Northern Portugal Tours & Trips
Have you ever seen vineyards stacked on terraced hillsides? The Douro Valley's got that perfected, with traditional quintas cascading down steep slopes inland from Porto. This is one of Europe's oldest wine regions where port wine production basically defines the landscape. Northern Portugal carved through highlands creating valleys that look almost unreal. Wine country at its most dramatic.
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marie • traveled in May, 2025
We want to thank our guide Pedro and your company for a wonderful experience. The tour schedule was great and we really enjoyed the smaller group tour experience! Pedro was very accommodating and we received a excellent overview of Portugal. I would highly recommend the tour!
Unmissable Portugal - End in Lisbon - C
Cristiano • traveled in July, 2025
I just returned from a 4-day trip aboard the Spirit of Chartwell, and it exceeded all my expectations. The ship is beautiful and elegant, the staff is warm and attentive, and the scenery along the Douro River is simply stunning. If you're thinking about visiting Portugal, this cruise is an amazing way to explore the region in style and comfort. Highly recommended!
Douro Luxury Cruise - Spirit of Chartwell (4 Days) - N
NatashaJane • traveled in October
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!!!
Gems of Porto & the Douro Valley with Douro River Cruise - 5 Days in Portugal
Table of contents
- The best Northern Portugal tour packages
- 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
Unmissable Portugal - End in Lisbon
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Incredible sights & small groups, fabulous food. Highly recommended regards Christine.”
Christine, traveled in May
Northern Portugal unfolds from Porto's historic riverfront to Douro Valley's vineyards. The route takes in Guimarães Castle, traditional rabelo boat cruises, and Port wine tastings at local estates. Accommodations in Porto and tours of UNESCO sites included.
Duration 10 days Destinations Lisbon, Sintra, Cape Roca, Cascais, Estoril, Obidos, Nazare, Alcobaca, Fatima, CoimbraSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Portuguese, French, Spanish Operator Schultz Portugal From $4,163
3% Off- NZ$4,038+$162 upfront costsYou save $125
Duration 5 days Destinations Porto, Braga, Guimaraes Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Click Tours From $2,884
36% Off- NZ$1,846You save $1,038
Minho to Porto self-guided bike tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Authentic Trails were wonderful at looking after us and enabled us to continue the itinerary with transfers.”
Judith, traveled in October
The Minho region reveals itself by bike, from Peneda-Gerês National Park to Porto. Historic Monção's vineyards, Ponte de Lima's Roman bridge, and Barcelos's pottery traditions highlight the route. Quality bikes, luggage transfers, and manor house stays included.
Duration 8 days Destinations Castro Laboreiro, Monção, Vila Praia de Ancora, Ponte de Lima, Barcelos, Vila do Conde, Porto Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in English, Portuguese, Spanish Operator Authentic Trails From
36% Off- NZ$2,646
Best of North Portugal with Porto, Minho and Douro Valley
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The views were amazing and can't fault any of what Portugal Travel Center put in place for us.”
JohnDeed, traveled in November
Porto's UNESCO center anchors this northern Portuguese adventure, extending to Douro Valley vineyards and historic Guimarães. The iconic Lello Bookshop, Douro River cruises from Pinhão, and Palace of the Dukes of Bragança come alive with expert local guides.
Duration 7 days Destinations Porto, Vila Nova da Gaia, Pinhao, Favaios, Peso da Regua, Guimaraes, Braga Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Portuguese Operator Portugal Travel Center From $3,508
5% Off- NZ$3,333You save $175
Gems of Porto & the Douro Valley with Douro River Cruise - 5 Days in Portugal
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Vsetko bolo uplne uzasne! Vrelo odporucame, lepsich nenajdete!”
Viktoria, traveled in October
Porto's UNESCO center and Pinhão's scenic vineyards highlight northern Portugal's charm. Traditional wineries, Douro River cruises, and 4-star hotels complement local cuisine and premium Port wines.
Duration 5 days Destinations Porto, Pinhao Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Portuguese Operator Portugal Travel Center From $2,727
5% Off- NZ$2,591You save $136
Unmissable Portugal, Colors & Flavours of Alentejo
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Finding your way alone through fifteen or more sites in ten cities is daunting to say the least. Highly recommended.”
Richard, traveled in October
Porto's historic riverfront and Douro Valley's terraced vineyards paint a picture of northern Portugal. Guimarães castle, traditional Rabelo boat cruises, and wine tastings at prestigious estates highlight the world's oldest demarcated wine region.
Duration 13 days Destinations Lisbon, Sintra, Cape Roca, Cascais, Estoril, Óbidos, Nazare, Alcobaca, Fatima, CoimbraSee all destinations Age Range Ages 11+ Operated in English, Portuguese, French, Spanish Operator Schultz Portugal From
Deal- NZ$5,251+$162 upfront costs
Atlantic Coast self-guided bike tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Incredible landscapes and high-quality bikes! We also enjoyed amazing food experiences along the way.”
John, traveled in November
Coastal gems stretch from Caminha to Mira Beach. Routes through UNESCO Porto's historic center, São Jacinto dunes, and traditional fishing villages cover 28-67km daily. Premium properties like Casa Melo Alvim and NEYA Porto Hotel provide comfortable stays.
Duration 8 days Destinations Baiona, Caminha, Viana do Castelo, Vila do Conde, Porto, Furadouro, Mira Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in English, Portuguese, Spanish Operator Authentic Trails From
Deal- NZ$3,710
Sunny Portugal Lisbon, Alentejo, Algarve & Portuguese Riviera (Lisbon to Cascais) (2025)
36 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
Portugal's treasures unfold on this 10-day luxury tour from Lisbon to Cascais, showcasing UNESCO sites like Evora's medieval city and Sintra's palaces. Upscale Vila Galé hotels serve as bases for Algarve coast exploration, cork factory visits and gin tastings. With approx. $300 per day, the journey includes 13 meals across 9 Portuguese cities, from Lagos to Obidos.
Duration 10 days Destinations Lisbon, Evora, Lagos, Portimao, Monchique, Setubal, Cascais, Obidos, Sintra Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Collette From
Deal- NZ$4,249
Solo-ish Portugal
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was well thought out. The hotels were all nice.”
Jennifer, traveled in July
Aveiro's canals and Porto's historic Ribeira district showcase northern Portugal's diversity. The Pinhão Trail winds through Douro Valley, while São Francisco church and Porto's riverfront cruises offer cultural insights. Comfortable hotels and traditional Portuguese meals enhance your stay.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lisbon, Aveiro, Amarante, Pinhao, Porto Age Range Ages 18+ Operator G Adventures From
Deal- NZ$4,079
Duration 6 days Destinations Porto, Peso da Regua, Pinhao, Pocinho, Vega de Terron Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Spanish Operator Crucemundo From $2,023
30% Off- NZ$1,416You save $607
Travel Northern Portugal your way
More travel styles:
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.
Popular Northern Portugal Cruise Ships
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Scenic Azure
284 cruises
CroisiEurope River Cruises
MS Amalia Rodrigues
51 cruises
CroisiEurope River Cruises
Miguel Torga
50 cruises
CroisiEurope River Cruises
MS Gil Eanes
43 cruises
CroisiEurope River Cruises
FERNAO DE MAGALHAES
39 cruises
AmaWaterways
AmaVida
37 cruises
Discover Northern Portugal tours for every budget
Northern Portugal tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Northern Portugal travel itineraries to fit your plans
7 Day Itineraries
10 Day Itineraries
2 Week Itineraries
Demographics
Solo Travelers49 tours- Couples61 tours
- Seniors (50+)17 tours
Best time to visit Northern Portugal
- 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.
- 29 tours
- popular 30 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.
- 42 tours
- popular 51 tours
- 48 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.
- 50 tours
- popular 53 tours
- 51 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
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.
- 46 tours
- popular 47 tours
- 34 tours
Contact our Northern Portugal travel experts
Evan
Expert in Northern Portugal at TourRadar
Evan 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.