6-Day North Portugal Tour: Porto, Braga, Fátima, Coimbra, Guimaraes, Aveiro and Batalha, from Lisbon

Traveling through Portugal’s north with a guided 6-day tour from Lisbon offers a chance to see some of the country’s most memorable cities and landmarks without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. This tour, organized by Cityrama, covers everything from the medieval charm of Óbidos to the sacred sites of Fátima, the bustling streets of Porto, and the breathtaking landscapes of the Douro Valley. While the trip is packed with highlights, what truly makes it stand out are the knowledgeable guides and the quality of the included sites — along with a few quirks that travelers should be aware of.

One thing I really appreciate is the focus on authentic sights — you’ll walk through UNESCO World Heritage sites, explore centuries-old monasteries, and enjoy local delicacies like ovos moles in Aveiro. Plus, the guides seem well-versed in the history and stories behind each place, which helps make the experience more engaging. A second highlight is the comfortable transportation — a modern, air-conditioned coach that makes all those long drives more bearable, especially since you’ll spend a good part of each day on the road.

That said, one possible downside is the pace. The itinerary is quite ambitious, with many stops scheduled back-to-back, which might leave some travelers wishing for more time at certain highlights, especially in Porto or Coimbra. The description mentions free time in some locations, but in reality, the days can feel a bit hurried, especially for those who prefer to linger and soak in every detail.

Key Points

• Authentic Experiences: You’ll visit iconic sites like Batalha Monastery and Fátima’s sanctuary, gaining insight into Portugal’s spiritual and architectural heritage.
• Expert Guides: Past travelers praise guides like Cristina and Ana for their knowledge and friendly approach, which elevates the tour.
• Comfort & Convenience: Transportation is smooth and air-conditioned, making the long drives more relaxing.
• Cultural Highlights: From wine tasting in Porto to exploring the medieval town of Guimarães, the tour offers a good mix of history, culture, and scenery.
• Value for Money: With five nights in superior hotels, breakfasts included, and key site visits, the tour feels like decent value considering the comprehensive itinerary.
• Pace & Coverage: The packed schedule might be too fast for some, especially in Porto, where some reviews mention feeling rushed or diverted to Spain—a point worth noting.

Exploring Portugal’s North: An In-Depth Look at the 6-Day Tour

Embarking on this guided tour means you’re in for a whirlwind adventure covering some of Portugal’s most compelling sights. As someone who appreciates historical sites, scenic drives, and local culture, I find that this trip aims to balance all three, although the pace can be lively. Let’s break down the itinerary to see what you’ll get at each stop and what to expect.

Day 1: From Lisbon to Fátima via Medieval Gems

The tour starts in Lisbon with an early pickup, heading northward to the quaint town of Óbidos, a highlight for its perfectly preserved medieval walls and charming whitewashed houses. It’s a quick hour here, giving you a taste of Portugal’s medieval past. Keep in mind that this stop is free to wander, so take your time strolling the cobblestone streets, perhaps grabbing a pastel de nata if you’re lucky.

Next, the coach drives to Batalha to visit the UNESCO-listed Batalha Monastery, an exemplar of Gothic architecture. I love how these sites are presented as must-see landmarks that encapsulate Portugal’s religious and architectural aspirations of the 14th century. You’ll then move on to a fishing village, Nazare — known for its stunning cliffs and surf culture — for a lunch stop, though food isn’t included, so bring your own snacks or enjoy a leisurely meal in town.

Afterward, Alcobaça’s Royal Monastery offers an impressive look at Portugal’s first fully Gothic monastery, famous for its tombs of Pedro and Inês, Portugal’s tragic lovers. The day wraps up with a visit to Fátima’s sanctuary, a major pilgrimage site. You’ll spend a generous 1.5 hours exploring the basilica, the chapel of apparitions, and the shrine. From the reviews, guides like Cristina make these visits memorable by sharing stories behind the site, helping you appreciate the deep spiritual significance of the place.

Day 2: Coimbra’s Old Charm and Aveiro’s Canals

After breakfast, the tour heads directly to Coimbra, once Portugal’s capital and home to one of the oldest universities in the world. You’ll enjoy a brief stop to get your bearings before visiting University of Coimbra itself, where the tour includes entry to the baroque library and a sense of tradition—black caps, serenades, and academic robes are all part of the charm. As one reviewer mentioned, Ana, the guide, shares engaging stories that make the university come alive.

Later, the group visits the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova, home to Queen Saint Isabel’s tomb, a peaceful spot with fascinating history. In the afternoon, the journey takes you to Aveiro, often called the “Venice of Portugal”. Here, you’ll have an hour to admire the colorful “moliceiro” boats on the canals and sample the famous “ovos moles” sweets. Many travelers appreciate Aveiro’s relaxed vibe and picturesque scenery, as well as the chance to taste local delicacies.

Day 3: Porto’s Historic Heart and Scenic Wine Tasting

Porto’s highlights start early, with a soak-in of the riverside UNESCO site, port city with its centuries-old architecture. The Palácio da Bolsa impresses with its ornate neoclassical style and Arab Room, a favorite for its lavish decor. You can almost hear the whispers of traders and dignitaries from the 19th century.

Following that, the Church of São Francisco offers a gothic setting adorned with baroque gilded carvings, making it a feast for the eyes. Then, a Burmester wine tasting provides a delightful break—Portuguese port wine is world-famous, and many find the tasting session both educational and delicious.

Later, the tour ventures into Guimarães, often called the “birthplace of Portugal”. Visiting the Guimarães Castle and the Palace of Dukes offers a firsthand look at Portugal’s medieval roots. The Bom Jesus Funicular provides views and a taste of religious pilgrimage tradition—a unique baroque staircase surrounded by lush greenery. Several reviews praise the guides, particularly Christina, for her storytelling, which enlivens these stops.

Day 4: Leisure Day in Porto

The fourth day allows for flexibility. You can explore Porto at your own pace or revisit favorite spots. Some travelers use this day to relax, shop, or enjoy additional walks along the Douro River. It’s a good opportunity to absorb Porto’s atmosphere without the rush, especially after several busy days.

Days 5 & 6: Douro Valley and Historic Towns

The excursion through the Douro River region offers stunning vistas of terraced vineyards, with a stop at Vila Real to glimpse the iconic Mateus Palace—famous for its rose wine bottles. Then, in Lamego, you’ll see the baroque Nossa Senhora dos Remédios shrine, with a magnificent staircase—one of Portugal’s most photographed spots.

The journey continues inland through mountain roads to Viseu, known for its medieval streets and a connection to Viriato, the Lusitanian hero. The final day takes you through Bussaco, famous for its lush forest and historic hotel, and Tomar, home to the Convent of Christ—a UNESCO site that showcases architecture influenced by the Knights Templar.

The last leg returns to Lisbon, wrapping up a busy but deeply rewarding tour.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers wanting a rundown of Portugal’s north with guided ease. If you’re interested in history, architecture, and sacred sites, you’ll appreciate the detailed guides and carefully curated stops. Those who enjoy wine tastings and local foods will find the port tastings and Aveiro sweets particularly enjoyable.

However, if you prefer slow travel and time to linger, this schedule might feel rushed—especially in Porto, as reviews suggest some felt the city was overrepresented in Spain. The tour is suited for people comfortable with moderate walking and long days on the bus. It’s perfect for those who want a balanced mix of cultural sights, scenic drives, and authentic experiences, without the stress of planning.

Practical Tips and Final Thoughts

The tour offers five nights in superior hotels with breakfast included, which provides good value considering the comprehensive sightseeing and guiding. Transportation is in a modern, air-conditioned coach, making long drives comfortable. Food isn’t included, so budget for meals, yet the stops at local eateries and tastings add real flavor to the experience.

Tip: The tour has about 20 travelers maximum, which helps maintain a cozy group atmosphere. Guides are generally praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the often packed schedule more engaging.

If you’re looking for a reasonably priced, well-organized introduction to Portugal’s north with knowledgeable guides and a good mix of scenery and history, this tour ticks many boxes. Just keep in mind the pace and be ready to make the most of every stop.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, you’ll travel in a modern, air-conditioned coach for all scheduled transfers and daily drives.

Are accommodations in the tour comfortable?
The tour includes five nights in superior-class hotels, which generally means good quality, clean, and comfortable rooms with breakfast.

Can I expect free time?
Yes, the itinerary offers some free time, such as in Porto and Aveiro; however, several reviews mention feeling rushed, so plan to prioritize what interests you most.

What is the walking like?
Moderate walking is involved, especially at historic sites and scenic spots like Guimarães and Bom Jesus. Be prepared for some cobblestone streets.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
While generally suitable for most travelers comfortable with physical activity, some stops involve stairs or uneven terrain. If mobility is an issue, check with the provider.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can get a full refund if you cancel at least 6 days in advance. The policy is strict as the experience is confirmed closer to the dates, so plan accordingly.

Embarking on this 6-day tour offers a great way to see Portugal’s north with the security of guidance, comfort, and a well-designed itinerary. Whether you’re drawn to ancient towns, religious shrines, scenic landscapes, or local flavors, this journey provides a solid foundation with authentic touches that will linger in your memory.