Highlights of Northern Portugal

Introduction
Northern Portugal Portugal
We’ve selected our favourite experiences from some of our other tours in three very different parts of Northern Portugal, namely the Douro Valley, Peneda-Gerês National Park and the coastal Minho.

After you arrive in the Douro wine region, your Northern Portugal adventure begins with 2 days spent walking through the terraced vineyards, traditional villages and rural scenery of the stunningly beautiful Douro wine region.

Next, you’re off to the wilder, rugged beauty of the Peneda-Gerês National Park. From your base in a historical village you’ll discover the breathtaking views from the ancient Lindoso Castle walls and marvel at the collection of granite corn stores. Spend three days exploring the diverse landscape, traditional villages and communities on foot and breathing in pure mountain air.

From the mountains, you’ll head to the charming riverside town of Caminha to walk alongside the Costa Verde beaches to the historical city of Viana do Castelo at the mouth of the River Lima.

Accomodation

Accommodations
Your package includes accommodation in country hotels as well as 3 and 4* hotels along the way.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Nights 1 & 2: Hotel in Alijó
Night 3: Hotel in Pinhão
Nights 4 & 5: Hotel in Castro Laboreiro
Night 6: Hotel in Vila Nova de Cerveira
Night 7: Hotel in Vila Praia de Âncora
Night 8: Hotel in Viana do Castelo


Room Occupancy
Solo travelers will need to pay a single supplement fee.


Meals
All breakfasts are included as well as lunches on days 2, 3, 5 and 6. Dinners (as well as some lunches) need to be paid extra.

The daily lunch pack contains fresh local produce and we encourage guests to have dinner at friendy local restaurants where they can enjoy traditional regional dishes, such as Cachena steaks in the Peneda-Gerês, olive oil and meat cake from the Douro and the freshest of fish and seafood along the Atlantic Coast and, of course, sample Douro wines, vinho verde and port.

Special diets and dietary restrictions:
We can cater to dietary requirements with advanced notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary - Subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Take the train from Porto to the village of Pinhão (tickets not included) then meet your taxi driver for a private transfer to the small town of Alijó in the Douro wine region. Settle into your hotel and surroundings and relax in preparation for your journey of discovery into the myriad of great experiences that Northern Portugal has to offer.
Meals included: none
Overnight in 4* hotel in Alijó

Day 2: Circular walk trail via São Mamede da Ribatua
Set off from your hotel for a circular walk that takes you through constantly shifting landscapes of vineyards, woodland and fields to the ancient village of São Mamede da Ribatua. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the calm Tua reservoir below, surrounded by rugged mountains. After lunch, return to Alijó via a different route.
Hiking about 15 km (elevation: + 369 m)
Meals included: Breakfast & Packed Lunch
Overnight in 4* hotel in Alijó

Day 3: Walk from Alijó to Pinhão
Check out of your hotel before walking to Pinhão.
Walk through pleasant countryside at the outer edge of the Douro wine region to reach a ridge that runs along the hilltops to Casal de Loivos and down to Pinhão. You will have magnificent views of the Pinhão Valley and surrounding slopes followed by splendid vistas of the Douro River and Valley as you make your way down through the vineyards to Pinhão.
Hiking about 20 km (elevation: + 281 m)
Meals included: Breakfast & Packed Lunch
Overnight in 3* hotel in Pinhão

Day 4: Circular walk trail around Castro Laboreiro
Check out of your hotel and meet your driver in the lobby for a private transfer to the Peneda-Gerês National Park.
Your base for the next 2 days is the historical village of Castro Laboreiro, which originated as an Iron Age settlement and has been occupied ever since, creating a tight-knit community.
After settling into your hotel, you may wish to stretch your legs with a short yet delightful walk to the ruins of the castle that overlooks the village and the surrounding countryside. The views are well worth the short climb!
On your way back to the village, you can visit the small museum to learn about the local culture and traditions of this remote community.
Hiking about 2.2 km (elevation: + 117 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in 3* hotel in Castro Laboreiro

Day 5: Castro Laboreiro circular trail
Walk through the village and out into the rugged hills and gorgeous countryside, full of quirky rock formations.
Once in the valley, a pleasant area of woodland leads to an ancient bridge where you may like to bathe your feet in the untainted waters. Enjoy the shade of the trees and the sound of the stream as you climb steadily to the plateau, full of smooth granite boulders and sweeping views across the valley to other hills, valleys and ridges. The trail ends back in Castro Laboreiro.
Hiking about 12.5 km (elevation: + 440 m)
Meals included: Breakfast & Packed Lunch
Overnight in 3* hotel in Castro Laboreiro

Day 6: Walk from Castro Laboreiro to Peneda
Check out of your accommodation and walk to the sanctuary of Peneda.
Cross wild, rocky highlands with glorious views over the surrounding mountains on the way to Lamas do Mouro Park Gate, a great place to learn more about the National Park. From here, the enchantment of the forest takes over as you make your way towards the sanctuary at Peneda, at times following ancient stone paths built for local pilgrims.
After reaching Peneda Sanctuary, your driver will take you to the charming small town of Vila Nova de Cerveira. Once refreshed, enjoy a stroll around the historical centre and look out for artworks - this town hosts a biennial arts festival.
Hiking about 15.1 km (elevation: + 311 m)
Meals included: Breakfast & Packed Lunch
Overnight in Country hotel in Vila Nova de Cerveira

Day 7: Walk from Vila Nova de Cerveira to Vila Praia de Âncora
Check out of your accommodation and follow the trail along the River Minho, the natural border with Spain, all the way to its mouth at the riverside town of Caminha.
Once there, you can visit the beautifully carved Gothic parish church or stop for refreshments in the atmospheric main square with its 16th century fountain before heading to the ocean.
After Caminha, you'll walk through an ancient pine forest before following an easy coastal path to the fishing village and seaside resort town of Vila Praia de Âncora via Moledo beach.
Hiking about 22.7 km (elevation: + 173 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in 4* hotel in Vila Praia de Âncora

Day 8: Walk from Vila Praia de Âncora to Viana do Castelo
Check out of your hotel and set off for the fascinating city of Viana do Castelo.
Cross a wide sandy expanse of beach as you leave Vila Praia de Âncora. You’ll briefly head inland through patches of forest and fields before following the coast and its stone windmills and fortresses south to Viana do Castelo. Stroll through the beautiful historical centre of Viana do Castelo to reach your hotel.
Hiking about 19 km (elevation: + 131 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in 4* hotel in Viana do Castelo

Day 9: Departure
Check out of the hotel in time for your onward journey. End of our services.
Meals included: Breakfast


Note: If you are returning to Porto, we suggest you take the train (ticket not included).

Rates and Dates for Highlights of Northern Portugal

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Alijó
Airport: Porto Airport
Transfer:

Climate:
                                                    Branda da Aveleira area