Day 1: Porto
Arrival at Porto airport and transfer to your first hotel. Your journey in Northern Portugal begins in the city of Porto, one of the most beautiful and rich in history and heritage in Portugal. Here you will find over 150 classified monuments, neighborhoods preserved in time, a gastronomy that will delight anyone and the origin of one of Portugal's great ambassadors, Porto wine. Let yourself be dazzled by the authenticity of one of Portugal's oldest cities, from its narrow streets leading to the Douro River, it's worth a walk along its banks and across the Dom Luís I bridge, a project of Gustave Eifel, that will take you to Vila nova de Gaia. Here, a visit to some of its cellars, to learn about the history and production techniques of the famous Porto wine, is a must.
Day 2: Porto – Monção
At 3 p.m. a shared transfer will take you to the city of Monção, in the north of Portugal. Here you will have time to relax by the pool or in the gardens of this welcoming rural hotel, or take a walk to explore Monção. Monção is a fascinating fortified town on the banks of the Minho River in northern Portugal, which produces Vinho Verde. The town's 16th-century walls overlook the small but fascinating old town and its monuments, like the Mother Church and the Capuchin monastery of Santo António dos Capuchos. Next to the river, the therapeutic waters of numerous spas will welcome you if you wish to indulge in some relaxation. On the outskirts of the town, the imposing Brejoeira Palace produces the famous Alvarinho, a slightly sparkling wine.
Day 3: Free day in Monção
Free day to explore Monção by bike or take a hike in the region. Monção, surrounded by tall trees and charming mountain locations, has many green parks with dirt paths and water fountains inviting the visitor to take walks around the city and enjoy the excellent panoramic views of the river. In the morning, optional half-day rafting activity in the Minho river, a family-friendly river, transfer included. The white waters and currents of the Minho river are perfect for water sports, especially inflatable rafting. This activity is suitable for children over 6 years old. In the afternoon, optional visit to Vinho Verde and tasting in a family winery.
Day 4: Monção – Vila Nova de Cerveira (35 km; +/-110 m)
Today you will travel east, along the Minho River to the Atlantic Ocean, along a cycle path built on an old railway line. The route will take you through small villages, wheat fields and vineyards, in the delineated Vinho Verde wine region, which produces the dry white wine for which the region is famous. Along the way, you will cross places of battles between Portugal and Spain, particularly the imposing 17th-century fortress in Valença, and the fort of Vila Nova de Cerveira. In the afternoon, you will have time to cycle in the historic center of Cerveira, along its medieval streets, and enjoy a relaxing break in one of the many bars in the sunny main square. With a city Charter dating back to 1040 AD, Vila Nova de Cerveira is known nationally and internationally as the "City of Art" for its biennial Art Festival, which attracts artists from around the world.
Day 5: Vila Nova de Cerveira – Valença (31 km; +/-45 m)
Today you can choose between various programs. The first will allow you to visit the fortified town of Valença. The fortress of Valença is one of the most impressive fortifications in northern Portugal, with a double row of battlements and bastions surrounding the entire old town of the city. Narrow streets lined with rows of houses wind their way to a panoramic and idyllic location, surrounded by steep mountains and large rivers above the Minho River, which marks the natural border with Spain. Historically, Valença served as a defensive point for northern Portugal from the aggressions of its northern neighbor. For this reason, a massive fortification was built to prevent its invasion. Visitors love to explore the wide complex of the fort and the old center and enjoy the lively atmosphere created by the thousands of shops, bars, and restaurants. Alternatively, you might prefer a half-day canoe trip on the river or a half-day off-road mountain tour.
Day 6: Viana do Castelo – Caminha by boat | Caminha – Viana do Castelo (30 km; +/-72 m)
Transfer by river cruise (1h) from Vila Nova de Cerveira to the seaside town of Caminha. As you travel along the estuary, past the islands and expanses of vegetation-filled sand, which provide the natural habitat for birds, keep your eyes wide open to see herons, various types of wild ducks or the colorful kingfisher. Charming fishing villages line the riverbanks, with their typical carochos moored at the docks, ancient boats for lamprey and eel fishing. This boat trip ends in the beautiful old town of Caminha, where you will start your bike tour to Viana do Castelo. Riding along the powerful Atlantic Ocean is an extraordinary experience, especially as you cross the picturesque fishing villages suspended in time. Upon arrival in Viana do Castelo, the peace and quiet are replaced by the buzz of this lively river town. Dating back to Roman times when it was the main port in northern Iberia, Viana's history includes that of its merchants, who supplied naval supplies for the vessels involved in Portuguese discoveries during the 16th century and later built those sailing to Newfoundland for cod fishing. With their wealth, they built the numerous mansions, the architectural charm is a distinctive sign of the town. Worth seeing is the 19th-century Byzantine church of Santa Lucia, on the hill overlooking the town: it will require a short climb, but the reward is a breathtaking view. Short guided walking tour to familiarize with the charming coastal town of Viana do Castelo. Beautiful and vibrant city, Viana do Castelo, has entirely preserved the wealth of its deeply rooted popular traditions.
Day 7: Free day in Viana do Castelo
For your last day in the Minho region, we recommend discovering the identity and culture of these people from the inside. Take the elevator to reach the top of the hill and visit the Basilica (not included). Covering 160 meters in 6-7 minutes, the route of the Santa Lucia cable car is the longest in the country. It was inaugurated in 1923 and has been recently restored. If you prefer, you can walk along a 2 km path and climb the 659 steps of the monumental staircase up to the church, to reach the 160 meters at the top. From the top of the Santa Lucia Hill, you will enjoy a magnificent view of the city, the Lima River, and the coast. Also, take some time to walk and explore the beautiful center of Viana do Castelo, the wharves, and the fishermen's port. The presence of the river, the mountain, and the sea gives Viana do Castelo a unique and dreamy landscape.
Day 8: Viana do Castelo – Porto
After breakfast, transfer to Porto airport and end of services.