Day tripsCountriesPortugalCastelo de PaivaCastelo de Paiva to Amarante and Penafiel: Guided tour

Castelo de Paiva to Amarante and Penafiel: Guided tour

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Private tour with a local expert

6h 30m
Round trip
Private group
Trusted by 1+ million happy travelers across 120 countries
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Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2024
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4.9
5176
Reviews

About your trip

From Castelo de Paiva, this enchanting circuit winds through the romantic riverside charm of Amarante and the ancient wine heritage of Penafiel. Medieval bridges span gentle rivers, baroque churches crown hilltops, historic quintas dot terraced vineyards, and cobblestone streets whisper centuries-old stories. A journey that balances contemplative beauty with rich cultural discovery, where sacred art meets noble wines and pastoral landscapes unfold at every turn. Conclude with regional delicacies and panoramic vistas that linger long after the return journey.
Exclusively yours: A premium experience for your group only
Insider insight: Local tips and stories you won’t find online
Perfect balance: Expert guidance with freedom to explore
Ideal for all travelers: Families, friends, or solo adventurers
From €131
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€393

What to expect

Your day trip begins wherever you are

Meet your guide right where you prefer in Castelo de Paiva whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.

Discover more with local expertise

Your guide is both your expert behind the wheel and knowledgeable host throughout the day. They’ll manage the day’s itinerary, share stories and local knowledge, and make each moment along the route feel richer. At every stop, they’re by your side.

Guided experience with space to explore

Spend 2.5 hours exploring Amarante’s old center, then drive 30 minutes to Penafiel for three hours touring the monastery and museums. Your guide, who is also a professional driver, helps fit it all into about 6-7 hours, unveiling northern Portugal’s depth of culture.

Perfect for any private group

Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.

Good to know

  • Two-way private car transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Personalized pickup and drop-off
  • Private professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
  • Attraction admission details specified in the itinerary section below
  • Official guided tours inside attractions in Amarante and Penafiel can be purchased separately - inform us in advance for itinerary planning
From €131
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€393

Your trip at a glance

Your trip at a glance

Start in Castelo de Paiva
You choose the pickup spot.
1
Amarante
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 2 h 30 min - admission not included
Amarante
Amarante
Amarante
Amarante
Amarante
Amarante
Amarante
Amarante
Pastel charm, riverfront strolls, and pastries with legend - Amarante is elegance wrapped in stone and sweetness. With pastel facades, wooden balconies, and the calm shimmer of the Tamega River, Amarante is pure northern Portuguese romance. Begin at the Ponte de Sao Goncalo, then explore the riverside promenade and the Igreja de Sao Goncalo, where azulejo-lined chapels and love legends await. A short walk brings you to the Museu Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, a striking space showcasing Portugal’s modernist soul. End with a sweet stop for Bolos de Sao Goncalo or papos de anjo, best enjoyed with a view of the water or from Calcada Eduardo Teixeira Pinto, where the light hits just right.
2
Penafiel
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 2 hours - admission not included
Penafiel
Penafiel
Penafiel
Penafiel
Penafiel
Penafiel
Discover Penafiel’s Romanesque archeological heart, traditional culture, and unforgettable wine. With a private guide, you will explore the stunning highlights of Penafiel. Starting with the Monastery of Paco de Sousa, an austere and historic centerpiece of the Romanesque Route. Then, visit the Municipal Museum of Penafiel, a striking modernist exploration of archaeology, culture, and the traditions of rural life. After the museum, you can immerse yourself in a peaceful forest walk and enjoy the panoramic views of Sameiro Park and its chapel. Finally, end the day with a wine tasting at Quinta da Aveleda, and try the Vinho Verde paired with local cheeses. Or, enjoy a local folklore show based on centuries of rural tradition.
Back to Castelo de Paiva
We’ll take you back to your starting point.
Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7

Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.

5.0
5176 reviewson Tripadvisor
or
4.9
991 reviewson Trustpilot

Know more about your day trip

Amarante is famous for its picturesque setting along the Tamega River historic Sao Goncalo Bridge and monastery dedicated to Saint Goncalo patron saint of marriages. The town's romantic atmosphere comes from its riverside location and traditional Portuguese architecture.
The Sao Goncalo Monastery honors Saint Goncalo believed to help people find love and ensure happy marriages. The monastery features beautiful Renaissance architecture and attracts visitors seeking blessings for relationships and marriage.
Penafiel offers traditional Portuguese town charm with historic churches local markets and authentic regional cuisine. The town provides insight into everyday Portuguese life away from tourist areas with friendly locals and traditional architecture.
The Amarante region offers beautiful hiking trails along the Tamega River through surrounding hills and to nearby viewpoints. The area's natural beauty includes forests river valleys and traditional Portuguese countryside perfect for outdoor activities.
Amarante produces excellent wine traditional sweets and regional crafts. Penafiel is known for its granite stone work local wine and traditional Portuguese cuisine. Both towns offer authentic regional products not found in tourist areas.
Spring and fall offer mild weather ideal for exploring these towns on foot. Summer provides warm temperatures perfect for riverside activities while winter offers fewer crowds and cozy indoor experiences with local culture.
Amarante hosts the famous Sao Goncalo Festival in June celebrating the patron saint of love with traditional music dancing and local customs. The festival includes religious processions folk performances and traditional Portuguese celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Day tripsCountriesPortugalCastelo de PaivaCastelo de Paiva to Amarante and Penafiel: Guided tour