#SINGLES-Explore Northern Portugal: A Journey for Independent Travelers

Arrival at the assigned hotel. Welcome cocktail and presentation of the travel program by our specialized coordinator and with dynamic presentation of the participants. At the end of the afternoon we will visit the famous Lello Bookstore with its wonderful suspended staircase, which inspired the Writer JK Rowling to appear in Harry Potter. We will discover the fantastic S. Bento Train Station (the 8th most beautiful in the world with its glasswork and hand-painted tiles. We will continue to the Stock Exchange Palace (entrance not included), the most visited monument in the city with an interior decoration full of glamour. We will end this tour by having an aperitif in the typical “Ribeira de Oporto”, with the best views of the Douro River. Today we will have our special welcome dinner in an old Port wine cellar converted into a show house, where we will enjoy. fados, theater, dance music and live comedy. After this experience, we will return to the hotel to rest.

After breakfast we will visit Aveiro, known as "The Portuguese Venice" for the canals that cross the city. We will take a magnificent "Gondola" ride tasting their typical sweets called “ovos moles”, with a glass of cava. Special cod lunch at the typical local restaurant, with a glass of DO Wine. In the afternoon we will visit the beautiful beach of “Costa Nova”, with its famous typical houses painted with colorful stripes. Free time for personal activities. Dinner and accommodation. 

After breakfast, visit of Barcelos. We are sure that, if we ask you to think of a symbol of Portugal, its colorful rooster quickly comes to mind. Well, Barcelos has been the city that gave rise to its legend. In addition to discovering the legend, we will have the unique opportunity to do a Barcelos Rooster Painting Workshop, with a local artisan. At the end of the activity we will be given our own Rooster painted by each of us. Free lunch (not included) and in the afternoon visit to Viana do Castelo, a city with deep historical roots, and a good proof of this is the heritage it preserves both in the Monte de Santa Luzia and in its historic center. Let yourself be surprised by the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia. Return to hotel, dinner and overnight.

Breakfast and departure to Braga. An elegant city mix of old narrow streets closed to vehicle traffic, adorned with squares and a splendid variety of baroque churches. The constant ringing of bells is a reminder of ancient Braga which is very devout. Braga's exclusive old center is packed with lively cafes and boutiques, accompanied by some excellent restaurants. The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus stands out with its more than 600 steps. We will make the climb on the Centennial Funicular. One of the oldest in the world still in operation. Free lunch (not included). In the afternoon visit to Guimarães. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001 and was the capital of European culture in 2012 and the European City of Sports in 2013. The Portuguese consider Guimarães to be the cradle of Portugal as we know it today. In fact, in one of the entrances in its walls there is a quote that makes it very clear "Portugal was born here." We will go up by Cable Car to the Santuario da Peña, where we will have the best views of the city. Return to hotel, dinner and overnight.

Breakfast and today our group experience will take us to discover the best views of the city of Porto. We will climb the Arrábida Bridge Arch and taste a Port wine at more than 80 meters high. Next, we will take a magnificent 1-hour cruise on the Duero River. We will end the visit of the city by exploring a Centenary Port Wine Cellar with a commented tasting included. Farewell and happy return home.