
Upper Minho
Itinerary: Viana do Castelo | Vila Praia de Âncora | Moledo | Caminha | Vila Nova de Cerveira | Valença | Monção | Melgaço | Castro Laboreiro | Arcos de Valdevez | Ponte da Barca | Ponte de Lima
Over the course of 5 days, you will embark on an exciting adventure through picturesque landscapes, charming cities, and historic towns. From the stunning coastline of Viana do Castelo to the towns of Ponte da Barca and Arcos de Valdevez, this journey is an experience that embraces the natural splendor and cultural richness of Alto Minho. Get ready for an unforgettable trip filled with beauty and discoveries!
NOT TO BE MISSED:
Visit the charming coastal towns of Viana do Castelo, Vila Praia de Âncora, and Moledo, enjoying views of the Atlantic Ocean and rich cultural heritage.
Discover the fortified towns of Valença and Monção, where history and architecture come together in harmony.
Delight in traditional dishes from Alto Minho.
Visit sanctuaries and religiously significant sites, including the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia.
Explore the rich culture and traditions of Alto Minho, with a focus on local music, dance, and craftsmanship.
PROGRAM:
Day 1: Viana do Castelo
Morning:Departure from the origin locations. Arrival in Viana do Castelo for lunch.
Afternoon:Take the cable car to Monte de Santa Luzia for one of the most magnificent views in Portugal, overlooking the mountain, the city, and the meeting point of the Lima River with the Atlantic Ocean. Visit the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia, built in revivalist style by Miguel Ventura Terra.Walk down to the city for a walking tour of Praça da República, where you can admire the building of the Old Town Hall, the Misericórdia building, and a 16th-century fountain.Visit the Museum of Costume located in Praça da República, which contains a valuable collection dedicated to the traditional costume of Viana and filigree.Continue to the Fort of Santiago da Barra, stopping to admire the ship Gil Eanes, a vessel built in the Viana do Castelo shipyards.
Evening:Dinner at a local restaurant.Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Viana do Castelo.
Day 2: Caminha | Moledo | Vila Praia de Âncora
Morning:Departure for Caminha, with a walking tour through the historic center. Pass by the Clock Tower, a medieval monument that was part of the old defensive wall of the town.Continue to Moledo, located in an area of great natural beauty, surrounded by the Mata do Camarido. From the Moledo Beach, you can see the Fort of Ínsua, a coastal defense bastion.
Afternoon:Lunch at a local restaurant.Visit Vila Praia de Âncora for a walk along the beach, passing by the Fort of Cão.
Evening:Dinner and overnight at a 4-star hotel.
Day 3: Vila Nova de Cerveira | Valença | Monção
Morning: Departure to Vila Nova de Cerveira. Visit the Castle, which houses the Church of Misericórdia, the former Town Hall, and the Pillory. Continue to Praça da República.Climb to the Miradouro do Alto do Castro da Serra da Gávea, where you can find the famous iron statue of a stag, symbol of the town. Along the way, you will see coat-of-arms houses, manorial homes, and small palaces that attest to the presence of illustrious families.
Afternoon:Lunch at a local restaurant.Departure for Valença, known for its magnificent Fortress in the shape of a star, one of the most emblematic in Northern Portugal.Take a walk through the medieval streets inside the fortress walls.Continue to Monção to visit the Fortress before entering the picturesque medieval town, where you will walk through the labyrinthine streets and alleys. Pass by the Main Church, Town Hall, and Casa do Arco.
Evening:Dinner and overnight in Melgaço.
Day 4: Melgaço | Castro Laboreiro | Arcos de Valdevez
Morning: Visit Melgaço, a border town located in the northernmost part of Portugal, within the Peneda-Gerês National Park. Visit the Castle of Melgaço and the Museological Nucleus of the Tower of Menagem, where you can enjoy beautiful views over the town.Walk through the historic center to see the Main Church, the Church of Misericórdia, and the Solar do Alvarinho.Afternoon:Arrival at Castro Laboreiro, where you can enjoy the view of the Castle.
Evening:Dinner and overnight in a hotel in Arcos de Valdevez.
Day 5: Ponte da Barca | Ponte de Lima
Morning: Departure for Ponte da Barca, a town named after the ferry that crossed people and goods from one side of the Lima River to the other, mainly pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Cross the iconic Medieval Bridge over the Lima River. Walk through the town, passing by the Manueline Pillory, the old Pombaline Market, the Main Church, and the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Lapa.Continue to Ponte de Lima, granted a charter by D. Teresa of León, mother of D. Afonso Henriques, in 1125.Take a walk along the valley, focusing on the banks of the Lima River, where the medieval bridge reflects the charm of the town.
Afternoon: Lunch at a local restaurant. Return to the origin locations. End of the tour.





