After arriving in Porto, pick up your car at the airport and check into your accommodation in the city center. Take it easy on your first day and soak up the atmosphere of the historic center. Tailor today's plans to your arrival time.

Discovering the most beautiful spots in Porto. Walk through the historic Ribeira district, visit the iconic São Bento railway station, climb the Clérigos Tower, and don't forget to taste the famous port wine in the riverside cellars. Along the way, stop for a famous Pastel de nata; personally, I think they taste best at a place called Manteigaria. In the evening, enjoy the sunset over the Douro River.

After breakfast, head to Braga, one of Portugal's oldest cities. The city is dominated by the Bom Jesus do Monte pilgrimage site with its iconic Baroque staircase. The historic center, the Sé de Braga cathedral, and the Santa Bárbara gardens are also worth a visit. For dinner, I recommend the Londrina restaurant, which serves an excellent Francesinha, a dish that actually originates from Braga.

Take a day trip from Braga to Peneda-Gerês National Park. Discover the most beautiful natural area in Portugal, visit the Pedra Bela viewpoint, the Arado waterfall, or some of the natural lagoons hidden among the mountains. Return to Braga in the evening. I recommend buying snacks and drinks at a supermarket along the way. There are also small restaurants and shops in the villages around the national park, but it's good to have some cash on you.

Enjoy one last Pastel de nata and head to Porto airport, where you'll return the car and spend your wait time looking through photos of all the beautiful places you've visited.