Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Portugal – Porto – Guimaraes – Pinhao
100% customisable for you
Your journey across Portugal begins today with a flight to Porto. Head to the airport, breeze through security, grab a new read and settle in for take-off – the two-and-a-half-hour flight gives you just enough time to master a few Portuguese phrases before the adventure begins.
When you touch down, a private driver will whisk you away to your hotel in the heart of the city – your home for the next two nights.
All that travelling is bound to work up a thirst, so drop your bags and head straight for the World of Wine, a cultural district packed with museums and grand cellars. Winemaking here dates back centuries, and it shows in every sip, from bold vintages to sweeter pours. Drift between tastings and discover how a quick glass of port has a funny way of turning into a full-blown love affair with your new favourite rosé...
Woke up feeling ravenous? Well, today you’re in for a real treat.
This morning, join a private guide for a foodie deep-dive into Porto, hitting up beloved local spots as you sample the city’s cuisine. Fuel up with strong Portuguese coffee, snack on flaky pasteis de nata and indulge in francesinha: a gloriously over-the-top sandwich layered with cured meats, melted cheese and a rich beer-based sauce. Along the way, you’ll also learn how Brazilian and Indian influences helped shape the country’s mouth-watering flavours.
End the tour suitably stuffed and spend the rest of the day as you please. Perhaps stroll along the waterfront in Ribeira, hop aboard one of Porto’s vintage trams or make your way towards the coast for a breath of fresh ocean air.
Finally, as the day winds down, pull up a chair by the beach for an al fresco dinner as the sun sets. Round things off with a few scoops of gelato – because you’re on holiday, and why not?
This morning, pick up your hire car and gear up for the 45-minute drive to Guimaraes, admiring the countryside views of northern Portugal along the way.
When you arrive, check into your hotel, where you’ll be staying for the next two nights. Spend the rest of the day slipping into Portugal’s blissfully relaxed way of life with an afternoon snooze, a spot of sunshine and a dip in the pool.
Siesta complete, amble through the old town, a wonderfully preserved medieval city where cobbled lanes, ornate churches and centuries of art and history are woven into every corner.
As evening draws in, ask your Concierge for their favourite local dinner spot, then head to a bar for sundowners overlooking the city’s terracotta rooftops bathed in that golden-hour glow. Cheers to that.
Rise and shine – today’s agenda looks a little like stepping inside a history book. Meet your guide and kick things off at Guimaraes Castle, the mighty fortress watching over the city, before exploring the UNESCO-listed old town. As you wander, don’t miss the Chapel of Saint Michael or the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, renowned for its brick chimneys.
Still raring to go? Thanks to your hire car, you can make the 30-minute drive to nearby Braga. More than 2,000 years old and still buzzing with energy, you’ll spot students sweeping through courtyards in historical black robes – proof that some traditions never go out of style.
Admire Baroque gems like the Raio Palace, the elegant Circo Theatre and Avenida Central, where azulejo-clad streets add a splash of colour to the city. Fancy stretching your legs? Climb to the hilltop Bom Jesus do Monte for panoramic views across Braga.
Every sightseeing-filled day deserves a sweet ending, so round things off with pudim abade de priscos, Braga’s famously indulgent take on a creme caramel.
Hit the road east today towards Pinhao, a one-and-a-half-hour drive away through the dreamy Portuguese hinterland. Roll the windows down, tune into our destination-specific playlist to set the vibes and pull over at viewpoints when the scenery demands it (which is often).
When you arrive, settle into your villa, where you’ll be staying for the next two nights. After four days of adventure, enjoy some well-deserved R&R this afternoon, simply admiring views of the Douro Valley and lingering over lazy lunches in the sunshine.
Not ready to call it a day just yet? We can also arrange a private cruise along the Douro aboard a traditional rabelo, a wooden cargo boat once used to transport barrels of port through the valley. Sit back with a glass in hand and soak up the romance of the river as rolling vineyards drift by.
Another day, another adventure. Bundle into the back of a 4x4 with your private guide and bound through the Douro Valley, tracing the river as it flows east to west across northern Portugal.
Vineyards roll on for miles, and the scenery is classic wine-country charm, where blissful Portuguese sunshine works its magic on every grape in sight, creating some seriously good ruby-rich ports, crisp whites and tawny varieties. Make sure to snap plenty of photos while you’re here – these landscapes make the perfect backdrop for the holiday album.
En route, stop for lunch before visiting two quintas (estates), where winemaking knowledge has been passed down through generations, and learn all about the traditions that still sit at the heart of every bottle produced today. Naturally, no day in the Douro Valley would be complete without a tasting or two – so raise a glass and toast to your journey across Portugal.
Time flies when you’re having fun and, sadly, it’s time to bid Portugal a warm adeus (farewell). After breakfast, buckle in for one last drive to Porto Airport, around two hours away. Return your trusty hire car, stuff your suitcase to the brim with boxes of pasteis de nata and check in for your return flight.
You’ll spend around two-and-a-half-hours in the air – plenty of time to start dreaming up your next European escape...
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
