Hello fellow travelers!!😉
My flight tickets are booked—off to Porto for a 4-day weekend!
I was thinking of spending 2 days in the Douro (from my early Saturday morning arrival (!!) until Sunday evening) and 2 days in Porto (from Sunday evening to Tuesday evening).
Does that sound reasonable to you?
I plan to rent a car for the first two days so I can be free to move around without being tied to train or bus schedules.
What are your favorite spots? Any village recommendations to visit and spend the night (Saturday night)?
Has anyone done this kind of weekend before?
Thanks in advance for all your great tips, and have a wonderful day!
Manou
Just my two cents: I really think it's a shame not to stay in Porto since you'll only be there for 4 days. There are so many beautiful things to see, and you can also take lovely walks along the Douro on foot....
We went in 2011 for 4 nights (3.5 days in the city), during a trip from Porto to Lisbon. We truly loved this city and felt that 3.5 days of sightseeing wasn’t enough, so we went back for 6 nights in 2017—even though we usually don’t return to the same city so soon...
In 2017, we still discovered many new and beautiful things...
Otherwise, north of Porto, there’s Braga (Bom Jesus sanctuary), Guimarães, and Ponte de Lima. They’re pretty towns, but not along the Douro.
Thanks so much, Dominike!
Your story is really interesting, and I have to admit it’s made me think differently because of what you said!!
Actually, heading straight from the airport would let me go toward Pinhão—I’ve read how stunning the landscapes are there, and I was thinking of spending one night there, with the other three in Porto.
I know we can get there by train, but renting a car (especially since there are two couples, the costs are lower) gives us more freedom to get around.
Did you travel through that region? Or did you get around by train? I’m worried about feeling stuck when I arrive…
I totally get the appeal of staying in Porto longer, but wandering through the countryside, especially along the Douro, was something I really wanted to do.
I agree that a week would be ideal…!!
Thanks for your valuable input!!! Have a great evening
We didn’t visit Pinhão and its surroundings. We’re saving that for another trip. This time, we’ll be visiting: Amarante, Vila Real, Guarda, Viseu, Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Almeida, etc...
We live near Lille Airport, and from there, there are very affordable flights to Porto at certain times, so it’s easy for us to go for a few days...
When we first visited Portugal, we took a one-way flight to Porto and stayed 4 nights there, just a few minutes’ walk from the metro. We spent 3 and a half days exploring Porto without a car—it’s really not necessary in Porto 😉. There are buses, the metro, and trams. It’s super easy.... And in the city center itself, you don’t even need public transport—just good legs and comfortable shoes! Walking from one side to the other...
After our short visit to Porto, we took the metro back to the airport and picked up our rental car. We then visited Guimarães and Braga (staying one night there), then headed to Ponte de Lima and Viana do Castelo (two nights) because there was a huge festival! After that, we continued our trip toward Lisbon, staying in several places along the way, and visited Aveiro, Coimbra, Batalha, Fátima, Nazaré, Mafra, Óbidos, Sintra, Alcobaça, etc.... When we arrived in Lisbon, we returned the rental car at the airport, spent a few nights in the city, and flew back from Lisbon.
The second time we went to Porto (6 nights), we didn’t rent a car or take the train. We used trams, buses, and the metro but stayed in Porto the whole time. We visited some monuments we hadn’t had time to see the first time, discovered other beautiful spots near the center, took the bus to Matosinhos to walk along the beach, strolled from Jardim do Passeio Alegre along the Douro to Ponte Luís, wandered to Afurada by following the Douro, and took the time to explore the Vila Nova de Gaia district a bit more.... We never got bored and discovered so many different things.
I see on Rome2rio that getting from Porto Airport to Pinhão by public transport doesn’t seem straightforward—apparently, it takes about 2h45 with several changes and part of the trip by taxi...
If you really want to go there, it might be better to rent a car directly upon arrival at the airport (if the office is open early 😉) and drive straight to Pinhão (at least 1h45 by car, depending on traffic). Spend some time there, stay overnight, and the next morning, head back to Porto early, return the car at the airport, and take the metro to the city center. The only issue then is that if you arrive in central Porto in the morning with your luggage, you’ll need to find a hotel with luggage storage since check-in is usually in the mid-afternoon...
So, in my opinion, on the second day, after returning from Pinhão, you won’t start exploring Porto until early afternoon because you’ll need time to return the car, take the metro to the center, and drop off your luggage at your accommodation...
You’ll probably only have about 2 and a half days max to explore Porto, and even then, on the fourth day, even if your flight is in the evening, you’ll normally have to check out in the morning. If you can leave your luggage at your accommodation, you’ll need to go back in the late afternoon, allow time to get to the airport, and arrive at least 1h30–2h before your flight....
Personally, I wouldn’t do both, but that’s because we like to take our time discovering a place, and we return to the country another time to explore other spots. I understand your desire, though—it’s really up to you. But I think you won’t enjoy it 100%, and you’ll end up rushing quite a bit... If you had a week, I’d say it’s totally doable to do both.
When I planned our first trip to Porto, I’ll admit I thought 3 and a half days would be more than enough to discover this beautiful city, but for us, it wasn’t. It was a great introduction and a wonderful stay, but we realized Porto had so much more to offer, and we’d have to come back. But hey, that’s just how we felt 😏. The same thing happened in Rome (a true open-air museum)—we only spent 4 nights there during a trip from Rome to Bologna, and we’ll be going back as soon as possible.
And this year, we should see some landscapes along the Douro, but on the Spanish side 😎
Hi dominike,
A thousand thanks for all these rich and informative details...!!
I can't wait to discover Porto. You’ve really whetted my appetite with your story!!!
Hi there,
I went to Portugal last April with my husband, and we spent 3 days in Porto. Here’s my feedback:
- We spent a day exploring Porto on foot—the city is really pretty. Watch out for your thighs, it’s quite a climb!
- We visited Braga to see the cathedral and the beautiful Bom Jesus sanctuary (just outside the city), and we also made it to Guimarães and its ducal palace.
- We toured two wine cellars. The production happens in the Douro Valley, so what you see here are mostly stored barrels, but it’s still really interesting to learn about the history of the big port wine brands and taste different varieties.
- Small disappointment: we’d planned a hike about an hour’s drive away, but it was raining heavily, so we gave up: www.passadicosdopaiva.pt/fr
A little tip for driving: you don’t need a car in Porto, especially since the Portuguese have a pretty sporty driving style. Also, be careful around pedestrian crossings—you *must* stop to let pedestrians cross, even if they’re not already in the road. Same goes for the car in front of you—they might slam on the brakes to let people cross.
Have a great trip! !
Hi there!
I agree with the other posts. Porto is definitely worth a full 4 days! But here’s a tip: if you feel like exploring the Douro Valley, treat yourself to a day trip! It might be a bit of a hassle to rent a car and drive yourself without knowing the area, not to mention the planning and scouting it requires.
To make sure you don’t miss a thing, I’d suggest checking out this site: https://bonjourporto.fr/excursion-douro/. They’ll definitely answer any personal questions you have super quickly! Either way, I 100% recommend it!!
Europe de l'Ouest › Espagne / Portugal · 4 replies
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We’re planning a short trip at the end of July to explore the legendary mountains and valleys of the Bernese Oberland: round trip from Nancy (Swiss highway vignette planned), 2 nights in a room with a small kitchen in Adelboden, then 2 nights in a hotel at the Gletscherblick in Grindelwald, both with half-board included.
Could you share some tips on the best road routes to take, as well as some walking hikes (we’re not as fit as we used to be, so nothing longer than 2-3 hours)? Maybe also 1 or 2 cable car rides—I was thinking of Oeschinensee Lake above Kandersteg and the First gondola above Grindelwald for better panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau... all while keeping it doable with our schedule. We’ve ruled out the "premium" trip up to the Jungfraujoch for this time.
I’m also guessing that paying to access Wengen or Mürren only makes sense if we’re staying there for a few days, right?
- Is the road through the narrow valley of the White Lütschine toward Lauterbrunnen and beyond still worth it in terms of views and scenery?
On the way back, if we have a little time to explore Bern’s historic old town, what’s the best parking plan for a 1- or 2-hour stop?
Thanks in advance for your advice, fellow travelers familiar with this beautiful region! 😉
Hi there, my husband and I are planning a trip to Iceland in mid-October 2026.
Would you have any advice on the best places to visit for a first trip to this destination? Thanks
Amazing trip in May 2026: fantastic landscapes, such a different vibe from our other journeys, wonderful memories, but...
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To this day, only our inquiry with the car rental company has informed us of a "speeding ticket" message. More than a month later, we still don’t know the "severity" of the offense or the amount of the fine we’ll be "hit with."
Well, well, a taste of Icelandic administrative experience...
I’ve found some great deals on flights to two destinations: Menorca in the Balearic Islands and Alghero in Sardinia.
The flights would take us from Bordeaux to Menorca on the evening of 9/07 and return to Bordeaux in the evening on 13/07.
Or to Alghero very early on 10/07 (departure at 6 AM) and return in the mid-afternoon on 13/07.
We love beautiful landscapes, the sea, snorkeling, walks (hiking), and the charm of villages.
We want to spend some quality time as a couple without our kids and mix discovery with relaxation.
I can’t make up my mind. The transport costs are roughly the same when you factor in parking for Sardinia since the early departure means no public transport from home.
We’ve never been to Menorca, Sardinia, or Italy at all. I’ve been to Majorca, though.
Menorca would be 4 nights and 4 days, while Alghero would be 3 nights and 2.5 days.
Also, what itinerary would you recommend for Alghero and Menorca?
Where to stay?
Thank you so much for your insightful traveler tips.
Hi,
I’ll be in Barcelona at the end of October.
I can choose to be there over the weekend or during the week. Probably 4 nights.
Is there a big difference in terms of crowds in the city and in the museums?
Little or no difference would simplify my itinerary on the way.
Hi there,
I’ll be in Rome from April 1st to 13th, 2026—it’s coming up fast!
I’ve been searching online for tickets to visit the Borghese Gallery, but either there’s no availability or the tickets offered are ridiculously expensive.
Could someone guide me to a website where I can book 2 skip-the-line tickets (I’ve heard you have to reserve in advance online)?
Hi everyone,
I rented a car through Klaus Wagen, picking it up in downtown Porto and returning it in downtown Lisbon.
After paying, I read some pretty negative reviews about them.
So, can anyone reassure me with positive experiences they’ve had with them?
Thanks in advance!
Hello, VoyageForum friends, and happy holidays!
I’m planning a trip with my 19-year-old grandson to Milan for Easter Saturday, Sunday, and Monday in 2025.
I’d love your insights on what we can visit in Milan that would interest both my grandson and me (I’m 75). Of course, I’m thinking of the must-sees, but not just those—cozy little restaurants, trendy neighborhoods, and anything else you’d recommend. I’m also looking for a comfortable hotel in the city center that isn’t too expensive!
I’m sure the VoyageForum community will help me uncover some hidden gems! Looking forward to your replies.
Hi there,
I’m heading to Setúbal at the end of June with my granddaughter, and I can’t seem to find clear info on the best way to get from Lisbon Airport to Setúbal. It looks like there’s a train or bus, but I can’t find the exact names of the bus (or train) companies or the precise departure points. Thanks if anyone can help me out! 😉 Just to clarify, I’m on a tight budget and have already ruled out taxis or similar options.
Hello,
We’re heading to Puglia at the end of May. We’re a senior couple. We arrive in Bari, where we’ve booked accommodation for 2 nights. We’ve rented a car.
Day 1: Bari
Day 2: Polignano a Mare – Monopoli
Day 3: Ostuni – Brindisi
Day 4: Lecce
Day 5 & 6: Exploring the coast from Otranto to Santa Maria di Leuca
Day 7 & 8: Gallipoli area
Day 9 & 10: Matera
We’re considering renting a place near Lecce for 5 days and using it as a base to explore the region.
Hi there,
I visited the Faroe Islands in late March 2026 for about ten days. I was invited by a friend who lives near Tórshavn, so I don’t have any info on tourist accommodations or car rentals. Still, I’d like to share a few thoughts about my trip:
- Before leaving, I consulted travel guides and blogs. I was surprised by how repetitive and unoriginal the featured sites were. This leads hurried travelers to follow the same overcrowded routes, which can annoy locals. I found that all Faroese villages were interesting—they reflect the country’s identity, even without the iconic grass-roofed houses. Those are indeed harmonious and beautiful, but they feel like an exotic cliché. For activities, I loved the lively ports that keep the country running.
- I was annoyed by the paid trails in tourist spots. Locals explained that these paths cross private land, and owners are responsible for maintenance and safety. There are plenty of free trails, too—signs at the start detail their features. While not alarmist, the extreme and unpredictable weather is a key factor to consider before setting out.
- The wind’s strength really impressed me. The architecture, with doors and windows opening outward to prevent gusts from blowing roofs off, speaks to the harsh climate. Some days, relentless rain and squalls made going outside unappealing. I realized that in this country, it’s best to plan for flexible indoor days.
- Distances are relatively short. I was happy to be based near Tórshavn because it was easy to explore one or more places in a day. The roads are in great condition. In late March, diesel was 2 €. Tunnel tolls can add up (~26 € per crossing), making a fixed base less practical than I’d thought.
- Everyone agrees: the landscapes are breathtaking. Nature feels untamed here—except for the short grass, thanks to all the woolly sheep.
- The flight from Paris to the Faroe Islands (and back) was long in March—11 hours with three legs: Paris-Amsterdam, Amsterdam-Copenhagen, Copenhagen-Vágar. In bad weather, Vágar Airport can close, causing delays. During tourist season, Atlantic Airways offers a direct Paris-Faroe Islands flight, which is more comfortable and cheaper.
- I found a book recommendation in a guide that fascinated me after my trip: *Les collectionneurs d'images* by Joanes Nielsen. Through its sometimes caricatured characters, it offers a glimpse into Faroese mentalities from the 1950s to 1970s—attitudes that likely persist today.
In conclusion, I’ve traveled a lot and I’m tired of destinations that all start to look the same. The Faroe Islands were a delight—a country stunning in its landscape, climate, and culture, where tourism has barely altered its authenticity.
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip for October to visit Naples (6 nights) and the Amalfi Coast (5 nights). We’ve already got the historic center and the Lapis Museum in Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Procida, Sorrento, and Ravello on our list. Any suggestions, addresses, or tips?
Thanks for your help.
Hello,
We’re heading to Rome from 21/09, arriving in the early afternoon, and returning on 28/09, leaving in the morning. We’ve already booked our flight tickets and our accommodation in the city center: Via Ezio.
I’d love to get your feedback on our itinerary and if there are any visits we should book right now:
Monday 21 afternoon:
Largo di Torre Argentina: a sacred spot for cats.
Tuesday 22:
The Vatican: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in the morning. Afternoon: St. Peter’s Basilica, the dome, and if possible, the necropolis.
Wednesday 23:
Morning: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Afternoon: Trastevere neighborhood and the Monumento a Garibaldi.
Thursday 24:
Piazza Navona, Church of St. Louis of the French, the Pantheon, Campo de’ Fiori, Piazza Venezia, Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, Trevi Fountain.
Friday 25:
Villa Borghese, Piazza del Popolo, Spanish Steps, Quirinale, Piazza della Repubblica, and Santa Maria degli Angeli.
Saturday 26:
Aventine and Testaccio neighborhoods, the Capuchin Crypt.
Sunday 27:
Ostia.
Monday 28:
Departure.
Are any days too packed, or should we add more visits?
Thanks for your input and help!
Cheers!
Anne
Summer 2027 is going to be Norwegian for us!
We’re heading to the Lofoten Islands first, then Senja, near Tromsø, and finally the North Cape.
We’ll likely start from northern Finland (flight tickets and car rentals are more affordable there).
I’d like to book accommodations early to have more options.
Good value-for-money places go fast in these pricey Nordic destinations...
But where should we book?
We’re planning to stay around ten nights in the Lofoten Islands.
What’s the best approach?
One place in the central part and explore from there?
One place in the south and another in the center?
Or one in the south, one in the center, and one in the north (3-4-3 nights)?
Hi there,
I’m looking for some great tips for a stay in Palma de Mallorca this summer.
I need cheap flights departing from Toulouse and affordable accommodation for 4 people.
What do you recommend?
Best regards,
I’d love to get your thoughts on the following itinerary (late May). I like to take my time in ruins and museums, and beaches don’t interest me. I’ll be staying in hostels and using public transport. Do you see any major omissions or things that aren’t worth it?
Thanks!
Day 1: Arrival in CATANIA
Day 2: Catania – visit (fish market, cathedral, Biscarri Palace, etc.)
Day 3: Mount Etna (day trip)
Day 4: Morning trip to TAORMINA, visit the town
Day 5: Alcantara Gorge (day trip) + more time in Taormina
Day 6: Trip to SYRACUSE, visit Ortigia
Day 7: Ortigia
Day 8: NOTO (day trip) (or another Baroque town?)
Day 9: Syracuse Archaeological Park + more time in Ortigia (or leave for Enna?)
Day 10: Transport via Enna? TO BE RESOLVED (long, 2 or 3 changes, limited accommodation in Enna...)
Day 11: AGRIGENTO: town and Scala dei Turchi (optional)
Day 12: Valley of the Temples + archaeological museum
Day 13: Departure for TRAPANI (4h), afternoon: town (+ salt flats?)
Day 14: Segesta (day trip) + town/Erice
Day 15: Monte Cofano Nature Reserve (hike + summit) (day trip)
Day 16: Zingaro Nature Park (coastal route out, ridge route back) (day trip)
Day 17: Departure for the AEGADIAN ISLANDS: Levanzo and Favignana (bike), overnight if possible
Day 18: Egadi Islands
Day 19: Departure for PALERMO + first visits
Day 20: The city
Day 21: The city (Monreale?)
Day 22: Options:
- Capo Gallo hike (3.5h round trip) (via Mondello)
- Cefalù (45 min by train)
Day 23: Return flight
Hello,
We’re heading to Bavaria from May 13 to 23, with a side trip to Austria.
Here’s our itinerary:
Day 1: Brussels-Munich
Day 2: Munich
Day 3: Munich and departure for Salzburg
We’ll be staying three nights in Salzburg.
Then we’ll head to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where we’ll stay for five nights.
Visiting Munich and Salzburg isn’t too tricky.
Once in Garmisch, we’re planning a day in Innsbruck, a day for Neuschwanstein Castle, and the rest is still up in the air.
What’s really got me stumped is that we’d love to see Königssee Lake—everyone says it’s a must-see.
We’d also like to visit the Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus), where the landscapes are supposedly stunning.
This would either be a round trip while we’re in Salzburg or on the way between Salzburg and Garmisch, but I’m guessing it’s impossible to do the drive from Salzburg to Garmisch, the Eagle’s Nest, *and* Königssee Lake all in one day.
Plus, the Alpine route between Salzburg and Garmisch seems prettier than the highway.
But honestly, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with the planning.
We should’ve added a stop between Salzburg and Garmisch, but the hotels are already booked.
Thanks for any advice on the itinerary and visits!
Another question: How far in advance should we book Neuschwanstein, Königssee, and the Eagle’s Nest in May?
Thanks so much in advance for your tips and ideas!
hi
I’m wondering if anyone can give me some info on how to get from Mallorca to Menorca.
Since flights are cheaper to Mallorca, I’d like to go that way.
Thanks so much for your help!
We’re planning a trip to Finland and Norway this summer, starting in Oulu to explore Lapland, heading up to the North Cape, and then making our way down to Bergen.
This route means renting a car in Finland and dropping it off in Norway. My initial searches are showing rental rates that are... astronomical—about three times the price compared to returning it at the starting point.
I’m guessing I’m not the only one wanting to visit both countries. Are there any great tips to drastically reduce the cost of renting a car?
Hi there, we’re a couple of bikers planning a trip to Majorca in June 2026, and I’d love to organize a half-day or full-day boat or catamaran outing. Which coast do you think is the nicest for this, and do you have any suggestions or personal experiences to share? Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
Does anyone know if there are any works in progress at Torcello, and if so, what type of works and how long they’re expected to last?
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Hi everyone,
I’m sharing my draft itinerary with you because I just booked our flight tickets, and I feel like it’s quite late in the season. So, I’d like to be sure about my stops before reserving the hotels. I’ll be traveling alone with my two adult children. We want to prioritize outdoor walks, avoid too many indoor visits (both for budget and preference), and not spend too much time on the road.
D1: Arrival at 9 AM in Malaga, day in Malaga and overnight stay
D2: Head straight to Nerja (1-hour drive) and spend the night there
D3: Head straight to Granada (1.5-hour drive), spend the day and night there
D4: Granada. Visit the Alhambra (Nasrid Palaces tour at 5 PM) and spend the night
D5: Head to Ronda (2.5-hour drive) and spend the night
D6: White Villages and overnight in Ronda
D7: Head straight to the Costa del Sol (e.g., Estepona), spend the day and night there
D8: Return to Malaga to catch our flight
There you go! This itinerary takes into account that we’d like to do a circuit starting from Seville in a few years. That said, it’d be a shame to miss something doable from Malaga.
Questions:
Since the Alhambra visit is only at 5 PM, and we’d already have the day to explore Granada, would arriving the day before be a mistake? Or should we skip this day and dedicate it elsewhere (Costa del Sol? Head toward Tabernas?)? The old town appeals to me, but maybe the Sacromonte neighborhood isn’t essential...
Same question for Ronda: should we dedicate a full day to it, or combine Ronda and the White Villages in one day?
Note that we love wandering around villages outside, so that might answer my question! :)
Final question: Is it better to rent the car at Malaga Airport or in the city? If we rent at the airport, we’d need a hotel with parking, which doesn’t seem easy. Or stay outside the city and park for free near the center if possible? I’ve read comments about taking a taxi to Malaga and then picking up the rental car at the airport the next morning. The taxi would really need to be affordable...
Thanks so much for your feedback and suggestions for visits during this little circuit.
Have a great day, everyone!
Christine
Hello,
we’re a couple planning a 2-week road trip this August, with a must-stop (about 3 days on Skye). Any route suggestions? Hotel recommendations? Photo spots?
My husband and I are planning a trip to Ireland in September 2026.
We’ll be flying from Montreal to London, where we’ll spend three nights.
After that, we’ll head to Dublin for a few days and take trains to visit the main attractions.
Our ideal plan would be to choose hotels near train stations and take tours to the interesting spots.
Would 8 days in Ireland be enough for this kind of trip?
We’re a group of 4 heading out at the end of June for 11 days.
I’m just starting my research.
We’ll be renting a regular car, not a 4x4.
I’m not finding a ton of info on the North.
Would love your take on all those kilometers—is there a route that lets us cut out a section?
Thanks
