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Hidden Portugal

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Unearth the treasures of Portugal

Enjoy a Portugal far removed from the resorts and golf courses of the Algarve. Away from that package-holiday haven, you'll find a country of rugged coastline and mountains, of vineyards and hilltop villages, historic cities and reserved locals, that remains largely untouched by the more extreme excesses of modern tourism.

The historic fishing town of Povoa de Varzim, situated north of Oporto on the Costa Verde, is blessed with beautiful beaches and clean sea air. A selection of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants, as well as the well-known Monumental Casino and a golf course, ensure Povoa's good reputation.

Day One

Fly to Oporto and transfer to your hotel (approximately 30 minutes).

Day Two

Our included tour of the Minho region takes us to Viana do Castelo, on the River Lima, to see the Basilica de Santa Lucia. Caminha, a delightful town boasting a picturesque square and quaint old quarter, is our next stop before we finally visit the ancient border town of Valenca do Minho.

Day Three

Today's included, full-day tour takes us to Oporto. The ancient, time-weathered city clings haphazardly to the hillsides above the beautiful River Douro. During the day there will also be a visit to one of the famous wine lodges, and an optional boat trip will also be available.

Day Four

Join our full-day, optional tour to Barcelos, home to Europe's largest open-air market: a colourful hive of activity offering a huge range of local goods. From there we continue to historic Braga, former Catholic capital of Portugal, to see the fabled Bom Jesus shrine and its marvellous views.

Day Five

Come with us along the Douro River Valley on today's optional excursion through the romantic Amarante, and scenic Mesao Frio, to the port of Regua, the home of Port wine. We'll visit a working quinta, and have the opportunity to stroll through the estate's vineyards.

Day Six

Our third optional excursion crosses into Spain to visit historic and beautiful Santiago de Compostela. At the city's heart is the marvellously preserved Romanesque cathedral - perhaps the first-ever tourist destination for the millions of medieval pilgrims who visited the shrine.

Day Seven

Today's included tour heads through the Vinho Verde vineyards to the market town of Ponte de Lima, famous for its 18th-century fountain and Roman bridge. From here we continue to Portugal's only National Park, Peneda Geres, the spectacular refuge of the country's rare wolves and royal eagles.

Day Eight

Transfer back to the airport for check-in and your flight home.

Wining and dining

Seafood is a main feature of Portugese cuisine, Charcoal-grilled sardines and prawns, often mixed with small red chilli peppers, garlic and olive oil in the famous prawn piri piri, are plentiful. Dried and preserved cod (bacalhau) is also popular, as are soups such as sweet, prawn-laden Acordas and thick Caldeirada, which is served in a big, lidded pot.

There are many excellent red and white wines to enjoy, including the famous Vinho Verde and - of course - Port from the lodges in the Oporto area.

2010 departures

Please note that Days Two and Four are swapped around for our 2010 departures.

 
 

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