3 Nights Historical Port, plus Aveiro City Tour - From Lisbon

About this boat trip in Porto

• Live guidePortuguese, English, Spanish, French
• Duration3 days
• CancellationTour Cancellation Policy - Spain.
• Pick-upHotel pick-up available
• Activity levelEasy

Timeline: how the party goes

1. Private road trip from Lisbon to Porto.

   A RapidShuttle Tours and Transfers private Road Trip from Lisbon to Porto offers a direct, comfortable, and customizable way to travel. From the medieval walled city of Obidos to the magnificent coastal town of Nazare, you’ll find an unrivaled variety and unforgettable memories on your road trip from Lisbon to Porto. A road trip tailor-made for families, friends, couples, and solo travelers.

    Day 1: Journey from Lisbon to the city of Porto. Starting times available: 08:00 am, 09:00 am, and 10:00 am.

   We will pick you up in Lisbon at your hotel, vacation home, cruise port, or airport (LIS) in a private, modern, and comfortable vehicle. Our first stop will be at the medieval town of Obidos.  Óbidos is a well-preserved medieval walled town in Portugal, known as the "Town of Queens" because it was historically gifted to Portuguese queens. Located on a hilltop, the town features a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses with flower-filled balconies, and a 12th-century castle, now a luxury hotel. Key attractions include walking the medieval walls, visiting unique bookstores, and trying local specialties like Ginjinha (sour cherry liqueur) served in chocolate cups.

   History

   • The area has been inhabited since Roman times, but it was taken from the Moors in 1148 by Portugal's first king, Afonso Henriques.
   • From 1282, it was part of the "Queen's Dowry," gifted to royal wives, which helped preserve its charm and architecture.
   • The castle was originally a Moorish fortress, later rebuilt by King Dinis, and eventually converted into a hotel.
   • The town was damaged by the 1755 earthquake but has been extensively maintained.

   Key features and attractions

   • Walls: The 1.5 km-long fortified walls offer stunning views of the town and countryside. Be cautious, as some sections lack guardrails.
   • Castle: The castle is a historic monument and a luxury hotel (Pousada) today, with visitors able to admire its architecture.
   • Streets: Sinuous, narrow cobblestone streets with arcades and small squares lead through the town.
   • Bookstores: The town is a designated UNESCO City of Literature, featuring unique bookstores in unexpected places, like inside an old church.
   • Local products: Óbidos is famous for its Ginjinha, a sour cherry liqueur often served in a chocolate cup, and its annual Chocolate Festival.
     We will stay on location for about 1 hour.

   
   

   From Obidos, we will proceed to our next stop, Nazare. Nazaré is a coastal town in Portugal famous for having some of the world's largest waves, which are caused by a unique underwater canyon. Once a sleepy fishing village, it is now a popular destination with a mix of big wave surfing, traditional culture like the seven-layered skirts, and scenic cliffs. Visitors can also explore the upper and lower parts of the town, the lighthouse at the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo, and enjoy local food and markets.

   Big waves

   • Cause: The Nazaré Canyon, an underwater canyon that is about 170 km long and reaches a depth of 5,000 meters, funnels and magnifies ocean swells, creating the giant waves.
   • Big wave surfing: The town is a mecca for big wave surfers and hosts annual contests, with the current world record for the biggest wave being 26.21 meters (86 feet).

   Culture and tradition

   • Fishing village: Nazaré was historically a small fishing village, and this heritage is still visible in its harbor and traditional practices.
   • Traditional attire: Women in Nazaré are known for wearing traditional seven-layered skirts.
   • Name origin: The town's name is believed to have come from a 4th-century statue of the Virgin Mary brought from Nazareth by a monk.

   Things to see and do

   • Upper and lower towns: The town is split between the upper part on the cliff and the lower part along the beach. A funicular connects the two parts.
   • Praia da Nazaré (Nazaré Beach): The lower part of the town is home to the main beach.
   • Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo: This fort, located at the top of the cliff near the lighthouse, provides excellent views of the waves and the coastline.
   • Local markets: The town has a daily market (closed on Mondays) where locals and tourists can buy fresh produce, olives, and pastries.
   • Restaurants: Many seafood restaurants are available, from high-end to more affordable options. We will stay in the town of Nazare for about 1 hour.

   From Nazare will continue our road trip to your hotel in Porto, where our road trip will end. Your driver/guide will assist you with the check-in.

2. Day 2: Historical Porto City Tour.

   Tour starting times: 09:00 am and 10:00 am

   A visit to Northern Portugal requires careful planning to enjoy the area's best offerings fully.
   With a private tour, you can make the most of your vacation. In order to maximize your time, we offer multi-day packages to get the most out of the region, while enjoying special prices. The more you discover with us, the more you save!

   Settled on the northern bank of the Douro River, this location has always been appealing to the different people who passed by the Peninsula, through the centuries, from the Romans, to the Moors, and finally, the Christians. Because of its strategic location, Porto has always been a trade city, being its harbor being the most important center for a long period of time. It shaped the city's landscape, traditions, and people, details that you can still recognize if you wander around the old quarters.

   Porto is a city with many charms. On this private half-day tour, you'll get the chance to discover its most interesting corners, learn about its history, and see the most important monuments of the city.

   Settled on the northern bank of the Douro River, this location has always been appealing to the different people who passed by the Peninsula, through the centuries, from the Romans, to the Moors, and finally, the Christians. Because of its strategic location, Porto has always been a trade city, being its harbor being the most important center for a long period of time. It shaped the city's landscape, traditions, and people, details that you can still recognize if you wander around the old quarters.

   Our private driver-guide will explain to you the history of the city and show you the old quarters full of charm and traditions, and also the trendiest neighborhoods like Boavista and Foz, where you can admire a different side of the city and the modern buildings that were made in the last century and are already landmarks too.

   The tour wouldn't be complete without our driver taking you to the south bank of the river, so that you can admire the beautiful landscape of the city, take a "postcard picture" of Porto, and visit a Port Wine Cellar, where you'll have the opportunity to learn more about this famous wine, with a tasting included.

   The historical city center of Porto has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. 

   
   At the end of your tour, you will have the option for your tour guide to take you back to your hotel or stay in town.  

3. Day 3: Historical, and Charming Aveiro City Tour - The Portuguese Venice.

   AVEIRO - Water canals, Beaches, and Traditional Sweets.

   Aveiro is famous for its water canals, colorful boats, and elegant Art Nouveau architecture. It’s a place where the old meets the new, allied to ancient traditions, like salt production, that always played an important role in the local economy.

   Your driver-guide will pick you up at 09:00 AM for a private tour of this beautiful city and coastline. Drive south of Porto and, in about 45 minutes, you'll arrive in Aveiro. The first stop will be by the train station with beautiful Azulejos - Portuguese Tiles, representing not only ancient traditions but also some of the most beautiful sites in the region.  After this stop, you'll discover the city center by walking along the canals, admiring some of the best examples of Art Nouveau in Portugal. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the old fisherman's neighborhood, filled with small, colorful houses. During the walk, you'll taste the local sweets, called Ovos Moles.

   One of the highlights of this day is the 45-minute boat ride on a traditional boat, called a Moliceiro. Take this moment to relax and admire the landscape.

   Afterward, your driver-guide will take you to the coastline, called Costa Nova, where you can find the tallest lighthouse in Portugal, and see the typical houses painted with colorful stripes. This is a great photo opportunity! You can also have a look around the local fish market, where you'll find some local delicacies, if the opportunity comes up.

   At the end of this amazing experience, return to Porto, or you can stay in town.

4. Day 4: Journey From Porto to Lisbon (Optional).

   Available departure times: 07:00 am, 08:00 am, and 09:00 am.

   We will pick you up in Porto at your hotel, vacation home, cruise port, or airport (OPO) in a private, modern, and comfortable vehicle. We will be arriving at your designated drop-off location in Lisbon on schedule. Your private driver will be meeting you at your designated departure location, and he or she will assist you with your luggage and escort you to your personal vehicle. The ride will take approximately 3-4 hours.

What’s included

Good to know before you go

• Valid I.D.
• Dress accordingly. Churches may require conservative or Business Casual attire.
• Not wheelchair accessible.

Frequently asked questions