NORTHERN PORTUGAL
28 May – 6 June 2025
TOUR DESCRIPTION
Join me with a beautiful bevvy of Adventurous Ewes on a 10-day women-only exploration of Northern Portugal, in May-June 2025. The north is less touristic than the south and contains a perfect blend of history, culture and gastronomy. We visit historic towns like Braga ‘the Rome of Portugal’ and Ponte de Lima, Portugal’s oldest village.
In Porto, we do a foodie walking tour to savour local delicacies and learn the art of Portuguese cuisine with a local chef. Our journey of taste wouldn’t be complete without sampling Port, Moscatel and local wines at restaurants and vineyards. Each day reveals the rich heritage and flavours that make up the captivating region of Northern Portugal and by using just two well-positioned upmarket hotels for our stay, we can settle in and unpack only twice.
WOMEN ONLY
20% deposit to book your place
Single ZAR 66 000
Shared ZAR 53 000- INCLUDED IN THE TOUR:
- Airport transfers (if arriving and departing at similar times)
- 4* accommodation
- Welcome and Farewell dinners
- 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 2 dinners
- Wine tasting
- Fado show
- Air conditioned vehicle
- Cooking class
- Walking food tour
- River cruise
- Personalised accompanied service throughout
- Professional English-speaking tour guides
View Brochure
Our Tour
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Braga – The Rome of Portugal
Bem-vindas to Portugal!
Arriving at Porto airport, we are instantly whisked north to Braga, just 45 minutes by road. We start our exploration of northern Portugal at this city often called the “Rome of Portugal.” Its history is almost as old as the Roman Empire, and this rich religious heritage is on display in churches, chapels, sanctuaries, museums and cathedral. We’ll visit some and stay in another, at a beautiful central hotel on the site of a 1508 infirmary, which became a chapel, hostel and Templar convent.
Beyond its spiritual significance, Braga has a lively atmosphere, with charming streets, vibrant squares, and a youthful energy, thanks to its student population.
Tonight, we sit down to a Portuguese welcome dinner to meet our fellow travelling companions. Our group of adventurous 50+ ladies, who may not know each other, but, end as firm friends.
Accommodation: settle into our 4* city centre hotel for the next four nights
Meals: Welcome dinner
DAY 2
Braga- Historical Walking Tour
Exploring Braga is best done on foot, so we join our guide on an historical walking tour, starting in the city centre near our hotel. Narrow, cobbled streets lead us between beautifully-preserved old buildings. We make a stop at Braga Cathedral, where nine centuries of history created this Godly monument, built several decades before the founding of the country.
Beside the Archbishop’s Palace, we stroll through the romantic gardens of Santa Barbara, whose blooming flowerbeds are delineated by low boxwood hedges and punctuated by neat topiaries. Saint Barbara is immortalised with a statue and fountain in the middle of the garden.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 3
Braga - Follow the path of the pilgrims
Today’s walk follows the path of pilgrims to the serene surroundings of the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary. The grand baroque stairway is divided into three parts: the portico stairway, the 5 ways stairway, and the 3 virtues stairway. Take a breather at each level and appreciate the views, architecture and ornamental elements of this great staircase towards heaven. If the 573 steps are a bit daunting, there’s an easier way to the top in the funicular.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 4
Day tour to the coast and inland villages
Today, we take a scenic circular drive to explore the small towns and villages of Barcelos, Viana do Castel and Ponte de Lima. Barcelos is the folklore birthplace of the emblematic Portuguese rooster, and now would be a good time to acquire this memento of Portugal that symbolises, luck, happiness and prosperity.
Our drive takes us along the Atlantic coast to Viana do Castel, with a heritage of shipbuilding and fishing. The town’s most outstanding feature is the neo-byzantine Santuario de Santa Luzia church, which sits atop a hill dominating the skyline. From here, we head inland to Ponte de Lima, Portugal’s oldest village. Its Festival International des Jardins starts in late May – the same time we are here – so the spring gardens should be in full bloom.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 5
Explore Porto
We leave the countryside of Braga and head to the Atlantic coast, known for some big-wave surf breaks and long sandy beaches. Surprisingly, the area around Porto is called the Costa Verde (green coast), because the lush hills of the Douro River Valley reach all the way down to the estuary. Porto’s quaint houses crowd the hillside overlooking the river mouth and you’ll soon discover why we’ve chosen Porto as the base for our five-night stay.
Let’s walk off our lunch by exploring the vibrant Ribeira quarter of Porto. The colourful, ancient buildings line the narrow, winding streets and quayside, and our guide will reveal why this historic area is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Both the upper and lower levels of the impressive Dom Luís I Bridge spanning the Douro are walkable and provide incredible views and perspectives.
Other landmarks on our tour include Porto Cathedral and the bustling Avenida dos Aliados, lined with grand architecture. The impressive tiled frescos in São Bento Railway Station that will leave you speechless, depicting Portugal’s history in this art form created by 22,000 blue and white azulejo tiles.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: settle into our 4* city centre hotel
DAY 6
Porto - Cooking with a local
Today we learn to cook delicious Portuguese recipes and taste the fruits of our efforts, along with some local wine.
This evening, we delve into the dark port wine cellars for a tour and tasting. Then comes an intimate show with the mournful sounds of Fado. Heartfelt songs are accompanied by Portuguese guitars and reflect life’s bittersweet emotions in this most traditional style of Portuguese entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 7
Scenic tour on rail, road & boat
Today, we take a number of different forms of transport, starting by stepping aboard a local train. This leads us to the point where we transfer to a vehicle to drive along the famous N222, one of the most scenic roads in Portugal. The route follows the course of the Douro River as it meanders through the beautiful scenery of the region.
Awaiting us is a traditional Portuguese wooden cargo boat for a cruise along this river. We hop off the boat at a pier, then continue by road to a local vineyard for a taste of the naturally sweet Moscatel wine grown here. By now we’ll be ready for lunch, which is cooked in traditional iron pots.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 8
Foodie walking tour of Porto
Local foods are the theme for the morning on a guided walking tour, introducing us to some of the best loved ingredients of the region.
This afternoon is free for you to continue roaming Porto, perhaps to the world famous Lello bookshop, “the prettiest book shop in the world,” with art nouveau and neo-gothic details, stained glass ceiling and curved staircase. Or relax at the hotel’s indoor pool and sauna.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 9
Day trip & farewell dinner
We head out of Porto for the day to visit nearby historic towns of Aveiro, Ilhavo and Coimbra. Aveiro, often called the “Venice of Portugal,” is a charming coastal town known for its picturesque canals, brightly-painted flat-bottomed moliceiro gondolas, and Art Nouveau architecture. In Ilhavo, we stop at the famous Vista Alegre porcelain factory, with a chance to buy an exquisite piece of Portuguese pottery. We continue to Coimbra, one of Portugal’s oldest cities and explore its historic university, ancient libraries and medieval streets.
To mark the last night of our fabulous tour of northern Portugal, we’ve chosen a restaurant with incredible food and views over the Douro River and Porto cityscape. Here, we will toast to a trip well done and our new friendships.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 10
Goodbye Portual
Adeus! As our journey through northern Portugal comes to an end, we head for the airport with cherished memories of its historic towns, stunning landscapes and warm hospitality.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas
- Some meals – see itinerary
- All personal drinks including any alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities not part of the itinerary
- Meal tips
- Gratuities for guide and driver
VISAS
Schengen visa required.
You can use the services of any visa company, such as, Visas Zone. They guide you through the process and make sure you have the correct documents and book the appointment.
https://forms.visaszone.co.za/requirements.html#region/4/country/40/service/77Phone: +27 86 000 9560
Email: info@visaszone.co.za
Or apply through VFS Global.
https://visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/prt/
TRAVELLER'S TIPS
- Download the App Airalo for affordable local SIM cards www.airalo.com
WEATHER
The weather in Portugal end May, beginning of June is generally warm and pleasant with temperatures cooler at night. The average temperatures typically range from 17°C to 28°C, making it comfortable for exploring Porto and surrounding villages.
MONEY - Euro
The euro is the official currency of Portugal, which is a member of the European Union.
Euro 1.00 = ZAR 20.00
DRESS CODE
Expect to wear mostly summer clothes during your trip to Portugal.
- Lightweight waterproof jacket for potential rainfall
- Jersey or light jacket for the evenings
- Walking shoes
- Light weight tops and pants
- Dresses
- Swimming costume
OTHER ITEMS TO REMEMBER
- Forex Euro, bank card
- Pen and notebook
- Cell phone chargers and powerbank
- Plug types – type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side
- Universal plug converter
- Mosquito repellent
- Earplugs
- Medication
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses and/or reading glasses
- Handbag/backpack/shoulder sling bag
SHOPPING GUIDE
- Cork products
- Portuguese tiles
- An item with the Barcelos Rooster
- Canned sardines
- Port
- Embroidered linen
- Book from Lello bookshop