Day tripsCountriesPortugalPortoPorto to Ponte de Lima and Viana do Castelo: Guided tour

Porto to Ponte de Lima and Viana do Castelo: Guided tour

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Private tour with a local expert

7h
Round trip
Private group
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About your trip

Take a guided tour from Porto to Ponte de Lima and Viana do Castelo, exploring the magnificent Lima River, historic facades, and coastline views. In Ponte de Lima, your driver-guide will direct you to river walks, including one that features a 2,000-year-old bridge. Then, in Viana do Castelo, you can learn about the area’s lace-making tradition. Finally, you will have a seamless return trip to Porto.
Exclusively yours: A premium experience for your group only
Insider insight: Local tips and stories you won’t find online
Perfect balance: Expert guidance with freedom to explore
Ideal for all travelers: Families, friends, or solo adventurers
From €123
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€369

What to expect

Your day trip begins wherever you are

Meet your guide right where you prefer in Porto whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.

Discover more with local expertise

Your guide is both your expert behind the wheel and knowledgeable host throughout the day. They’ll manage the day’s itinerary, share stories and local knowledge, and make each moment along the route feel richer. At every stop, they’re by your side.

Guided experience with space to explore

Your private guide doubles as a professional driver, and will meet you at your accommodation in Porto to start your day of exploration. First, you’ll head to the serene riverside strolls of Ponte de Lima, where you can dive into the area’s history in hidden museums. Then, your second stop will be at Viana do Castelo, known for its incredible coastal basilica and handcrafted linen lace products. When you’ve explored to your heart’s content, your guide will safely transport you back to your home away from home in Porto. 

Perfect for any private group

Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.

Good to know

  • 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 Ponte de Lima, Viana do Castelo, Monastery of Sao Martinho de Tibaes, and Braga can be purchased separately - inform us in advance for itinerary planning
From €123
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€369

Your trip at a glance

Your trip at a glance

Start in Porto
You choose the pickup spot.
1
Ponte de Lima
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 1 h 30 min - admission not included
Ponte de Lima
Ponte de Lima
Ponte de Lima
Ponte de Lima
Ponte de Lima
Enjoy the magic of Ponte de Lima, the perfect site to explore the river that the Romans once dubbed the “River of Forgetfulness.” In Ponte de Lima, you can follow your guide to mesmerizing sites such as the Ponte Romana (Roman Bridge) and River Walks. This 2000-year-old bridge traverses the Lima River, and the walks allow visitors to stroll along leafy banks, where sculptures and willows lend themselves to quiet reflection. From there, you can head to the Historic Center of town, where narrow alleys crisscross between 17th-century facades. Small cafes entice visitors with the wafting scents of pastries, fresh herbs, and woodsmoke. Finally, take a trip to the Museu dos Terceiros and Torre de Cadeia Valley (two hidden museums tucked into a former convent and former jail.) Sample Arroz de sarrabulho (a rich rice stew) before leaving.
2
Viana do Castelo
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 2 hours - admission not included
Viana do Castelo
Viana do Castelo
Viana do Castelo
Viana do Castelo
Explore the iconic basilica and the magnificent coastal views of Viana do Castelo. Follow your guide through Viana do Castelo, where you can explore the iconic Basilica de Santa Luzia. You can either drive up the switchback-laden road or take a funicular to this hilltop masterpiece, featuring neo-Byzantine architecture and unforgettable panoramic views of the river, sea, and town below. Then, stroll the historic heart of the town in Praca da Republica, home to azulejo-lined arcades, fountains, and hand-crafted lace shops with centuries of tradition. Finally, tour the Gil Eannes Hospital Ship Museum, a floating piece of history in a former ship hospital. See the operating rooms and sailors’ quarters while learning local sea tales. Before you leave, try Bacalhau a Viana, salted cod crusted in cornbread.
3
Monastery of Sao Martinho de Tibaes (photo spot)
We’ll stop at this perfect photo spot – take a moment to capture the view!
Stop: 20 min - admission not included
Monastery of Sao Martinho de Tibaes
Take photos at this stunning monastery, on the site of a former Roman Villa.
Braga (pass by)
You’ll pass by this stunning spot – be sure to take a moment to enjoy the view along the way!
Braga
Braga
Braga
Braga
Braga
Drive past the city of Braga, featuring Gothic steeples and thought of as the country’s religious center.
Back to Porto
We’ll take you back to your starting point.
Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7

Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.

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Know more about your day trip

Ponte de Lima, Portugal's oldest town, features a medieval bridge, riverside gardens, and historic center. During your 1.5-hour visit, explore its Roman origins, elegant manor houses, and traditional markets. The town's connection to the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route adds cultural significance.
Viana do Castelo combines stunning architecture with Atlantic coastline. Your 2-hour visit includes the hilltop Santa Luzia Basilica with panoramic views, the historic center with Manueline and Renaissance buildings, and the Gil Eannes hospital ship museum showcasing maritime history.
The journey from Porto to Ponte de Lima takes approximately 1 hour, with another 30 minutes to Viana do Castelo. Your private driver ensures comfortable transportation through the scenic Minho region, known for its green landscapes, vineyards, and historic villages.
Minho cuisine features fresh seafood, cured meats, and the famous Vinho Verde wine. Try regional specialties like lamprey from Lima River, bacalhau dishes, or francesinha sandwiches. Markets in both towns offer local produce and sweets like queijadas and beijinhos.
Absolutely! The Minho region is home to Vinho Verde (young "green" wine). Your guide can recommend wine tasting opportunities in both towns, particularly in Ponte de Lima where local producers offer tastings of this slightly sparkling, refreshing wine unique to northern Portugal.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets and Santa Luzia's steps. Bring layers as coastal Viana can be windy, and a camera for panoramic views. Sun protection is recommended year-round, and a small backpack for personal items and shopping is practical.
Both towns offer excellent shopping opportunities during your visits. Ponte de Lima is known for embroidered linens and regional food products, while Viana do Castelo features traditional gold filigree jewelry, ceramics, and the famous regional embroidery on clothing and household items.
Ponte de Lima's riverside area is mostly flat, but Viana do Castelo presents challenges with hills and steps, particularly at Santa Luzia Basilica. The main attractions in town centers are accessible, but full exploration requires navigating uneven terrain. Contact Daytrip to discuss specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Day tripsCountriesPortugalPortoPorto to Ponte de Lima and Viana do Castelo: Guided tour