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Hidden Portugal

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  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • What's Included
  • FAQ
  • Dates

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 Porto, one along the Costa Verde and one into the Minho region just north of Póvoa. 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.


In 2026, this tour will also be added to our Small-Group collection, and will follow a slightly altered itinerary. Further details can be found under the 2026 itinerary section below. 

Highlights
  • Discover Portugal's second city, Porto, in its splendid setting above the River Douro
  • Experience guided visits to Viana do Castelo and Ponte de Lima in the northern Minho region on an optional excursion
  • Explore the Vinho Verde's vineyards
  • A leisurely walking tour of Póvoa de Varzim on an optional excursion
  • Travel on an optional tour to Barcelos, home to Europe’s largest open-air market and Braga
  • Visit a port wine lodge
  • Journey along the scenic Costa Verde
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, 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.
Room tax
Some hotel have introduced a room tax of between 1 € and 3 € per person per night, payable directly by the guest to the hotel on check-out. You'll be advised by your tour manager at your destination if a particular hotel is implementing this charge.
Travelling to Europe
Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel.



Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.



Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").



Visa - 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.



European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Due to commence in 2025, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.

Destinations
  • Europe
  • Portugal
Tour Types
  • Wine Tasting
  • Coach tours (worldwide)
  • History
  • Fishing
  • Photography
  • Adventure Tours

Location: Porto

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

Meals: No Meals

Location: Porto

Spend a relaxed day in the hotel and its surroundings, with the chance to join your tour manager for a leisurely guided stroll or the area in which your hotel is based.

Meals: No Meals

Location: Povoa de Varzim

Our first included excursion, taken in the company of your tour manager, is a full day visit to Portugal’s second city, Porto. 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'll 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).<br/><br/><br/>You’ll return to your hotel for dinner.

Meals: No Meals

Location: Povoa de Varzim

Today, you’ll travel travel into the heart of the Douro Valley. The tour will first make its way to Favious, an authentic wine village, backed by rugged mountains and one of two places in the country where the sweet dessert wine, muscatel is produced. You’ll be able to taste a few glasses and experience a tour of a local adega while taking in the surrounding vista. You’ll then enter a local bakery that creates a distinctive four-cornered loaf from locally grown wheat, which is baked in a wood-fired oven. While sampling this bread, a baker will tell you about how the recipe was passed down through generations and you’ll get to see the original wooden ovens. The Bread and Wine Museum will follow, and it’s housed in an 18th-century building lined with exhibits detailing the area’s culinary history.  <br/><br/><br/>A delicious lunch, made with fresh ingredients, will then be served at the winery, Quinta Avessada, as you listen to the owner talk about the production process before tasting a few labels. Afterwards, the tour will travel along the river Douro on the EN222 – considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world.

Meals: No Meals

Location: Barcelos, Braga

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.<br/><br/><br/>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.

Meals: No Meals

Location: Santiago de Compostela

You can embrace a free day, taking advantage of your hotel’s facilities or exploring the surrounding area.

Meals: No Meals

Location: Minho

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.<br/><br/><br/>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.

Meals: No Meals

Location: United Kingdom

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.

Meals: No Meals

Included
  • Seven nights' half-board accommodation at your chosen hotel (2025 departures)
  • Seven nights' bed and breakfast accommodation at your chosen hotel (2026 departures)
  • A full-day tour of Porto
  • Tour of the Minho region (2025 departures)
  • An excursion to Barcelos and Braga (2026 departures)
  • A trip to Guimarães (2026 departures)
  • A visit to one of the city’s many famous port wine lodges
  • A trip to Vinho Verde vineyards and Ponte de Lima
  • Return flights to Porto
  • Coach travel and transfers throughout
  • Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Not Included
  • Tipping and Gratuities
    -
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.
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.
Since 1983
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.
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.
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

You will have the option to book your own flights independently with the operator.

Dates Price Availability
07-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights 		Departing Birmingham Flight Included £1746.00
07-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights 		Departing London Gatwick Flight Included £1301.00
07-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights 		Departing London Luton Flight Included £1373.00
07-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights 		Departing London Stansted Flight Included £1184.00
07-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights 		Departing Manchester Flight Included £1445.00
07-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights 		Tour Only £900.00
14-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights 		Departing Birmingham Flight Included £1562.00
14-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights 		Departing London Gatwick Flight Included £1219.00
14-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights 		Departing London Luton Flight Included £1399.00
14-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights 		Departing London Stansted Flight Included £1149.00
14-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights 		Departing Manchester Flight Included £1416.00
14-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights 		Tour Only £880.00
21-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights 		Departing Birmingham Flight Included £1598.00
21-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights 		Departing London Gatwick Flight Included £1359.00
21-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights 		Departing London Luton Flight Included £1499.00
21-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights 		Departing London Stansted Flight Included £1148.00
21-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights 		Departing Manchester Flight Included £1440.00
21-Sep-2025
for 0 Nights 		Tour Only £909.00
05-Oct-2025
for 0 Nights 		Departing Birmingham Flight Included £1360.00
05-Oct-2025
for 0 Nights 		Departing London Gatwick Flight Included £1232.00
05-Oct-2025
for 0 Nights 		Departing London Luton Flight Included £1372.00
05-Oct-2025
for 0 Nights 		Departing London Stansted Flight Included £1105.00
05-Oct-2025
for 0 Nights 		Departing Manchester Flight Included £1284.00
05-Oct-2025
for 0 Nights 		Tour Only £880.00
10-May-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Aberdeen Flight Included £1373.00
10-May-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Birmingham Flight Included £1287.00
10-May-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Bristol Flight Included £1377.00
10-May-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Edinburgh Flight Included £1310.00
10-May-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Humberside Flight Included £1409.00
10-May-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Inverness Flight Included £1557.00
10-May-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Leeds Bradford Flight Included £1346.00
10-May-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing London Gatwick Flight Included £1170.00
10-May-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing London Luton Flight Included £1220.00
10-May-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Manchester Flight Included £1310.00
10-May-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Newcastle Flight Included £1346.00
10-May-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Norwich Flight Included £1436.00
10-May-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Teesside International Flight Included £1310.00
10-May-2026
for 0 Nights 		Tour Only £801.00
14-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Aberdeen Flight Included £1413.00
14-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Birmingham Flight Included £1319.00
14-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Bristol Flight Included £1422.00
14-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Edinburgh Flight Included £1341.00
14-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Humberside Flight Included £1386.00
14-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Inverness Flight Included £1445.00
14-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Leeds Bradford Flight Included £1386.00
14-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing London Gatwick Flight Included £1220.00
14-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing London Luton Flight Included £1247.00
14-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Manchester Flight Included £1350.00
14-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Newcastle Flight Included £1386.00
14-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Norwich Flight Included £1346.00
14-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Teesside International Flight Included £1350.00
14-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights 		Tour Only £801.00
21-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Aberdeen Flight Included £1413.00
21-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Birmingham Flight Included £1319.00
21-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Bristol Flight Included £1422.00
21-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Edinburgh Flight Included £1341.00
21-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Humberside Flight Included £1386.00
21-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Inverness Flight Included £1445.00
21-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Leeds Bradford Flight Included £1386.00
21-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing London Gatwick Flight Included £1220.00
21-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing London Luton Flight Included £1247.00
21-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Manchester Flight Included £1350.00
21-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Newcastle Flight Included £1386.00
21-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Norwich Flight Included £1346.00
21-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Teesside International Flight Included £1350.00
21-Jun-2026
for 0 Nights 		Tour Only £801.00
06-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Aberdeen Flight Included £1431.00
06-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Birmingham Flight Included £1346.00
06-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Bristol Flight Included £1440.00
06-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Edinburgh Flight Included £1364.00
06-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Humberside Flight Included £1400.00
06-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Inverness Flight Included £1463.00
06-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Leeds Bradford Flight Included £1400.00
06-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing London Gatwick Flight Included £1215.00
06-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing London Luton Flight Included £1283.00
06-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Manchester Flight Included £1350.00
06-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Newcastle Flight Included £1400.00
06-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Norwich Flight Included £1359.00
06-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Teesside International Flight Included £1364.00
06-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights 		Tour Only £801.00
13-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Aberdeen Flight Included £1431.00
13-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Birmingham Flight Included £1346.00
13-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Bristol Flight Included £1440.00
13-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Edinburgh Flight Included £1364.00
13-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Humberside Flight Included £1400.00
13-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Inverness Flight Included £1463.00
13-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Leeds Bradford Flight Included £1400.00
13-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing London Gatwick Flight Included £1197.00
13-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing London Luton Flight Included £1283.00
13-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Manchester Flight Included £1364.00
13-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Newcastle Flight Included £1400.00
13-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Norwich Flight Included £1359.00
13-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Teesside International Flight Included £1364.00
13-Sep-2026
for 0 Nights 		Tour Only £801.00
04-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Aberdeen Flight Included £1422.00
04-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Birmingham Flight Included £1332.00
04-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Bristol Flight Included £1431.00
04-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Edinburgh Flight Included £1350.00
04-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Humberside Flight Included £1391.00
04-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Inverness Flight Included £1454.00
04-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Leeds Bradford Flight Included £1391.00
04-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing London Gatwick Flight Included £1080.00
04-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing London Luton Flight Included £1265.00
04-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Manchester Flight Included £1364.00
04-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Newcastle Flight Included £1391.00
04-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Norwich Flight Included £1350.00
04-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights 		Departing Teesside International Flight Included £1359.00
04-Oct-2026
for 0 Nights 		Tour Only £801.00

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This tour is operated by Newmarket Holidays

8 days from £801 pp exc.flights; Enquire
Start:UK
Finish:UK
Group size:25 - 49
Suitable for: 21-99
Physical rating:Low
Tour operated in: English
map
Tour Reference: 17260
Contact us
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Thank you for your enquiry, one of our specialists will be in touch shortly.
2 Call directly 0203 7939446