Healing Waters of North Portugal – Self-Drive

Arrive at Oporto International Airport, meet and greet by our local representative who will assist you with your car hire (Group C – Seat Ibiza or similar) and inform you how to proceed on your departure day. Hop in to your car and drive to your first Portuguese location, Penafiel. Drive among the hills, valleys and rivers and admire the stunning views over this North Region of Portugal. Once in Penafiel, walk along the picturesque streets and admire the local architecture, small squares and churches, built before the birth of Portugal as a nation. The scenery is real marvel, with shades of green from the lush banks of the Douro and Sousa rivers to the bucolic vineyards and pine forest draped across every hillside. Overnight in Penafiel. 

Wake up to your tasty breakfast (included) and prepare yourself for a real relaxing experience. Drive to the region of Pinheiro, where you can enjoy the healing effects of thermal springs in famous São Vicente Spa (own expenses). Roman spa found in the early 20th century. Its waters are considered the most alkaline in Europe and the best choice for treatments related to the respiratory system. Surrounded sites are Mosteiro Beneditino de Paço de Sousa, Castelo de Penafiel and Santuario do Sameiro. Make sure you try Vinho Verde (green wine), typical for this region and for opening your gastronomic experience we recommend you to try the lamprey, which is cooked with rice, while in the hills the damp winters are warmed with stew and roasted lamb and kit goat. For dessert sopa seca (fry soup), a kind of bread pudding with cinnamon, lemon zest and a splah of Port wine. Overnight in Penafiel. 

Enjoy your breakfast (included) at the hotel and continue your trip to Sao Pedro do Sul, where you will spend the next 2 nights. Sao Pedro do Sul is a small town situated in the valley of Lafões, framed by massifs of Arada, Gralheira and S Macario mountains. Their lush landscapes, cold, crystal waters, and small hidden villages in the valleys are creating stunning landscape and beautiful natural phenomenon. Once in Sao Pedro do Sul, we recommend you to visit the Thearm Baths of S Pedro do Sul. Still perceiving Roman changing room proves that this Spa was used in the period of the roman conquest. Just a few kilometres away there is small city Viseu, an ancient city, built of grey stone, full of green and lively surrounding. Viseu was considered the best of Portugal in the quality of life ranking. If you wish to go around this city, do not miss Casa do Viriato, The Viseu Cathedral and the The Grão Vasco Museum. Overnight in Sao Pedro do Sul. 

Start your day with the breakfast (included) at the hotel. Today you can reach some of the local sites around the city, or try another thermal spa in the area. Tranquility and relax in one of the wellness centres will calm your sense and fill your energy for your upcoming destinations. Overnight in Sao Pedro do Sul. 

Big farewell to Sao Pedro do Sul! After your tasty breakfast (included) continue driving back to Oporto. Enjoy the drive along the attractive landscape, perhaps stop at one of the local village for a short refreshment. After the check-in in the hotel, stroll down the streets of Oporto, and visit some of the cultural places of interest, the Serralves Museum and gardens, climb up Torre dos Clérigos, ride on the old trams and visit Livraria Lello. When in Oporto you need to try the famous Francesinha, composed of steak, sliced ham and spicy sausage between toasted bread, all covered with melted cheese and a hot sauce, the recipe for which is a well-kept secret. Overnight in Oporto. 

Spend your last morning in Portugal savouring your breakfast (included). Then, return the rental car at the Oporto Airport and prepare for your return flight.