Day trip reviews · PORTO DAY TRIPS
The 9 best day trips from porto you can book today, with what each costs, how long the road really is and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Meet near Porto Cathedral for a nine-hour small-group trip through the Minho region. You’ll visit Guimarães Castle and its UNESCO-listed center, Braga Cathedral, and Bom Jesus do Monte. Guides such as Tânia, Pedro, Carlos, and Bernardo are praised for clear history and helpful local tips.
“Amazing guide with Paulo M and amazing, beautiful towns. So glad I did this tour!”
Spend about nine hours exploring Braga and Guimarães from Porto in an air-conditioned minibus. Your guide connects Portugal’s early story to Bom Jesus, Braga Cathedral, Guimarães Castle, and the UNESCO-listed old town. Expect guided walks, free time for lunch, and a group of up to 27 people.
“I was very satisfied. We were given enough time with the guide as well as to look around on our own. The guide was very good.”
Travel from Porto into Spain for free time at Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and the old town, then return through Portugal for a guided visit to Valença Fortress. Expect a 10-hour minibus trip, commentary en route, and a group of up to 27 people.
“Susanna was a great host, driver, entertainer and guide. The tour company was very professional even thought they could not make the day I wanted the alternative was even better since I got to meet Susanna. Santiago de Compostela is a must see. The day trip worked since I did not have a lot of time in the region. The cathedral is beautiful we got there in time to look around and enjoy a mass. There are lots of hidden gems if you have time to walk around. Recommend!!!!”
Travel from Porto in a small group of up to eight with an English-speaking guide such as Daniel, Pedro, or Maia. Cross the 175-meter-high Arouca 516 bridge, walk 8 kilometers beside the Paiva River, taste Arouca sweets, and finish with a hearty regional lunch.
“Thrilling and awesome experience. Would recommend 100%. Had an amazing day with Maia.”
Spend eight hours with a private guide such as Anselmo, Luis, Teresa, Rui, Gustavo, or Andre, traveling from Porto into the Douro Valley. Expect scenic viewpoints, a one-hour river cruise, a family-run winery visit, Port and dry wine tastings, and a locally chosen lunch.
“Had an amazing day touring the Douro Valley with Gustavo. He was full of knowledge and history of Portugal. He tailored the tour based off our likes and interests. He took us to picturesque spots, took photos for us, and made the day very special. Lunch was a local restaurant that was awesome! Port stops were delicious and the boat ride was relaxing. Highly recommend booking with this group! So much to see in one day.”
Travel in a small group of up to eight with an English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking guide. Visit Coimbra’s historic university, enjoy a local pastry, and cruise Aveiro’s canals aboard a traditional Moliceiro boat. Guides David, Carla, and Nuno have all earned warm praise for their helpful manner.
“It was a nicely packed trip and David is a great guide - informative and helpful.”
Travel from Porto to Guimarães and Braga in an air-conditioned vehicle with a live guide in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. Visit the Palace of the Dukes, Guimarães Castle, Braga Cathedral, and Bom Jesus do Monte, then share a generous Minho lunch with Vinho Verde. Guides such as Paulo and Hugo are known for lively local history.
“Our trip today was amazing. Hugo our guide was so good. His knowledge of history of the local areas was second to none. I have done many tours but this was the next level. If you get Hugo as your guide you’re in for a good day.”
Travel privately from Porto to Aveiro with a driver-guide such as Paulo, Claudio, or Rodolfo. See the canals, Art Nouveau buildings, fish market, Costa Nova’s striped fishermen’s houses, and optional moliceiro boat cruise. Lunch and entrance fees cost extra.
“The flexibility to manipulate the itinerary, knowledge of our driver”
Travel from Porto in a private car with a driver-guide such as Paulo or Claudio, visiting Fatima’s Basilica, Chapel of Apparitions, and shepherds’ sites, then Coimbra’s university quarter. You get roughly three hours in Fatima and two and a half in Coimbra, with room to tailor the day.
“This was a fantastic trip. The city of Coimbra is lovely - the Joanina library, Palace and chapel were fascinating and beautiful and we managed to fit in a trip to the Cabinet of curiosities ( fascinating and well worth a visit) situated nearby and the cost of entry was included in the same tickets as the previously mentioned sites. We enjoyed seeing the ruins of the original Santa Clara convent and visiting Fatima. Our driver Paulo was excellent, very friendly and very patient and helpful. He dropped us off at the most convenient locations and waited patiently for us. He went out of his way to make drop off…”
A coast, a castle, a cellar or a cave.
