DAY 1: UK - Oporto.
Fly to Oporto where you will be met by your representative or driver and transferred to your hotel for seven nights. (D)
DAY 2: Oporto.
A full day to experience delightful medieval Oporto. Sitting on the banks of the Douro River, Portugal's second largest city is best known for its production of port wines and offers a multitude of memorable sights. Why not stroll around the steep yet buzzing streets of the old town, admire the gold-laden Church of Sao Francisco or ride in one of the city's famously rickety trams? (B, D)
DAY 3: Viana do Castelo - Braga - Guimaraes.
Drive north, passing Ponte de Lima, to the picturesque port of Viana do Castelo, with its fine main square and mountaintop basilica. From there, travel to Braga, Portugal's religious centre, with its magnificent cathedral. Next, continue to Guimaraes, originally the country's capital and now home to a ruined castle and a splendid museum housed in a palace. (B, D)
DAY 4: Povoa de Varzim.
A day to relax and savour the stunning beauty of Portugal's Green Coast or to take an optional two-hour river cruise along the Douro River (subject to minimum participation) to experience wonderful river and countryside views and enjoy lunch on board too. (B, D)
DAY 5: Amarante - Vila Real - Regua.
Start early this morning for your journey to Amarante, an enchanting town on the vineyard-lined Tamega River, before heading to Vila Real, with its fine Gothic cathedral and 16-arch Roman bridge. Later, continue through spectacular countryside to Regua before enjoying a scenic train ride back through the stunning Douro Valley to Penafiel; returning to Oporto by coach. (B, D)
DAY 6: Aveiro - Coimbra.
Another fascinating excursion, first to Aveiro, dubbed the 'Venice of Portugal' for its charming canals, along which glide its gaily-painted 'moliceiros' or fishing boats, before travelling to historic Coimbra for a sightseeing tour with a local guide, to enjoy the sights of one of Europe's oldest university towns. Briefly the Portuguese capital, it boasts flamboyantly decorated university buildings, as well as a beautiful cathedral and monastery. (B, D)
DAY 7: Povoa de Varzim.
More time to unwind on Portugal's Costa Verde or join the optional excursion across the border into Spain, to the medieval pilgrimage town of Santiago de Compostela, famed for its exquisite religious monuments. (B, D)
DAY 8: Povoa de Varzim - Oporto - UK.
Transfer to Oporto airport for your flight to the UK. (B)