10 day itinerary
North Portugal
Itinerary
North Portugal is a fantastic destination for a family-friendly adventure, filled with stunning landscapes, rich history, and delicious food. Let’s create a relaxed 10-day itinerary that allows you to soak in the beauty and culture at a leisurely pace. Here we go!
Day 1: Arrival in
Morning: Arrive in , the vibrant capital of northern Portugal. Check into your family-friendly hotel or Airbnb.
Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll along the , where you can admire the colorful buildings and the . Grab a light lunch at one of the riverside cafes.
Evening: Enjoy a family dinner at a local restaurant. Try some traditional dishes like Francesinha (a hearty sandwich) or Bacalhau à Brás (codfish).
Day 2: Explore
Morning: Visit the iconic , one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Then, head to the for panoramic views of the city.
Afternoon: Explore the and its beautiful gardens. It’s a great place for kids to run around and enjoy art in a relaxed setting.
Evening: Take a river cruise on the . It’s a lovely way to see the city from a different perspective, especially as the sun sets.
Day 3: Day Trip to
Morning: Take a short train ride to , known as the birthplace of Portugal. Visit the and the .
Afternoon: Stroll through the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy lunch at a local café and try some regional specialties.
Evening: Return to and have a relaxed dinner. Perhaps try a family-friendly pizzeria or a place with a variety of options.
Day 4:
Morning: Rent a car and drive to the stunning . Stop at a viewpoint for some breathtaking photos.
Afternoon: Visit a family-friendly vineyard for a tour and tasting. Many vineyards offer grape juice for kids and beautiful gardens to explore.
Evening: Stay overnight in the . Enjoy a peaceful dinner at your accommodation or a nearby restaurant with local cuisine.
Day 5: Relaxation
Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with a view of the vineyards.
Afternoon: Take a scenic boat ride on the . It’s a relaxing way to see the valley and its terraced vineyards.
Evening: Have a cozy dinner at your accommodation or a local eatery. Enjoy the tranquility of the valley.
Day 6: Braga and
Morning: Drive to Braga, known for its beautiful churches. Visit the stunning , where you can take the funicular up the hill.
Afternoon: Explore the gardens and enjoy a picnic lunch with a view. The kids will love running around the expansive grounds.
Evening: Head back to for dinner. Consider a family-friendly restaurant with a variety of options.
Day 7: - The Venice of Portugal
Morning: Drive to , famous for its canals and colorful boats. Take a traditional “moliceiro” boat ride through the canals.
Afternoon: Explore the town and try the local sweet treat, ovos moles. Have lunch at a canal-side café.
Evening: Return to and enjoy a relaxed dinner. Perhaps try a seafood restaurant, as the region is known for its fresh catch.
Day 8:
Morning: Head to for a day of nature. Enjoy a family-friendly hike, taking in the stunning landscapes and waterfalls.
Afternoon: Have a picnic lunch in the park. There are plenty of scenic spots to relax and enjoy nature.
Evening: Stay overnight in a nearby village or a cozy lodge. Enjoy a simple dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 9: Return to
Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a short morning hike in the park before heading back to .
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon visiting the , an interactive museum that’s fun for the whole family.
Evening: Have a farewell dinner in . Consider a restaurant with a view of the river to end your trip on a high note.
Day 10: Departure
Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and some last-minute shopping or sightseeing in .
Afternoon: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance to visit the for some local treats to take home.
Evening: Head to the airport for your departure, filled with wonderful memories of your family adventure in North Portugal!
I hope this itinerary gives you a great mix of relaxation, exploration, and family fun! Enjoy your trip! 🌍✈️