Duration
8 days/7 nights
Trip type
Road Trip
Accomodation
Casual
Premium
Accommodations offering top-tier comfort, distinctive character, and unique charm. Includes 5-star hotels, the finest rooms in 4-star hotels when 5-star options are unavailable, historic properties, and intimate boutique hotels with a refined atmosphere.
Selected
Comfortable and hand-picked accommodations in central locations, offering a mix of quality and local charm. Features 4-star hotels, 3-star hotels when 4-star options are unavailable, charming guesthouses, and small traditional accommodations that reflect local culture and hospitality.
Casual
Comfortable and practical accommodations for relaxed travelers. Includes 3-star hotels, 2-star hotels when 3-star options are unavailable, and small, simple lodgings that provide an essential but pleasant stay.
Glamping
A unique and stylish outdoor experience blending nature with comfort. Encompasses luxury tents, elegant bungalows, barrel bungalows, and treehouses, offering an adventurous yet refined retreat.
Accommodations offering top-tier comfort, distinctive character, and unique charm. Includes 5-star hotels, the finest rooms in 4-star hotels when 5-star options are unavailable, historic properties, and intimate boutique hotels with a refined atmosphere.
Selected
Comfortable and hand-picked accommodations in central locations, offering a mix of quality and local charm. Features 4-star hotels, 3-star hotels when 4-star options are unavailable, charming guesthouses, and small traditional accommodations that reflect local culture and hospitality.
Casual
Comfortable and practical accommodations for relaxed travelers. Includes 3-star hotels, 2-star hotels when 3-star options are unavailable, and small, simple lodgings that provide an essential but pleasant stay.
Glamping
A unique and stylish outdoor experience blending nature with comfort. Encompasses luxury tents, elegant bungalows, barrel bungalows, and treehouses, offering an adventurous yet refined retreat.
Levels
Easy
We categorize our trips based on a range of activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between.
Route
up to 777 km/483 mi
Recommended airport
Porto Airport
Recommended season
March to June and September to November
Overview
Drive the Rota Norte (Northern Route), an unforgettable road trip through the diverse landscapes of northern Portugal. Follow the iconic National Roads 103 and 222, which link the rugged coastline with the rolling hills of the interior, showcasing the region's rich heritage and breathtaking scenery.
Along the way, meet the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley, renowned for its terraced vineyards and famous port wines. Relax in spa towns renowned for their therapeutic waters and surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. As the route winds through lush valleys, mountain ranges and historic villages, you'll be immersed in centuries-old traditions. Indulge in local gastronomy, admire striking architecture and take in panoramic views at your own pace.
Along the way, meet the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley, renowned for its terraced vineyards and famous port wines. Relax in spa towns renowned for their therapeutic waters and surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. As the route winds through lush valleys, mountain ranges and historic villages, you'll be immersed in centuries-old traditions. Indulge in local gastronomy, admire striking architecture and take in panoramic views at your own pace.
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Itinerary & tour plan
Welcome to Portugal! On arrival at Porto airport, pick up your rental car and drive to Viana do Castelo, the capital of Alto Minho. You can choose to take the highway or the national road. On arrival, wander around the main square, surrounded by historic buildings and a beautiful Renaissance fountain. Visit the Santa Luzia Sanctuary, located on the Santa Luzia hill. It can be reached by cable car, car or on foot up a stone staircase of 659 steps, worth the climb for the panoramic views over the city, the Lima River and the Atlantic Ocean. In riverside, find local fishermen unload their daily catch of fresh fish and seafood, which you can enjoy in one of the city's traditional taverns. Arrive in Porto earlier to visit this UNESCO World Heritage city, take a guided tour of the historic centre and visit a Port Wine cellar for a guided tasting.
Drive to Ponte de Lima, the oldest village in Portugal, with hiking opportunities and rich, varied gastronomy. To get to know the Vinho Verde region better, we suggest a visit to a biodynamic winery, where you will learn about the sustainable methods of Vinho Verde production followed by a guided tasting of wine and local products. Continue to Soajo, a village in the Peneda-Gerês National Park. Here, take a moment to enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings before embarking on a walk along the Paths of Bread and Faith (7 km/4 mi, moderate level). These ancient paths were once used by pilgrims and farmers to transport grain in oxcarts to the water mills that still dot the landscape. Don't return to Viana do Castelo without tasting the traditional corn bread, a gastronomic treasure protected by the Slow Food movement and recognised by CNN as one of the best breads in the world.
The road passes through historic towns such as Barcelos and Braga. Make a stop and follow a circular route to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte (3 km/2 mi, moderate level). Soon the Peneda-Gerês Natural Park appears on the horizon, this is the perfect place to stop and take some photos! Cross the Rabagão River, which marks the transition from the district of Braga to Vila Real. The river will accompany you for a long time during the journey. Finally, in Chaves, famous for its natural thermal and mineral waters, the hottest in Europe, don't miss the Roman Bridge, the fortified historic centre and the tasting of local specialities such as Presunto and the famous Pastel de Chaves, a crispy pastry filled with minced beef, herbs and spices.
The road takes you through rolling mountains, open fields and lush forests, past small villages such as Vinhais, where the famous Alheiras were created. Enjoy stunning views of the Montesinho Natural Park, home to 80% of Portugal's mammals. In Bragança, visit the 12th century castle with its panoramic views, or head to Rio de Onor, a small village in the Montesinho Nature Reserve with stone houses and slate roofs, chosen as one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal in the village category. From there, take a circular trail (8 km/5 mi, easy level) along mountain paths. To round off the experience, enjoy a guided wine tasting of wines from centuries-old vineyards with over twenty different grape varieties, accompanied by traditional delicacies such as sausages, cheeses and homemade bread - an authentic insight into the rich culinary and wine heritage of Trás-os-Montes.
On the way, the landscape changes through natural mountain areas and picturesque villages such as Vimioso, nestled in the rugged terrain of Trás-os-Montes. Once in Miranda do Douro, marvel at the Douro River Canyon, with its dramatic cliffs rising more than 200 metres, and be sure to visit the Penedo Amarelo viewpoint. The Route of the Viewpoints, which can be done by car, includes seven viewpoints that showcase different landscapes: the iconic Douro River Valley, the granite slopes of the Tua River Valley, and the vast plateau to the north and northeast. If you are feeling adventurous, a half-day guided kayak tour along the river will allow you to explore its beauty from a different perspective. You can also hike a trail (12km/7 mi, moderate level) to Pena Branca, a peaceful area known for its panoramic views of the Douro River and surrounding valleys.
A well-deserved detour is the Penedo Durão viewpoint, which offers breathtaking views of the Douro River and the surrounding countryside. The area is home to several species of birds of prey that nest in the cliffs and can be seen soaring through the sky. For a deeper historical connection, go for a guided visit to a rock art centre in the Côa Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe. The route takes you through charming villages surrounded by terraced vineyards with panoramic views of the Douro River and its stunning scenery. In Pinhão, you will take a traditional rabelo boat trip on the Douro River, learning about the history and significance of these iconic boats that once transported port wine along the river. Overnight in Provesende, a village in the Douro Valley famous for its baroque and neoclassical architecture.
Start your day with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread at a traditional local bakery. Then head to Sabrosa, the charming birthplace of Fernão de Magalhães, the legendary navigator who first circumnavigated the globe. From Sabrosa, walk to Provesende (9 km/6 mi, moderate level), passing through breathtaking landscapes of rolling vineyards and tranquil valleys. On the way, admire the quintas - picturesque wineries where grapes are grown, and wine is made. At Fermentões, take in the breathtaking panorama of lush vineyards. Soak up the region's traditions with a guided tour of an olive oil producer, where you can learn about traditional production methods and the different varieties of olives. Finish off the evening by visiting a local winery for a guided tasting, where every sip will reveal the sophistication and unique character of Douro wines.
All good things must come to an end and this is no exception. On the final day, you will travel to Porto on the National Road 222, with the majestic Douro River accompanying you for almost half of the journey. There are several scenic viewpoints along the way - perfect places to stop and take in the beauty of the scenery and some unforgettable photographs. On arrival in Porto, you can either go straight to the airport to return your rental car and fly home or request an extra night with us if you would like to spend more time in the city.
What is included?
What you get on this adventure
- Accommodation 7 nights BB, in double standard room
- River cruise in a rabelo boat
- City taxes
- Daily post-drive messages
- Access to the Ride With GPS app on your smartphone
What is not included
- Flights
- Rental car
- Insurance
- Meals and wine tastings (optional)
- Personal expenses and other items not mentioned
Tour facts
- The route passes through four regions: Minho, Trás-os-Montes, Douro and Porto
- Various outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, bird watching and water sports
- Peneda-Gerês National Park, one of Europe’s great natural environments
- Witness the Douro River Canyon, often referred to as 'Portugal's Grand Canyon', with its dramatic 200-metre-high cliffs
- Meet Côa Valley, home to one of the world’s largest collections of prehistoric rock art
- Take a cruise on the Douro River, which offers a unique perspective of the grandeur of the river and the surrounding lush hills
- Sample the finest local olive oils and organic products that capture the flavours of the Douro's fertile landscape
Special dates
- Festa das Cruzes, Barcelos, 29th April to 4th May 2025
- Traditional dancing, singing, fireworks, a grand procession to Senhor da Cruz and a lively market selling fresh produce and handicrafts.
- Primavera Sound, Porto, 12th to 15th June 2025
- Since 2012, Primavera Sound has transformed Porto into a global music hub, featuring legends, rising stars and cutting-edge sounds. It's an unmissable event!
- https://www.primaverasound.com/pt/porto
- Feast of St. John, Porto, 23rd to 24th June 2025
- Savour sardines, caldo verde, and port wine as the streets come alive with laughter, music, playful plastic hammers, fireworks, and balloons to celebrate St. John!
- Pauliteiros de Miranda performances, Miranda do Douro, June to August
- Experience the cultural heritage of Trás-os-Montes with the Pauliteiros of Miranda do Douro, who perform a captivating sword dance.
- Soajo Outdoor Fest, Arcos de Valdevez, late July
- With a range of activities set against the stunning natural backdrop of the Peneda-Gerês National Park, it's the perfect festival for nature lovers!
- https://outdoorfest.pt/
Craft Fair, Vila do Conde, 26th July to 10th August 2025
- A genuine showcase of Portuguese handicrafts, cuisine and music. Celebrating tradition for over four decades.
- A must for music lovers: three electrifying days of techno, house and cutting-edge electronic beats from top national and international artists.
- https://neopopfestival.com/en
- From parades to dancing and fireworks, there's so much to look forward to. Join the locals in a celebration of culture and heritage!
- https://festasdagonia.com/
- This is your chance to get involved in the grape harvesting, try traditional grape treading and take part in Douro and Port wine tastings at local wineries!
- Join the olive harvest season, where families hand-pick ripe olives to create fresh and tasty olive oil.