Porto to Amarante and Vila Real: Private, guided tour hero image

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“Cannot think of enough positive things to say about my amazing driver Arsenie.”

Ashley SDecember 31, 2024

Cannot think of enough positive things to say about my amazing driver Arsenie.

based on 5,176 reviews

based on 991 reviews on

Why you'll love this day trip

Wander riverside arcades and taste legendary sweets in Amarante with a private tour guide, then breathe in mountain air among palaces and gardens in Vila Real. You’ll be entranced by azulejo chapels, poetic scenery, noble architecture, and quiet natural beauty tucked away in Portugal’s northern hills.

Your trip at a glance

6 h 29 min

Round trip

Private driver

Start in Porto

You choose the pickup spot.

Amarante

Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover

Stop: 2 hours - admission not included

Pastel charm, riverfront strolls, and pastries with legend - Amarante is elegance wrapped in stone and sweetness. With pastel facades, wooden balconies, and the calm shimmer of the Tamega River, Amarante is pure northern Portuguese romance. Begin at the Ponte de Sao Goncalo, then explore the riverside promenade and the Igreja de Sao Goncalo, where azulejo-lined chapels and love legends await. A short walk brings you to the Museu Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, a striking space showcasing Portugal’s modernist soul. End with a sweet stop for Bolos de Sao Goncalo or papos de anjo, best enjoyed with a view of the water or from Calcada Eduardo Teixeira Pinto, where the light hits just right.

Vila Real

Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover

Stop: 2 hours - admission not included

Granite elegance and lilac gardens meet mountain air and noble flavors in timeless Vila Real. Cradled between mountains and vineyards, Vila Real whispers of nobility and nature in perfect balance. Begin your visit in the Centro Historico, where granite manors and wrought-iron balconies speak of centuries past, and bakeries tempt with local sweets. Then stroll to the Igreja de Sao Domingos and onward to the UTAD Botanical Garden, where native plants bloom beside mountain views. End at the nearby Mateus Palace & Gardens, or take in sweeping panoramas from Miradouro da Vila Velha or Meia Laranja. Before you go, try local ham, goat cheese, and a glass of Douro wine — it’s Vila Real on a plate.

Back to Porto

We’ll take you back to your starting point.

Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking

Porto to Amarante and Vila Real: Private, guided tour

Select date and travelers

Total price for a group of 1-3 travelers

€348

Porto to Amarante and Vila Real: Private, guided tour

From €116

per person

Curated by experts, loved by travelers

Every stop is handpicked by our expert travel curators, inspired by thousands of real experiences our travelers still cherish. So you get the day trip everyone wishes they’d taken.

Your trip begins where and when you choose

Discover local insights you won't find in guidebooks

Experience the freedom to explore at your own speed

Perfect for you, no matter how you travel

What to expect on your day trip

Two-way private car transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle
Personalized pickup and drop-off
Private professional English-speaking driver-guide
Complimentary bottled water
Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
Attraction admission details specified in the itinerary section below
Official guided tours inside attractions in Amarante and Vila Real can be purchased separately - inform us in advance for itinerary planning

Entry tickets to paid attractions should be purchased separately.

We know, plans can change. Good news is you can get a full refund if you cancel your trip 24 hours before departure.

We are proud to have our world-class customer service. They are available for you, whenever you need help, 24/7.

Know more about your day trip

Amarante features stunning riverside architecture, the historic Sao Goncalo Monastery, and traditional Portuguese sweets. The town's scenic Tamega River setting, baroque churches, and authentic local culture provide a perfect escape from urban Porto.

You'll have 2 hours with your local guide in Amarante's historic center, riverside cafes, and monastery, followed by 2 hours in Vila Real to visit the city center, local markets, and regional attractions.

This 16th-century monastery honors Sao Goncalo, patron saint of love and marriage. The baroque church features ornate architecture, religious art, and traditional Portuguese azulejo tiles depicting religious scenes and local history.

Amarante is famous for Sao Goncalo pastries, shaped like phalluses and traditionally eaten during June festivals. The town also produces excellent regional honey, almond sweets, and traditional Portuguese egg-based pastries.

Vila Real offers the historic city center, traditional Portuguese architecture, local markets selling regional products, and proximity to the famous Mateus Palace. The city serves as a gateway to the Douro wine region.

Late spring through early fall provides pleasant weather for exploring historic centers and outdoor attractions. June features traditional festivals in Amarante, while autumn offers beautiful foliage throughout the region.

Vila Real markets offer regional wines, olive oil, honey, traditional sausages, and local cheeses. The city serves as a commercial center for Tras-os-Montes regional products and traditional Portuguese crafts.

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Reasonably Priced and Safe Transportation

Gonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.

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Daytrip never disappoints

We were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.

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Excellent service

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Excellent service for transfers in Thailand

I was unsure about this company but a few good reviews on Trip Advisor made me take the chance. I am so happy that we did. We needed a ride from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. Our driver Saksun was an excellent driver - it's not a long distance to drive (by Texas standards!) but the road is challenging and there are a lot of places where improvements to the road are being made. It took around 3 hours with a stop at a place with very clean bathrooms, very interesting hot springs and a place to get a snack and cold drinks. Saksun had a vehicle that was fantastic for this type of drive - a very comfortable ride indeed and was obviously well maintained and very clean. I highly recommend this company. I used to post on trip advisor as "lakekariba" but got out of the habit of doing so. This company was so easy to use and the result was so enjoyable that I felt that the company Daytrip and the driver Saksun had earned our trust and a glowing review. Gillian and Ted Pearsall Austin, Texas

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Frequently Asked Questions

A few more things you might be curious about

Day trips offer travelers private round-trip transportation to popular sightseeing locations. One of our professional drivers will pick you up in a luxurious, climate-controlled car, take you to the site of interest, and wait for you while you explore before driving you back to your hotel.

Yes! You’re free to choose the pickup and drop-off times that work best for you. However, the time spent at the destination is fixed and cannot be changed.

Each sightseeing stop has a recommended duration that includes plenty of time to explore. However, it is possible to customize the time spent at each sightseeing stop at a later stage in the booking process to best fit your unique schedule.

Yes! Day trips are fully customizable to suit the needs of any private group. From solo travelers to large families with children and even corporate groups, we are ready to create a bespoke itinerary that accommodates parties of all sizes. The price is dependent on the number of vehicles required to serve your group, and we also provide child seats.

Yes, we provide car seats for children of all ages, which meet stringent safety standards and local legal requirements. You can even bring your own car seat. We also have handicapped-accessible vehicles available for a wide range of needs for our passengers. When booking your day trip, please specify the accommodations you will need.

Booking your day trip is as easy as our one-way and return trips! On the landing page of the day trip you’d like to take, simply select the date, pick up time, and how many adults and children will be on the trip. On the second page, you’ll fill in personal details, including any special requests, disability accommodations, and children’s car seats you may need. We are flexible too! You can change your exact pick-up location (hotel address, etc) up to 24 hours before your day trip.

Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning you’ll never have to wait for your return trip transportation to arrive. Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities, and we aim to close out your day trip with a return on your schedule.

The price of a day trip does not include any entrance tickets, guided tours, or meals you may partake in at your destination. The price covers round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver who can provide local insights en route.

Day trip bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before your trip for a full refund, no strings attached. While the destination and stops are predetermined, it is possible to change your pick-up point, whether it is at your hotel or some other location within the city.

Your friendly, professional, local driver will speak English. Our drivers are happy to provide any local insight they can on the way to your destination and may be able to answer questions and provide tips for the best possible experience on your day trip.

Yes, Daytrip offers flexible payment options. We accept Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Ali Pay. You also can pay securely online with any major credit card, such as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.