Top Northern Portugal Day Trips

Experience all of Porto’s bridges on this 50-minute cruise of Porto’s six bridges. Coast down the peaceful waters of the Douro River by boat as you see Porto to one side and Gaia to the other, and all of Porto’s stunning bridges connecting the two cities. You’ll quickly notice that no two bridges are alike, each with their own architecture and personality, making for stunning photo backdrops. As you sail the UNESCO river, you’ll see why this is one of the most unique ways to experience Northern Portugal.

Discover Aveiro, the “Venice of Portugal,” on a relaxed full-day experience combining coastal landscapes, historic canals, and cultural highlights. This tour takes you from the iconic striped houses of Costa Nova to the elegant canals of Aveiro, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Moliceiro boat ride, a little guided walking tour, and free time to savour local cuisine or do some sightseeing on your own. The day concludes with visits to the beautifully tiled Church of Válega and the seaside Chapel of Senhor da Pedra. The Church of Válega stands out for its exterior covered entirely in traditional azulejos, depicting religious and historical scenes.

Reaching Aveiro, Costa Nova, and the coastal chapel of Senhor da Pedra by public transport from Porto means juggling timetables and infrequent connections. This day trip pairs you with a driver and guide, connecting all three destinations with ease. Tour Aveiro's canals and Art Nouveau streets, ride a traditional moliceiro boat, then visit the striped houses of Costa Nova.

Go beyond the parameters of Porto on a day trip that deepens your experience of Northern Portugal. Rather than sticking to well-trodden trails, you’ll explore the history-rich towns of Viana do Castelo, Braga, and Guimarães, without having to arrange your own transportation between the three. Plus, a mix of free time and guided sightseeing offers the perfect balance.

Avoid the hassle of renting a car to explore outside of Porto when you book this half-day tour to the "Venice of Portugal." Journey to Aveiro, where you’ll glide through its romantic canals in a traditional “moliceiro.” Admire the colorful tiled facades on the local Costa Nova buildings and learn about how this postcard-perfect village came to be from your guide. You’ll even get to try the “soft eggs,” a local dessert.

Indulge in the Douro Valley’s luxuriant food and wine culture on this full-day tour of the Douro with lunch. After departing from Porto by minibus, you’ll sweep through the Douro’s winding roads as you enter the valley. With terraced vineyards on either side of you, you’ll visit esteemed wineries and the Douro’s most captivating cities: Amarante, Régua and Pinhão, the heart of the Alto Douro. Along the way you’ll enjoy lunch and learn about the Douro’s wine programs, people and culinary heritage.

Discover the world through the eyes of Portugal’s greatest explorers—without having to book an expensive tour—with an admission ticket to the World of Discoveries in Porto. Learn about Ferdinand Magellan, Vasco da Gama, Bartolomeu Dias, and other famous Portuguese explorers at this global discovery–themed museum. Explore 20 interactive, multi-sensory installations independently, uncovering Portugal’s maritime history at your own pace.

Escape Porto for a full-day adventure in Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal’s only national park. Travel with a local guide beyond the typical tourist routes to discover mountain viewpoints, hike scenic trails, swim beneath a refreshing waterfall, and enjoy a picnic in a secluded natural setting. Hotel pickup and drop-off make it easy to experience one of Portugal’s most spectacular landscapes.

Spend the day exploring Portugal’s famed Douro Valley on this guided excursion. Enjoy experiences that include touring the valley in a comfortable vehicle, enjoying a cruise on the Douro River, savoring a delicious lunch and wine pairing, and tasting a variety of reds and whites at a small, family-owned winery.

Soak up Portuguese culture and wine on this intimate tour of the Douro Valley, departing from Porto. Travel to the UNESCO-listed region in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, admiring the picturesque landscapes throughout the drive. Make stops at small, family-run vineyards for tastings and learn about the wine-making process. In between tastings, break for an authentic Portuguese lunch at the charming village of Pinhao, in the heart of the valley, as well as a scenic ride along the Douro River.

Experience the best of Portugal’s natural and cultural highlights on this full-day tour from Porto, complete with lunch. Cross the breathtaking 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge, walk the scenic Paiva Walkways, and enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch. End the day exploring the colorful Costa Nova fishing village and the charming canals of Aveiro, with an optional boat ride available. "Cross the Arouca 516 Suspension Bridge, one of the longest in the world Hike the scenic Paiva Walkways along the river on a 5km trail Enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch at a local restaurant in Arouca"

The rocky mountains, oak forests, and historic villages of the Geres National Park lie just over an hour’s drive from Porto. With this tour, venture off the beaten track in a 4WD and explore little-known viewpoints, local villages, and secret swimming holes. Stop along the way to admire the wild landscapes and waterfalls, enjoy short hikes, tuck into a traditional Portuguese lunch, and cool off with a swim in a natural lagoon.

Take a full-day food and wine tour through Portugal’s scenic Douro Valley. Avoid the hassle of planning and driving and let your driver-guide chauffeur you between local wineries—where you’ll sample both wine and Port—and an olive oil museum, where you can taste locally-produced almonds, honey, and bread along with regional oils. Experience the winding Douro River on an optional cruise in the picturesque town of Pinhão.

Escape the hustle of Porto and discover Aveiro, one of Portugal’s most charming and photogenic destinations, on a relaxed small-group tour. Known as the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro invites you to explore its picturesque canals on a traditional moliceiro boat cruise, one of the highlights of the experience. Glide through the waterways and discover the city’s deep connection to the sea. Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace — stroll through elegant streets, admire the unique Art Nouveau architecture or taste the famous local delicacy, ovos moles. Continue along the Atlantic coast to Costa Nova, a vibrant seaside village known for its iconic striped houses and laid-back coastal atmosphere. Discover one of Portugal’s hidden gems with a visit to the stunning Church of Válega, famous for its richly decorated azulejo façade. Before returning back, stop at the remarkable Chapel of Senhor da Pedra, dramatically set on the rocks by the ocean — a truly unforgettable coastal landmark.

This guided tour of Douro Valley gives you a full day in the Portuguese countryside. Learn invaluable cultural information from your guide, and travel with ease, as all transport is organized for you on this small-group tour. The day has so many wonderful inclusions, making it the ultimate hassle-free experience—visit wine estates for tastings, have a local lunch, enjoy a panoramic cruise, and sample local olive oil and cheeses too.

The UNESCO-listed Douro Valley is one of Europe’s wine hot spots, but having to drive yourself between vineyards means you can’t indulge in many tastings. This half-day trip from Porto takes care of transportation by both land and water (a Douro River cruise is included), and takes you to the São Cristóvão do Douro Viewpoint for fantastic photo opportunities.

Embark on a magical journey from Porto into the heart of the Douro Valley, where breathtaking landscapes, world‑renowned Port wine and authentic Portuguese traditions come together in a truly unforgettable experience. This 6‑hour tour blends culture, flavor and scenery in perfect harmony. Your adventure begins at Quinta da Roeda, one of the most iconic estates in the region and home to Croft Port. Enjoy a guided tasting of Port wines and olive oil, discovering the unique character of the Douro. Please note: the estate visited may be replaced by another winery of similar quality, depending on availability. Afterward, indulge in a traditional Portuguese lunch at a local restaurant, followed by panoramic viewpoints overlooking the terraced vineyards and the winding Douro River — the perfect finale to your day.

Experience the stunning, UNESCO-listed landscapes of the Douro Valley as you embark on this premium full-day tour from Porto. With a small group, visit small villages and wineries to learn about the rich winemaking traditions of the region. Take a scenic cruise along the Douro River, enjoy guided wine tastings, and sit down to a traditional Portuguese lunch paired with Douro DOC wines.

Experience the natural beauty of Portugal's UNESCO–listed Douro Valley on a half-day trip that saves you the hassle of driving—so you can indulge in world-famous wines and soak up the scenery instead. A river cruise gives you a fresh perspective of the landscapes while a visit to family-owned wineries offers a taste of local life. You'll also have free time to explore the grand city of Lamego at your own pace.

Explore the wine region of the Douro Valley on this guided day excursion. Feast your senses on the Douro’s many magnificent wineries, restaurants, and viewpoints. Visit two prime wineries where you'll be introduced to some of the region’s best varietals. Learn about the history of the wine heritage with the help of your guide and local winemakers. Of course, no trip to the Douro Valley would be complete without tasting a few world-class wines and a traditional Portuguese lunch.

The Douro Valley is quite far away from Porto, and unless you rent a car it could be hard to visit the area. Opt instead for this Douro Valley small-group tour that’s limited to eight people. Along with round-trip transport and a Portuguese lunch, stop at two wineries for wine tasting and go on a cruise of the area.

The Douro Valley’s landscapes are replete with vineyards and bounteous produce: sip and sample the best of the region’s culinary offerings on this full-day tour from Porto. Alongside your guide, visit wine estates and spectacular viewpoints. See, too, the beauty of the Douro River during a boat ride and enjoy lunch in a typical Portuguese restaurant.

Discover the traditions behind Port wine on a small-group visit to a fourth-generation cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia. Walk through the aging cellar to see Ports dating back 100 years while learning how the region’s famous fortified wine is produced and matured. Then settle into the tasting room to sample a selection of Ports and experience the styles that have shaped the area's winemaking reputation.