Hidden Portugal

Arrive in Portugal, meet your tour manager and board the coach for the short transfer to your hotel in Povoa de Varzim.

Spend your first full day in Portugal relaxing in your chosen hotel and its surroundings. You'll also have the chance to join your tour manager for a leisurely guided stroll or the area in which your hotel is based.

Our first included excursion, taken in the company of your tour manager, is a full day visit to Portugal’s second city, Porto. The city that gave its name to the country is ancient, time-weathered, and clings haphazardly to the hillside above the beautiful River Douro. During the day, you'll also visit one of the city’s many famous port wine lodges, and have the chance to enjoy lunch in a riverside restaurant. An optional boat trip on the Douro will also be available (payable locally).

Enjoy breakfast this morning ahead of a full day at leisure. If you'd prefer, you can also take in the beautiful coastal region of the Minho on an enthralling optional excursion. Your first stop will be the typical seaside town of Viana do Castelo, on the northern bank of the estuary of the River Lima. One of the town's highlights is the Basilica de Santa Lucia, which has wonderful views over the surrounding area.

You'll also head further inland, through the Vinho Verde vineyards, to the historic market town of Ponte de Lima, famous for its 18th-century fountain and Roman bridge.

Today’s full-day tour takes in Barcelos, home to Europe’s largest open-air market – a colourful, bustling hive of activity offering a huge range of locally produced goods.

From here you’ll continue to Braga, the former Catholic capital of Portugal. Set in the heart of the verdant Minho region, this ancient university seat is one of the country’s oldest settlements. See its great cathedral, and explore the verdant acres of Bom Jesus park and the Escadaria (Baroque staircases) which climbs through it, past chapels, fountains and statues, to the hill-top church.

Embrace a free day, taking advantage of your hotel’s facilities or exploring the surrounding area.

Start the final full day of your tour with breakfast at the hotel and head east for a fascinating trip to Guimarães, the ‘Birthplace of Portugal’. Upon arrival in this historic city, you’ll have the chance to take in its beautifully preserved medieval centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From here, you’ll be free to explore under your own steam, perhaps with a stop at Guimarães Castle, the fortress where Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, was born. Another major sight, the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, shouldn’t be missed with its grand 15th-century architecture and elegant interiors. If you have an interest in history and art, consider visiting the Alberto Sampaio Museum or the Centro Internacional das Artes José de Guimarães.

Alternatively, browse local boutiques for Portuguese crafts and souvenirs or sip a coffee in one of the squares before returning to the hotel the evening.

Bid adeus to this delightful region of Portugal, and head back to the airport to check in for your flight home, at the end of a hugely enjoyable holiday.