Northern Portugal Tour 2025

Northern Portugal – May/June 2025
An unforgettable journey with The Adventurous Ewe

This time, we headed to Northern Portugal in search of something a little different—and what a delight it turned out to be. We flew into Porto, where we were warmly welcomed by our guide, João, who stayed with us for the entire 10-day adventure. What a gentleman! Stylish to the core, he always had something to say about our outfits or shoes (in the nicest way), and to our amazement, confessed to owning 40 pairs of shoes! And we thought we were bad… 😊

From the airport, we hopped into our transfer vehicle and made our way to Braga, our home for the next four days. Just 55 kilometres northeast of Porto, Braga is one of Portugal’s oldest cities, full of character, beautiful churches, and a vibrant historical centre. On the way, we had our first taste of Portugal with a seaside lunch of grilled sardines and salad—simple, fresh, and absolutely delicious.

Our hotel in Braga was perfectly located in the old town, allowing us the freedom to stroll out in the early morning or after dinner. We adored the relaxed dinners in tucked-away restaurants, sharing plates, laughter, and excellent local wine. And of course, one of the highlights was visiting the stunning Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, perched on a hill overlooking the city. Some of the ladies climbed the 350 steps to the top!

One particularly memorable day took us through three charming towns: Ponte de Lima, Barcelos, and Viana do Castelo. Ponte de Lima captivated us with its cobbled streets, a graceful Roman bridge, and a timeless atmosphere. The hidden gem? An ice cream shop we’re still dreaming about. In nearby Barcelos, the town came alive with colour and folklore, home to the famous rooster legend and a bustling weekly market. We even witnessed a wedding inside the church, an unexpected and heartwarming moment. Finally, we reached the coastal town of Viana do Castelo, steeped in maritime history. We visited the majestic Santa Luzia Basilica, where João told us he had saved up for ten years to get married there. He proudly shared photos, and we all felt a little emotional sharing in his joy.

Sunday took us back to Porto, with a special lunch stop at a traditional family-run restaurant. The atmosphere was festive, filled with locals enjoying their Sunday lunch, lots of laughter, hearty food, and generous hospitality.

While Porto is beautiful by day, I truly fell in love with it by night. We’d often cross the bridge to Gaia, where we’d sip wine and watch the sun melt into the Douro River - pure magic. By day, we explored the city, shopped, and visited the Bolhão Market, a lively hub bursting with colour and flavour. From fresh fruit and fragrant herbs to regional cheeses, cured meats, and seafood straight from the Atlantic, it was a feast for the senses. Tiny cafés served rich coffee and delicious snacks, and the whole place pulsed with the energy of everyday Porto life.

We also spent a day exploring the charming towns of Aveiro and Coimbra. In Aveiro, we cruised the canals on a traditional boat with a captain who kept us giggling the whole way. The bridges were festooned with colourful ribbons, left behind by couples as romantic gestures, a gentler alternative to the padlocks you see in other cities.

One of the trip’s standout experiences was our day in the Douro Valley. We began at Porto’s iconic São Bento Railway Station, where the walls are adorned with 20,000 blue-and-white azulejo tiles telling stories from Portuguese history. From there, a scenic train ride led us to a boat cruise along the Douro, passing terraced vineyards and tranquil villages. We ended with a home-cooked lunch at a farm in the hills—complete with a Moscatel wine tasting.

Food was a huge part of our journey. We loved eating where the locals ate, whether it was a relaxed lunch spot or a fun walking food tour that (unexpectedly) took a detour through a beautifully maintained cemetery for Porto’s wealthiest. The cooking class was a real highlight. We were initially confused when we arrived at what looked like a clothing store, only to discover a sleek kitchen tucked behind the boutique. There, we cooked a delicious Portuguese almond tart for dessert - one we all vowed to recreate back home.

Our final night was spent in Gaia, at a restaurant perched on the hillside with a stunning view over Porto. We toasted to new friendships, shared memories, and this unforgettable journey, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the city lights began to twinkle.

And so, our Northern Portugal adventure with The Adventurous Ewe’s women-only tour came to an end - richer in laughter, stories, and connections. Until the next one…