surrounded by stunning hills and blue rivers, and explore its architectural treasures and vibrant culture. Discover the medieval charm of Guimarães, often hailed as the cradle of Portugal, with its castles and fortresses. Continue to Peso da Régua, a picturesque town nestled on the banks of the River Douro, renowned for its wine production. Enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace with a rental car, and indulge in the region's rich gastronomy and local wines. With comfortable accommodations and a thoughtfully planned itinerary, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Portugal's northern gems. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVAL OPORTO
Location: Porto
Accommodation Name: Hotel Turim Porto or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Arrive at Oporto International Airport, meet and greet by our local representative who will assist you with your car hire and inform you how to proceed on your departure day. Enjoy the rest of the day while exploring this beautiful town. Few cities are as packed history as this one is, with classic and surprising sites, cultural treasures, and a beautiful setting that makes it a paradise for walkers and photographers. Drive to your first hotel and check in to spend the night.
Overnight in Oporto.
Day 2 : OPORTO
Location: Oporto, Douro River
Accommodation Name: Hotel Turim Porto or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up to your tasty breakfast and get ready for your first Portuguese drive. Today you could drive out of the city, to explore the charming vineyards of Oporto. The region is famed for the production of Porto wine, which is still stored and manufactured in the vast cellars that stretch along the banks of the Douro River. We suggest the visit to the wine cellars that are located right across the river. Nearly all port wine cellars provide guided tours and tastings. Caves Ferreira, Caves Calém, Caves Churchill or Caves Taylor's are few popular cellar where you can enjoy a great wine degustation and learn about the wine art of this region. Once back in Oporto fill your energy with the typical local dish – Francesinha, which is steak, sliced ham and spicy sausage between toasted bread, all covered with melted cheese and a hot sauce. The recipe is kept secret for whole generations.
Overnight in Oporto.
Day 3 : OPORTO – GUIMARAES (70 km – 1 h)
Location: Guimarães, Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, Guimarães Castle, Citânia de Briteiros, São Francisco Church, Gardens of Palacio de Vila Flor
Accommodation Name: Hotel de Gumaraes or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy your morning breakfast at the hotel and prepare yourself for your following destination. Guimarães is considered the cradle of Portugal, as D. Afonso Henriques, who became the first independent King of Portugal, was born here. The historical center in the area that was within Guimarães city walls, is associated with the creation and identity of Portugal and was classified a World Heritage site based on the originality and authenticity applied in its restoration. Beautiful sites are Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, Guimarães Castle, Citânia de Briteiros, São Francisco church and the Gardens of Palacio de Vila Flor. After the full day sightseeing, check-in to your hotel and perhaps stroll down the streets of this royal town and try some of the local dishes.
Overnight in Guimarães.
Day 4 : GUIMARAES
Location: Guimaraes
Accommodation Name: Hotel de Gumaraes or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your day with the breakfast at the hotel. Today you can explore even deeper the traditional gastronomy of this region by visiting one of many convents, rise to all sorts of confectionery as by tradition the nuns, would be donate ingredients like eggs on special occasions. Egg yolks, along with almonds and cinnamon are the main ingredients in the pastry, Tortas de Guimarães, while toucinho do céu (bacon from heaven) is a traditional almond cake that also relies on a lot of egg yolks. For savoury food papas de sarrabulho is a rich, filling meat dish with various pork products, beef and chicken, made in the winter months.
Overnight in Guimarães.
Day 5 : GUIMARAES – PESO DA RÉGUA (110 km – 1.15 hrs)
Location: Guimaraes, Peso da Régua, Douro River
Accommodation Name: Hotel Vila Gale Collection Douro or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast continue your drive to another famous wine region- Peso da Régua. This agriculture area is situated on the bank of the River Douro and its vineyard is fabulously shaping the whole landscape and offer spectacular views to all its visitors. Until the last century Peso da Régua was the place, where the barrels were loaded onto wooden boats, known as Rabelos, and shipped down to Vila Nova de Gaia at the mouth of the Douro. And this is also the base of the oldest demarcated wine region in the world, the Douro DOC, regulated since 1756. Wine tour, river trips and walks through this incomparable landscape all need to be in your plans. Explore the region with Port Wine, Wine Tours and Douro Historical Train in your plans. In the evening give a try to the Peso da Régua's gastronomy. Here you can appreciate rice in the oven with roast lamb, "custard", and a regional candy "Rebuçados da Régua".
Overnight in Peso da Régua.
Day 6 : PESO DA RÉGUA – CASTELO DE PAIVA – PESO DA RÉGUA (220 km – 3 hrs)
Location: Peso da Régua, Castelo de Paiva, Marmoiral de Sobrado, Pelourinho de Raiva, Penedo de Vegide, Solar de Boavista, Solar da Fisga
Accommodation Name: Hotel Vila Gale Collection Douro or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
After morning breakfast at the hotel visit Castelo de Paiva, a municipality in northern Portugal, located about an hour from the city of Aveiro. The city is a getaway to the north of the Montanhas Mágicas territory and its river system, that includes the river Douro, Paiva, Arda, and Sadoura Rivers, defined the whole beauty of this region. Surrounded by hills and valleys, it offers fascinating views over this stunning landscape. From the cultural sites make sure you visit the Marmoiral de Sobrado, the Pelourinho de Raiva, the Medieval graves dug in Penedo de Vegide; and the manor houses, especially the Solar de Boavista and the Solar da Fisga with charming fountains and gardens and in the evening try out some traditional dishes at one of the local restaurants. Baked rice in the oven, Sta. Euforme's chive steaks, traditional roast veal, farmer's stew, and many more delightful plates taste delicious accompanied by the excellent Vinho Verde de Paiva.
Overnight in Peso da Régua.
Day 7 : PESO DA RÉGUA – OPORTO (120 km – 1.5 hrs)
Location: Peso da Régua, Porto
Accommodation Name: Hotel Turim Porto or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and the last moments in this tranquil atmosphere of Peso da Régua. Today you will drive back to Oporto. Stroll down the streets and enjoy buzzing streets, musicians, and vibes of this city for the last time.
Overnight in Oporto.
Day 8 : DEPARTURE OPORTO
Location: Porto
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend your last morning in Portugal savouring your breakfast. Then, return the rental car at the Oporto Airport and prepare for your return flight.
What's Included
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Car Hire
The tour includes car hire with unlimited mileage, Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW), Theft Protection (TP), Vehicle License Fee (VLF), Airport Service Charge (ASC), and tax.
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Meet & Greet
A meet and greet service is included upon arrival at Oporto International Airport.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Domestic and international flights are not included in the tour package.
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Drinks
Drinks during meals are not included unless specified otherwise.
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City Tax
City tax is not included and is payable on the spot.
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Porterage and Gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included in the tour package.
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Personal Accident Insurance
Personal accident insurance (PAI) is not included.
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Tour Guide
A tour guide is not included in the package.
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Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks, meals, or items not explicitly stated in the program are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays or accidents is not included.
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Car Hire Exclusions
Fuel, fines, tolls, parking, personal accident insurance, damage due to negligence, theft with keys left in the ignition, and additional drivers are not included in the car hire.
Please Note
- Drivers age from 26 to 75 years old (must have had their driver´s license for a minimum of one year)
- Pick-up hours are Monday through Sunday, 07:00 to 22:00 hrs. Pick-up outside of these times is subject to a surcharge.
- Drivers who are not citizens of the European Union must present an international driver’s license together with the original from their country of origin.
- If the customer returns the vehicle earlier than the agreed upon drop-off date stated in the rental contract, the rental company will not refund the customer for any unused days
- Deposit credit card Visa or MasterCard only
- Accident/theft reporting must be notified within 48 hours of the incident
- In cases where, following the return of the vehicle, additional cleaning is required due to the car being dirty beyond the level expected from normal vehicle use, an additional charge shall apply, against evidence of the cost of the service provided
- Return procedure and the exact designated area will be advised by the rental car company when you pick up the car on arrival day
- We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons.
- Late check-out, early check-in, connecting or adjoining rooms at the hotel are all subject to availability and not guaranteed.
Accommodation options
Day 1, 2 Porto:
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Turim Porto or similar 4*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel de Gumaraes or similar 4*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Vila Gale Collection Douro or similar 4*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Turim Porto or similar 4*
- Car Group Y = Renault Clio or similar
Mode of Transport
This self-drive tour includes car hire options with unlimited mileage, featuring vehicles like the Fiat 500 or Renault Clio, ensuring a comfortable journey through Portugal's scenic landscapes.Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights of superior hotel accommodation in Portugal, with stays at Hotel Turim Porto, Hotel de Guimarães, and Hotel Vila Gale Collection Douro, all offering 4-star comfort and amenities.Accommodation options
Day 1-2 Porto:
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Turim Porto or similar 4*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel de Gumaraes or similar 4*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Vila Gale Collection Douro or similar 4*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Turim Porto or similar 4*
- Car Group A = Fiat 500 or similar
- Car Group C = Renault Clio or similar
Requirements
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Portugal. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.Check out our Q&As
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What type of vehicle can I expect for the self-drive tour?
You can expect a car from Group A, such as a Fiat 500 or similar, or from Group C, like a Renault Clio or similar.
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What is included in the car hire for the tour?
The car hire includes unlimited mileage, Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW), Theft Protection (TP), Vehicle License Fee (VLF), Airport Service Charge (ASC), and tax.
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Are there any specific requirements for drivers on this tour?
Drivers must be between 26 to 75 years old and have had their driver's license for a minimum of one year. Non-EU citizens must present an international driver's license along with the original from their country of origin.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 7 breakfasts.
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What are some of the culinary experiences I can expect during the tour?
In Oporto, you can try the local dish Francesinha. In Guimarães, you can enjoy pastries like Tortas de Guimarães and savoury dishes like papas de sarrabulho. In Peso da Régua, you can taste rice in the oven with roast lamb and regional candy Rebuçados da Régua.
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What are some of the activities available in Peso da Régua?
In Peso da Régua, you can enjoy wine tours, river trips, and walks through the Douro wine region. You can also explore the Douro Historical Train.
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What should I wear when visiting religious or official buildings in Portugal?
Visitors should avoid wearing sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious, or official buildings.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
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Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
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When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
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Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
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What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
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Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
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Low Deposit
Destination Services Portugal requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of destination services portugal charges.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
The Pearls of the North of Portugal, Self-drive
8 Days Starting and ending in Porto, Portugal
Visiting: Porto, Oporto, Douro River, Guimarães, Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, Guimarães Castle, Citânia de Briteiros, São Francisco Church, Gardens of Palacio de Vila Flor, Guimaraes, Peso da Régua, Castelo de Paiva, Marmoiral de Sobrado, Pelourinho de Raiva, Penedo de Vegide, Solar de Boavista, Solar da Fisga ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
348962
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
26-75
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
