Page 226 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Portugal

EXPERIENCE Northern Portugal Although largely mountainous, Northern 2

1

Portugal is well connected by fast roads and
railway lines. Here is a suggestion of how to
get the most from a visit to the region.
7 DAYS

In Northern Portugal 4

Day 1
Afternoon The steep hillsides of Vila
Morning After arriving in Porto, explore Nova de Gaia are punctuated by famous
Ribeira (p232), the iconic riverside area port wine lodges, each a perfect spot
with its warren of pastel-hued buildings. to sample the city’s eponymous spirit.
The Largo do Terreiro is a pretty spot for Return to Porto for the evening.
a coffee while you watch traditional
rabelo boats floating down the Douro. Day 3
Afternoon Taste modern dishes at the
Cantinho do Avillez, then climb the Torre Morning Peso da Régua is easily reached
dos Clérigos for amazing views (p239). by car or by the Linha do Douro train,
You’ll easily see how J K Rowling was which winds through the valley (p254).
inspired by Livraria Lello bookshop, where The town’s Museu do Douro details the
you can almost imagine the staircases history of the river and the wine trade,
moving of their own accord (p239). In the making for an enlightening visit before you
evening, catch an event at the innovative head to one of the quintas (wine estates).
Casa da Música (www.casadamusica.com). Afternoon Take a boat ride on the river
and then visit – or ideally stay the night
at – one of the many vineyards that dot
Day 2 the surrounding hillsides. Our pick
is Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora
Morning Walk across the top of the Ponte do Carmo (p255).
de Dom Luís to Vila Nova de Gaia. The view
from the circular Mosteiro da Serra do
Pilar is simply stunning (p234). Take the Day 4
Teleférico de Gaia cable car (p234) along
the riverside and lunch at one of the Morning Drive to Guimarães via the A7
Douro-facing cafés. The Yeatman is ideal and explore the beautiful old town, which
for a special occasion (p237). was the country’s first capital (p278).
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