Itinerary

Itinerary

DAY 1
Oporto Airport
Arrive at any time. An arrival transfer is included from the airport to the hotel. There are no activities planned for this day. Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight in Braga.

DAY 2
Porto
Meeting point at the hotel lobby - 09h00 am. The tour starts with a pleasant walking tour at the UNESCO World Heritage Historical Center. Where you can admire magnificent monuments and sites. Starting with the impressive settlement of over 20.000 blue tiles in São Bento Train Station.

Then, proceeding to the 12th century Porto’s Cathedral. Where we’ll get to know even more about the city history and the History of Portugal. After that, we’ll be venturing down the alleys of the medieval district. To the commercial street “Rua das Flores,” filled with flowers, live street artists, and art-craft. We pass before the astonishing City Hall, up to the Clérigos Tower and its beautiful, noble quarter.

Being the most animated location in town, it’s where we will have lunch at a restaurant with local gastronomy.

In the afternoon, discover the city's modern district, such as Boavista and its magnificent “Casa da Música.” A stylish and architectural city landmark. It is proceeding to meet the river and crossing the riverside of the Douro River to Vila Nova de Gaia. Here you will be presented with a guided visit in a traditional Wine Cellar “Cave” and taste. This rich, sophisticated, and worldwide renowned fortified wine – the Port Wine (Standard 2 great wines).

We are still having the flavor of this nectar on our tongues. It’s time to enjoy the 6 Bridges Boat Cruise on the River Douro (duration: 1 hour). Aboard a traditional “Rabelo” boat, experience the panoramic views of the surrounding hills. At the red-tiled rooftops of the medieval houses, as well as the famous bridges of the city.

Dinner is not included — overnight in Braga.

DAY 3
Walking Tour in the Douro Valley
Meeting point at the hotel lobby - 09h00 am. Our challenge for the day is to discover some of the most beautiful treasures the Douro has to offer. After a journey of about one and a half-hour. The day starts at Pinhão, with an excellent view over the Douro River (Portugal Hiking Trails).

A tranquil walking tour will be around the vineyards of the Quinta. That is a leisurely walking tour, which affords glorious views of the river. The Douro Valley demarcated wine region is one of the most scenically impressive in the world! As evidenced by its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From this unique terroir come the grapes used to make Portugal’s famous Port wine as well as exquisite table wines.
Gift: refillable water bottle and one hat per person.

After lunch, it is time to visit the famous train station in the region. To finish the day, we will visit a wine estate and taste the famous Port wine (Standard 2 great wines).

Difficulty: Easy. Distance: 5km - 3.10 miles. Duration: 1 day. Dinner is not included — overnight in Braga.

DAY 4
Braga - Guimarães
Meeting point at the hotel lobby - 09h00 am. After breakfast, we have a small briefing about Bom Jesus do Monte Shrine. Ascent will be made on the elevator; this is the first funicular of the Iberian Peninsula. This funicular uses the system water balance, and it is currently the world's oldest in the service to use this ecological system. The cabins have a water tank. It will be fulled when you are at the top level and empty at the bottom. The difference in weight allows the obtained displacement; the amount of water is calculated depending on the passengers' number. The descent of the mount will be made on foot.

Then, we have one hands-on cooking class in Braga (lunch - Portuguese Cuisine. You will cook the main dish and dessert).

In the afternoon, we visit Guimarães. A historic town, exceptionally well-preserved, and an authentic example of the evolution of a medieval settlement into a modern city. (Guimarães’ Castel – ticket is included).

Dinner is not included — overnight in Braga.

DAY 5
Walking Tour in Sistelo - Arcos de Valdevez
Meeting point at the hotel lobby - 09h00 am. Sistelo won this title in 2017 in the category of Rural Villages, standing out for its endless agricultural terraces. That is the reason Sistelo is also called "Little Tibet." These have created a peculiar landscape and example of human resilience in adapting to the environment.

This tour will pass through mountain areas, rural areas, and remarkable villages in Portugal's history. With about three hundred inhabitants. Everything and everyone in Sistelo sounds like the good old days. The fountain is in the center of the square, marks the ending point. And, the details of the houses invite us to curiosity. Iron staircases, stone steps, sheer white draperies, and half-open wooden doors are typical of a village where peace reigns (Portugal Hiking Trails).

It includes a guided walking tour in the Vez Ecovia. An incredible path, where we will admire wooden walkways, Roman road, green mountains, crystal-clear lagoons, native flora, and fauna.

Difficulty: Easy / Moderate. Distance: 9km - 5.50 miles. Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight in Braga. Duration: 1/2 day. Overnight in Braga.

DAY 6
Walking Tour in Póvoa De Varzim (Portuguese Way Of Santiago)
Meeting point at the hotel lobby - 09h00 am. On the last day of the trip, we have a beautiful walk on the beach. Follow your local guide on the boardwalks alongside sandy beaches and between dunes and windmills. A walk with a lesser degree of difficulty. This walk will serve to appreciate the landscape. Learn the fisher community of Póvoa de Varzim and smell the sea air (Portugal Hiking Trails).

Along the walk, you will see small groups doing the Portuguese Camino Coastal Way. This trail is the most popular walking tour of the Portuguese Way of Saint James. Perfect for those looking to capture the essence of the Camino! It is a nice walk, good food, and wine discovering local customs. Meeting fellow pilgrims and enjoying the unique atmosphere of it all.

Suggestion for you lunchtime: grilled fish or shrimp salad with Vinho Verde (Verde means "green" – or more accurately "young" – wine).
Duration: 1/2 day. Lunch and dinner are not included — overnight in Braga.

DAY 7
Porto Airport
Transfer to the airport. End of Walking in Portugal. There are no activities planned for this day. Lunch and dinner are not included.
Suggestion: Book extra night in Braga and Coimbra & Aveiro – Full day (Post-tour extension).

More information from EcoTrilha Small-Group Portugal Tours:

• View trip on provider's website
  https://ecotrilha.pt/tours/walking-in-portugal…
• Company profile, experience, and history
• View all of their trips