Take a short drive today to Guimarães, often referred to as the birthplace of Portugal and home to a well-preserved medieval core. Visit the imposing Guimarães Castle, the stately Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, and the UNESCO-listed historic centre. For lunch, grab a table in the atmospheric medieval square and soak in the city’s charm.
We Love —
- Exploring Northern Portugal in complete freedom with included car hire, allowing you to wander off the beaten path and discover hidden villages.
- Stopping off in medieval towns like the UNESCO World Heritage Site Guimarães, and soaking up centuries of history in their cobbled streets.
- Tasting our way across the region, from grilled sardines in riverside restaurants and pouring crisp vinho verde at sunset.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Your itinerary in brief —
Your recommended itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Braga & historic centre
Day 2: Bom Jesus do Monte & Sameiro Sanctuary
Day 3: Day trip to Guimarães (26 km)
Day 4: Day trip to Porto (56 km)
Day 5: Day trip to Viana do Castelo (65 km)
Day 6: Customisable day trip
Day 7: Departure
Please note that this is a recommended itinerary (suggested duration is 6 nights) and that the activities indicated are not excursions included in the package, but suggestions to enrich your stay.
Your itinerary in detail —
Day 1: Arrival in Braga
Upon arrival, collect your hire car at Porto Airport and drive around 45 minutes to Braga, a city steeped in history and religious heritage. After checking into your hotel, spend the afternoon exploring the compact historic centre - highlights include the Sé de Braga, the Arco da Porta Nova, and the flower-filled Garden of Santa Bárbara. In the evening, sample some local northern Portuguese dishes at one of Braga’s traditional restaurants.
Overnight at Holiday Inn Braga 4*
DAY 2: BOM JESUS DO MONTE & SANCTUARY OF SAMEIRO
After fuelling up at breakfast, start your day at the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its ornate baroque staircase and historic funicular. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro, offering sweeping views over the region. Return to Braga for a relaxed evening exploring the city centre at your own pace.
Breakfast and overnight at Holiday Inn Braga 4*
DAY 3: GUIMARAES
Day 4: Porto
This morning, head south to Porto, known for its historic architecture and world-famous port wine cellars. Wander the riverside lanes of the Ribeira district, climb the Clérigos Tower for sweeping views, and pop into the Lello Bookstore, said to have inspired parts of Harry Potter. Don’t miss a tour (and tasting) in the city’s iconic port wine cellars, or opt for a Douro River cruise if time allows. Return to Braga in the evening.
Overnight at Holiday Inn Braga 4*
DAY 5: VIANA DO CASTELO
Today, direction west to the Atlantic coast and the laid-back city of Viana do Castelo. Start with a visit to the hilltop Sanctuary of Santa Luzia for panoramic ocean views, then explore the old town’s historic architecture and local artisan shops. If the weather’s good, grab a spot on the beach or enjoy a seafood lunch by the water before returning to Braga in the afternoon.
Overnight at Holiday Inn Braga 4*
DAY 6: MINHO REGION
Use this day to dive deeper into the Minho region—or just relax. Popular options include a wine tasting at a nearby quinta, a trip to Peneda-Gerês National Park for hiking and wild scenery, or simply unwinding at the hotel pool with a book.
Overnight at Holiday Inn Braga 4*
DAY 7: DEPARTURE FROM BRAGA
Enjoy one last breakfast before returning your car to the Airport and boarding our homebound flight.
This itinerary is designed as a suggestion to help you plan your trip - any excursions and entrance fees are not included, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace and according to your interests.
Important information about your tour and visits: The hotels, which comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category. The itinerary is subject to changes due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change without affecting the overall experience of the itinerary.
Your hotels —
Hand-picked just for you
During your trip, enjoy a comfortable stay in an Upgraded Premium Room at the Holiday Inn Braga 4*.
Your dining choices
This is a bed and breakfast stay.
Optional extras —
Hardback photo album - 21x27 cm (24 pages)
Create a beautiful hardback photo album, personalised and printed on premium paper, to bring your holiday memories to life.
Pack of 50 classic photo prints - 10x15 cm
Preserve your favourite memories with this pack of 50 classic photo prints, easy to print in just a few clicks to display, share and relive every moment.
Mobile data
Stay connected on the move with this exclusive mobile internet offer, perfect for the modern traveller. Activate your eSIM and enjoy a connection wherever you go. Easily share your internet connection with friends and family, with no risk of going over the limit.
Tour of Aveiro
Visit the city of Aveiro, the Portuguese Venice and let yourself be transported into its unique atmosphere, between canals, gondolas and little multicoloured houses. You can even tour the town on a BUGA, a bicycle provided free of charge by the local council!
Guided tour of Porto
Visit the must-see sights of Porto's historic centre, a Unesco World Heritage Site, for half a day. Accompanied by a guide, discover the quartier medieval, the Cathedral and the magnificent Sao Bento then finish in one of the wine cellars for a morning under the sign of culture.
Wine tasting in the Douro Valley
Discover the Douro Valley and taste different types of local wine during a day tour of the vineyards: sparkling wine, Douro table wine and green wine (Vinho Verde) will hold no secrets for you!
Visit Fatima and Coimbra
Discover Fátima and Coimbra for a day with a guide. Start with the sacred monuments of Fátima, the religious centre of Portugal, then continue to Coimbra, famous for being the place of creation of the first university in the country.
Your journey to Braga —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your destinations —
