Charming cities & delicious wine
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Raphaela Wedel
Travel expert for Portugal
Updated on 09/01/2025
A round trip through northern Portugal promises delicious wine, impressive architecture and strolls through romantic alleyways.
Go on a boat tour on the Douro River, visit a winery and taste fresh port wine there or go for a swim on the white beach of Praia do Cabedelo.
Highlights: Porto ➢ Braga ➢ Viana do Castelo
Overview | Details |
---|---|
🛫 Arrival: | approx. 7 hrs from US East Coast |
🔆 Best travel time: | April - October |
⌛ Trip duration: | from 8 days |
⭐ Accommodation: | 4-star hotels |
🍴 Meals: | Breakfast |
⛵ Activities: | Boat tour - Wine tasting - City tour |
🚗 Transport: | Rental car |
💰 Price: | from $1200 per person (flights excluded) |
Visit a winery on the Douro River in Porto and then go on a boat tour. Stroll through the medieval old town of Ribeira and visit sights such as the Church of Sao Francisco, Porto Cathedral and the Clerigos Tower.
Braga can look back on more than two thousand years of history. Enjoy the view from the pilgrimage site of Bom Jesus do Monte and visit Braga Cathedral or the Museu dos Biscainhos, a manor house from the 17th century.
In Viana do Castelo, the soft, white sand of the Praia do Cabedelo beach beckons. Be sure to take the funicular to the top of Santa Luzia Hill to admire the dome-shaped cathedral and get a 360-degree view.
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Sintra has a true fairytale atmosphere. The colorful Pena Palace, with its blend of architectural styles, is set within more than 500 acres of parkland filled with gardens, bridges, fountains, and lakes. It’s not the only place for magical walks—Quinta da Regaleira and Monserrate also captivate visitors with their enchanting buildings and mysterious gardens.
Let yourself be enchanted by the unique atmosphere of Lisbon as you stroll through the city's fascinating alleyways. Discover the city's many viewpoints, especially the Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara.
Explore romantic places such as the botanical garden or the old town. Go on a wine tour or enjoy a dinner accompanied by the sounds of fado before going on a boat trip at sunset.
The Douro Valley is considered one of the most beautiful landscapes in Portugal as well as one of the best wine regions in Europe. Take a boat trip here and visit some of the 50 or so wineries as well as some beautiful towns and villages. Attractions here include the Douro Museum in Peso des Regúa and viewpoints such as the Miradouro de Casal de Loivos. Many wine festivals are also held in the area in October.
Flight time from the US to Portugal depends on your departure city. From East Coast airports like New York or Boston, nonstop flights to Lisbon or Porto take about 6–7 hours. From the West Coast, flights usually take 11–12 hours and often include a stopover.
The official currency of Portugal is the euro (EUR). Prices vary by region but are generally moderate compared to much of Western Europe. In Lisbon and Porto, costs are slightly higher than in rural areas. Expect to pay about $16–$22 (€15–20) per person for a restaurant meal, while 3-star hotels start at around $50 (€45) per night.
The best time to visit Portugal depends on your preferences. Spring (March to May) and fall (September to October) offer mild weather, fewer tourists and perfect conditions for city breaks. Summer (June to August) is ideal for beach breaks, but is also the busiest time. Winter (December to February) is attractive for culture and wine lovers.
Portugal is considered one of the safest travel destinations in Europe. The country offers a stable political situation and a low crime rate, especially for tourists. The infrastructure for travelers is well developed and the Portuguese are hospitable. However, the usual precautions apply, such as pickpocketing in busy tourist areas. Overall, Portugal can be considered a safe and attractive destination.
Portuguese is the official language in Portugal. It is spoken by the entire population and is the main language of government, education and the media. English is also widely understood and spoken, especially in tourist areas and in the business world. Spanish is also understood by many Portuguese, as it is similar to the Portuguese language.
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From romantic walks and cultural discoveries to exciting activities and culinary highlights, Portugal has everything your heart desires. Explore our most popular itineraries and start planning your tailor-made romantic getaway or honeymoon in Portugal today.