Hidden Portugal

Hidden Portugal

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tourhub | Newmarket Holidays | Hidden Portugal | 17260
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8 Days
From

$1402

$1279

Hidden Portugal

8 Days Starting and ending in UK

Visiting: Porto, Povoa de Varzim, Barcelos, Braga, Santiago de Compostela, Minho, United Kingdom

Tour operator:

Newmarket Holidays

Tour code:

17260

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

25 - 49

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

21-99

Tour operated in:
English
Interests:

History, Photography

Activities:

Fishing, Wine Tasting

From:
$1402
$1279 (USD) including Flights from the UK Operator discount: -$124

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Discover a delightful corner of Portugal, filled with fascination, offering the warmest of welcomes and home to famous wines.



Stay at a choice of excellent hotels close to the historic Costa Verde fishing town of Póvoa de Varzim, beautifully set on the glorious Atlantic coast, and explore this little-known but lovely region on three fascinating included guided excursions: one to Oporto, one along the Costa Verde and one into the Minho region just north of Povoa. Hugely popular with our customers, this holiday also offers opportunities to explore the vineyards of the Douro Valley, Portugal's historic former capital, Braga, and Spain's stunning pilgrimage shrine at Santiago de Compostela on optional tours.

Highlights

  • Visit a port wine lodge

  • Discover Portugal's second city, Oporto, in its splendid setting above the River Douro

  • Journey along the scenic Costa Verde

  • Explore the Vinho Verde's vineyards and discover the ancient Roman bridge at Ponte de Lima

  • The historic fishing towns of Póvoa de Varzim and Vila do Conde

  • Guided visits to Viana do Castelo and Ponte de Lima in the northern Minho region

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1 : Fly To Portugal
Location: Porto
Meals Included: No Meals

Arrive in Oporto, meet your tour manager and board the coach for the short transfer to your chosen hotel.

Day 2 : Included Oporto Tour
Location: Porto
Meals Included: No Meals

Our first included excursion, taken in the company of your tour manager, is a full-day visit to Portugal’s second city, Oporto. The city that gave its name to the country is ancient, time-weathered, and clings haphazardly to the hillside above the beautiful River Douro. During the day, you will also visit one of the city’s many famous port wine lodges, and have the chance to enjoy lunch in a riverside restaurant. An optional boat trip on the Douro will also be available (payable locally).



You’ll return to Póvoa for dinner.

Day 3 : Optional Douro River Valley Excursion
Location: Povoa de Varzim
Meals Included: No Meals

Rest and relax in Póvoa and its surroundings, or join our first optional excursion - a guided introduction to the beautiful, wine-producing Douro Valley. Travel through the romantic Amarante area and wonderfully scenic Mesao Frio en route to the small port of Régua, the home of port wine. Here, you'll visit a working quinta, and have the opportunity to stroll through the estate’s vineyards as the history of port production is explained.

Day 4 : Optional Walking Tour Of Póvoa
Location: Povoa de Varzim
Meals Included: No Meals

Spend another relaxed day in your hotel and its surroundings, or join your tour manager for a leisurely stroll along the seafront promenade and a light-hearted guided walking tour of Póvoa de Varzim. Take in the beautiful beach and the Atlantic views, and discover the tiny port, where the local fishermen land their catch in traditional fashion. A selection of shops, bars, cafés and restaurants – most serving freshly caught seafood – as well as the well-known Monumental Casino ensure Póvoa’s reputation as a pleasant holiday resort.



Guests staying at the Estalagem Santo André can take the public bus back to the hotel (payable locally), or make their way back along the promenade.

Day 5 : Optional Barcelos And Braga Excursion
Location: Barcelos, Braga
Meals Included: No Meals

Today’s full-day optional tour takes in Barcelos, home to Europe’s largest open-air market – a colourful, bustling hive of activity offering a huge range of locally produced goods.



From here you’ll continue to Braga, the former Catholic capital of Portugal. Set in the heart of the verdant Minho region, this ancient university seat is one of the country’s oldest settlements. See its great cathedral, and explore the verdant acres of Bom Jesus park and the Escadaria (Baroque staircases) which climbs through it, past chapels, fountains and statues, to the hill-top church.

Day 6 : Optional Santiago De Compostela Excursion
Location: Santiago de Compostela
Meals Included: No Meals

The last of our optional excursions crosses the Spanish border and heads to historic Santiago de Compostela, one of Spain’s most beautiful cities. Famous as the end of the 1000-year-old Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail, the city's heart is the (marvellously preserved) Romanesque cathedral - possibly one of the world's earliest tourist destinations - to which medieval pilgrims once flocked in their thousands.

Day 7 : Included Tour Of The Minho Region
Location: Minho
Meals Included: No Meals

Your final included tour takes in the beautiful coastal region of the Minho. Your first stop will be the typical seaside town of Viana do Castelo, on the northern bank of the estuary of the River Lima. One of the town's highlights is the Basilica de Santa Lucia, which has wonderful views over the surrounding area.



You'll also head further inland, through the Vinho Verde vineyards, to the historic market town of Ponte de Lima, famous for its 18th-century fountain and Roman bridge.

Day 8 : Fly Home To The Uk
Location: United Kingdom
Meals Included: No Meals

Bid “Adeus” to this delightful region of Portugal, and head back to the airport to check in for your flight home, at the end of a hugely enjoyable holiday.

What's Included

  • Seven nights' dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation at your chosen hotel

  • Tours of Oporto, the Costa Verde and the Minho region

  • Return flights to Oporto

  • Coach travel and transfers throughout

  • Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

What's Not Included

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 30 minutes.

Combining hotel transfers

We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Foreign Office Travel Advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

Airport development fees

An Airport Development Fee has been introduced at a few UK Airports. You will be required to pay this charge at the following airports prior to checking in for your flight: Blackpool, Durham Tees Valley, Newquay and Norwich. The amount varies from airport to airport, but it is generally between £5 and £10 per person. Please visit the airport's website for further information.

Travelling to Europe after Brexit

New rules apply when travelling to European Union countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. Note that these new rules do NOT apply when travelling within the United Kingdom or to the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or the Republic of Ireland. You do require government issued ID when travelling by air though.
Passport - British passport holders need to have at least six months validity left on their passport and it needs to be less than ten years old; passports which have a longer validity than ten years are not valid for travel once the tenth anniversary of issue has passed. These rules do not apply to travel to Ireland where you can continue to use your passport as long as it’s valid for the length of your stay.
Visa - If you’re a tourist, you do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. Different rules will apply to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania; if you visit these countries, visits to other EU countries will not count towards the 90-day total. Travel to Ireland will not change and stays there will not count towards the 90-day total.
European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Towards the end of 2022, it is likely that non EU citizens will be required to apply online for an authorisation to visit most European countries. The current details suggest there will be a charge of €7 per person and the authorisation will be valid for all trips made to the EU in a three year period from issue. We will advise you of confirmed details prior to your tour’s departure.
Border Control - At border control, you may need to show proof of your return journey - your travel documentation issued by us will be sufficient for this. You will also need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens if manual checks are required.
Healthcare Cover - You should always get appropriate travel insurance with healthcare cover before you go abroad which covers pre-existing conditions. You should understand the terms and conditions of your travel insurance and be happy with its cover for healthcare and travel disruption. Newmarket sell a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Ask our travel consultants for more information. You should also apply for a UK Global Heath Insurance Card (GHIC) which lets you get urgent state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Note GHIC is only valid in EU countries and not in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Mobile Roaming - Roaming charges have been re-introduced by some UK providers when visiting the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Prior to travel, please do check with your phone operator for the most up to date information.

Travelling to Europe after Brexit

New rules apply when travelling to European Union countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. Note that these new rules do NOT apply when travelling within the United Kingdom or to the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or the Republic of Ireland. You do require government issued ID when travelling by air though.

Passport - British passport holders need to have at least six months validity left on their passport and it needs to be less than ten years old; passports which have a longer validity than ten years are not valid for travel once the tenth anniversary of issue has passed. These rules do not apply to travel to Ireland where you can continue to use your passport as long as it’s valid for the length of your stay.

Visa - If you’re a tourist, you do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. Different rules will apply to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania; if you visit these countries, visits to other EU countries will not count towards the 90-day total. Travel to Ireland will not change and stays there will not count towards the 90-day total.

European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Towards the end of 2022, it is likely that non EU citizens will be required to apply online for an authorisation to visit most European countries. The current details suggest there will be a charge of €7 per person and the authorisation will be valid for all trips made to the EU in a three year period from issue. We will advise you of confirmed details prior to your tour’s departure.

Border Control - At border control, you may need to show proof of your return journey - your travel documentation issued by us will be sufficient for this. You will also need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens if manual checks are required.

Healthcare Cover - You should always get appropriate travel insurance with healthcare cover before you go abroad which covers pre-existing conditions. You should understand the terms and conditions of your travel insurance and be happy with its cover for healthcare and travel disruption. Newmarket sell a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Ask our travel consultants for more information. You should also apply for a UK Global Heath Insurance Card (GHIC) which lets you get urgent state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Note GHIC is only valid in EU countries and not in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Mobile Roaming - Roaming charges have been re-introduced by some UK providers when visiting the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Prior to travel, please do check with your phone operator for the most up to date information.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    If you’re a tourist, you do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. Different rules will apply to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania; if you visit these countries, visits to other EU countries will not count towards the 90-day total.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1983

  • Vaccination Requirements

    Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Our company’s mission is to enrich lives and improve wellbeing through travel. A big part of that is ‘Travel for Good’. Our ‘Travel for Good’ hub is our first step in a long journey to reduce carbon, offset anything we produce as a company and travel without harming the planet or the people of the destinations we go to.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • Fitness to Travel

    We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. Please make sure that you make us aware of any requirements.

Reviews of this Operator

Mr Albert Owen  

Help is at hand at Newmarket holidays

04-Jan-2023

I tried to book myself on line for an Andre Rieu concert in Vienna but I didn’t manage to complete the booking. I rang the next day & spoke to Sharon who was very helpful. I am a 76 year old pensioner & not totally au fa with the internet. However, Sharon went through it step by step & I felt more confident. She completed the booking for me & said she would also send a paper copy.

Iain Moir  

Newmarket Holidays…top dollar!

06-Jan-2023

Having booked late the service we received from Newmarket staff has been excellent - helpful, friendly, painstaking and above all going further than we could really expect to ensure our requests were all satisfied. We would like to particularly thank Naima for her attention to detail and perseverance in following up our queries. This is the first time we have tried NH but it wont be the last

Miss F J Murphy  

This is the third holiday I have taken…

05-Nov-2021

This is the third holiday I have taken with Newmarket Holidays. They made it easy to change from the Holiday I originally booked to one in the UK. The tour leader was excellent as was our driver, both of whom went the extra mile to ensure we had a lovely holiday. There were difficulties at the hotel due to COVID but we were made very welcome and the staff went out of their way to help us. So I have no complaint about Newmarket's choice of hotel. I am a single traveller and normally do not like to travel in groups but the laidback atmosphere of Newmarket Holidays is fine.

Trustpilot
Caroline N, GB  

Hurrah for Eddie and Simon, Newmarket's highlands duo!

26-Oct-2021

Very happy time on an action packed trip to the Scottish highlands. Eddie as tour manager and Simon as driver. Eddie shared his passion for Scottish history and between them they treated us to many unscheduled cultural stops that enhanced our holiday. They went above and beyond all the time. Train trips were amazing and views unforgettable. Hotel was welcoming and food was good. Hot water aplenty for bath. We wanted to escape to another world for a few days and we truly did. THANK YOU. Chris and Caroline

Trustpilot
Tony King, GB  

Canada October 2021

28-Oct-2021

We have returned from our long overdue trip to Canada Niagara Falls to the Rockies stating in Toronto and finishing in Vancouver. Well we happened to be the first trip back after the Coiid outbreak and it was so good to go. The company had made sure we were all safe and masks were worn where ever they had to be but this did not dampen the trip at all, the Tour directors ( guides ) were brilliant and we saw and did so much it was a fantastic trip which I would recommend to everyone, defiantly one for the bucket list.

Trustpilot

Dates & Availability

Sunday - Sunday

Jun 02, 2024 - Jun 09, 2024
$1815 $1543 (USD)

Operator discount: -$272 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Jun 09, 2024 - Jun 16, 2024
$1526 $1297 (USD)

Operator discount: -$229 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Jun 16, 2024 - Jun 23, 2024
$1575 $1339 (USD)

Operator discount: -$236 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 01, 2024 - Sep 08, 2024
$1538 $1415 (USD)

Operator discount: -$124 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 08, 2024 - Sep 15, 2024
$1575 $1452 (USD)

Operator discount: -$124 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 15, 2024 - Sep 22, 2024
$1649 $1526 (USD)

Operator discount: -$124 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 22, 2024 - Sep 29, 2024
$1489 $1365 (USD)

Operator discount: -$124 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 29, 2024 - Oct 06, 2024
$1550 $1427 (USD)

Operator discount: -$124 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Oct 06, 2024 - Oct 13, 2024
$1402 $1279 (USD)

Operator discount: -$124 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Oct 20, 2024 - Oct 27, 2024
$1612 $1489 (USD)

Operator discount: -$124 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

May 11, 2025 - May 18, 2025
$1699 $1575 (USD)

Operator discount: -$124 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 15, 2025
$1741 $1617 (USD)

Operator discount: -$124 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025
$1741 $1617 (USD)

Operator discount: -$124 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025
$1728 $1605 (USD)

Operator discount: -$124 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025
$1728 $1605 (USD)

Operator discount: -$124 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025
$1741 $1617 (USD)

Operator discount: -$124 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025
$1716 $1592 (USD)

Operator discount: -$124 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Sunday

Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025
$1728 $1605 (USD)

Operator discount: -$124 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Newmarket Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 35% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of newmarket holidays charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 48 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 34 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

  • Vaccination Requirements

    Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. You can find the travel restrictions for different countries on www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.

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