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Grand Northern Route

2 - 5 Oct 25

ALSO AVAILABLE FOR GROUPS

Embark on an epic journey through Northern Portugal, uncovering breathtaking landscapes, cultural treasures, and authentic experiences.

Grand Northern Route

Price

1035 €

Duration

Dates:

8 days

2 - 5 Oct 25

Grand Northern Route

Itinerary: Porto | Viana do Castelo | Guimarães | Braga | Valença | Monção | Melgaço | Peneda-Gerês | Chaves | Bragança | Miranda do Douro | Pinhão | Peso da Régua | Amarante | Porto


The Great Northern Route is an 8-day journey through the landscapes and traditions of Northern Portugal, where history, culture, and nature come together harmoniously. Starting from Porto, explore iconic cities such as Viana do Castelo, Braga, and Guimarães, the birthplace of the nation. Discover the charm of the border towns of Valença, Monção, and Melgaço, as well as the serenity of the Peneda-Gerês National Park. Adventures in the Trás-os-Montes region, through Chaves, Bragança, and Miranda do Douro, uncover a land rich in heritage and unique customs. The final leg, through the vineyards of the Douro to Amarante, celebrates the beauty and authenticity of this special region.

NOT TO BE MISSED:


  • Take a Six Bridges Cruise in Porto and enjoy breathtaking views of the Douro River and its banks.

  • Taste the renowned Alvarinho wine in Melgaço while exploring the Solar do Alvarinho.

  • Explore the traditional villages of the Peneda-Gerês National Park, such as Soajo and Lindoso, with their unique granaries and stunning landscapes.

  • Enjoy an Environmental Cruise through the Douro River canyons, followed by a tasting of regional wines.

  • Stroll through the historic center of Amarante and visit the Amadeo de Souza Cardoso Municipal Museum, rich in art and culture.

PROGRAM


Day 1: Porto | Guimarães

Morning: Begin the day exploring the riverside area of Porto, one of the city's most charming spots. Wander through the narrow streets of Ribeira, adorned with colorful houses and a vibrant atmosphere, leading to the heart of the city where the Douro River sets a picturesque scene. The visit continues with a tour of a Port Wine Cellar, featuring a guided wine tasting that unveils the secrets of this prestigious wine. The experience culminates with the Six Bridges Cruise, offering majestic views of the bridges connecting Porto and Gaia, as the river reflects the city’s history and tradition.

Afternoon: Head to Guimarães, the cradle of the Portuguese nation. The historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, invites you to immerse yourself in medieval history. The visit starts at the imposing Guimarães Castle, dating back to the country’s foundation, followed by the vibrant Praça de Santiago and Praça da Oliveira, where tradition and medieval architecture intertwine.

Evening: End the day with a traditional Minho-style dinner in Guimarães, featuring the region's authentic flavors, and overnight stay in the city for a well-deserved rest.

 

Day 2: Braga | Viana do Castelo

Morning: Start with a walking tour of Braga's historic center, a city rich in religious and cultural traditions. Highlights include the emblematic Braga Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Medieval Palace of Braga, a remarkable example of Portuguese medieval architecture.

Afternoon: Visit the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, a major pilgrimage site known for its monumental staircase and the beauty of its temple. Continue to Viana do Castelo, where the ascent to Mount Santa Luzia offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the city and the sea. Explore the Santa Luzia Sanctuary and the charming historic center of Viana do Castelo, with its picturesque streets and Manueline architecture.

Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Viana do Castelo provide the perfect ending to a day of discoveries, as the city glows in the soft evening light.

 

Day 3: Valença | Monção | Melgaço

Morning: Begin with a visit to the Fortress of Valença, one of the largest examples of military architecture in Portugal. The historic core of the fortress, with its walls and bastions, tells the story of the region's defense and resilience. The Roman milestone is also a testament to the ancient Roman presence in the Iberian Peninsula.

Afternoon: Continue to Monção, where the Monção Fortress and the Alvarinho Wine Museum are must-see spots for wine enthusiasts. Famous for its Alvarinho wine, the city offers a deep dive into the region’s wine culture. Next, head to Melgaço to explore its castle and the Memory and Border Space, which narrates the history of Portugal’s northern frontier. Visits to the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Orada and the Alvarinho Manor complete the wine-related experience.

Evening: Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in Melgaço, a tranquil town where rural charm and excellent gastronomy provide a pleasant retreat.

 

Day 4: Peneda-Gerês National Park

Morning: Embark on a journey through the iconic villages of the Peneda-Gerês National Park. Start with Soajo, known for its traditional granaries, followed by Lindoso, where the medieval castle offers panoramic views of the dam and surrounding landscape.

Afternoon: Head to Castro Laboreiro, a village characterized by its stone houses with thatched roofs, set against the backdrop of stunning natural scenery. Visit the Peneda Village, highlighted by the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Peneda, a place of great religious devotion surrounded by majestic natural beauty, offering a spiritual and scenic experience.

Evening: End the day with dinner and accommodation in the region, allowing for a restful evening after a day immersed in nature and local culture.

 

Day 5: Chaves | Bragança

Morning: Begin the day with a walk through the historic core of Chaves, a city rich in medieval history. Stroll along Rua Direita, cross the Roman Bridge, and visit the Keep and Castle, where the city’s military and medieval past come to life. The visit concludes with a relaxing stop at the Chaves Thermal Baths, known for their mineral waters.

Afternoon: Continue to Bragança for a guided tour of the city. Highlights include the Bragança Castle, the Church of Santa Maria, and the lively historic center, showcasing valuable architectural heritage and the city's noble and medieval history.

Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Bragança, where the local cuisine, known for its hearty and authentic flavors, is a highlight.

 

Day 6: Miranda do Douro | Douro

Morning: Start the day with an environmental cruise along the Douro River's cliffs, featuring educational activities that showcase the region's unique fauna and flora. The calm waters of the Douro provide a serene backdrop for a unique experience, enriched by a tasting of bold and traditional wines.

Afternoon: After the cruise, take a riverside walk to soak in the surrounding natural beauty before heading to Pinhão via the EN222, often hailed as one of the world's most scenic roads. Upon arrival, visit one of the region's most traditional wine estates for a wine tasting, where the essence of the Douro’s unique terroir is revealed through its award-winning wines.

Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Pinhão or the Douro region conclude a day steeped in the beauty of the landscape and the rich winemaking heritage of this historic area.

 

Day 7: Douro | Amarante

Morning: Begin with a 1-hour cruise between Pinhão and Romaneira, a river journey showcasing the grandeur of terraced vineyards and the serene Douro River, with breathtaking views of the slopes and connecting bridges.

Afternoon: After lunch in Peso da Régua, continue to Amarante, a city brimming with history and natural beauty. Explore the historic center, including the Church and Convent of São Gonçalo, dating back to the 16th century, and the Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso Museum, dedicated to the modernist painter deeply connected to the city.

Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Amarante offer a peaceful and welcoming setting for relaxation.

 

Day 8: Porto

Morning: Conclude the tour with a walking tour of Porto’s historic center, highlighting the Cathedral, Clérigos Tower, and Avenida dos Aliados, three iconic landmarks reflecting the city's history and architectural evolution.

Afternoon: Free time for shopping, further exploration of the city, or visits to traditional shops and art galleries, providing a comprehensive experience of Portugal’s northern capital.

Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in Porto mark the conclusion of this unforgettable journey.


 

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