☀️ THE PORTUGUESE SUMMER

July & August

A 7-Day Small-Group Journey Through Northern Portugal

Long Atlantic days. Fresh seafood. Vinho Verde. Historic cities. Coastal walks. And the easy rhythm of summer in Northern Portugal.

Based in Póvoa de Varzim, this 7-day journey combines the Atlantic coast with some of Northern Portugal’s most remarkable cities, landscapes and traditions.

With a maximum of 12 guests, you’ll experience Portugal at a comfortable pace — with time to explore, time to connect and time simply to enjoy being here.

Crafted in Canada. Rooted in Portugal.

THE JOURNEY AT A GLANCE

7 Days

Maximum 12 Guests

Northern Portugal

Póvoa de Varzim Base

Private Transportation

Curated Food & Wine Experiences

Porto Airport Transfers

Designed for Canadian Travellers

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL & THE JUNQUEIRA PROMENADE

Welcome to Northern Portugal.

Arrive in Póvoa de Varzim and settle into your beachfront accommodation, where the Atlantic is just steps away.

Once you’re settled, take a relaxed guided walk along Rua da Junqueira, the town’s historic pedestrian promenade. Browse local shops, enjoy an artisanal ice cream and begin to settle into the slower rhythm of Portuguese summer.

CULINARY HIGHLIGHT

A private welcome dinner overlooking the Atlantic, where the first evening begins with good food, ocean views and a taste of what’s to come.

DAY 2 - PORTO, THE DOURO & PORT WINE

Today, discover Porto from river to cellar.

Begin at São Bento Station, known for its beautiful traditional tiles, before exploring the historic streets of Ribeira and enjoying lunch beside the Douro.

In the afternoon, cross the Luís I Bridge into Vila Nova de Gaia for a private visit to a historic Port Wine cellar, followed by a tasting.

End the day on the Douro with a Six Bridges cruise, taking in Porto from the water as the city unfolds around you.

DAY 3 - VILA DO CONDE & THE ATLANTIC COAST

Travel north to Vila do Conde and discover a town shaped by Portugal’s maritime heritage.

Visit the historic Santa Clara Monastery and step aboard a replica of a 16th-century Portuguese Carrack, connecting the town’s past with the seafaring history that helped shape the country.

Later, return towards Póvoa de Varzim on foot along the Atlantic boardwalks, with golden beaches and ocean views stretching alongside you.

The rest of the afternoon is yours.

Swim. Relax. Explore. Or simply enjoy the coast at your own pace.

DAY 4 - GUIMARÃES & MONTE DA PENHA

Step into the medieval heart of Portugal.

Travel inland to Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage city and widely known as the birthplace of the Portuguese nation.

Explore the medieval Castle and the elegant Palace of the Dukes of Bragança before enjoying lunch in the historic Praça de Santiago.

Later, take the cable car to Monte da Penha, where mountain views, old trees and cooler air offer a peaceful change of pace.

A day where history, architecture and nature come together.

DAY 5 - BRAGA & BOM JESUS DO MONTE

Discover Braga, one of Portugal’s oldest cities.

Begin at the magnificent Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, travelling up through the surrounding landscape on its historic water-powered funicular.

Continue into the city centre to explore the Sé de Braga and the streets surrounding the historic Arcada.

Take time for a drink at a local terrace before wandering through the gardens of Santa Bárbara.

A day of heritage, architecture and the relaxed rhythm of northern Portuguese city life.

DAY 6 - VIANA DO CASTELO & THE ATLANTIC NORTH

Follow the Atlantic coast north to Viana do Castelo, where mountains, river and ocean meet.

Begin at the Santa Luzia Sanctuary for sweeping views across the city, Lima River and Atlantic coastline.

Then explore the historic centre, with its elegant Manueline architecture, traditional squares and strong maritime heritage.

Visit the Costume Museum and discover the cultural traditions behind Viana’s celebrated gold filigree.

CULINARY HIGHLIGHT

Return to Póvoa de Varzim for a special farewell dinner celebrating the flavours of the Atlantic coast — fresh fish, local produce and Vinho Verde — shared with the people you’ve travelled alongside.

DAY 7 - A FINAL MORNING BY THE ATLANTIC

Wake to the sound of the Atlantic and enjoy one final morning in Póvoa de Varzim.8

Have a final espresso overlooking the beach, take a last walk along Rua da Junqueira or pick up a few local souvenirs before checking out.

Your private transfer will take you directly to Porto Airport for your journey home.

You’ll leave with more than photographs.

You’ll leave with places, flavours and memories that stay with you.

THE EXPERIENCE

This is not a race through Portugal.

It is a chance to experience Northern Portugal at a more comfortable pace — combining carefully selected places with the freedom to enjoy them.

From Atlantic beaches and historic cities to local food, wine and the people who bring these places to life, every part of the journey has been selected to give you a deeper sense of Northern Portugal.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Premium boutique beachfront accommodation and selected local guesthouses
• Private, comfortable transportation throughout the journey
• Porto Airport transfers
• Curated culinary experiences
• Wine tastings
• Selected guided visits and local experiences
• A maximum group size of 12 guests
• Canadian-based planning and support before your arrival
• Local Portuguese expertise throughout your journey

THE INVESTMENT

From CAD $3,950 per person

Based on double occupancy.

Final pricing may vary depending on group size, travel dates and selected arrangements.

A NOTE ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY

Every Northern Roots journey is designed with flexibility in mind.

We know that not every traveller wants exactly the same experience. Where possible, we can discuss personal preferences and tailor selected elements of your journey while preserving the character and flow of the experience.

WHY NORTHERN ROOTS?

SMALL GROUPS
Maximum 12 guests

LOCAL ROOTS
People who genuinely know the region

PRIVATE EXPERIENCES
Wine, food, culture and places beyond the usual itinerary

CANADIAN CARE
Planning and support from Canada before you arrive

CRAFTED IN CANADA. ROOTED IN PORTUGAL.

From the planning stage in Canada to the moments you experience on the ground in Portugal, our team is here to make your journey feel personal, thoughtful and easy.