Walk and Explore Northern Portugal's Culture, Heritage & Nature

Groups accepted with a minimum of 6 pax.   The North of Portugal features an appealing combination of charming historic cities, sleepy villages, lush countryside, and an extensive and wild coastline. This escorted tour is based in two lovely cities of the Minho region: Viana do Castelo, known as the "Pearl of the North", and Guimarães, known as the birthplace of Portugal. Viana do Castelo is nested at the mouth of the river Lima, on the Green Coast. It’s a seaside town with opulent Manueline and baroque buildings, crowned by the basilica of Santa Luzia, from where you get amazing views. The longest funicular in Portugal will get us there. Ponte de Lima is the oldest town in Portugal, sited beside the tranquil waters of the river Lima The charming medieval center with narrow winding streets has churches and impressive buildings and former manor houses. The city's charismatic traditions and culture are present in colourful arts and crafts, and in gold filigree jewellery. From here, we head to Vila Praia de Âncora, to a landscape of wild beaches, with endless sandy stretches backed by dunes and pine forests. Caminha, one step away from the Spanish coast, is visible on the other side of the river Minho with Santa Tecla Hill looking back. Caminha’s traditional stone-walled houses and flower-decorated squares will be a treat! Braga is an ancient city – was a stronghold of the Roman empire – with baroque buildings and small-town warmth. The town has a reputation as a religious destination, with its almost four dozen places of worship, like the Bom Jesus de Braga monumental staircase and sanctuary, which we’ll have the opportunity to visit. The large student population gives Braga an eclectic vibe, bringing life to the old cobbled streets. We then transfer to Guimarães, known as the birthplace of Portugal. The city has a well-preserved medieval center, enlisted as a Unesco Heritage Site. It's a scenic entanglement of alleys and plazas, with chapels, churches, a 15th-century palace, and a castle 1000 years old. Chapel of Saint Francis in Guimarães We’ll get the chance to climb the verdant hills surrounding the town to visit Senhora da Penha, a pilgrimage site accessible by narrow tracks, perched between large granite boulders. Fafe will be another stop, a historic city blessed by the proximity of the rivers Vizela and Ferro. On top of all of this, we’ll have some of Portugal's finest cuisine! The Minho region offers mouthwatering dishes, from fish straight out of the sea to earthy meat dishes and numerous other tasty delights. For the wines, try the refreshing and summery Vinho Verde! https://youtu.be/zqKfGVdQ-wo https://youtu.be/79Lez0GoHqI