Northern Portugal Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(7,570 reviews)- Choose from 50+ Northern Portugal tours
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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
- Top operators in Northern Portugal
- Discover Northern Portugal tours for every budget
- Northern Portugal tours for every group
- Top Northern Portugal travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Northern Portugal
- Contact our Northern Portugal travel experts
The best Northern Portugal tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaNorthern Portugal travel expert at TourRadar
Best of Porto & The PRESIDENCIAL Train by the Wonders of Douro Valley
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“One of the best weekends of our lives, truly unforgettable. We really felt we we're treated like royalty.”
Peggy, traveled in September 2019
Porto's historic center serves as your base for 3 nights of northern Portuguese culture. The UNESCO sites of São Francisco Church and Lello Library await your visit. The PRESIDENTIAL train whisks you through Douro Valley to Quinta de Vargelas, where Chef Chakall's cuisine and exclusive wine tastings delight the senses.
Duration 4 days Destinations Porto, Pinhao Age Range 12 to 90 year olds Operated in English, Portuguese Operator Portugal Travel Center From
- US$1,813
Best of North Portugal with Porto, Minho and Douro Valley
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent accommodation & great guides. We learned so much about Portugal & its wine production.”
Michelle-Rose, traveled in March 2023
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 up to 99 year olds Operated in English, Portuguese, Spanish Operator Portugal Travel Center From
- US$1,776
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 2 to 90 year olds Operated in English Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From $2,832
20% Off- US$2,266You save $566
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 18 to 90 year olds Operated in English Operator G Adventures From $2,499
10% Off- US$2,249You save $249
What people love about Northern Portugal Tours
- Best of Porto & The PRESIDENCIAL Train by the Wonders of Douro Valley
I can recommend using Portugal Travel Center and the Presidential Train Tour particularly. It was an incredible and exclusive experience, I still remember the mouth watering food cooked by a Michelin star awarded chef, and at the same time going through the scenic wineries in the lovely train with the Douro river beneath. The agency was impeccable as they guaranteed that everything went smoothly and relaxed from our arrival at the airport to the departure. We'll surely return!
- Best of Porto & The PRESIDENCIAL Train by the Wonders of Douro Valley
One of the best weekends of our lives, truly unforgettable. We really felt we we're treated like royalty throughout our stay in Porto. Loved the hotel, every transfer was perfectly on time and The Presidential train experience was one of the most fun days we had in decades. I rate the experience as 5 starts.
- 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.
Travel Northern Portugal your way
Explore a wide diversity of river cruises through Northern Portugal. We have 20 cruises that vary from 4 days to 14 days. With the greatest number of departures in November, this is also the most popular time of the year.
See all River Cruise toursOur 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.
See all Explorer toursSelect from our extensive range of 47 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Northern Portugal with our expert guides leading the way.
See all Fully Guided tours
Top operators in Northern Portugal
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.
- 5.0 (193 reviews)
"Guides were knowledgeable and friendly. Vila Gale is a spectacular location. We enjoyed the wine and port tastings, and especially the lunch at Casa do Bucheiro. It would be a good idea to give guests a more detailed itinerary with times indicated.
- Tours
- 6 tours
- Age range
- 1 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- In-depth Cultural
- Response time
- 8h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $396
- 4.5 (30 reviews)
- Tours
- 1 tours
- Age range
- 2 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- Explorer
- Response time
- 7h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $530
- 5.0 (22,797 reviews)
- Tours
- 1 tours
- Age range
- 12 to 90 years old
- Adventure type
- Explorer
- Response time
- 1h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $468
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 luxury tours
Northern Portugal tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
53 tours in Northern PortugalExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Northern Portugal. We have 53 adventures that vary from 3 days to 16 days. With the greatest number of departures in March, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
19 tours in Northern PortugalVisit Northern Portugal with fewer travelers, ensuring more immersive activities.
Private / Personalized
11 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.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Lisbon, Sintra, Cape Roca, Cascais, Estoril, Óbidos, Nazare, Alcobaca, Fatima
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.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Porto, Pinhao, Barca de Alva, Pocinho, Peso da Regua, Amarante
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.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Lisbon, Porto, Pinhao, Barca de Alva, Pocinho, Peso da Regua, Amarante
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 Travelers48 tours
- Couples30 tours
- Seniors (50+)22 tours
Best time to visit Northern Portugal
- Spring 2025
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 36 tours
- 29 tours
- 29 tours
- Summer 2025
- 29 tours
- popular 33 tours
- 33 tours
- 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.
- 29 tours
- popular 32 tours
- 28 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 31 tours
- 20 tours
Contact our Northern Portugal travel experts
Nadine
Expert in Northern Portugal at TourRadar
Nadine 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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