Explore Peneda-Gerês National Park

Linear walk from Branda da Aveleira to Peneda – 11.0 km (6.8 miles)

• After a satisfyingly tasty breakfast, your private driver will meet you in the hotel lobby to drive you to the small village of Branda da Aveleira to start the walk over Peneda Mountain along an ancient shepherd’s trail.
• Cross wild rocky highlands with sweeping views over the surrounding mountains. At a plateau in this majestic landscape, you’ll encounter an isolated reservoir, seemingly in the middle of nowhere.
• After relaxing by the water, a steep descent along a dramatic stone stairway and path brings you to the sanctuary of Peneda, completely hidden and almost beneath your feet.
• A comfortable overnight stop awaits you in the modern hotel that has been tastefully installed in the former pilgrims’ quarters alongside the sanctuary.

Accommodation in a 3* hotel

Meals: Breakfast and packed lunch

Linear walk from Peneda to Lindoso – 18.8km (11.7 miles)

• Leave Peneda Sanctuary by walking down the valley along a centuries-old pilgrim route used by people from surrounding villages to attend religious festivals at the religious complex.
• Dramatic mountain scenery and enormous rock faces surround you as you follow the Peneda river through the small village of Tibo and continue down the valley to a place where two rivers converge. At this point, the river forms the frontier with Spain and it is easy to imagine the considerable flow of contraband that crossed this remote border.
• From the village of Várzea, it is an easy walk along a paved road beside the spectacular dam across the River Lima to nearby Lindoso, where the castle stands as testimony to its former importance.
• Spend the night in a beautifully restored traditional village cottage and take a while to examine the traditional tools and examples of embroidery on display.

Accommodation: Country Cottage

Meals: Breakfast and packed lunch

Serra Amarela circular walk – 21.4km (13.3 miles)

• Walk through the ancient streets of Lindoso village and through a forest to follow an unpaved road that leads gently uphill, offering spectacular views of the Soajo Mountains opposite.
• Once you begin your descent, the views get even better! Enjoy the utter peace and quiet and pure mountain air as you make your way downhill to the village of Cidadelhe. At this point, you have walked 15.5km/9.6 miles. If this is enough for the day, you can take a taxi back to your lodgings.
• For those who want a longer walk, complete the circuit and walk all the way to Lindoso.

Accommodation: Country House

Meals: Breakfast and packed lunch

Linear walk from Lindoso to Soajo – 15.4km (9.5 miles)

• As you leave Lindoso, and its incredible collection of 54 espigueiros (grain stores) and castle behind, you’ll walk through the varied countryside with moss-covered boulders, oak forests, streams, and small waterfalls.
• You’ll also pass through the village of Parada, once one of the most important in the area, before returning to Cidadelhe.
• From here, you’ll make your way along paths and back roads to another village where you can see the hydroelectric power station that locals depend upon.
• Cross the River Lima then a final climb brings you into the village of Soajo where you will spend two nights in a wonderfully restored traditional stone house.
• Spend the rest of the day exploring this village and reward your efforts with a chilled beer sitting in the shade of a tree outside a local café.

Accommodation:  Country Cottage

Meals: Breakfast and packed lunch

Linear walk from Avelar to Soajo – 19.3 km (12 miles)

• A short, scenic drive takes you to Avelar, a small village of shepherds in the heart of spectacular Soajo Mountain.
• Your reward for a rather steep start to today’s walk is striking views of unparalleled landscapes; the peaks and dips of the Peneda and Soajo Mountains and the lush Ramiscal Valley. You will also see rare examples of local heritage in the form of wolf traps and shepherd shelters.
• As you make your way downhill, you will encounter an enchanting section of the river with pools of inviting turquoise water and small waterfalls.
• Take a dip before continuing to walk through the pretty forests that surround the Mezio Park Gate. Stop here to learn about the natural and cultural treasures in this part of the vast national park.
• Make your way back to Soajo through mixed woodlands, mountain meadows, and typical villages, accompanied by views that extend across the Lima Valley to the Amarela Mountains opposite.
• Enjoy your last evening in the Peneda-Gerês National Park with a regional dish such as Carne Cachena, a succulent steak from the long-horned mountain cows.

Accommodation: Country Cottage

Meals: Breakfast and packed lunch

Free day in Porto

• Your private driver will meet you at your country house accommodation to take you to a 3-star hotel in Porto city center for the last night of this Northern Portugal adventure.
• The rest of the day is yours to explore Porto at leisure. Roam the historical streets of the UNESCO World Heritage center, go souvenir shopping, admire the views or go on a port wine tour and a tasting in the cellars of Vila Nova da Gaia.
• With a plethora of restaurants to choose from, you can end your holiday with a fine dining experience or in a more traditional setting.

Accommodation: 3* Hotel

Meals: Breakfast 

Departure

• After breakfast and check out, our services end

Meals: Breakfast