Tastes of Northern Portugal
Overview
This self drive itinerary begins in Lisbon, taking you northbound through Nazare and concentrated on Porto and the Douro region. With inclusions that allow you to experience the true flavours of Portugal this package allows you to take advantage of activities included, in addition a self-drive holiday allows you the flexibility to also explore on your own to do what you want and see what you want. Head southbound back to Lisbon via Coimbra and end your experience with a true authentic Portuguese fado dinner and show.
This itinerary features More Moments activities included with your package.
Format
Locations
- Lisbon
- Nazaré, Portugal
- Porto
- Coimbra
Inclusions
- Round-trip flights to Lisbon (if Flight & Hotel package option is chosen)
- 10 nights of accommodation in selected category, including breakfast daily
- 3 tastings, 1 dinner
- 10 Day car rental in selected category, (Unlimited Mileage, Loss Damage Waiver (includes: Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) + Theft Waiver (TW), Vehicle License Fee (LAF), One (1) additional driver & Tax.)
More Moments:
- Lisbon tour by TUK TUK and gastronomy experience
- Porto Walking and Gastronomic tour operated in English
- Visit to Porto wine caves and wine tasting
- Visit to Quinta dos Vallado including 1 wine tasting in the Douro Valley
- One hour boat tour in Pinhão
- Fado dinner at São Miguel d’Alfama Fado Restaurant in Lisbon
- Earn Aeroplan® points
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada
Fly to Lisbon.
Day 2
Welcome to Portugal & Lisbon
Upon arrival pick up your car at Lisbon airport and proceed to your hotel where you will spend the next 3 nights.
Discover Lisbon, an historical city full of stories to tell and famous for its hospitality, where the sun shines 290 days a year. Explore a city full of authenticity where old customs and ancient history intermix with cultural entertainment. There is so much to see in a city which is constantly reinventing itself. From historic places to the most recent museums and architecture projects, from the classic to the contemporary, visual arts to performing arts, listed monuments to new interactive exhibitions, in Lisbon there is always a unique show to see or an impressive monument to visit. According to the American television chain CNN, Lisbon is the 'coolest' city in Europe. It praised the nightlife, as well as the "fascinating streets" of its historic districts. The gastronomy is also identified as a major asset. Overnight: Lisbon.
Day 3
Lisbon, TUK TUK and gastronomy experience
Lisbon After breakfast explore the Portuguese Capital. Lisbon tour by TUK TUK with food & wine experience (duration 2:30 hours). The most authentic experience of Lisbon combining history, iconic sights and portuguese gastronomy. See some of the typical Lisbon quarters, admire beautiful views of the ‘city of seven hills’ and experience some portuguese ‘tapas’ and wines. Remainder of the day at leisure . Overnight: Lisbon
More Moments Activities Included
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TUK TUK and gastronomy experience
TUK TUK and gastronomy experience.
Meal(s): Breakfast and 1 tasting
Day 4
Lisbon – Sintra – Lisbon
After breakfast drive to the charming town of Sintra (UNESCO World Heritage Site) that enchanted kings and inspired poets.Take your pick of any of the majestic Palaces, like the National Palace of Sintra, the Moorish Castle or the Pena National Palace, an astonishing fairytale castle, located in one of the highest peaks of Sintra mountain range. Walk through the narrow streets and appreciate the handicraft shops, stop at a tea room to taste the delicious local sweets like the "queijadas" or the “travesseiros”. Continue to Cabo da Roca, the most westerly point of Europe and enjoy the unique scenery of the Atlantic Ocean. Return to Lisbon passing Cascais and Estoril (Lisbon Riviera). Remainder of day at leisure. Overnight: Lisbon
(Approximately 58 km)
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5
Lisbon - Óbidos - Nazaré
After breakfast hit the road to Obidos, an enchanting medieval town dating back to the 12th century, an authentic museum carefully preserved, surrounded by high walls and winding streets. Lunch at leisure. In the afternoon continue to Nazaré, an attractive and picturesque fishing village flanked by striking cliffs with busy narrow streets where you may find fishermen and women wearing typical multicolored costumes. Overnight: Nazaré.
(Approximately 125 km)
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6
Nazaré - Sangalhos - Porto
Start the day at the Miradouro do Suberco. Take in the spectacular panoramic view and visit the lighthouse overlooking the iconic Praia do Norte, the world famous surf beach since Garrett McNamara surfed a 30 meter-high-wave reaching the World Guinness record in Nov 2011. Lunch at leisure in a local restaurant to sample some of the Portuguese best seafood. Leave Nazaré and stop at Alcobaça to visit the 12th century Monastery and one of the most beautiful Cistercian Abbeys dating from the middle age. Continue to Batalha and see the 15th century Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitoria, a masterpiece of the Portuguese Gothic Architecture and UNESCO World Heritage site. Head north to Porto travelling through Bairrada region and feel the scents of land and vineyards. This wine region is known for its sparkling wines and it is the Portuguese highest wine classification as “Denominação de Origem Controlada” (DOC protected designation of origin). Overnight: Porto.
(Approximately 228 km)
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7
Porto Walking & Gastronomic Tour
Time to discover the second largest city in Portugal, known for its monument’s variety, tradition/cultural richness and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
More Moments Activities Included
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Porto Walking and Gastronomic tour
Porto Walking & Gastronomic Tour (duration 4 hours) - Departure from the meeting point (no pick-up included from your hotel) ) Immerse yourself in Porto's rich culinary heritage, where centuries of history come alive in every bite. Our tour is designed to connect you with the authentic flavors and traditions that define our vibrant culture. Join us as we guide you through the charming streets of Porto's historic center. At each carefully selected stop, you'll savor mouthwatering dishes and exquisite beverages that are the heartbeat of Porto's gastronomy. From fresh, local ingredients to timehonored recipes, every tasting tells a story of the region's deep-rooted connection to its land and people. This isn't just a food tour; it's a journey through Porto's soul. As you indulge in these unforgettable flavors, you'll also uncover the city's rich history, captivating stories, and breathtaking sights. Don't miss out on this delicious adventure. Come and experience the true taste of Porto—where every bite is a celebration of tradition and passion. Overnight: Porto
Meal(s): Breakfast and 1 tasting
Day 8
Porto – Douro Valley – Regua
Head to the Douro Valley, a charming and unique region in the North of Portugal defined by having been the first demarcated wine region in the world and its landscape classified as UNESCO World Heritage. “Majestic Douro, the wonder of a landscape… an excess of Nature that eyes cannot contemplate at its full! “ - Douro description by the famous Portuguese writer Miguel Torga. Overnight: Douro Region
(Approximately 126 km)
More Moments Activities Included
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Visit to Quinta dos Vallado including, wine tasting in the Douro Valley
In the afternoon, visit the Quinta do Vallado vineyard, for a tour and wine tasting (included). Quinta do Vallado, established in 1716, is one of the oldest and most famous “Quintas” in Douro Valley. It once belonged to the legendary Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira, and for six generations, it has been hers descendents who have set a successful course for this emblematic estate, in the heart of the Douro Valley.
Meal(s): Breakfast and 1 tasting
Day 9
Douro Region
After breakfast drive to Pinhão, one of the most scenic routes in Portugal, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of the Douro Valley. As you follow the winding roads along the Douro River, admire a panorama of terraced vineyards, historic estates, and charming villages. There are several scenic viewpoints along the way, including the famous Miradouro de São Leonardo de Galafura, which offers panoramic views over the Douro River and its surrounding hills. Arrive in Pinhão, a picturesque village considered one of the most important centers for port wine production, and its train station is famous for its azulejo (tile) panels. Overnight: Douro Region
More Moments Activities Included
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One hour boat tour in Pinhão
Take a Rabelo Boat cruise for an hour (included). These traditional rabelo boats were originally used to transport barrels of port wine from the vineyards of the Douro Valley to the cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, near Porto. Today, they are mainly used for tourism, offering a peaceful journey through the stunning valley.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 10
Douro Region - Lamego - Viseu - Coimbra
Begin your day visiting the Catholic pilgrimage town of Lamego, and see ‘Nossa Senhora dos Remédios’ Sanctuary. Continue to Viseu, a crossroads since the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, and home to the Dão wine region. Drive to Coimbra, a charming city teeming with rich culture and history. Visit one of the oldest University’s in the world, with a unique atmosphere based on ancient traditions and customs (such as the black cape of the students and the melancholic fado music). See the magnificent baroque library, the 12th century fortified Cathedral and the ‘Santa Cruz’ church known by its Manueline main portico. Overnight: Coimbra
(Approximately 160 km)
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 11
Lisbon – Fado Dinner & Show
Enjoy the scenic drive to Lisbon and explore this charming city!
Overnight: Lisbon
More Moments Activities Included
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Fado dinner at São Miguel d’Alfama Fado Restaurant in Lisbon
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with wine and fado show (included) at the São Miguel d’Alfama Fado Restaurant, in the heart of the Alfama quarter, the cradle of Fado.
Meal(s): Breakfast and 1 dinner
Day 12
Return Home
After breakfast return your rental car at Lisbon Airport before boading your flight back home.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Accomodations
Where you'll stay
Location
Hotel
Room details
Room occupancy: Maximum 3 adults
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Important Information
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April 1, 2025 – October 20, 2025
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Not included
- Meals & Beverage unless specified
- Additional activities and excursions, entrance fees
- Hotel parking fees, if applicable
- Car rental exclusion: Gasoline, Airport Service Charge (25 EUR per rental), Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), Glass & Tyres protection (WWI), Roadside assisantce cover (RSA), Refueling charges, Navigation system, Baby seats, Luggage rack,
- Toll management device, Toll fees, Extra Additional Drivers (third person & above). All extra fees payable at rental counter in local currency. Anything not specifically noted in the inclusions.
- Personal expenses and insurance
- Porterage
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The More Moments activities/excursions mentioned in the itinerary are all included in the package but may be rescheduled to take place on an earlier or later day, depending on availability and operational day.
Tuk Tuk tour: Children under 4 years old are not permitted on this excursion; an alternative option will be offered.
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When booking your Fly & Drive, the first name added on the file is considered as the principle driver of the vehicle. Modifications or change of name to principle driver name will incur fees.
Car rental:
- EDMR Manual Peugeot 208 a/c
- CDMR Manual Ford Focus a/c
- CDMR Manua Ford Focus SW a/c
- IFAR Automatic Peugeot 3008 / ac
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Local hotel tax’s, paid locally to hotel in local currency.
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The order of the itinerary could vary including the number of consecutive nights per city. Days of excursions and times are confirmed with final confirmation and itinerary. This itinerary is presented for reference only.
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Check in: 3:00 p.m.
Check out: 12:00 p.m.