Portugal by car

About the destination: Located in a striking valley carved by the Douro River, Porto is renowned for its beautiful architecture and the sweet flavor of its wine. The city's focal point is Avenida dos Aliados, a broad avenue surrounded by Praça General H. Delgado and Praça da Liberdade. However, the most captivating part of the city is Ribeira, the river district and a Unesco World Heritage Site, where three of Europe's most elegant bridges cross the gorge. The bustling Praça da Liberdade and the adjacent Avenida dos Aliados form the city center, where statues are positioned in the middle of busy mosaic pathways. Nearby stands Porto's magnificent cathedral, a massive, fortified Romanesque building with heavy granite foundations, thick walls, and small windows that enclose a dark interior. The Ribeira extends along the river, bordered by a fantastic quay filled with shops and restaurants. Porto's most iconic monument, the ornate Torre dos Clérigos, provides a citywide view from the top of its 240 steps. A trip to Porto wouldn't be complete without a stop at some of the many bodegas, or wine lodges, where port is stored and bottled. A visit to the incredible Lello library, with its spiral staircase, is also a must-see, even if you're not a Harry Potter fan.

About the destination: Braga is one of the most ancient cities in Portugal. The Portuguese referred to it as Roma due to its status as a hub of religious power. Known as the spiritual heart of Portugal, it is a vibrant small city boasting a beautiful collection of baroque churches, an expansive cathedral, and Roman ruins, including one of the nation's most famous landmarks, the Bom Jesus Sanctuary. It hosts traditional religious festivals throughout the year, including Portugal's most vibrant Holy Week. Today, it is a modern city with a youthful population, bustling with trade and industry around a lively and charming old center filled with pedestrian-friendly streets, inviting cafes, upscale shops, fine dining restaurants, and trendy bars teeming with university students. Despite its age, the city exudes a youthful energy, so much so that in 2012, it was declared the European Youth Capital.

About the destination: Viana do Castelo is a municipality and seat of the district of Viana do Castelo in the northern region of Portugal. The population in 2011 was 88,725, covering an area of ​​319.02 km². The urbanized area of ​​the municipality, which includes the city, has a population of approximately 36 148 inhabitants.