This is the plan

Day 1 – Departure from Lisbon to Porto – 300 km. Overnight in Porto

Visit Porto Portugal’s second largest city where houses cling to the banks of the Douro, the legendary river. Enjoy a city sightseeing and visit some of the most important monuments and a cellar (Taylor’s) in Gaia with a Port tasting. Porto & Douro.

Day 2 – Douro valley, Amarante & Village of Pinhão. Overnight in the village of Régua

In the morning we will visit the city of Amarante. While visiting Amarante, in the heart of the picturesque Minho region, look out for the exotic honey-gold granite façade of the church and former monastery of São Gonçalo, which dates back to 1540 and houses a lovely interior of painted columns and a dramatic high altar, under which exists a little golden chapel where Saint Gonçalo himself lies buried. Born in Amarante at the end of the 12th century, Saint Gonçalo is mostly revered for his many healing miracles. The church also features a magnificent two-storey Renaissance cloister.

Nearby, the town’s principal museum is dedicated to the life and work of locally-born Cubist artist Amadeo de Souza Cardoso (1887-1918), one of Portugal’s leading 20th-century artists.

In the afternoon take a ride on the historical train along the Douro River and admire the beautiful landscape that is classified by UNESCO as World Heritage until we reach the village of Pinhão. Visit a vinery in Pinhão (Quinta de Ventozelo) and learn more about the Douro wine production. Time to go to Régua and visit the museum of the Port Wine.

You will be sleeping in the quiet village of Peso da Regua.

Day 3 – Departure to Vila Real, the national park of Alvão & Guimarães – 112 km. Overnight in Guimarães

Discover the city of Vila Real, inside the national park of Alvão with the river passing through the middle of the city. You will be surprised by the views and landscapes. After that its time to visit Casa de Mateus. This palace set in beautiful gardens is considered to be one of the finest examples of baroque in Portugal.

Arrive at Guimarães, considered the birthplace of Portugal. The historical centre was classified a World Heritage site. We will have a walking tour on the historical centre before the end of the day.

Day 4 – Day at Braga city departue to Viana do Castelo – 25 km. Overnight in Viana do Castelo.

The former Roman city of Bracara Augusta is now the capital of Northern Portugal’s Minho region and is well and truly steeped in history and architectural treasures.

Visit Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary and ride its 19th century funicular, discover a sanctuary which is one of the most beautiful works of European Baroque.

In the afternoon we will visit the city of Barcelos and discover why the rooster is such a symbol of Portugal. Time for a cooking class and lunch.

We will finish the day with a spectacular view of the city Viana do Castelo from Santa Luzia sanctuary.

Visit the city center in a walking tour and taste the famous sweet of Viana, a cream tart.

Finish the day visiting Gil Eannes Hospital Ship. Built at the Viana do Castelo Naval Shipyards, it began its activity in 1955, supporting for decades the Portuguese cod fleet that operated on the banks of Newfoundland and Greenland.

Day 5 – Viana do Castelo/ Ponte de Lima and Geres Park. Departure to Lisbon.

Departure to the village of Ponte de Lima. The Roman bridge that crosses the Lima River in this location gave rise to the name of this ancient village.

The first charter was granted in 1125 by D. Teresa, the mother of the first King of Portugal, even before the founding of the kingdom.

In the center of a rich agricultural region, where the famous Vinho Verde is produced, its heritage includes a large number of manor houses and palatial houses.

Visit the tipical village of Germil & Brufe from the GERES national park.

Time to go on a boat trip in Caldo River right in the middle of Geres national Park.

Back to Lisbon.

Distance: 364 Km