Northern Portugal

Active Holidays

If you’re looking to enjoy a few days of absolute relaxation or

some refreshing and invigorating holidays, the northern region of

Portugal will surprise you with fantastic opportunities for nature

lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

You have the opportunity to discover a region of lush green

Natural Parks, a rich culture and history visiting Guimarães and

Oporto, two UNESCO World Cultural Heritage cities, whilst tasting

our traditional gastronomy and wines, mixed in perfect harmony,

making this a unique program.

Remote granite uplands

Luxuriant nature

Traditional villages

World Heritage Sites

Hearty local cuisine

Culture and hospitality

Montain, river and sea

Peace and tranquility

Highlights

Multi-activitiesGuided

Groups 8-16Rural Accommodation

Holiday Type

info@portugalgreenwalks.com

www.portugalgreenwalks.com

MADRID

PONTE DE LIMA

VIGO

PORTO

LISBOA

Adventure & fun

DAY 1Arrival to Oporto airportTransfer to Ponte de LimaCheck-in at Casa do AnquiãoTime to relaxGuided visit to Ponte de Lima

DAY 2Horse riding tour in Arcos de ValdevezImagine yourself riding a genuine Portuguese horse whilst having the chance to see wild horses, such as the Garrano, in the mountains of Northern Portugal; trekking up the hills surrounded by incredible views and viewing the landscape as though from the top of the world.

DAY 3Birdwatching in the Northern Littoral Natural Park (Esposende)The Northern Littoral Natural Park (Portuguese: Parque Natural do Litoral Norte) is one of the thirteen natural parks of Portugal. It encompasses the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in the municipality of Esposende. The park was created to preserve the dunes and the wildlife in the area, mainly birds and fish.Free lunchVisit Viana do CasteloSituated at the mouth of the Lima river, between the ocean and the mountains, the charmingcity of Viana do Castelo is steeped in tradition. Historically, the city was a crucial point of departure during the Age of Discovery, when many Portuguese explorers embarked to discoverthe unknown world.Today, Viana do Castelo is a lively fishing port, renowned for its compellingarchitecture, featuring Manueline and Renaissance influences as well as innovativecontemporary design. Below the hills of Santa Luzia, the narrow, winding streets are linedwith beautiful palaces and houses constructed over the centuries. Visitors will also enjoy thebeautiful Cabedelo beach across the Lima estuary.Visit Solar de Merufe, a wine producer

DAY 4Walking tour on the Peneda-Gerês National Park This walk offers the contrast between the Peneda sanctuary, Nossa Senhora da Peneda, with its associated trinket shops and cafés (especially busy in the first week of September during the annual pilgrimage) and spectacular mountain and upland scenery – just a couple of kilometers in distance, but worlds apart in atmosphere. Lunch/Pic-nic during the walk tourVisit Soajo - an old traditional mountain villageSoajo village is a structured settlement made up of granite houses that are characteristic in mountain regions. The houses are set beside narrow lanes, just wide enough for ox-carts to get along, deeply rutted by the use throughout the centuries.This village is famous for its communal threshing-floor constituted by 24 stone granaries standing on granite. The most ancient one goes back to 1782. These granite monuments were built at a time when corn started being grown on a regular basis and they were used forthe protection of the cereal from storms and rodents. Part of these granaries are still used by the villagers.

Detailed Program Schedule

DAY 5Biking tour along the margins of Lima RiverCycle along a purpose made eco-way from Ponte da Barca, with it’s simple bucolic charm and waterfront, to the far more pretentious and splendid Ponte de Lima with its impressive bridge going back to Roman times. Between these two lovely towns you will follow alongside the crystal clear waters of the river Lima, see herons, wildfowl and even occasionally otters. Roman soldiers thought this was the river of forgetfulness, take care, it could have this effect on you!Free lunch in Ponte de LimaVisit the historical centre of BragaVisit the Mosteiro de Tibães and dinnerThe St. Martin of Tibães Monastery was founded in the 6th century but nothing remains of that earlierinstitution. In the 11th century the monastery was rebuilt and in 1567 it became the mother house of theBenedictine order of Portugal and Brazil. The buildings we see today were built in the 17th and 18th century and such architects as Manuel Álvares and André Soares were involved, it was a truly magnificent complex. The monastery was sold by auction in 1864and yet again fell into decay and ruin, restoration work commenced in 1986.

DAY 6Check-out from the Quinta do AnquiãoVisit GuimarãesDeclared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Guimarães adds to this status another title it holds by right, the cradle of the nation where in its proud and dominating castle was born in the twelfth century, the first king of Portugal D. Afonso Henriques. The distinguished historical centre is extremely well preserved with narrow Medieval streets of the Medieval, with old houses embellished by ornate balconies and statues, leading to the beautiful Largo da Oliveira, one of the centres of interest.Free lunch in GuimarãesVisit Quinta da Aveleda - Visit to the park, gardens and vineyards with wine and cheese tasting;Aveleda is widely considered to be one of Portugal’s top wineries, and its world-renowned VinhoVerde wines have received prestigious critic reviews and international awards. Founded in 1870,Aveleda is a family-owned winery with more than 300 years of winemaking tradition. Preserving itsfamilial character, Aveleda has evolved and developed its winemaking by adapting to marketdemands and investing in new technologies at every step of the way.Transfer to OportoCheck-in on Hotel HF Tuela (3*)Dinner on a typical restaurant

DAY7Walking tour in Oporto historical centreStrolling around the old and narrow streets, passing the most interesting land marks of the city including the Clérigos Tower – the ex-libris of the city, the exquisite Book Shop ‘LELLO’ - considered UNESCO World Patrimony and one of the third most beautiful bookshops in the World, the old grocery shops and boutiques, the colourful squares, etc. The new quarters of Cândido dos Reis and Galeria de Paris, where one can find and enjoy the best of night life in downtown Porto with its trendy design cafés, book shops, bars, disco and clubs, most of them with live music. Visit the A Vida Portuguesa shop, continuing to Aliados avenue, Café Guarany, Sta. Catarina street – the best pedestrian and shopping area and take a glimpse of Majestic café, S. Bento train station - officially inaugurated in 1916 where the main atrium boast 20.000 tiles set in panels designed by Jorge Colaço, representing the most important historical moments and life of Porto.Free Lunch at the restaurant of Contemporary Art Museum of Serralves Guided visit with a relaxing walk inside the propertyThe Gardens, the Serralves Foundation – an Art Deco mansion, a farm, a modern restaurant and the Tea Room restaurant, all inside a huge park of 18 hectares, which give so many possibilities for indoors and outdoor activities, traditional workshops, team building, informal lunches, picnics in the park or a very elegant and sophisticated candle lit dinner. Guided visit to Casa da Música – The House of Music The new Porto “Ex-Libris” is a modern and imposing building designed by Rem Koolhaas. Guided visit to its interior including the main auditorium and other fantastic rooms, panoramic balconies and a very ‘trendy’ restaurant. Guided visit to Cálem Port wine cellarsCálem has been producing top quality Ports since 1859, widely recognized through successive international awards. Visit the cellars where wines age for many years until they achieve a perfect balance and learn how to distinguish the different aromas and flavours in a wine tasting. Learn more about the unique landscape of the demarcated region of Douro Valley and get to know the features which make this wine a special and unique one. Take part in an unforgettable experience which will teach you how to really enjoy Port.Free dinner

DAY 8Check-out from the hotelTransfer to Oporto airportEnd of program

What’s Included

• Services of guide throughout (Languages spoken: Portuguese and English)• Accommodation and breakfast at the indicated overnight stops• 3 packed lunches with sandwiches and fruit• 6 restaurant dinners• Transfers from/to the Oporto airport• Bus available daily• 24 h availability of support and assistance• Insurance

Accommodation

Casa do Anquião in Ponte de Lima, is a elegant and spacious 17th century country house is ideally located for golfers, overlooking the fairways of the Ponte de Lima Golf Club, and just 3 kms from this glowing ancient town. Rarely has a property combined so gracefully comfort, charm, quality and character.

HF Tuela Porto is a magnificent 3 star hotel located in the heart of the city of Oporto, conveniently placed near the historical centre, shops and restaurants.

Rua Francisco Mendes, 30, 3º esq • 4715 243 Braga • Portugal • +351 936 077 462