|
We propose on this five days program, a very complete itinerary that provide you the chance of visiting on a few days the Region of Douro: time to visit the city of Porto, to explore the Douro River on a cruise and, to enjoy the green region of Minho, having
the chance of knowing a luxurious green landscape, with a new perspective of Portuguese culture.
Day 1: Lisbon - Porto
On the morning*, you will be able to collect the car on the AVIS station. Then drive to Porto (3 hours by highway) and take your time to visit Porto in the afternoon.
*The collect of the rented cars starts from 8h00AM
Overnight at Porto Hotel
Day 2: Cruise on Douro River: Porto - Pinhão - Porto (Downstream)
07h30 Meeting at S. Bento train station, Porto
07h50 Departure to Pinhão
10h45 Boarding of the ship at Pinhão Quay
Ship sets sail to Porto
Aperitifs and lunch served on board
Arrival at Bagaúste Dam - Floodgate (27 meters difference in level)
Arrival at Carrapatelo Dam - Floodgate (35 meters difference in level) Arrival at Crestuma / Lever dam - Floodgate (14 meters difference in level)
19h00 Arrival at V.N.Gaia quay
Note: In the event that Portuguese Railways are unable to provide transportation, the trip will continue by bus.
Overnight at Porto Hotel
Day 3: Porto
A free day to enjoy Porto. Considered to be the second largest portuguese city, Porto is completely different from Lisbon: in its size, colours, traditions and even in what concerns the local population. On the north bank of Douro river, the city of Porto is still one of the most conservative and
impressive portuguese cities, having still nowadays a certain feeling of rivalry towards Lisbon.
The riverside quarter of Ribeira is delightful to be visited, with its narrow streets, typical houses and picturesque life-style: it has been recently restored, now including now some fashionable restaurants and bars. Afterwards please head to the city centre, where you can have a look at some of the
most significant monuments (Stock Exchange Palace, St. Francis Church and Clérigos Church and Bell Tower) and also go to the commercial and pedestrian street of St. Catherine.
On the other bank of Douro river (at Vila Nova de Gaia) you'll have the chance of visiting the Port Wine cellars, including some Port Wine tasting as well.
In Porto you should definitely drive along the city until the mouth of the river and, on the way back to the city centre, park your car and stroll across the historical centre and the World Heritage site (classified by UNESCO in 1996) Ribeira district.
Overnight at Porto Hotel
Day 4: Porto - Amarante
The day to cross and delight a part of Minho Region. You can go directly to Amarante, if you wish to enjoy a peaceful day or, in alternative, you can go first to Guimarães, city where Portugal was born and then, after visit it, proceed to Amarante.
In Amarante, accommodate yourself in Casa da Calçada and take your day enjoying the wonderful facilities of this very elegant and cosy Relais & Chateux Hotel. Nevertheless we are pretty sure you won't resist crossing the bucolic Tâmega River, towards S. Gonçalo
monastery (16th century).
Try the delicious local gastronomy and take a walk across the city, exploring Amarante small but lovely historical centre.
Overnight in Amarante
Hotel in Amarante: Casa da Calçada (Relaix & Chateaux Charming 4 stars)
Day 5: Amarante - Lisbon
Return to Lisbon and deliver of the rented car on the AVIS station until 19h00PM (or 2h00AM if delivered at Lisbon airport).
Our Porto Hotels Selection:
Level A Hotel: Pestana Porto Hotel (****Charm) or Sheraton Porto Hotel (*****)
Level B Hotel: Hotel Eurostars das Artes (****) or Vila Galé Porto (****)
End of Self-Drive Tour
|
