A Scenic Journey Through Portugal's Heart: Porto to Vila Nova de Foz Coa

Day 1: Cultural Exploration

Porto, Portugal

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Majestic

Begin your day with a delectable breakfast at the iconic Café Majestic, known for its exquisite Art Nouveau decor and traditional Portuguese pastries.
Walk to the café, just a 10-minute stroll from the riverfront.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Livraria Lello

After breakfast, visit the stunning Livraria Lello, one of the world's most beautiful bookstores, known for its stunning staircase and elaborate woodwork.
It's a short 5-minute walk from Café Majestic.
EUR5, 1 hour

10:30AM

Drive to Aveiro

Take a scenic drive to Aveiro, known as the 'Venice of Portugal,' where colourful boats glide through the canals.
A pleasant 1-hour drive via A1.
EUR10 (fuel), 1 hour

11:30AM

Explore Aveiro

Stroll along the canals and make sure to admire the beautiful Art Nouveau buildings that grace the city.
Wander around the city centre on foot to enjoy the sights.
EUR0, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at O Bairro

Savour traditional Portuguese dishes at O Bairro, famed for its fresh seafood and local delicacies, nestled by the canals.
A short 5-minute walk from the canals.
EUR18, 1 hour

2:00PM

Drive to Coimbra

Continue your journey to Coimbra, home to one of the oldest universities in Europe.
Approximately 1-hour drive south via A1.
EUR10 (fuel), 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit University of Coimbra

Discover the beautiful halls and libraries of the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage site with rich history and stunning architecture.
Enter the university grounds a short walk from the car park.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Drive to Alcobaca

Next, head to Alcobaca, famous for its monastery, a masterpiece of Cistercian architecture.
Around a 1-hour drive via A1 and A8.
EUR10 (fuel), 1 hour

5:30PM

Tour the Monastery of Alcobaca

Explore the impressive Monastery of Alcobaca, where the tombs of medieval lovers Pedro and Ines rest.
Easily accessible, just a short walk from the parking area.
EUR6, 1 hour

6:30PM

Drive to Batalha

Continue your adventure to Batalha, home to the stunning Monastery of Batalha.
A beautiful 20-minute drive via N242.
EUR5 (fuel), 20 minutes

7:00PM

Visit the Monastery of Batalha

Marvel at the intricate Gothic architecture of the Monastery of Batalha, another UNESCO World Heritage site, and its grand cloisters.
The monastery is just a short stroll from the parking area.
EUR6, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Taverna do Economics

Enjoy dinner at Taverna do Economics, where traditional Portuguese cuisine meets a cozy atmosphere, as you relish local specialities.
A quick 10-minute drive from the monastery.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

9:30PM

Drive to Tomar

Your next stop is Tomar, known for its rich Templar history and beautiful architecture.
Only around 30 minutes away via A13.
EUR5 (fuel), 30 minutes

10:00PM

Evening Visit to Convent of Christ

Although the interior might be closed, the exterior of the Convent of Christ at night offers a magical view that should not be missed.
Directly accessible from the main road.
EUR0, 30 minutes

10:30PM

Drive to Arouca

Head towards Arouca to experience the breathtaking Arouca Bridge, one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in the world.
A 40-minute drive via N324.
EUR7 (fuel), 40 minutes

11:15PM

Night Walk at Arouca Bridge

Take a night-time stroll on the Arouca Bridge, enjoying stunning views of the mountains and valleys below.
Follow the signs to the bridge from Arouca town centre.
EUR10, 1 hour

12:15AM

Drive to Vila Real

Continue to Vila Real, your next stop as you conclude the day filled with adventures.
A 50-minute drive via A24.
EUR7 (fuel), 50 minutes

1:15AM

Rest for the Night at Hotel Douro

Unwind at Hotel Douro in Vila Real, where splendid views of the Douro Valley will provide the perfect end to your exciting day.
The hotel is centrally located and easy to find.
EUR80, Sleep
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