Northern Portugal Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best Northern Portugal tour packages
- What people love about Northern Portugal Tours
- Travel Northern Portugal your way
- Best tour companies for Northern Portugal tours
- Popular Northern Portugal Cruise Ships
- Discover Northern Portugal tours for every budget
- Northern Portugal tours for every type of group
- Top Northern Portugal travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Northern Portugal
- Contact our Northern Portugal travel experts
- What our customers ask about Northern Portugal Tours & Trips
The best Northern Portugal tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaNorthern Portugal travel expert at TourRadar
Porto's historic center and Douro Valley's UNESCO sites reveal northern Portugal's charm. Traditional Moliceiro rides in Aveiro, visits to São Leonardo de Galafura viewpoint, and port wine tastings at local Quintas complete your journey.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lisbon, Porto Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From $4,556
11% Off- NZ$4,055You save $501
This 8-day route from Monção to Porto winds through Vinho Verde vineyards. Brejoeira Palace, UNESCO-listed Porto, and eco-friendly design hotels feature prominently. Fresh seafood and wine tastings across the Minho region tantalize the palate.
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto, Castro Laboreiro, Monção, Caminha, Viana do Castelo, Ponte de Lima, Barcelos, Vila do Conde Age Range Ages 14+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
11% Off- NZ$3,365
Duration 5 days Destinations Porto, Braga, Guimaraes Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Click Tours From $3,216
36% Off- NZ$2,058You save $1,158
A Northern Portugal odyssey based at Ribeira do Porto Hotel and Hotel Dona Aninhas. Porto's Livraria Lello Bookshop, UNESCO Douro Wine Region cruising to Regua, and Viana do Castelo's Santa Luzia sanctuary highlight the tour, with tastings at Porto Cruz and Geraz do Lima.
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto, Viana do Castelo, Monte de Santa Luzia, Vila Praia de Ancora, Caminha, Guarda Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
36% Off- NZ$2,640
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto, Viana do Castelo, Ponte de Lima, Chaves, Braganca, Miranda do Douro, Provesende, Sabrosa Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Authentic Trails From
36% Off- NZ$1,469
What people love about Northern Portugal Tours
- Best of North Portugal with Porto, Minho and Douro Valley
My wife already submitted our joint responses to the survey questions but we somehow missed the section for comments about organization. We rated the trip very highly for a number of reasons that we already mentioned, but a very big factor was how fantastic communication was before and during the trip.
- Gems of Porto & the Douro Valley with Douro River Cruise - 5 Days in Portugal
All as detailed on the itinerary, hotel had a great view. Very nice restaurant recommendation, incredible value for the money. Douro valley trip was amazing!!!
- Unmissable Portugal - End in Porto
Schultz Portugal were fantastic to deal with. They kept me up to date at all times and I found the company to be extremely efficient. Our tour guide Alex was friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating to everyone’s needs. He went out of his way to ensure we saw as much as possible during our days on the road. Really enjoyed our trip with lots of fantastic highlights. Would highly recommend this tour company if you’re looking at doing a Portugal tour.
Travel Northern Portugal your way
Explore a wide diversity of river cruises through Northern Portugal. We have 30 cruises that vary from 4 days to 17 days. With the greatest number of departures in April, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Our explorer-based tours really get into what makes Northern Portugal special. During the 8-day journey through Lisbon and Porto, you'll get to know local wine culture in the Douro Valley. The tour kicks off with live Fado music in Lisbon before heading to the colorful Pena Palace up in Sintra and then exploring Óbidos with its medieval walls. Another route takes you through Alentejo where our guests love getting their hands dirty at traditional clay workshops in São Pedro do Corval and sampling wines at family estates. What makes these tours work so well is how they mix guided activities with free time - you can wander old towns and discover hidden corners at your own speed.
Select from our extensive range of 45 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Northern Portugal with our expert guides leading the way.
Best tour companies for Northern Portugal tours
Looking at Northern Portugal's top tour operators, Portugal Travel Center really stands out based on what our travelers tell us. They consistently deliver well-organized trips with comfortable transport, quality meals and a nice mix of cultural activities. Daniela and Pedro, who run many of their tours, get special praise for keeping everything smooth and being great at staying in touch with guests.If you're heading further south, Schulz Tours has built quite a following for their Alentejo region experiences. They've clearly done their homework - their routes hit the authentic spots while steering clear of tourist traps. What's nice is how they blend comfortable places to stay with genuine local experiences, giving you a proper feel for this less-visited part of Portugal.Both companies understand what independent travelers want - good planning but also enough flexibility to really experience the places they visit. It's worth noting that many of our customers specifically mention how these operators strike that balance between structure and spontaneity, which isn't always easy to find in Portugal's increasingly busy tourism scene.The feedback we get suggests these aren't just standard sightseeing tours, but thoughtfully crafted experiences that help you understand Portuguese culture, food and daily life in these regions.
View operators
Popular Northern Portugal Cruise Ships
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Scenic Azure
263 cruises
CroisiEurope River Cruises
MS Amalia Rodrigues
52 cruises
CroisiEurope River Cruises
Miguel Torga
49 cruises
CroisiEurope River Cruises
MS Gil Eanes
46 cruises
CroisiEurope River Cruises
FERNAO DE MAGALHAES
40 cruises
AmaWaterways
AmaVida
37 cruises
Discover Northern Portugal tours for every budget
The 8-day Porto and Lisbon routes work well for travelers watching their budget, mixing guided elements with time to explore on your own. You'll walk through Porto's old quarter with local experts and visit the Port wine cellars before heading into the Douro Valley. Moving south, the journey takes in Lisbon's maritime heritage at Belém, the colorful Pena Palace perched above Sintra and continues to the medieval walls of Óbidos and Fátima's pilgrimage sites. Our travelers appreciate that key entrance fees are covered while they can choose their own restaurants and optional activities.The Douro Valley truly shines for luxury seekers, especially aboard the Presidential Train where renowned chefs prepare multi-course meals as vintage carriages roll through the valley. High-end Porto hotels pair perfectly with private tastings at historic Port lodges. We arrange museum visits after regular hours, intimate Fado shows and meetings with wine producers at select estates. One guest recently mentioned how smooth everything felt - from perfectly timed transfers to those little touches that make a difference.
Northern Portugal budget tours- Northern Portugal luxury tours
Northern Portugal tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
54 tours in Northern PortugalExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Northern Portugal. We have 54 adventures that vary from 3 days to 17 days. With the greatest number of departures in October, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
21 tours in Northern PortugalNorthern Portugal's small group tours weave cultural experiences seamlessly with wine heritage across thoughtfully designed routes. Travelers start their journey in Porto, where tile-painting workshops and intimate food tastings in the Ribeira district set the tone for what's ahead. The 8-day tours blend guided activities with plenty of free time, which our guests say creates just the right pace. Down in the Douro Valley, groups share traditional lunches at family quintas, explore terraced vineyards by jeep, and join private tastings at historic Port lodges, where there's always time for questions and deeper learning. The experience becomes particularly special in Entre-os-Rios, as travelers share home-cooked meals with local families, then explore the medieval streets of Guimarães and also Braga. Our travelers often tell us how the small group setting naturally leads to friendships, whether during Fado shows, vineyard picnics, or wandering Porto's maze-like streets. They especially appreciate having experienced guides like Daniela and Pedro, who manage all the details while keeping that warm, personal connection throughout the entire journey.
Private / Personalized
13 tours in Northern PortugalNorthern Portugal opens up nicely with private tours where you control the schedule. Many start with a local guide revealing Porto's lesser-known spots before heading to exclusive quinta visits in the Douro Valley. Self-drive tours are quite popular - you get carefully planned routes through wine country with stops at historic manors and family wineries. The cycling options along the Minho River through Vinho Verde territory let you pause whenever an interesting village or vineyard catches your eye. While you've got complete freedom, there's always local support and 24/7 backup if needed.
Top Northern Portugal travel itineraries to fit your plans
A week in Northern Portugal lets you really dig into Porto, Minho and the Douro Valley. Our most popular 7-day route kicks off in Porto exploring the old quarter and port wine cellars. You'll spend two nights in the Douro Valley, joining traditional lunches at local quintas and taking jeep tours through the vineyards. The home-cooked meal in Entre-os-Rios often comes up as a highlight - it's where you get to connect with local families. The journey includes proper time in Guimarães, Portugal's first capital, plus tastings of the region's unique Vinho Verde. Our travelers tell us they love how the schedule mixes guided activities with free time to explore.
Ten days in Northern Portugal gives you time to blend coastal and inland experiences nicely. Starting from Porto, you'll get extended time in the Douro Valley, cruising past terraced vineyards and staying in historic quintas. The route takes in Braga, Guimarães, the Batalha Monastery and the fishing town of Nazaré. Our customers often mention how much they enjoy mixing cultural visits with wine experiences, especially tasting port directly from producers. Many tours finish up in Lisbon, giving you time for Belém and those famous pastries. While you cover quite a bit of ground, our travelers say the pace feels just right.
Two full weeks lets you combine Northern Portugal's best spots with either Lisbon or Madrid connections. Starting in Lisbon, you get three days in the capital before heading north through the Douro Valley, staying in premium riverside hotels and visiting multiple wine estates. The classical concert in Porto's São Francisco Church and guided tours of historic quintas are particular favorites among our guests. You'll also go kayaking on the Pinhão River and visit the Mateus Palace gardens. If you choose the Madrid extension, you'll add another layer with visits to the Prado Museum and Royal Palace.
Demographics
Our small group tours through Northern Portugal create natural connections for solo travelers. It all kicks off in Lisbon with a group dinner where you'll meet everyone over local food and wine. As you head north, you'll join guided walks through Porto's Ribeira district and take scenic coastal hikes at Cabo da Roca. Our solo travelers often mention how much they like having both group time and personal space - you can join the others for Fado performances and wine tastings or explore independently. The Douro Valley brings everyone together naturally with vineyard trails and group picnics overlooking the terraced hills.The luxury tours through Northern Portugal attract couples looking to blend Porto's romantic atmosphere with Douro's wine heritage. The Presidential Train experience really stands out - you'll enjoy an elegant lunch while the train winds through vine-covered valleys. Couples tell us they love the private tastings at historic quintas and evening drinks in Vila Nova de Gaia with Porto's lights across the river. Having a private tour means setting your own pace through medieval spots like Guimarães and Braga, staying at hotels that really capture the region's character. Adding the Alentejo section brings in family estate tastings and dinner under the stars in historic squares.Active tours attract younger groups with a mix of culture and outdoor activities. The bike routes from Porto to the coast are especially good, balancing city exploration with countryside riding. Some trails follow the Minho River through wine country, stopping at local producers, riverside towns and great lunch spots. Walking tours combine Porto's lively night scene with Douro Valley trips for wine tasting and river cruises. Along the coast, you can catch waves near Nazaré or relax in traditional fishing villages.Senior travelers appreciate our thoughtfully paced tours with door-to-door service and well-timed rest stops. Private drivers connect Porto with Douro Valley wineries, where you can take your time over tastings and local lunches with valley views. The routes often include Fátima's religious sites and also Óbidos's compact medieval center. Rabelo boat rides offer a comfortable way to see the Douro's terraced vineyards, and our guides know exactly where to get great photos without difficult climbs. The included meals at local restaurants are always popular - you can try regional dishes without worrying about bookings or finding your way around.Northern Portugal really works well for families when you have a private guide who can match everyone's pace. The kids get super excited about hands-on activities like painting traditional tiles in Porto's workshops, and parents tell us they love not having to rush. The Douro Valley boat rides are always popular with children who spend ages watching the rabelo boats navigate the river curves. Guimarães castle - the first one built in Portugal - lets families explore at their own speed, and the winery visits keep both ages happy with grape juice for the little ones and Port wine for parents. We've found that mixing in some beach stops between cultural visits helps keep the energy levels up.
- Solo Travelers41 tours
- Couples52 tours
- Seniors (50+)31 tours
Best time to visit Northern Portugal
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Autumn brings grape harvest season to Northern Portugal, and our top tours jump right into the action. The Douro Valley buzzes with picking - some tours let you join the traditional grape foot-treading at family estates. Our travelers say autumn light is perfect for photos, especially when morning mist hangs over the river valleys. Porto's historic center walks work nicely in the cooler weather, and you can still catch evening drinks on rooftop bars. The Presidential Train does special harvest trips where you'll try young wines straight from the barrel next to aged bottles. Many cultural tours visit small vinho verde makers in Minho, where you'll see wine-making happening right in front of you.
- 33 tours
- popular 40 tours
- 33 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter shows a different side of Northern Portugal's wine regions, and our most popular tours adapt well to the cooler months. The Presidential Train really works in winter - you'll stay cozy in vintage carriages watching misty valleys pass by, while Michelin-starred chefs serve regional dishes paired with aged Ports. Our groups love the quieter winter wine tastings in Porto's historic cellars, where you can properly learn about production methods without the usual crowds. Some tours swap river activities for special access to the Douro Museum when the weather isn't right for cruising. The medieval towns of Guimarães and Braga are particularly good in winter - you'll explore these UNESCO sites at an unhurried pace, and our travelers often tell us how much they enjoy ducking into local taverns for traditional meals.
- popular 26 tours
- 20 tours
- 21 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring hits the sweet spot for Northern Portugal tours with temperatures around 20°C and wildflowers dotting the Douro Valley's terraced vineyards. Our most popular trips mix Porto's city discoveries with countryside visits - you might start at a morning tile-painting workshop then head to a family quinta for lunch in the vineyards. The Presidential Train serves special spring menus using what's in season, while cultural tours schedule Fado shows to catch the sun setting over Porto's bridges. Walking tours really pick up this time of year, with lots of our guests enjoying the walk from Porto's Ribeira waterfront up through the old town's winding steps.
- popular 27 tours
- 26 tours
- 18 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer in Northern Portugal offers prime touring conditions, with our most popular routes weaving together Porto's rich heritage and outdoor activities. Early mornings take you through historic neighborhoods before venturing to the Douro Valley, where vineyard trails lead to authentic quintas for wine sampling and regional dining. Cyclists often choose tours along the Minho River, winding through Vinho Verde territory and making stops at grand estates like Brejoeira Palace. The small group format brings solo travelers together naturally through shared moments, from Porto's culinary walks to guided coastal treks at Cabo da Roca. For those who prefer setting their own schedule, independent tours provide built-in flexibility to explore medieval centers and shoreline paths while we handle the essential planning. Our guests consistently tell us they appreciate how these summer itineraries balance structured guidance with independent discovery, giving them space to uncover lesser-known spots at their own rhythm.
- 20 tours
- popular 25 tours
- 19 tours
Contact our Northern Portugal travel experts
Claire
Expert in Northern Portugal at TourRadar
Claire is one of our seasoned Northern Portugal Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Northern Portugal tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Northern Portugal Tours & Trips
How Can I Best Experience the Douro Valley's Famous Vineyards?
You'll love exploring the Douro Valley it's actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for incredible port wines. There are lots of ways to experience it - you can go hiking through vineyards take a relaxing bike ride or cruise down the river. The historic quintas (that's what they call wine estates here) are really worth visiting. Take Quinta da Aveleda for example it's been making sparkling wine for 150 years and has these beautiful gardens you can wander through while learning about wine-making. If you're looking for something really special our Presidential Train tour through the valley is amazing - you'll travel in luxury visit Quinta de Vargelas enjoy a gourmet lunch with perfectly paired wines and listen to live music while nibbling on local cheeses and sausages. For something more active try our self-guided bike tour where you can have picnics in nature reserves and taste local wines and olive oils in Peso da Régua.
How Do I Combine City Exploring with Visits to Smaller Towns?
That's actually really easy to do in Northern Portugal! Porto makes a perfect home base and from there you can easily get to all sorts of interesting places. You've got Guimarães which is basically where Portugal was born and Braga with its amazing religious buildings. The train connections are great and if you take guided tours you can discover medieval gems like Ponte de Lima and Barcelos - they've got these incredible old bridges and really lively markets. Our 12-day Unmissable Portugal tour gives you the whole experience taking you through Lisbon Óbidos Nazaré Fatima Coimbra the Douro Valley Guimarães Porto and Aveiro so you really get to see it all.
What's the Best Way to Get Around Northern Portugal?
Getting around Northern Portugal is actually pretty straightforward. The trains are really efficient connecting all the major spots like Lisbon Porto and Coimbra and you've got buses that'll take you to the smaller towns. If you want more freedom renting a car is great especially for exploring the Douro Valley. Our tours include transportation which makes things super easy. Like our 8-day Cycling in Portugal tour - we'll pick you up from Porto Airport and then you'll explore the Minho region by bike visiting places like Monção Caminha Viana do Castelo and Ponte de Lima.
Which Local Foods Should I Definitely Try?
The food up here in Northern Portugal is something special! When you're in Porto you've got to try the Francesinha - it's this amazing sandwich packed with steak ham and sausage covered in melted cheese and this secret spicy sauce that everyone talks about. If you make it to Guimarães try their famous convent sweets especially the Tortas de Guimarães and toucinho do céu - they're these incredible almond-based treats. Over in Peso da Régua you'll find amazing baked rice with roast lamb and don't forget to try Rebuçados da Régua their special local candy.
What Can I Do as a Solo Traveler in Northern Portugal?
If you're traveling solo you'll find tons of great things to do here! Our Solo-ish Portugal tour is perfect actually - you'll get to do a food walking tour in Lisbon hike out to continental Europe's westernmost point at Cabo da Roca walk through Douro Valley vineyards and take a boat tour with wine tasting in Porto. The Portuguese Camino from Porto to Tui is really popular with solo travelers you'll meet lots of other hikers and see some incredible landscapes. The guided walking tours in places like Porto and Guimarães are great too - you'll learn loads about the history and culture while meeting other travelers.