History, traditions and gastronomy – North of Portugal

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Step 1: Visit to the Minho region (3 days)

  Arrival in Porto – Pick up a rental vehicle (economy range) – Departure for Ponte de Lima ➤ Day 2: Free visits Ponte de Lima: charming little medieval town full of history, ideal for strolling through its narrow streets. This ancient village owes its name to its famous bridge. Located in the heart of a rich agricultural region, known for the famous Vinho Verde (sparkling white wine to be enjoyed chilled), you will find many manor houses adorned with coats of arms. Typical and picturesque villages to visit: Sistelo: a gem of rural life, famous for its superb terraces shaped by man over the centuries. Soajo, located in the Peneda-Gerês National Park, is one of the most emblematic villages of the region. It is especially known for its group of granite corn granaries, set on a huge rocky slab. Lindoso: don't miss the 50 grain granaries (espigueiros), true symbols of the village, which illustrate the communal tradition of the mountain populations. ➤ Day 3: Private guided experience – ½ day in the landscapes of Minho Start the day with a corn bread making workshop using the region's traditional methods. While the bread bakes in a wood-fired oven, go for a walk in the natural landscapes of Minho, accompanied by our partner guide, who will share local traditions with you. Upon your return, enjoy your bread while it's still warm!

• day 4

  Step 2: Visit of Braga and Guimarães

  Departure for Braga, then Guimarães Free visit of Braga, one of the oldest cities in Portugal and one of the oldest Christian cities in the world. Founded during Roman times under the name Bracara Augusta, it has more than 2,000 years of history. Braga remains today one of the main religious centers of the country. After your visit to Braga, head towards Guimarães. Afternoon: private guided experience – ½ day tour of Guimarães Accompanied by our passionate official guide, set out to discover this magnificent medieval city, perfectly preserved and considered the birthplace of Portugal. Between cobbled streets and historic buildings, let yourself be told the extraordinary story of Guimarães.

• day 5

  Step 3: Visit to the Serra do Alvão – landscapes and mountain villages

  Departure for the Alvão Natural Park Located between the province of Trás-os-Montes and the Upper Douro, this natural park is the result of spectacular geological formations, offering impressive waterfalls, a great diversity of ecosystems, and a preserved rural heritage. You will discover a granite landscape crossed by the waters of the Olo River, the famous Fisgas do Ermelo waterfall — one of the highest in Portugal with its 200 meters of elevation — as well as agricultural areas, herds of brown cattle, marshes, meadows, and fauna and flora typical of the northern inland mountains. Experience: in the middle of the morning, set off for a day of discovering the landscapes and villages of the Serra do Alvão with our partner guide, a local native. On the program: jeep crossing of perched villages and spectacular natural sites, walk to crystal-clear water pools nestled in the heart of the mountain, and picnic lunch based on local products in the middle of nature. In the afternoon, you will visit a renowned wine estate, producer of the region's typical wine, Vinho Verde. Prepare your taste buds to savor this fresh, slightly sparkling, and absolutely unique nectar!

• day 6

  Step 4: The Douro Valley

  Visit to the Douro Valley The Douro Valley is an unmissable wine region of international renown, classified as a World Heritage Site and a cultural landscape protected by UNESCO. It is one of the oldest and largest wine regions in the world, where humans have shaped the mountains for nearly 2,000 years to produce the famous Port wines as well as table wines of great international reputation. The spectacle of terraced vineyards, stretching as far as the eye can see, gives the impression of a hanging garden. Whatever the season, the panoramas are strikingly beautiful. Experience: enjoy a ½ day of guided and private hiking through the terraced vineyards and picturesque villages of the Douro Valley. Your guide, a local native passionate about his region, will accompany you along enchanting paths between vineyards and hamlets, sharing with you his knowledge of grape varieties, production methods, as well as the history, traditions, and local culture. He will then welcome you to his own wine estate for a visit followed by a friendly picnic, made up of regional products and accompanied by wines from their own production. An unforgettable day awaits you, full of discoveries, authentic sharing, and breathtaking views over the Douro Valley.

• day 7

  Step 5: Porto (3 days)

  Departure for Porto via the village of Amarante On the way to Porto, you can stop in the charming and picturesque village of Amarante. Located in the heart of the Serra do Marão, on the banks of the Tâmega River, this small historic town captivates with its authenticity. Its emblem: the São Gonçalo bridge, which perpetuates the memory of the heroic resistance of the inhabitants against the Napoleonic troops at the beginning of the 19th century. Although modest in size, this bridge is considered one of the most iconic in Portuguese history. Afternoon: Free visit of Porto. ➤ Day 8: Visit of Porto The second most populated city in the country, Porto is world-renowned for its wine, its bridges, its architecture blending old and contemporary styles, as well as for its historic center listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A city of great economic importance, it owes its growth to its maritime and commercial activity, which fostered the development of the Portuguese naval industry. Porto is dynamic, lively, and constantly renewing itself. Between its steep alleys and its main avenues, the city harmoniously blends tradition and modernity. Despite the influx of tourists and sometimes heavy traffic, it retains a unique charm and a strong character. Experience: in the morning, enjoy a private guided tour of popular Porto, off the beaten path. Accompanied by our passionate partner, you will discover lesser-known neighborhoods, rarely mentioned in tourist guides, but essential to the city's identity. This tour will immerse you in authentic, popular, and lively Porto, between traditions, neighborhood culture, and intangible heritage. ➤ Day 9: Free visit of Porto Take advantage of this last day to explore Porto at your own pace, revisit your favorite spots, or simply stroll through its charming alleys.

• day 10

  Departure

  Your discovery stay in the North of Portugal is coming to an end — we hope it will leave you with unforgettable memories.