3 Best Day Tours From Porto

Looking to make the most of your trip to Porto? If you’re planning to explore beyond the city, you came to the right place! Porto is the perfect gateway to some of Portugal’s most amazing destinations. In this travel guide, we’ll highlight the 3 best day tours from Porto. The day trips will take you to the historic cities of Braga & Guimarães, the picturesque canals of Aveiro, and the breathtaking landscapes of the Douro Valley. These day tours from Porto offer a mix of culture, history, and natural charm, all easily accessible within a day. Whether you love historical sites, nature, or quaint towns, these day trips from Porto are suitable for all ages. All these day tours from Porto have round-trip transportation making it convenient if you’re hotel accommodation are in Porto.

1. The Closest Day Tour From Porto

Discover Aveiro, often referred to as the “Venice of Portugal. It’s a charming city intertwined with four scenic canals. On this half-day trip, you will board a traditional Moliceiro boat through the canals (45-minute ride). We enjoyed learning about the history, the tour guide was comedic adding some fun to the tour! You will also admire the vibrant fishermen’s houses that line the shores of Costa Nova Beach. This was such a special day tour and below we have provided our itinerary to make the most out of the day in Aveiro. You can either make this a half-day tour as a part of the Living Tours round-trip transportation. However, if you want to spend more time in Aveiro you can make it into full-day tour as we did! Let’s dive in!

You can pre-book this half-day tour to Aveiro with Living Tours! Here’s what our day looked like:

Meeting Point: We started the day tour near São Bento Station in Porto. We recommend checking in by heading directly to the Living Tours Office near São Bento Station. This will be the same meeting point for all of the next tours we discuss after Aveiro. Show your booking confirmation to the staff and they will help direct you to your bus number.

Meeting Point Address: R. de Mouzinho da Silveira 352 354, 4050-418 Porto, Portugal

Stop 1 – Costa Nova: Our first stop was the coastal town of Costa Nova, famous for its colorful, striped fishermen’s houses called Palheiros. Originally, these houses were used by fishermen to store their fishing equipment. Additionally, it served as their shelter during the fishing season. Traditionally painted in bright stripes of red, blue, yellow, and green, the vibrant colors made them stand out against the sandy dunes.

Over time, the palheiros evolved from their practical origins into picturesque homes, becoming a symbol of Costa Nova.

It’s also a beautiful place to take a walk along the water and snap some photos along the sandy beach. You will have under one hour at this spot which was brief but enjoyable to see such a unique town

Stop 2 – Aveiro: Next, we headed to Aveiro, where we took a relaxing 45-minute cruise on a traditional Moliceiro boat, drifting through the city’s canals. After the boat ride, we had some free time to explore Aveiro on foot, admiring the unique architecture and vibrant streets.

Confeitaria Peixinho: During our free time, we visited Confeitaria Peixinho, the oldest pastry shop in Aveiro. After you finish the Moliceiro boat tour, it’s only a 5 minute walk from where the boat drops you off.

We had to try the famous ovos moles, a light pastry made from egg yolks and sugar, and it did not disappoint! It tasted like a wafer on the outside and dense sweet egg mixture on the inside. Eating them here ensures you get the freshest ovos moles in Aveiro.

Instead of heading back to Porto with the tour, we decided to stay longer in Aveiro to enjoy dinner at SalPoente, a Michelin Guide restaurant.

Dinner at SalPoente: We ended our day with a fantastic meal at SalPoente. The tasting menu by Chef Duarte Eira was outstanding, featuring the best seafood and local ingredients. It was the perfect way to wrap up our day in Aveiro.

Instead of taking the bus back to Porto, we easily boarded the train, which only took 50 minutes. By staying flexible, we were able to enjoy even more of what Aveiro has to offer and make the most of this wonderful day tour from Porto!

2. The Best Multi-City Day Tour From Porto

If you’re looking for great day tours from Porto, visiting Braga and Guimarães is a must! These two cities are packed with history and beautiful sights. In Braga, you’ll see Portugal’s oldest cathedral and the famous Bom Jesus Sanctuary (UNESCO). After exploring Braga, head over to Guimarães, known as the birthplace of Portugal. Here, you can visit the impressive Guimarães Castle and stroll through the city’s medieval streets. Let’s review our itinerary and what you can expect on one of our favourite historic day tours from Porto.

Here’s a breakdown of our Braga & Guimarães Tour itinerary!

Stop 1- Bom Jesus do Monte: Our first stop was this stunning site, known for its peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking views. The Basilica is beautiful, and the surrounding gardens are perfect for a relaxing stroll. You can visit inside the basilica if you choose or visit the many viewpoints. We were so impressed with how well the grounds are maintained!

Stop 2 – Braga: Next, we visited the oldest cathedral in Portugal. Braga is one of Portugal’s oldest cities, known for its strong religious and historical importance. The city has a mix of Roman, Gothic, and Baroque buildings, including the Braga Cathedral. This church was more beautiful in person, any photos could not do it justice! Make sure you look above to witness some of the most spectacular organ pipes we’ve ever seen.

After visiting the Braga Cathedral, it was time for lunch! We walked one minute to the restaurant, where we were served lunch. You can choose between a meat dish or a vegetarian option. The meal was better than we expected. We enjoyed traditional Portuguese soup, roasted pork chop, potatoes, and cake and espresso, ending with cake and espresso! When booking this day tour from Porto, you can choose the option with or without lunch.

We then explored the Garden of Santa Barbara. This is a beautiful and peaceful garden located next to the medieval Archbishop’s Palace. It’s filled with vibrant flower beds, well-maintained hedges, and charming fountains.

Before heading back to the bus on route for Guimarães we stopped by Portugal’s oldest bakery (from 1796). You must visit the Frigideiras do Cantinho pastry shop to try Bolo Romano, Romano cake! This is what the bakery is famous for. It’s made from simple ingredients like eggs, honey, nuts, and of course a bit of port wine.

Stop 3 – Guimarães: Known as the birthplace of Portugal’s first king, Guimarães is full of history and charm. Once the bus arrived to Guimarães, we explored the grounds surrounding Guimarães Castle.

Guimarães is known for its well-maintained medieval architecture and charming streets. There was something so peaceful about taking in the beauty of what was around us. The city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is filled with narrow cobblestone streets, traditional houses with wooden balconies, and beautiful plazas like Largo da Oliveira.

Free Time – During our free time, we discovered this local spot and tried authentic Caldo Verde, which was amazing! You know you have found an authentic restaurant when nobody is speaking any English. The restaurant we ate at was called Tasquinha Do Tio Julio.

Prior to departing, the bus will be waiting for you near the Garden of the Largo Republic of Brazil. This was actually one of the most picturesque areas of Guimarães. The colours were so vibrant and gardens well-maintained.

This day tour from Porto is a perfect way to see the best of Braga and Guimarães. You can pre-book this tour for €80 with lunch or €59 without lunch.

3. The Best Duoro Valley Day Tour From Porto

For an unforgettable day tour from Porto, visit the Douro Valley! You will explore vineyards, beautiful valleys, and visit two famous wine estates to learn about port wine. Enjoy stunning views from scenic viewpoints and indulge in a traditional Portuguese meal with wine. We highly recommend taking a day tour from Porto to the Douro Valley. It’s the perfect way to experience the beauty and history of the Douro Valley on a day trip from Porto. Let’s outline all the details & itinerary of the day tour below!

8:30 AM Departure: We checked in at the Living Tours Office near São Bento Station. Quick tip, choose a seat on the right side of the bus for amazing views of the countryside. As the right side was full during our tour, we ended up on the right side. We did see some incredible views once at the destination. However, for majority of the ride to Douro Valley we found ourselves looking out the right window across the aisle.

First Stop – Amarante: Our first stop was the lovely town of Amarante, with its slow flowing river and iconic stone bridge. Wondering what to do in Amarante? We had short time to visit here, so we will share exactly what we did! We started the morning by walking across the bridge to visit inside the cathedral which is free of charge. Amarante is also known for traditional Vinho Verde wine! Although we love this type of wine, it was too early for us to start drinking! We then walked through the streets to find the famous pastry with a unique shape which we will discuss next!

We stumbled upon lineup outside a cafe serving Bolos de São Gonçalo pastries, this was our opportunity. It was sweet and custard-filled, they were the perfect treat for the morning! The town itself had such a peaceful feel, a great way to ease into the day. The cafe we visited was called Moinho Centro Historico.

2nd Stop- Quinta de São Luiz: This was easily one of the best parts of the trip! We visited the historic Port Wine estate, Quinta de São Luiz, where we got to taste 3 amazing wines. The views of the Douro Valley from here were breathtaking! Picturesque rolling hills covered in vineyards, stretching as far as the eye could see. It was such a cool experience learning about the region’s winemaking process and seeing how Port Wine has been produced for centuries.

Douro Valley Boat Tour: The tour includes a relaxing 45-minute river cruise along the Douro River. The river cruise on the Douro River was the perfect way to relax after the wine tasting. You’ll float past terraced vineyards, and there’s a mix of open-air and sheltered areas on the boat, which is great for photos or just enjoying the view. You can even purchase a bottle of wine to sip on during the cruise! No way Mel and I alone were finishing a bottle. However, we saw a group of 6 friends order one to share and they were having a blast!

Lunch Time- By the time lunch rolled around, we were more than ready to eat. The bus picked us up and we were on our way to the last winery. The meal was a multi-course traditional Portuguese meal with unlimited wine. They had vegetarian, meat, and fish options, so there’s something for everyone. Mel and I split the Cod a Bras and pork dish with risotto. The food and wine were exceptional!

Last Tasting: Our final stop was another winery, where we got to sample more vintage Port wines paired with delicious cheese. The most incredible part? They had bottles dating back to the 1800s—it blew our minds! It was a perfect end to an unforgettable day in the Douro Valley.

This day tour from Porto was an incredible way to see the region. This tour is extremely popular, we recommend pre-booking this day tour in advance to secure your desired date. The cost is €99 per adult. Honestly, it’s worth every penny for the wine, the food, and the unforgettable views.

If you’re planning a trip to Portugal, you can find trip planning info in our Portugal Country Guide. In addition, if you want more travel tips on Porto specifically, check out our Porto City Guide.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for the best day tours from Porto, these three are perfect. Each offers a unique experience full of history, culture, and food. The Braga & Guimarães tour lets you discover Portugal’s rich heritage and stunning architecture. In Aveiro, the canals and colorful houses provide a scenic and peaceful day trip. The Douro Valley wine tour is a must for wine lovers, offering beautiful landscapes and amazing tastings.

These day tours from Porto are great for anyone wanting to explore more of Portugal. Each tour is well-organized, making travel easy and enjoyable. We went on all three of these tours with Living Tours. What makes a difference is not only what you see on the tour but who is guiding you. The Living Tours guides made a huge difference in the day tours we went on. They are all knowledgeable and really know how to get the group laughing and smiling. Whether you’re into history, wine, or scenic views, these trips have something for everyone. They also give you the chance to explore new places without the hassle of planning. All these tours are very accessible for all ages and provide convenient transport to and from Porto & between sights & attractions.

I highly recommend booking one of these tours to get the most out of your time in Portugal. They’re great value for what you get—delicious food, beautiful views, and memorable experiences!

*This post contains sponsored content and brand placements. I may receive compensation for featuring these brands, but all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the partnerships that help keep this blog running.

FAQs

1. Can you do day trips from Porto?

Yes, you can do many day trips from Porto. Popular day tours from Porto include visits to nearby cities like Aveiro, Braga, and Guimarães, or exploring the stunning Douro Valley wine region. These places are easily accessible and offer a great variety of experiences, from historical landmarks to scenic river views.

2. Where else to visit near Porto?

There are many great places to visit near Porto including Aveiro, Braga, Guimarães, Douro Valley. You can take day trips to Aveiro, often called the “Venice of Portugal” for its canals, or Braga, known for its religious history and beautiful architecture. Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal, amazing food & culture. If enjoy drinking wine and scenic views, the Douro Valley is a must-visit for a relaxing day out.

3. Can you do a day trip to Douro Valley from Porto?

Yes, you can easily do a day trip to the Douro Valley from Porto. There are many tours offer transportation from Porto to the Douro region. We did our tour with Living Tours which have a strong reputation for well-organized tours and fantastic guides. You can enjoy wine tastings, river cruises, and breathtaking vineyard landscapes. It’s a perfect way to experience Portugal’s wine country without having to stay overnight.

4. How many days in Porto is enough?

Two to three days in Porto is usually enough to see the main attractions, areas and sights. For example, exploring Vila Nova De Gaia, the Ribeira District, Livraria Lello, and the Dom Luís I Bridge. If you plan to take day tours from Porto to nearby destinations, you will need more time! I would recommend staying an additional 3 days to explore some of the best areas around Porto. For example, Douro Valley, Braga & Guimarães, or Aveiro tours we covered in this blog. We personally stayed one week in Porto and it was the perfect time to not feel rushed. However, 5 to 6 days in Porto will allow you to visit Porto and day tours from Porto.

Andrew & Melissa

@HungryPursuit

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Love, Andy & Mel

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3 Best Day Tours From Porto

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