THE PEARLS OF THE NORTH OF PORTUGAL, SELF-DRIVE

Arrive at Oporto International Airport and meet and greet our local representative who will assist you with your car hire and inform you how to proceed on your departure day. Enjoy the rest of the day while exploring this beautiful town. Few cities are as packed with history as this one is, with classic and surprising sites, cultural treasures, and a beautiful setting that makes it a paradise for walkers and photographers. Drive to your first hotel and check in to spend the night.  Overnight in Oporto.

DAY 2: OPORTO

Wake up to your tasty breakfast and get ready for your first Portuguese drive. Today you could drive out of the city, to explore the charming vineyards of Oporto. The region is famed for the production of Porto wine, which is still stored and manufactured in the vast cellars that stretch along the banks of the Douro River. We suggest the visit to the wine cellars that are located right across the river. Nearly all port wine cellars provide guided tours and tastings. Caves Ferreira, Caves Calém, Caves Churchill, and Caves Taylor’s are a few popular cellars where you can enjoy a great wine degustation and learn about the wine art of this region. Once back in Oporto fill your energy with the typical local dish – Francesinha, which is steak, sliced ham, and spicy sausage between toasted bread, all covered with melted cheese and a hot sauce. The recipe is kept secret for whole generations. Overnight in Oporto.

DAY 3 : OPORTO – GUIMARAES (70 KM – 1 H)

Enjoy your morning breakfast at the hotel and prepare yourself for your following destination. Guimarães is considered the cradle of Portugal, as D. Afonso Henriques, who became the first independent King of Portugal, was born here. The historical center in the area which was within Guimarães city walls is associated with the creation and identity of Portugal and was classified as a World Heritage site based on the originality and authenticity applied in its restoration. Beautiful sites are the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, Guimarães Castle, Citânia de Briteiros, São Francisco church, and the Gardens of Palacio de Vila Flor. After the full day of sightseeing, check in to your hotel and perhaps stroll down the streets of this royal town and try some of the local dishes.  Overnight in Guimarães.

DAY 4: GUIMARAES

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. Today you can explore even deeper the traditional gastronomy of this region by visiting one of many convents, rise to all sorts of confectionery as by tradition the nuns, would donate ingredients like eggs on special occasions. Egg yolks, along with almonds and cinnamon are the main ingredients in the pastry, Tortas de Guimarães, while toucinho do céu (bacon from heaven) is a traditional almond cake that also relies on a lot of egg yolks. For savory food papas de sarrabulho is a rich, filling meat dish with various pork products, beef, and chicken, made in the winter months. Overnight in Guimarães.

DAY 5 : GUIMARAES – PESO DA RÉGUA (110 KM – 1.15 HRS)

After breakfast continue your drive to another famous wine region- Peso da Régua. This agriculture area is situated on the bank of the river Douro and its vineyard is fabulously shaping the whole landscape and offers spectacular views to all its visitors. Until the last century Peso da Régua was the place, where the barrels were loaded onto wooden boats, known as Rabelos, and shipped down to Vila Nova de Gaia at the mouth of the Douro. And this is also the base of the oldest demarcated wine region in the world, the Douro DOC, regulated since 1756. Wine tours, river trips, and walks through this incomparable landscape all need to be in your plans. Explore the region with Port Wine, Wine Tours, and Douro Historical Train in your plans. In the evening give try the Peso da Régua’s gastronomy. Here you can appreciate rice in the oven with roast lamb, “custard”, and a regional candy “Rebuçados da Régua”. Overnight in Peso da Régua.

DAY 6 : PESO DA RÉGUA – CASTELO DE PAIVA (110 KM – 1.5 HRS)

Morning breakfast at the hotel and bid farewell to Peso da Régua. Your following destination is Castelo de Paiva, a municipality in northern Portugal, located about an hour from the city of Aveiro. The city is a getaway to the north of the Montanhas Mágicas territory and its river system, which includes the river Douro, Paiva, Arda, and Sadoura Rivers, defined whole beauty of this region. Surrounded by hills and valleys, it offers fascinating views over this stunning landscape. From the cultural sites make sure you visit the Marmoiral de Sobrado, the Pelourinho de Raiva, the Medieval graves dug in Penedo de Vegide; and the manor houses, especially the Solar de Boavista and the Solar da Fisga with charming fountains and gardens and in the evening try out some traditional dishes at one of the local restaurants. Baked rice in the oven, Sta. Euforme’s chive steaks, traditional roast veal, farmer’s stew, and many more delightful plates taste delicious accompanied by the excellent Vinho Verde de Paiva. Overnight in Castelo de Paiva.

DAY 7 : CASTELO DE PAIVA – OPORTO (60 KM – 1 H)

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and the last moments in this tranquil atmosphere of Castelo da Paiva. Today you will drive back to Oporto. Stroll down the streets and enjoy the buzzing streets, musicians, and vibes of this city for the last time.  Overnight in Oporto.

DAY 8: DEPARTURE OPORTO

Spend your last morning in Portugal savoring your breakfast. Then, return the rental car at the Oporto Airport and prepare for your return flight.

ACCOMMODATION:

• 7 night’s hotel accommodation

CAR HIRE OPTION: Car Group C = Seat Ibiza or similar (Automatic or Manual transmission)

MEALS:  7 Breakfasts 

CAR HIRE:

• Unlimited mileage 
• SCDW (additional insurance with obligatory police report) * 
• TP (theft protection) 
• Road assistance 24/7 
• Replacement vehicle in case of an accident or breakdown 
• Safety equipment (triangle, high visibility vest, fire extinguisher) 
• Road map 
• Tax 

OTHER:  Meet & Greet 

EXCLUSIONS

• Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise)
• City tax not included, payable on the spot
• Porterage and gratuities   
• PAI (personal accident insurance)
• Tour guide
• Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals, or items not stated explicitly in the program
• Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any)
• Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.

NOT INCLUDED IN CAR HIRE:

• Fuel, Fines, Tolls, Parking
• Damage to a third party or to the hire vehicle due to negligence or inappropriate driving.
• Loss or damage to aerials, jack, safety triangles and vests, windshield wipers, petrol cap, luggage covers, or any other fixed or mobile component of the vehicle.
• Damage to the engine through negligence.
• Theft of the vehicle with keys left in the ignition.
• Damage caused to the vehicle or to persons through driving under the Influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Fines due for breaking traffic laws and regulations during the hire period are the responsibility of the driver of the vehicle. In the event of a fine being received, there will be an administration charge.
• If the car is left outside of the rent-a-car designated area on drop-off, customers will be responsible for any costs generated and for any damage to the vehicle due to it being parked outside of the Rent-Car installations.
• Each additional driver.
• Any extra equipment (GPS, baby seat, etc.)

Please note

• Drivers aged from 26 to 75 years old (must have had their driver´s license for a minimum of one year)
• Pick-up hours are Monday through Sunday, 07:00 to 22:00 hrs. Pick-up outside of these times is subject to a surcharge.
• Drivers who are not citizens of the European Union must present an international driver’s license together with the original from their country of origin.
• If the customer returns the vehicle earlier than the agreed-upon drop-off date stated in the rental contract, the rental company will not refund the customer for any unused days
• Deposit credit card Visa or MasterCard only
• Accident/theft reporting must be notified within 48 hours of the incident
• In cases where, following the return of the vehicle, additional cleaning is required due to the car being dirty beyond the level expected from normal vehicle use, an additional charge shall apply, against evidence of the cost of the service provided

Instructions for the car collection:

• Day 8: Return procedure and the exact designated area will be advised by rent a car company when you pick up the car on arrival day
• We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems, or security reasons.
• Late check-out, early check-in, and connecting or adjoining rooms at the hotel are all subject to availability and not guaranteed.