The Healing waters of the North Portugal, Self-drive
The Healing waters of the North Portugal, Self-drive
The Healing waters of the North Portugal, Self-drive
6 Days Starting in Penafiel and ending in Porto
Visiting: Penafiel, São Pedro do Sul, Porto
Tour operator:
Tour code:
33279
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Wellness Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Choose our self-drive tour around Portugal and spend six memorable days exploring the superb culture and landscapes of this country. Visit its inspiring, lively towns and catch a glimpse of the scenic, historical villages. Stroll the beautifully arranged streets of Oporto admiring its picturesque location, walk the mesmerizing alleys of Penafiel, and enjoy delicious wines in one of the local cellar in the Sao Pedro do Sul. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Oporto: one of the oldest cities in Europe, surrounded by the stunning hills and blue rivers. Beautiful plazas, churches and houses with colourfully tiled facades are the architectural treasures of this city, and the taste of local wine and gastronomy will take you to become a part of this unique culture Penafiel: charming village settled in the valley marked by the river Duoro. São Vicente Spa, ancient Rome thermal spa, is situated here and offers the best relax while inhaling the pure air of eucalyptus forests. Sao Pedro do Sul: picturesque town settled into the beautiful region of the north Portugal. Famous for its thermal springs with the healing effects
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival Porto – Penafiel (560 Km – 4.45 Hrs)
Location: Penafiel
Accommodation Name: Pena Park
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. Hop in to your car and drive to your first Portuguese location, Penafiel. Drive among the hills, valleys and rivers and admire the stunning views over this North Region of Portugal. Once in Penafiel, walk along the picturesque streets and admire the local architecture, small squares and churches, built before the birth of Portugal as a nation. The scenery is real marvel, with shades of green from the lush banks of the Douro and Sousa rivers to the bucolic vineyards and pine forest draped across every hillside.
Overnight in Penafiel.
Day 2 : Penafiel
Location: Penafiel
Accommodation Name: Pena Park
Wake up to your tasty breakfast and prepare yourself for a real relaxing experience. Drive to the region of Pinheiro, where you can enjoy the healing effects of thermal springs in famous São Vicente Spa (own expenses). Roman spa found in the early 20th century. Its waters are considered the most alkaline in Europe and the best choice for treatments related to the respiratory system. Surrounded sites are Mosteiro Beneditino de Paço de Sousa, Castelo de Penafiel and Santuario do Sameiro. Make sure you try Vinho Verde (green wine), typical for this region and for opening your gastronomic experience we recommend you to try the lamprey, which is cooked with rice, while in the hills the damp winters are warmed with stew and roasted lamb and kit goat. For dessert sopa seca (fry soup), a kind of bread pudding with cinnamon, lemon zest and a splah of Port wine.
Overnight in Penafiel.
Day 3 : Penafiel – Sao Pedro Do Sul (140 Km – 1.5 Hrs)
Location: São Pedro do Sul
Accommodation Name: Hotel do Parque
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and continue your trip to Sao Pedro do Sul, where you will spend the next 2 nights. Sao Pedro do Sul is a small town situated in the valley of Lafões, framed by massifs of Arada, Gralheira and S Macario mountains. Their lush landscapes, cold, crystal waters, and small hidden villages in the valleys are creating stunning landscapes and beautiful natural phenomena. Once in Sao Pedro do Sul, we recommend you to visit the Thearm Baths of Sao Pedro do Sul. Still perceiving Roman changing room proves that this Spa was used in the period of the Roman conquest. Just a few kilometers away there is a small city Viseu, an ancient city, built of grey stone, full of green and lively surroundings. Viseu was considered the best of Portugal in the quality of life ranking. If you wish to go around this city, do not miss Casa do Viriato, The Viseu Cathedral, and The Grão Vasco Museum.
Overnight in Sao Pedro do Sul.
Day 4 : Sao Pedro Do Sul
Location: São Pedro do Sul
Accommodation Name: Hotel do Parque
Start your day with the breakfast at the hotel. Today you can reach some of the local sites around the city, or try another thermal spa in the area. Tranquillity and relax in one of the wellness centres will calm your sense and fill your energy for your upcoming destinations.
Overnight in Sao Pedro do Sul.
Day 5 : Sao Pedro Do Sul Porto (120 Km – 1.5 Hrs)
Location: Porto
Accommodation Name: Turim Porto
Big farewell to Sao Pedro do Sul! After your tasty breakfast continue driving back to Oporto. Enjoy the drive along the attractive landscape, perhaps stop at one of the local village for a short refreshment. After the check-in in the hotel, stroll down the streets of Oporto, and visit some of the cultural places of interest, the Serralves Museum and gardens, climb up Torre dos Clérigos, ride on the old trams and visit Livraria Lello. When in Oporto you need to try the famous Francesinha, composed of steak, sliced ham and spicy sausage between toasted bread, all covered with melted cheese and a hot sauce, the recipe for which is a well-kept secret.
Overnight in Oporto.
Day 6 : Departure Porto
Location: Porto
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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5 night's hotel accommodation
Accommodation for 5 nights is included in the tour package.
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5 Breakfasts
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Unlimited mileage
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SCDW (Super Collision Damage Waiver)
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TP (Theft Protection)
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VLF (Vehicle Licensee Fee)
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ASC (Airport Service Charge)
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Tax
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Meet & Greet
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5 night’s hotel accommodation
What's Not Included
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Domestic nor International flights
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City tax not included payable on the spot
City tax is not included and must be paid on the spot.
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Porterage and gratuities
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Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program
Personal expenditures, drinks, meals, and items not explicitly stated in the program are not included.
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Tour guide
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Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any)
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, and camera/video camera fees are not included.
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Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.
Travel insurance and any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances are not included.
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PAI (personal accident insurance)
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Fuel, Fines, Tolls, Parking
Fuel, fines, tolls, and parking fees are not included.
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Damage to a third party or to the hire vehicle due to negligence or inappropriate driving.
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Loss or damage to aerials, jack, safety triangles and vests, windscreen wipers, petrol cap, luggage covers, or any other fixed or mobile component of the vehicle.
Loss or damage to various components of the vehicle is not covered.
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Damage to the engine through negligence.
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Theft of the vehicle with keys left in the ignition.
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Damage caused to the vehicle or to persons through driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Damage caused to the vehicle or to persons through driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not covered.
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Fines due to breaking traffic laws and regulations during the hire period are the responsibility of the driver of the vehicle. In the event of a fine being received there will be an administration charge.
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If the car is left outside of rent a car designated area on drop off, customers will be responsible for any costs generated and for any damage to the vehicle due to it being parked outside of the Rent a Car installations.
Customers are responsible for any costs and damage if the car is left outside of the designated area on drop off.
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Each additional driver.
Each additional driver is not included and may incur extra charges.
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Any extra equipment (GPS, baby seat etc)
Extra equipment such as GPS and baby seats are not included.
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City tax not included payable on the spot
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Expenditures of a personal nature drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program
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Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks mineral water camera/video camera fee (if any)
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Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays accidents etc.
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Fuel Fines Tolls Parking
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PAI (Personal Accident Insurance)
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Loss or damage to aerials jack safety triangles and vests windscreen wipers petrol cap luggage covers or any other fixed or mobile component of the vehicle.
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Damage caused to the vehicle or to persons through driving under the Influence of alcohol or drugs.
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If the car is left outside of rent a car designated area on drop off customers will be responsible for any costs generated and for any damage to the vehicle due to it being parked outside of the Rent a Car installations.
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Each additional driver .
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Any extra equipment (GPS baby seat etc)
Mode of Transport
This self-drive tour includes unlimited mileage, SCDW, TP, VLF, ASC, and tax, allowing you to explore the beautiful landscapes of North Portugal at your own pace.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays at Pena Park in Penafiel, Hotel do Parque in Sao Pedro do Sul, and Turim Porto in Porto, ensuring a relaxing and pleasant experience throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of vehicle insurance is included in the self-drive tour?
The self-drive tour includes Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW), Theft Protection (TP), Vehicle Licensee Fee (VLF), and Airport Service Charge (ASC).
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Are there any specific local dishes recommended during the tour?
Yes, in Porto, you should try the famous Francesinha, a local dish composed of steak, sliced ham, and spicy sausage between toasted bread, covered with melted cheese and a hot sauce. In Penafiel, you can try Vinho Verde (green wine) and lamprey cooked with rice, as well as the dessert sopa seca, a kind of bread pudding with cinnamon, lemon zest, and a splash of Port wine.
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What are some of the cultural sites to visit in Porto?
In Porto, you can visit the Serralves Museum and gardens, climb up Torre dos Clérigos, ride on the old trams, and visit Livraria Lello.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes comfortable stays at Pena Park in Penafiel, Hotel do Parque in Sao Pedro do Sul, and Turim Porto in Porto.
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What are the highlights of the visit to São Pedro do Sul?
In São Pedro do Sul, you can visit the Thearm Baths of São Pedro do Sul, which still have Roman changing rooms from the period of the Roman conquest. You can also explore the nearby city of Viseu, known for its quality of life, green surroundings, and historical sites like the Viseu Cathedral and Grão Vasco Museum.
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What is included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 5 nights' hotel accommodation, 5 breakfasts, unlimited mileage for the rental car, Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW), Theft Protection (TP), Vehicle Licensee Fee (VLF), Airport Service Charge (ASC), tax, and a meet and greet service upon arrival.
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What is not included in the tour package?
The tour package does not include domestic or international flights, city tax payable on the spot, porterage and gratuities, personal expenditures, drinks, meals not stated in the program, a tour guide, any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fees, travel insurance, personal accident insurance, fuel, fines, tolls, parking fees, damage to the vehicle due to negligence, theft of the vehicle with keys left in the ignition, damage caused by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fines due to breaking traffic laws, costs if the car is left outside the designated area, each additional driver, and any extra equipment such as GPS or baby seats.
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What kind of breakfast is provided during the tour?
Breakfast is provided for each of the 5 days of the tour.
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What kind of experiences can I expect in Penafiel?
In Penafiel, you can walk along the picturesque streets, explore local architecture, small squares, and churches. You can also enjoy the healing effects of thermal springs at São Vicente Spa in Pinheiro and try local dishes and wines.
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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!
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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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.