The North of Portugal is a region of striking contrasts. Here, the ruggedness of granite mountains meets the softness of green valleys, and modern cities coexist harmoniously with villages that seem frozen in time. For travelers seeking authentic and exclusive experiences, the North of Portugal remains an undiscovered treasure, far from mass tourism routes, where its genuine essence is still intact.
At Immersive Journeys, we craft personalized itineraries that allow you to experience the best of the North of Portugal with the comfort, refinement, and attention to detail our guests deserve.
What is the North of Portugal?
The North of Portugal is the birthplace of the Portuguese nation, the cradle of Lusitanian culture. This region stands out for its rich historical heritage, deeply rooted traditions, and the warm hospitality of its people. From the green valleys of Minho to the majestic mountains of Trás-os-Montes, the North of Portugal offers a diversity of landscapes and experiences that captivate even the most seasoned travelers.
Featured Journeys
On the Soul of Minho: From Gastronomy to History in 3 Days trip, Immersive Journeys takes you to explore the vibrant soul of Minho, the cradle of Portugal, where lush green landscapes.
Places to visit in the North of Portugal
The North of Portugal is divided into the sub-regions of Minho, Trás-os-Montes, Alto Douro and the Porto Metropolitan Area, each with its own distinct character and attractions. What unites them is a entire respect for traditions, and the surprising capacity for reinvention, which combines the old with the contemporary in perfect harmony.
Here are some of the best places Immersive Journeys can take you in the North of Portugal.
PORTO
A classic destination with contemporary energy
Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, is the ideal starting point for exploring the North of Portugal. With its historic center listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city offers a perfect balance between tradition and innovation.
At Immersive Journeys, we provide exclusive experiences in Porto, such as guided tours with historians to the most important monuments, rare wine tastings in centuries-old cellars, and gastronomic experiences in the best Michelin-starred restaurants. For accommodation, we recommend boutique hotels housed in meticulously restored historic buildings, where modern comfort meets heritage preservation.
VILA NOVA DE GAIA
Cellars and elegance by the Douro
Across the Douro River from Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia offers stunning city views and is home to the world-famous Port wine cellars.
Here, we arrange private wine experiences, including exclusive tastings of rare vintages guided by expert winemakers.
GUIMARÃES
Birthplace of the nation with a modern soul
Guimarães, where Portugal was born, is a perfect example of how the North of Portugal preserves its past while embracing the future. Its medieval historic center, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thrives alongside a vibrant contemporary arts scene.
We suggest our clients stay in old manor houses carefully restored and converted into charming accommodations, where luxury is reflected in the smallest details and in personalized service.
BRAGA
Spirituality and urban sophistication
One of the oldest cities in the North of Portugal, Braga is renowned for its religious heritage. The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflects the city’s deep spiritual roots.
Beyond its sacred landmarks, Braga surprises with its modern energy. We arrange intimate cultural moments such as private Baroque music concerts in historic churches or artisanal workshops with master craftspeople, always with a touch of exclusivity.
GERÊS
Pure Nature
The Peneda-Gerês National Park is one of the most well-preserved natural treasures in the North of Portugal. In this ecological sanctuary, we offer experiences that reconnect you with nature without sacrificing comfort.
Stays in sustainably designed eco-lodges, guided hikes led by biologists specialized in local fauna and flora, and gourmet picnics by crystal-clear waterfalls are some of the exclusive experiences we offer in Gerês, always with the concern to respect the environmental balance of this protected area.
CHAVES AND VIDAGO
Luxury thermalism
At Immersive Journeys, we provide our clients with exclusive thermal experiences, with personalized wellness and beauty programs. In Chaves and Vidago, we complement thermal experiences with private visits to Roman and medieval heritage sites and gastronomic tastings that reveal the ancestral flavors of this region of the North of Portugal.
Our clients particularly appreciate the treatments that use local ingredients, thus integrating culture and wellness into a truly holistic luxury experience.
PONTE DE LIMA
Aristocratic elegance in the countryside
The oldest town in Portugal, Ponte de Lima, embodies the rural elegance of the North of Portugal. With its iconic Roman bridge over the Lima River and vineyards producing crisp vinho verde, it offers an idyllic setting for a peaceful retreat.
Here, our guests enjoy golf on award-winning courses, horseback rides along scenic riverbanks, and fine dining at green wine estates, always with maximum comfort and exclusivity.
How much time to spend in the North of Portugal?
To fully appreciate the North of Portugal, we recommend a minimum of one week. This allows you to explore the region’s highlights at a relaxed pace. For travelers seeking deeper immersion, particularly those interested in both cultural and natural wonders, 10 to 13 days is ideal.
At Immersive Journeys, we tailor every itinerary to your preferences, ensuring that your time in the North of Portugal is spent meaningfully and memorably.
Best time to visit the North of Portugal
The North of Portugal is a year-round destination, with each season offering its own charm. Spring brings lush green landscapes and mild temperatures, perfect for outdoor adventures. Summer offers warm, sunny days for river and seaside escapes, as well as vibrant festivals. Autumn is especially captivating, with grape harvests and golden foliage. Winter, while cooler and wetter, offers cozy gastronomy and the unmatched warmth of northern hospitality.
The Fecha de Barjas Waterfalls are a waterfall located in Caldas do Gerês, parish of Vilar da Veiga, in Portugal.
Things to do in the North of Portugal
The North of Portugal offers an array of refined experiences. Culture enthusiasts can enjoy private museum visits, meet local artists, or join hands-on craft workshops. Food lovers can take part in cooking classes with renowned chefs, visit artisanal producers, and dine in historic venues.
Nature lovers will appreciate guided hikes, birdwatching in protected reserves, or private river cruises, all designed for exclusivity and authenticity.
Travel in the North of Portugal
The best way to experience the North of Portugal is with a thoughtfully designed itinerary that blends iconic sites with hidden gems. At Immersive Journeys, we combine exceptional accommodations committed to sustainability with tailor-made activities that match your interests.
Whether you focus solely on the North of Portugal or include it as part of a larger journey, we guarantee an experience defined by luxury, authenticity, and deep respect for cultural and natural heritage.
