🍂 THE GOLDEN AUTUMN HERITAGE

September & October

A 7-Day Small-Group Journey Through Northern Portugal

As summer gives way to autumn, Northern Portugal takes on a different rhythm.

The Atlantic coast becomes quieter, the historic cities take on warmer colours, and the countryside of the Minho begins to reflect the season’s harvest.

Based in Póvoa de Varzim, this 7-day journey combines the Atlantic coast with Porto, Guimarães, Braga and Viana do Castelo — bringing together Portuguese history, food, wine, local traditions and the landscapes of Northern Portugal.

With a maximum of 12 guests, you’ll have time to explore without rushing and experience each destination at a more relaxed pace.

Crafted in Canada. Rooted in Portugal.

THE JOURNEY AT A GLANCE

7 Days

Maximum 12 Guests

September & October

Northern Portugal

Póvoa de Varzim Base

Private Transportation

Curated Food & Wine Experiences

Porto Airport Transfers

Designed for Canadian Travellers

DAY 1 - COASTAL ARRIVAL & THE JUNQUEIRA PROMENADE

Welcome to Northern Portugal.

Arrive in Póvoa de Varzim and settle into your beachfront accommodation overlooking the Atlantic.

In the late afternoon, take a relaxed guided walk along Rua da Junqueira, the town’s historic pedestrian promenade. Discover local shops, cafés and the everyday rhythm of a coastal Portuguese town.

CULINARY HIGHLIGHT

Begin your journey with a private welcome dinner featuring fresh Atlantic seafood and carefully selected local wines.

DAY 2 - PORTO, THE DOURO & PORT WINE

Today, discover Porto from its historic centre to the banks of the Douro.

Begin at São Bento Station and admire its remarkable traditional tilework before continuing towards the Clérigos Tower and the historic Ribeira district.

After lunch, cross the Luís I Bridge into Vila Nova de Gaia for a private visit to a historic Port Wine cellar and a guided tasting.

Then step aboard a Six Bridges cruise and see Porto from the Douro, with the city’s historic skyline unfolding around you.

In autumn, the wine region is at the heart of the harvest season — making this an especially memorable time to experience Portugal’s wine heritage.

DAY 3 - VILA DO CONDE & THE ATLANTIC COAST

Discover the maritime heritage of Vila do Conde, a coastal town shaped by centuries of connection to the sea.

Visit the historic Santa Clara Monastery and explore a replica of a Portuguese Carrack, offering a glimpse into the country’s seafaring past.

Later, return towards Póvoa de Varzim along the Atlantic boardwalks connecting the two towns.

With the ocean beside you and the afternoon at your own pace, this is a day to slow down and enjoy the coast.

DAY 4 - GUIMARÃES & MONTE DA PENHA

Step into the medieval heart of Portugal.

Travel inland to Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage city with deep connections to the origins of the Portuguese nation.

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

In the afternoon, take the cable car to Monte da Penha for panoramic views across the Minho landscape.

In autumn, the changing colours add another dimension to the surrounding countryside.

DAY 5 - BRAGA & BOM JESUS DO MONTE

Discover Braga, one of Portugal’s oldest cities and an important centre of religious and cultural heritage.

Begin at Bom Jesus do Monte, exploring its monumental Baroque staircase, gardens and historic funicular.

Continue into the city centre to visit the Sé de Braga and wander through the historic streets around the Arcada.

Take time to enjoy a coffee or drink at a local terrace before visiting the gardens of Santa Bárbara.

A day that brings together history, architecture, faith and the everyday life of Northern Portugal.

DAY 6 - VIANA DO CASTELO & THE ATLANTIC NORTH

Follow the Atlantic coast north to Viana do Castelo, where the mountains meet the sea.

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

Continue into the historic centre to discover its elegant squares, traditional architecture and maritime heritage.

Visit the Costume Museum and learn about the traditions behind Viana’s distinctive culture and celebrated gold filigree.

CULINARY HIGHLIGHT

Return to Póvoa de Varzim for a special farewell dinner, bringing together the flavours of Northern Portugal and the memories shared throughout the week.

DAY 7 - A FINAL MORNING BY THE ATLANTIC

Enjoy one final morning in Póvoa de Varzim.

Have a final espresso overlooking the Atlantic, 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 Northern Portugal with more than photographs — with flavours, stories and places that remain part of the journey long after you return home.

THE AUTUMN EXPERIENCE

Autumn changes the way Northern Portugal feels.

The pace is calmer. The light is softer. The vineyards are alive with harvest activity, the countryside begins to change colour and local tables turn towards the flavours of the season.

This journey is designed to let you experience that rhythm — combining heritage, food, wine, coast and countryside without trying to fit everything into a rushed itinerary.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

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

THE INVESTMENT

From CAD $3,450 per person

Based on double occupancy.

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

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 in Portugal, our team combines Canadian care with local Portuguese knowledge to make your journey personal, comfortable and thoughtfully planned.

2027 JOURNEYS ARE TAKING SHAPE

Our first journeys are being prepared for 2027.

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