🌸 SPRING AWAKENING

May

A 7-Day Small-Group Journey Through Northern Portugal

As spring arrives, Northern Portugal comes alive.

Green valleys, flowering gardens, Atlantic air and longer days create a beautiful time to discover the region — before the height of summer arrives.

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

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

Crafted in Canada. Rooted in Portugal.

THE JOURNEY AT A GLANCE

7 Days

Maximum 12 Guests

May

Northern Portugal

Póvoa de Varzim Base

Private Transportation

Curated Food & Wine Experiences

Porto Airport Transfers

Designed for Canadian Travellers

DAY 1 - SPRING ARRIVAL & THE ATLANTIC COAST

Welcome to Northern Portugal.

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

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

CULINARY HIGHLIGHT

Begin your journey with a private welcome dinner featuring seasonal coastal flavours 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 through the historic streets towards Ribeira.

Take time for lunch beside the Douro before crossing the Luís I Bridge into Vila Nova de Gaia.

There, visit a historic Port Wine cellar and enjoy a guided tasting before ending the afternoon with a Six Bridges cruise.

From the river, see Porto from a different perspective as its historic skyline unfolds along the Douro.

DAY 3 - VILA DO CONDE & THE ATLANTIC COAST

Discover Vila do Conde and its deep connection to Portugal’s maritime heritage.

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, with the ocean beside you and the fresh⁸ spring air all around.

The rest of the afternoon is yours.

Take a walk. Stop for a coffee. Enjoy the beach. Or simply slow down and take in 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 surrounding landscape.

In spring, the fresh green countryside and mild temperatures make this an especially enjoyable time to explore the region.

DAY 5 - BRAGA & BOM JESUS DO MONTE

Discover Braga, one of Portugal’s oldest cities.

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 surrounding the Arcada.

Take time to enjoy a coffee or drink at a local terrace before exploring the gardens of Santa Bárbara, where spring brings colour and new life to the city.

A day of history, architecture, gardens and the everyday rhythm 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 discover the traditions behind Viana’s distinctive culture and celebrated gold filigree.

CULINARY HIGHLIGHT

Return to Póvoa de Varzim for a special farewell dinner celebrating the flavours of Northern Portugal and the experiences 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 SPRING EXPERIENCE

Spring brings a different rhythm to Northern Portugal.

The landscapes are green, gardens are beginning to bloom, the Atlantic air is fresh and the days are becoming longer.

It is a season for walking, exploring historic towns, enjoying outdoor terraces and discovering the region before the pace of summer arrives.

Spring Awakening is designed around that feeling — combining coast, heritage, food, wine and local life at a comfortable pace.

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.