Tour the Treasures of Portugal (Small Group Tours)

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As one of our Independent Tours, we've carefully selected the two cities of Porto and Viana do Castelo to showcase the most authentic yet contrasting sides of Northern Portugal. Your tour begins in Porto, a World Heritage City. Small enough to comfortably wander the narrow-cobbled streets whilst still making new discoveries with every step, Porto is known for its stately bridges and namesake port production. Overlooking the sweeping Douro River, famous for its terraced vineyards and historic Port Houses dotted along its banks, we've arranged a River Cruise, taking you from Porto to Regua through the Douro Wine Region with spectacular views all around. Return on the incredibly scenic rail journey back to the city.We recommend many must-see attractions, eateries, and spots to enjoy a glass of port riverside as you take your time exploring the city. Many buildings and churches in Porto are embellished with blue and white azulejo tiles, portraying specific aspects of Portuguese life and beautiful floral themes, a tradition which dates to the 13th century and has since become somewhat of an icon to Porto. We've arranged tickets for entry to Livraria Lello Bookshop, a historic building with striking architecture said to have inspired JK Rowling to write Harry Potter. And of course, no visit to Porto is complete without visiting a traditional Port House for a port tasting - all included within your tour.The next stop on your tour of Northern Portugal is the underrated city of Viana do Castelo. A beautiful city facing the River Lima, Viana is growing in popularity and boasts a beautiful historic centre, a peaceful waterfront location with fantastic, sandy beaches and some of the finest panoramic views in all of Portugal.Explore the churches and monasteries, absorbing the local culture as you enjoy a wine tasting we've pre-arranged for you. We recommend exploring further north up the coast, visiting Vila Praia de Ancora and Caminha. Here, you can relax on the popular beaches or take the 15-minute ferry across the border to Spain where you walk up Santa Trega Mountain, rewarding you with panoramic views across the River Minho and the Atlantic Ocean. End your day with a warm evening stroll along the beach, choosing from one of the many great seafood restaurants.Return for one last night in Porto where you have the option to upgrade to a luxury 5* hotel with unrivalled views and unique gastronomy on offer. Relax and enjoy a final glass of port riverside as you watch the sun set over the city.