Group Travel Tour Operator for holidays to Portugal

Explore the Picturesque Porto and the Sumptuous Douro Valley

The Douro is a majestic wilderness, an UNESCO World Heritage site since 2001, it is one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world. It is a surprisingly silent place where tranquillity reigns supreme. Porto offers a far contrast to this, offering the bright lights of a beautiful city and a charming old town. You will be see Porto’s majestic bridges and and traditional old boats which will be your mode of transport to the opposite bank. This is where you will discover Vila Nova de Gaia. Home to the city’s most famous product, Port wine. The perfect setting for a tour and tasting experience.

The Costa Verde; Braga and Guimarães

There are several historic and interesting cities, towns and villages on the Costa Verde that will fascinate. Particularly important are the towns of Braga and Guimarães located more inland. Braga’s Cathedral is one of the oldest in the country and was built in the 12th century by the parents of Portugal’s first King, D. Henrique and D. Teresa, who are buried there. Stroll around the historic centre to visit some of the many churches, admire the houses and historical buildings, such as the Palácio do Raio, the Theatro Circo, the Arco da Porta Nova, and to have a coffee at the emblematic Brasileira with a view of the busy Avenida Central.  Braga is considered the youngest city in Portugal and, from its contemporary landmarks such as the football stadium and the Universities provide a buzz to the city.

In contrast, the city of Guimarães retains many of medieval buildings and its castle is imposing. The city buildings like the hilltop, 10th-century Guimarães Castle, offer truly stunning vistas of the city. The restored Dukes of Bragança Palace, built in the style of a French chateau, has a museum showcasing furniture, tapestries and weapons. Between the palace and the castle is the Romanesque São Miguel do Castelo Church, built in the 13th century.

Costa de Prata; Aveiro and Coimbra

Located next to the sea and the estuary, the the city of Aveiro is crossed by a network of channels through which moliceiros (local boats) meander. These slim, colourful vessels used to be used to collect algae and seaweed, and today are for sightseeing trips. Aveiro has a number of buildings in Art Nouveau style that are worth seeing. Many are situated along the main channel, but there are some off the beaten track and here you will find many restuarants and Tascas offering you the delights of sea. Be sure to indulge in the shellfish, fresh fish grilled or casseroled and eels, characteristic of this region and Northern Portugal, which are served casseroled or marinated.

Noted for its cultural traditions and artistic treasures, Coimbra was long the intellectual capital of Portugal and remains one of the most picturesque cities in Northern Portugal. With its suburb of Santa Clara, the city spreads out along the two sides of the Mondego River. The city’s steeply stacked historic centre dates to back to Moorish times and with its dark cobbled lanes and monumental cathedral, the centre is wonderfully atmospheric.

Gothic León and the capital of  Cantabria, Santander

After you’ve left Portugal, head towards León in Northern Spain, popular with those travelling the Pilgrim Road to Santiago de Compostela. Here, delight in the 13th-century artistic masterpieces, the charming back streets and the delicious gastro-culture. It’s home to many churches and cathedrals noted for their architecture and art. one such highlight is the beautiful French style gothic cathedral with its abundance of stained glass. Gaudí also left his mark in León, with the exquisite Casa Botines, whose medieval façade was in fact inspired by the cathedral. There will also be some time to explore the  city of Santander is the capital of the Cantabria region on Spain’s north coast. The Palacio de la Magdalena, once the royal summer residence, lies at the mouth of the Bay of Santander on the rocky La Magdalena Peninsula. West, the city centre is home to the Catedral de Santander, with its octagonal cupola and Gothic cloister.