Alto Minho Discovery Tour

Day 1 –Viana do Castelo

Make your way to the fascinating city of Viana do Castelo and check into your comfortable modern hotel in a traditional building. Meet a member of our team at your hotel reception to receive a full briefing and collect your bikes and GPS device so you’re all set for tomorrow.

Try to time your arrival so that you have plenty of time to see what the city has to offer, such as the restored Gil Eannes hospital ship, the colourful Costume Museum, Decorative Arts Museum and the Medieval architecture in Praça da República and surrounding streets. Try a freshly baked custard doughnut while you’re here.

Accomodation: 3 stars hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 2 – Viana do Castelo to Ponte de Lima (27km)

Enjoy the greenery of the rural scenery and backdrop of the Serra d’Arga Mountains as you cycle along the River Lima. Use the rest of the day to enjoy Ponte de Lima’s atmospheric squares and restaurants. The small medieval centre holds treasures such as a Gothic parish church and fortified prison tower.

Spend the night in a comfortable modern hotel.

Accomodation: 3 stars hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 3 – Ponte de Lima to Rubiães (22km)

Join the pilgrims as they make their way north along one of the most beautiful sections of the Portuguese Camino. The spectacular views from Labruja Mountain justify the challenge of walking uphill.

Spend the night in a rural country house.

Accomodation: Country House

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 4 –Rubiães to Valença do Minho (14km)

Today’s walk is easier and brings you to the fortress town of Valença with time to explore the ramparts and squares in the historical centre or even venture across the river into the Spanish town of Tui.

Overnight in a comfortable modern hotel.

Accomodation: 3 stars hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 5 – Valença to Vila Nova de Cerveira (16km)

Head down to the River Minho this morning and follow the boardwalk and country lanes all the way to the pretty little town of Vila Nova de Cerveira. See how many works of art you can spot dotted around the town centre or simply relax with a tasty meal and a glass of vinho verde (Portuguese green wine).

Your accommodation this evening is in a historical quinta with an outdoor pool.

Accomodation: Country House

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 6 – Vila Nova de Cerveira to Vila Praia de Âncora (22km)

A walk through the sculpture-filled park takes you out of Vila Nova de Cerveira, beside the tranquil waters of the River Minho. Head inland to walk through a village before returning to the waterfront as you approach the estuary. Cross the wetlands into the historical centre of pretty Caminha.

See bobbing fishing boats and neighbouring mountains as you walk along the river to the pine forest at the very tip of Portugal. Emerge at the wide sandy beach of Moledo then follow the coastal trail to the fishing town of Vila Praia de Âncora.

Spend the night in a modern 4-star hotel

Accomodation: 4 stars hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 7 – Vila Praia de Âncora to Viana do Castelo (18km)

Cross the sand dunes by boardwalk to yet another ancient fortress. Today’s trail weaves between stunning stretches of coastline, attractive countryside and small villages to bring you back to the delights of Viana do Castelo.

Enjoy a well-earned rest at the same comfortable hotel in Viana do Castelo.

Accomodation: 3 stars hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Day 8 – End of the tour

End of our services. However, we recommend staying at least one more night in this attractive town before embarking on your onward journey.

What’s included

• 7 nights’ accommodation in a double room with breakfast included
• 1 self-guided cycle tour
• 5 self-guided walking tours
• Bicycles, helmets and locks for use on Day 2
• Road book with detailed route descriptions and elevation profiles
• GPS device with all the tracks (a refundable deposit of €200 is required)
• All the transfers during the programme
• Luggage transfers between accommodations (max 15 kg per bag)
• An emergency number and local support

 

What’s not included

• Meals except breakfast as described above
• Personal travel insurance
• Entrance fees
• Personal expenses and gratuities