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!!
We’re traveling next summer with our three kids, ages 9 to 15. We’ll arrive in Cork by ferry with our car. We’d like to stay several nights at each stop to settle in, take our time, and stay flexible depending on the weather!
What do you think of this 18-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrival around 9:30 AM, drive to Kinsale to visit the village and Charles Fort, then accommodation
- Day 2: Blarney Castle + Cork, then accommodation
- Day 3: Travel to Kenmare (stopping at Gougane Barra?)
- Day 4: Glengariff and surrounding area
- Day 5: Healy Pass + southern Beara
- Day 6: Gap of Dunloe + Kenmare and Reenagross Park
- Day 7: Dursey Island
- Day 8: Killarney National Park
- Day 9: Travel to Clare (stopping at Bunratty)
- Day 10: Kilkee + Loop Head
- Day 11: The Burren
- Day 12: Aran Islands
- Day 13: Travel day to Connemara (stopping at Roundstone and Dog’s Bay or via Galway?)
- Day 14: Clifden + Sky Road + beach
- Day 15: Diamond Hill
- Day 16: Kylemore Abbey + Killary Fjord
- Day 17: Drive back to Cork (stopping at Cahir)
- Day 18: Departure
Hi there, after reading a well-known travel guide, it seems like there’s a lot to see and do in Valletta (I’m only talking about Valletta itself). That’s why I’m thinking of spending 2 days there. I don’t want to rush and would like to get a complete overview. However, I’ve noticed that some travelers only spend one day there. For those who know the city well, what do you think? (I’ve also planned the Three Cities for another day, by the way).
Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
Our accommodation for 5 days will be near a "Carrefour by Deliveroo Hop." There doesn’t seem to be anything else nearby (it’s a very residential area).
I can’t figure out if it’s delivery-only or if you can also do your grocery shopping there. Does anyone know this type of store and could help me out, please?
Thanks in advance!
PS: I called, but I don’t speak Italian and the store doesn’t speak English—so they hung up on me.
Hi,
I’ve found my upcoming trip for February, and now I’m looking for a one-week getaway in April—somewhere not too far with generally nice weather. Any tips?
Best,😉
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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.
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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?
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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,
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.
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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)?
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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.
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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.
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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:
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- 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.
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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
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!
