The Pearls of the North of Portugal, Self-drive
- 8 Days
- From : Porto
- To : Porto
- Self-Drive
- Guide : -
- Minimum age : 10 Years Old
* This product requests separate payment. Promotion code or coupon from Ticket Here is not applicable.
Choose this self-drive tour around Portugal and spend eight 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 Guimarães, and enjoy delicious wines in one of the local cellar in the Peso da Régua and Oporto.
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 façades 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
Guimarães: attractive historic city, filled with medieval atmosphere that is expressed at many castles and medieval fortresses, often recognized as a cradle of Portugal
Peso da Régua: picturesque town settled on the banks of the River Duoro, one of the principal region of wine production.
What’s included?
ACCOMMODATION:
- 7 night’s hotel accommodation
MEALS:
- 7 Breakfasts
CAR HIRE:
- Unlimited mileage
- SCDW (additional insurance with obligatory police report) *
- TP (theft protection)
- Road assistance 24/7
- Replacement vehicle in a case of accident or breakdown
- Safety equipment (triangle, high visibility vest, fire extinguisher)
- Road map
- Tax
OTHER:
- Meet & Greet
Exclusions
- Domestic nor International flights
- Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise)
- City tax not included, payable on the spot
- Porterage and gratuities
- PAI (personal accident insurance)
- Tour guide
- Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program
- Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any)
- Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.
NOT INCLUDED IN CAR HIRE:
- Fuel, Fines, Tolls, Parking
- Damage to a third party or to the hire vehicle due to negligence or inappropriate driving.
- 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.
- Damage to the engine through negligence.
- Theft of the vehicle with keys left in the ignition.
- Damage caused to the vehicle or to persons through driving under the Influence of alcohol or drugs.
- 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.
- 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.
- Each additional driver .
- Any extra equipment (GPS, baby seat etc)
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
Instructions for the car collection:
- Day 8: Return procedure and the exact designated area will be advised by rent a 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
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1, 2 Porto:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Cristal or similar 4*
Day 3, 4 Guimarães:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Guimarães or similar 4*
Day 5 Peso da Régua:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Régua Douro or similar 4*
Day 6 Castelo de Paiva:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Douro 41 & Spa or similar 4*
Day 7 Porto:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Cristal or similar 4*
CAR HIRE OPTION:
- Car Group C = Seat Ibiza or similar
Cancellation policy
- Once ordered, this tour cannot be cancelled or refund or amended at any circumstances.
Day 1 : ARRIVAL OPORTO
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
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)
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
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)
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 (110 km – 1.5 hrs)
Morning breakfast at the hotel and bid farewell to Peso da Régua. Your following destination is Castelo de Paiva, a municipality in northern Portugal, located about an hour from the city of Aveiro. The city is getaway to the north of the Montanhas Mágicas territory and its river system, that includes the river Douro, Paiva, Arda, and Sadoura Rivers, defined whole beauty of this region. Surrounded by the 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 with accompanied by the excellent Vinho Verde de Paiva.
Overnight in Castelo de Paiva.
Day 7 : CASTELO DE PAIVA – OPORTO (60 km – 1 h)
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and the last moments in this tranquil atmosphere of Castelo da Paiva. 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
Spend your last morning in Portugal savouring your breakfast. Then, return the rental car at the Oporto Airport and prepare for your return flight.