I want to stay 7-10 days or so in PORTO in May or June 2017 and take day trips by train or bus. I cant afford tour company prices of $100 per day per tour since I am retired and traveling on a budget. Any ideas will be much appreciated. I am considering Braga/ Aveiro/ Tenoes/ Guimaraes/ Vila do Condo (using Metro for this one!) I am a solo traveler. I have found budget lodging on line in Porto with airbnb and booking.com so now I am ready to think about day tripping.
Thanks in advance
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
In Braga you shouldn't forget the Bom Jesus. If I see correctly, a bus #2 goes there from the railway station.
Posted by
OP
Normal Illinois part of the year/ Green Valley AZ in winter
122 posts
thanks for the quick reply and info. YES I will add that to my Braga agenda.
Posted by
Washington DC
27057 posts
I travel the same way you do! It's fun to see where you can get via public transportation.
I remember enjoying Guiamares. I also liked Barcelos (quite near Braga) and Viana do Castelo (to the north). Just looking at a map, I think Penafiel (which I haven't seen), Viseu and Coimbra would also be reachable on a day-trip, though I haven't checked the transportation schedules.
I'd stop at the Porto tourist office early on, tell them how much time I had, and ask for suggestions. There may be some accessible areas of natural beauty, as well as all the towns and cities available to you. The tourist office should be knowledgeable about which destinations are practical for folks using buses and trains.
Posted by
OP
Normal Illinois part of the year/ Green Valley AZ in winter
122 posts
Thanks acraven...I had thought about Coimbra/Guiamares but the others were new to me. Have you ever used the service called busbuds? I never hire a car so id local bus/ train don't get me to my desired destination I "splurge" on a day tour.