From the Douro valley to the Serra - North of Portugal 2024
From the Douro valley to the Serra - North of Portugal 2024
From the Douro valley to the Serra - North of Portugal 2024
8 Days Starting and ending in Porto, Portugal
Visiting: Porto, Douro Valley, Trancoso, Vila Nova de Foz Côa, Serra da Estrela, Viseu
Tour operator:
Tour code:
12069
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishActivities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting landscapes of Northern Portugal with our "From the Douro Valley to the Serra" tour in 2024. Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Porto, exploring its historic sites and enjoying a mini-cruise on the Douro River. Travel through the picturesque Douro Valley, visiting charming towns like Guimarães, Braga, and Lamego, and stay in unique accommodations including a Quinta or a converted convent. Discover the rich history and culture of the region with visits to medieval castles, ancient Jewish neighborhoods, and pre-historic sites. Conclude your tour with a scenic drive through the Dão region to the beautiful lake city of Aveiro before returning to Porto. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery, making it an ideal getaway for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Porto
Location: Porto
Accommodation Name: Hotel Star Inn Porto
After landing, the car keys will be handover to you at the airport.
Overnight in a hotel in Porto.
Day 2 : Porto / Braga / Guimarães
Location: Porto
Accommodation Name: Hotel Fundador
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast.
Visit of the Invicta: the nickname given to the city of Porto.
Visit The Avenida dos Aliados, the São Bento train station with its beautiful "azulejos" (Portugal is well known for its tile designs), the church and the Clérigos tower, the St. Francis church, and the Bolsa Palace.
Tour a wine Cellar and discover the Ribeira neighborhood.
We have included a 50-minute cruise on the Douro for you.
Trip to the birthplace of Portugal, the city of Guimarães (With a stop in Braga, in Bom Jesus).
Night.
During the evening, discover the historic center of this city, full of animation and lighting.
Day 3 : Guimarães / Douro Valley / Freixinho
Location: Douro Valley
Accommodation Name: Hotel Rural Convento Nossa Senhora do Carmo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast.
Road to discover the Douro valley.
Day to discover the vines of the Douro Valley: We recommend you pass by Lamego and his sanctuary. Night in Freixinho in a charming hotel: previous Convent transformed into a charming hotel or in a Quinta (subject to availability).
Suggestions: Peso da Régua, Vila Real, the Mateus Palace.
Overnight in hotel Convento Nossa Senhora do Carmo or Hotel Quinta Santo Estevão.
Day 4 : Freixinho / Penedono / Meda / Longroiva / Marialva / Trancoso
Location: Trancoso
Accommodation Name: Hotel Rural Convento Nossa Senhora do Carmo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast.
We suggest Penedono and its Fortified castle, Meda, Longroiva, and its vines.
The historic village of Marialva and the Jewish neighborhood of Trancoso.
Return to the hotel.
Overnight.
Day 5 : Freixinho / Lapa’S Sanctuary / Sernancelhe / Foz Coa / Freixinho
Location: Vila Nova de Foz Côa
Accommodation Name: Hotel Rural Convento Nossa Senhora do Carmo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast.
Tour of the Lapa's Sanctuary (Exceptional).
Stop at Sernancelhe's city hall, its interactive tourism space, Foz Coa, and its pre-historical site.
Tip: take a short hike on the Chestnut and Chestnut Trees path.
Return to the hotel.
Overnight.
Day 6 : Freixinho / Fornos De Algodres / Linhares Da Beira / Mesquitela / Serra Da Estrela / Covilhã / Belmonte / Freixinho
Location: Serra da Estrela
Accommodation Name: Hotel Rural Convento Nossa Senhora do Carmo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast.
Fornos de Algodres and its Serra panoramic view, the historic village of Linhares da Beira.
Lunch at Mesquitela, homestay.
In the afternoon, ascend to Serra da Estrela, which peaks at 1993 m.
Return by Penhas da Saude and Covilhã.
Stop at Belmonte and his ancient jew neighborhood.
Return to the hotel.
Overnight.
Day 7 : Freixinho / Viseu / Aveiro / Esmoriz
Location: Viseu
Accommodation Name: La Fontaine Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast.
Cross the Dão's region with its beautiful vineyards to Viseu.
Viseu: explore the historic center and its beautiful museums.
At Aveiro, visit this splendid lake city in the heart of the Ria.
We suggest you visit the oyster and shellfish producers.
Overnight around Porto.
Day 8 : Porto
Location: Porto
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast.
Car restitution.
What's Included
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Accommodation in a double room for 7 nights
Accommodation in a double room for 7 nights is included.
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According to the program
Accommodation and activities are provided according to the program.
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Including 3 nights in a Quinta or Convent
The package includes 3 nights in a Quinta or Convent.
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The Breakfasts
Breakfasts are included in the package.
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The offer of «Discovery Plus»
The offer of «Discovery Plus» includes one lunch and one mini-cruise on the Douro River at Porto (around 1 hour).
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50-minute cruise on the Douro
A 50-minute cruise on the Douro River is included.
What's Not Included
Various discounts are not included.
Mode of Transport
Upon arrival, you will receive car keys at the airport for self-driving throughout the tour, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights in comfortable double rooms, including 3 nights in a charming Quinta or Convent, with breakfast included.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is included in the tour?
The tour includes accommodation in a double room for 7 nights, with 3 of those nights being in a Quinta or Convent.
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What meals are included in the tour?
Breakfast is included every day of the tour.
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Is there any special offer included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes the 'Discovery Plus' offer, which consists of one lunch and a one-hour mini-cruise on the Douro River in Porto.
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What activities are planned for the first day in Porto?
On the first day, after landing, you will receive the car keys at the airport and spend the night in a hotel in Porto.
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What can I expect to see during the visit to Porto on the second day?
On the second day, you will visit several landmarks in Porto including Avenida dos Aliados, São Bento train station, the Clérigos tower, St. Francis church, and the Bolsa Palace. You will also tour a wine cellar and explore the Ribeira neighborhood, followed by a 50-minute cruise on the Douro River.
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What are the highlights of the visit to Guimarães and Braga?
In Guimarães, you will explore the historic center, and in Braga, you will visit Bom Jesus. Guimarães is known as the birthplace of Portugal.
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What is special about the accommodation in Freixinho?
In Freixinho, you will stay in a charming hotel that was previously a convent, or in a Quinta, subject to availability.
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What are the suggested activities in the Douro Valley?
In the Douro Valley, it is recommended to visit Lamego and its sanctuary, Peso da Régua, Vila Real, and the Mateus Palace.
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What historic sites will be visited on the fourth day?
On the fourth day, you will visit Penedono and its fortified castle, Meda, Longroiva and its vines, the historic village of Marialva, and the Jewish neighborhood of Trancoso.
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What can I expect to see at the Lapa’s Sanctuary?
The Lapa’s Sanctuary is described as exceptional and is one of the highlights of the fifth day.
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What is the significance of the Serra da Estrela?
Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal, peaking at 1993 meters. It is one of the destinations on the sixth day of the tour.
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What activities are planned in Viseu and Aveiro?
In Viseu, you will explore the historic center and its museums. In Aveiro, you will visit the splendid lake city and it is suggested to visit the oyster and shellfish producers.
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What happens on the last day of the tour?
On the last day, you will have breakfast and then return the car.
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How does Today Voyages work?
We are an Online Travel Agency, specialized in Group Vacations and Private Vacations. We have been in business for over 30 years through our sister company Go West Tours and, throughout the years, have developed an extensive network of trusted professionals around the world and a structured methodology to screen our suppliers. Today Voyages offers a selection of tours that are designed, managed and operated by our network of trusted Tour Operators and DMCs. Our database is connected with our partners so that when you make a booking with us this will immediately be received and processed by the Tour Operator.
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Where should I buy the flights to reach my destination?
Today Voyages does not sell flights directly. None of our tours come with flights included. Why? Because we prefer to give full flexibility to our valued customers to select the airlines and the booking platform they prefer. As soon as your flight is booked and confirmed, we invite you to update your flight plan within your Today Voyages booking confirmation page by entering your flight number, departure and arrival times, as well as your Passport information (if needed). None of these fields are mandatory but we highly encourage you to provide as much information as possible. This will allow us to provide you with the excellent service you are looking for.
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What is an additional excursion or tour optional?
Certain tours might show a selection of additional excursions/optional activities that you may want to add to our standard itinerary. These services are priced separately and can be added to the cart before completing the booking. We believe these optional services to contribute to making your vacation unforgettable; however, you are in no way obliged to purchase them. All our tours are awesome with our without optional services!
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What is the difference between Group Vacations and Private Vacations?
If you purchase one of our Group vacation packages, you will be escorted by a professional tour guide and will be traveling with other like-minded travelers you may not know. The group size depends on the tour you select. If you purchase one of our Private vacation packages, you will be traveling only within your group of friends. You may or may not be escorted by a professional tour guide; this depends on the type of private tour you are interested in.
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When and how will I receive the travel documents (vouchers)?
If you book one of our Group or Private tours, you will receive your travel documents via email approximately 20 days prior to travel date. If you reserve one of our Vacation Rentals, you will hear back from the property manager via email a few days prior to checking-in. We recommend checking your emails on a regular basis as this is our most reliable method of communication. If you have questions or need additional support, you can always chat with us or email us directly.
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What happens if a Group tour does not get confirmed?
It is very simple... you will be offered an alternative departure date or be refunded the full amount you pre-paid. No questions asked!
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What happens after I book?
The majority of our tours are confirmed at the time of booking. This means that, after submitting the payment online, you will receive an order confirmation email; make sure to save this email and to note down your confirmation number for any future communication with us. Some tours may be sold on a 'on request' basis. This means that for these tours we reserve the right to check the availability of your spot(s) with the Tour Operator before confirming the tour to you. As soon as you submit the payment online for a 'on request' tour you will receive an email notification that confirms your order request. Within 72 hours, you will receive either a confirmation email or a denial email. Do not worry... we will do everything we can to confirm your tour!
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Free Date Changes
Today Voyages allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 65 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Today Voyages requires a minimum deposit of 30% 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 today voyages charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.