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7 days/6 nights in Northern/Central Portugal

Posted by (Bay Area, California) on

I am planning a trip in early May, when I will fly into and out of Porto. It seems from many experts here that Porto is small and only 2 days is enough to explore its best. I want to travel along the Duoro river, but I won't do a cruise package because I have only found the ones including lots of wine tasting. Due to health reasons, I cannot drink alcohol and thus I don't want to visit vineyards. In this case, do I need to go all the way to Pinhao, or should I terminate at Peso da Regua (should stay 1 -2nights) , to visit Vila Real (Casa de Mateus--worth it or not??) and Lamego?

I also want to visit Aveiro and Coimbra (stay 1 night?).

Due to limited time and my flights, I will save Lisboa and southern Portugal for another trip. I prefer slow travel to fast travel and in Rick's style to experience Portugal as if I were a local.

Posted by
11156 posts

We stopped in Aviero for lunch and then stayed two nights in Coimbra, a beautiful university town with a famous library.

Posted by
1430 posts

Thanks, Suki. After more research, I will add a daytrip to Braga.

Posted by
362 posts

The scenery is most beautiful between Regua & Pinhao as the terraced hillsides get steeper. Pinhao sits on a bend in the river. Sandeman’s Quinta do Seixo Wine Centre on the south side of the Douro has spectacular views looking down on Pinhao, well worth the drive up. You don’t need to drink. We enjoyed Mateus Palace, a short drive north of Regau & did an hour boat ride in Pinhao.

If you make it to Coimbra, you must try roast suckling pig! Delicious. We only did it as a day trip but loved the town.

Posted by
1430 posts

Thanks. Is there a way to get to the viewpoint without a car?

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