31 days in Northern Portugal Itinerary

Viseu is a city and municipality in the Centro Region of Portugal and the capital of the district of the same name, with a population of 99,274 inhabitants, and center of the Viseu Dão Lafões intermunipical community, with 267,633 inhabitants.Settled during the period of the early Iberian castro culture, the territory of Viseu was populated by a series of cultures, that include the Romans, Suebs, Visigoths and Moors. Get a sense of the local culture at Igreja e Convento de Sao Francisco and Museu de Lamego. Step out of the city life by going to Praia Fluvial de Folgosa and Serra de Sao Macario. Explore Viseu's surroundings by going to Praia Fluvial Senhora da Ribeira (in Santa Comba Dao), Sao Pedro do Sul (Aldeia Tipica do Fujaco & Aldeia da Pena) and Lamego (Aneto Wines, Santuario Nossa Senhora dos Remedios, &more). Next up on the itinerary: examine the collection at Museu Etnografico Casa da Lavoura e Oficina do Linho, browse the exhibits of Palacio dos Condes de Anadia, pause for some serene contemplation at Se Catedral de Viseu, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Convento de Sao Jose.

To see ratings, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, use the Viseu road trip website.

Lisbon to Viseu is an approximately 3-hour car ride. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Fri) so you can drive to Pinhao.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Igreja Matriz de Sernancelhe and Santuario Nossa Senhora da Lapa. Get in touch with nature at The Douro Valley and Apibericos,professional beekeepers. Explore Pinhao's surroundings by going to Penedono (Igreja Matriz de Penedono & Castelo de Penedono), Carrazeda de Ansiaes (Park Douro Selvagem & Castelo de Ansiaes) and Praca da Republica (in Sao Joao da Pesqueira).

For other places to visit, ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Pinhao road trip tool.

Drive from Viseu to Pinhao in 1.5 hours. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Wed) so you can drive to Braganca.

Bragança is a city and municipality in north-eastern Portugal, capital of the district of Bragança, in the Alto Trás-os-Montes subregion of Portugal. Castle of Braganza and Church of Santa Maria Maior will appeal to history buffs. Museum-lovers will get to explore Galeria George Dussaud and Museu do Abade de Bacal. Explore Braganca's surroundings by going to Chaves (Castelo de Chaves, Ponte Romana de Trajano, &more) and Vinhais (Parque Biologico de Vinhais & Centro Cultural Solar dos Condes de Vinhais). There's still lots to do: explore the world behind art at Centro de Arte Contemporanea Graca Morais, examine the collection at Museu Iberico da Mascara e do Traje, and look for gifts at Mercearia da Se.

To see traveler tips, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Braganca travel route planner.

Getting from Pinhao to Braganca by car takes about 1.5 hours. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Viana do Castelo.

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Santuario de Nossa Senhora da Abadia and Santuario de Santa Luzia. You'll get in some beach time at Praia da Arda and Amorosa Beach. Get out of town with these interesting Viana do Castelo side-trips: AktivaNatura - Outdoor Adventures (in Ponte da Barca), Caminha (Misericordia Church & Foz do Minho Beach) and Church of Misericordia (in Arcos de Valdevez).

To find maps, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Viana do Castelo online route planner.

Getting from Braganca to Viana do Castelo by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: do a combination of flight and taxi; or do a combination of car, train, and taxi. The time zone changes from Western European Standard Time to Central European Standard Time, which is usually a 1 hour difference. In December, plan for daily highs up to 56°F, and evening lows to 43°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Fri) so you can drive to Porto.

Called "Oporto" by many, the city of Porto along the Duoro River lent the country and Port wine their names. Portugal's second-largest metropolis dates back to the 4th century, representing both a rich cultural past and industrial present through its architecture and style.

Get outdoors at Detours and Mindelo Beach. Museum-lovers will get to explore Museu Serralves and District Offices And Lifestyle. Explore Porto's surroundings by going to Vila do Conde (Capela de Nossa Senhora da Guia & Largo Dom Afonso Sanches), Enjoy Douro (in Marco de Canaveses) and Igreja da Lapa (in Povoa de Varzim). Next up on the itinerary: take in the spiritual surroundings of Porto Cathedral (Se Catedral), snap pictures at Ponte de Dom Luis I, take a leisurely stroll along Ribeira do Porto, and stroll through Praia de Sao Jacinto.

To see more things to do, traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Porto itinerary maker site.

Traveling by car from Viana do Castelo to Porto takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and train; or take a bus. Traveling from Viana do Castelo to Porto, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. In December, daytime highs in Porto are 60°F, while nighttime lows are 44°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Wed) to allow time to fly back home.