Trip Information
You begin in UNESCO-recognised Porto, a beautiful mix of winding, medieval streets, impressive architecture and the serene Douro River, packed with brightly coloured rabelo sailing boats - it's also home to some world-famous wine cellars. From here you'll head south, past sandy bays and beaches, to your luxury hotel in Furadouro right on the beachfront, before heading via the Aveiro Lagoon, to 'Portugal's Venice', Aveiro. Here, the latticework canals are overlooked by grand buildings and inviting restaurants, while pretty moliceiro boats sail leisurely along the water. Returning to the ocean you'll pass high sand dunes and fragrant pine and acacia forest, on your way to Praia de Mira, before heading inland to the Spa town of Curia in the Bairrada wine region, the home of Portugal's best Champagne-style wine - be sure to stop for a tasting! From Curia your final stretch takes you to Coimbra, Portugal's former capital and now a cosmopolitan university city. Explore its charming cobbled alleyways, bustling markets and wonderful architecture such as the 16th century aqueduct and the university's sublime Baroque library, perhaps rounding off with a traditional fado evening in one of the local bars.
