WALKING, CYCLING AND DONKEY TREKKING IN NORTHERN PORTUGAL
2017 / 2018
About Us: Descubra Minho is a Portuguese tour operator specialized in guided & self-guided walking, cycling and donkey trekking in Northern Portugal. The company was founded in 2013 by Agostinho and Filipe, two young nature lovers and natives from Northern Portugal. Descubra Minho offers tours all year in Minho region, the greenest area in Portugal, in Serra D´Arga - a Nature Reserve in the district of Viana do Castelo and in the Peneda Geres National Park, the only National Park in Portugal (1 hour from Porto airport). Our guided tours include picnics lunches with local food and wine bought to local communities sharing the tourism benefits and giving you the opportunity to taste the Portuguese flavours!
About Northern Portugal: Minho, Serra D´Arga and Peneda Gerês National Park Northern Portugal has probably the most unique features that are well worth discovering. Historic villages and castles that defended the nation's borders, schist and granite villages, which retain traces of an immemorial, ancient past. People are genuinely welcoming in receiving their visitors with the best they have to offer. Nature prevails in the Minho region giving us moments of unforgettable pleasure. But this region is not only about nature. Here nature coexists with the numerous testimonies of the past in a harmonious way. The Minho Valley is nature, culture, history, traditions, food and wine, friendly and hospitable people. Minho also boasts secret nature reserves such Serra D´Arga and Peneda Gerês National Park, the only National Park in Portugal. This both areas still preserving the traditional hill farms and way of life, the cattle live under the houses and those which do go out grazing have to be indoors each night because the Iberian wolf. With us you will explore nature, cultural heritage, taste our world-renowned cuisine and famous Portuguese wines. Minho has everything that the active and adventurous tourist loves: quiet roads for cycling, gorgeous paths for those who prefer walking, great weather and changing landscapes that varies from the mountains to the sea.
SERRA D´ARGA
How to get there? Arriving by air: There exist many directly flights to Porto airport (OPO), the nearest airport. -
Directly flights with Ryanair: from Eindhoven to Porto. Directly flights with Transavia: from Amsterdam to Porto.
From Porto airport, you can catch the metro to visit the city of Porto, Portugal. From Porto (Campanha or S. Bento) you can catch the train to the city of Viana do Castelo or to the city of Braga, Portugal. To explore the nature reserves, the best option is to book our private transfer from Porto airport to Peneda Gerês National Park (1 hour). When is the best time to visit the North of Portugal? The overall best time for a visit is either April-June (spring flowers, colourful countryside) or September-October (autumn agricultural activity, grape harvests, golden light). July and August coincide, of course, with the peak local holiday period: it's still perfectly possible to have a great time walking here in these months, we recommend you to bring a hat and sunscreen because some summer days are a bit hot (between 24ºC and 28ºC). Winters offer occasional (but unpredictable) periods of still, clear weather, wonderful walking conditions, but sometimes there's cold rain, drizzle and damp, with snow in the Peneda Gerês National Park.
Tour grades: We offer tours with different grades for different kind of people (families, experience cyclists or walkers, beginners), so our tours are graded for difficulty as follows: 
Easy - tours for reasonably fit people with at least a little country walking or biking experience. May include unsurfaced rural paths. Recommended for families or beginners that are looking for a relaxing holiday.
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Moderate - tours for people with country walking and biking experience and a good level of fitness. May include some steep paths and open country, and may be at a brisk pace. For people, they are looking for some challenge along the route.
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Advanced - tours for experienced country walkers and cyclists with an above average fitness level. May include hills and rough country, and may be at a brisk pace.
Centred walking Northern Portugal: Nature, Culture, Wine and Sea: this is Northern Portugal – 8 days / 7 nights
This program is a centred walking holiday staying by the sea in the historical town of Viana do Castelo. In essence we will be walking inland along the Lima valley, a beautiful tranquil place with its own unique identity which sings out from the rest of Portugal. The week offers a rich variety of walks from the dunes of the Atlantic to the wild mountains of the Serra De Arga. Viana do Castelo was once an important trading and fishing port within Portugal and is proud to be home to fine renaissance houses and rococo palaces. Itinerary: Day 1 - Transfer from Porto airport (Portugal) to Viana do Castelo (Portugal). Welcome dinner in the evening. Day 2 – Serra de Arga wildlife and nature Wildlife and nature in Serra D´Arga Nature Reserve, a circular walk through the stunning landscape of the Serra de Arga, a mountain famous for its wild horses and wolves. Day 3 - The Coastal Forts and the coastline A walk along the Viana do Castelo coastline passing along the way the historical forts that used to protect this area, windmills and visiting the Bronze Age rock art still preserved in the cliffs at Montedor.
Day 4 – Free day. On this day you can explore the historical city of Viana do Castelo or you can catch the train to visit the city of Porto. Day 5 – Montaria watermills A circular walk through the Montaria mountain village, once famous for its 42 watermills. On this tour you will visit the inside of a is still working watermill. Day 6 – Lima Valley: land of Vinho Verde A walk through the vineyards of Lima Valley that gives panoramic views over the Lima valley as we went our way over the mountains all our movements. Day 7 – Seven lagoons and waterfalls in Serra D´Arga Along a walking tour through a mountain river you will explore wonderful waterfalls and you are welcome to stop for a swim. Day 8 – After breakfast, transfer back to Porto airport.
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights Tour grade: Easy: walks between 4 – 7 kms
Moderate: walks between 7 – 15 kms
Included:
7 night’s accommodation in 3 star or 4 star hotels; 7 breakfasts; 2 dinners; Transfers from Porto airport to hotel and from hotel to Porto airport; Guided visit to a winery and wine tasting; All transfers from hotel to walking areas and return; Experienced tour leader (English speaking guide) during 6 days; Insurance.
Trek Hotel to Hotel - Green Minho, Northern Portugal: Nature, Culture, Wine and Sea – 8 days / 7 nights
Inheriting its name from the curving river which flows through it, marking the border with Spain, the Minho region of Northern Portugal is not only rich in culture, traditions and history, it is also strikingly beautiful. Also, known as ‘Costa Verde’ or the ‘Green Coast’, Minho is renowned for its excellent wines and unparalleled hospitality of its people. Itinerary: Day 1 - Transfer from Porto airport (Portugal) to Lindoso (Peneda Geres National Park). Briefing and welcome dinner in the evening. Day 2 – Peneda-Geres National Park: from Lindoso to Soajo - 12 kms This route takes you through picturesque villages, farmland and forest. You will witness a disappearing way of life. Much of this landscape was farmed in the past – numerous terraces, water channels, barns and grain stores attest to this heritage. Day 3 – Peneda-Geres National Park: from Soajo to Ponte da Barca – 11 kms From Soajo you follow old tracks along the mountainside, and apart from short downhill sections you will be gradually ascending the whole way. Reaching the village of Vila de Soente, you walk up their access road and cross the main road to enter forest. Finding the route from here to the destination, the National Park visitor centre at Mezio. Day 4 – Lima Valley: from Ponte da Barca to Ponte de Lima - 17,4 kms Leaving Ponte da Barca, you walk alongside the peaceful Lima river most of the way to the historic town of Ponte de Lima. This walk is a complete contrast to the previous two days. Only towards the end do you leave the riverside for a kilometre or so. The going is very easy, being virtually level and traffic-free nearly all the way.
Day 5 – Lima Valley: from Ponte de Lima to Viana do Castelo – 14 kms On this day you have easy walking again, as you continue along the Lima valley from Ponte de Lima. Most of the route is level and much of it is traffic-free. You leave Ponte de Lima along the magnificent avenue of plane trees by the river then mainly walk on tracks or rural roads, through fertile agricultural land and woodland, intensive grape growing and wine production. Optional: visit a vineyard / winery and taste their wines (the cost is payable locally). Day 6 – Atlantic Coast: From Viana do Castelo to Vila Praia de Âncora – 19,2 kms After two days in the mountains and then two days along the valley of the Rio Lima, this walk is a complete contrast, as you walk along the coast northwards from Viana to Vila Praia de Âncora. You will follow part of the Portuguese Coastal Way to Santiago de Compostela, some of the time you have the option to walk along the beach. Along the route you will see old windmills and you can find iron-age salt pans and bronze age carved in granite outcrops. Day 7 – From Portugal to Spain: From Vila Praia de Âncora to A Guarda (Spain) – 17,5 kms This walk is in two distinct sections. The first takes you from Vila Praia de Âncora to the town of Caminha where your last night’s accommodation is located. You can then extend the walk by taking a ferry across the Minho river to Galicia in Spain to walk up Monte de Santa Trega, the striking conical hill opposite Caminha, returning later by ferry. Day 8 – After breakfast, transfer back to Porto airport. Duration: 8 days / 7 nights Tour grade: Moderate Included:
7 night’s accommodation in 3 star or 4 star hotels; 7 breakfasts; 1 welcome dinner; Transfer from Porto airport to Peneda-Geres National Park; Transfer from Caminha to Porto airport; Luggage transfers between hotels; Booklet: maps and walking notes; Garmin GPS device with tracks; Telephone support for emergencies; Insurance.
Bike Holiday – Hotel to Hotel: From Geres National Park to Vinho Verde Wine Route – 7 days / 6 nights
Coming to Portugal, there is nothing more exotic and exciting than discover the country on two wheels. Northern Portugal has probably the most unique features that are well worth discovering: traditional villages and castles that defended the nation's borders, schist and granite villages, which retain traces of an immemorial, ancient past. On this program, you will cycle through Minho region, the greenest area in Portugal, you will cycle through quiet roads, gorgeous paths and different landscape that varies from the mountains to the sea. Itinerary: Day 1 – Arrival. Transfer from Porto airport (Portugal) to Lobios (Spain). Welcome dinner in the evening and briefing. Day 2: Transboundary Biosphere Reserve Gerês-Xurés (35 kms) Transboundary Biosphere Reserve Gerês-Xurés was declared on May 27, 2009, by UNESCO, and is located in the Autonomous Community of Galicia (Spain) and the North of Portugal, covering a total of 267,958 ha of protected land in two areas divided by natural boundaries, yet united by the characteristics of nature and culture. The reserve’s natural landscape is divided into plains and inland valleys, the wide valley of the Lima River and steep slopes. On this day, you will cycle along the protected area. Day 3: Lima Valley (45 kms) From the National Park you will ride downhill through the Lima Valley visiting the medieval town of Ponte da Barca and finishing your day at Ponte de Lima, the oldest town in Portugal.
Day 4: Portuguese Atlantic Coast (48 kms) Preparing for a longer day, out of Ponte de Lima you will follow the coast line until Gondarém. You will have the opportunity to spend time in small beaches if you wish. All along the way from Vila Praia de Ancora to Viana de Castelo you will go along small fields not far from beach, and in some points, it is possible to alt and get a bath. Viana do Castelo is an important city; the centre is characteristic of the Minho and reminds its ancient past. Day 5: Minho Valley (38 kms) You will follow the river Minho. The cycling will follow through villages and one always green landscape, sometimes covered with vines, other with patches of forest. The history is always by the way, from old medieval bridges and tours to the XVII and XVIII centuries old Manors’ granite coloured white walls. Valença town is one good place to explore the fortress, streets and stay; the central square is typical of the Minho architecture. Day 6: Vinho Verde Wine Route (30 kms) From Valença do Minho to Monção, you’ll follow a cycle path that runs along the river; it was once a railway track. It smooth surface will lead you truth the country. The fortress of Valença do Minho is overlooking the old iron bridge to Galicia. The small narrow street of the fortress town are a delight to the eye. Monção is the birthplace of Alvarinho wine and during this day you will visit a visit to a family winery, where you will taste alvarinho wine. Day 7: Departure. Duration: 7 days / 6 nights Tour grade: moderate Included:
6 night’s accommodation in 3 star or 4 star hotels; 6 breakfasts; 1 welcome dinner; Transfer from Porto airport to Peneda-Geres National Park; Transfer from Monção to Porto airport; 5 days bike rental, panniers and helmet; Luggage transfers between hotels; Booklet: maps and walking notes; Garmin GPS device with tracks; Telephone support for emergencies; Insurance.
Bike Holiday – Hotel to Hotel: Short Portuguese Coastal Way to Santiago de Compostela (6 days / 5 nights)
The Portuguese Coastal way to Santiago de Compostela is an alternative to the main Portuguese way to Santiago, although both ways start in Porto in the North of the country and finish in Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The route of Portuguese coastal way has been used from the 15th century by people who live along the coast and navigators who, in the past, would land on the Portuguese Spanish coast. Nowadays this is one of the best ways to Santiago, whose most beautiful part is the Atlantic scenery from Caminha in Portugal to Vigo in Spain. Itinerary: Day 1 – Arrival. Transfer from Porto airport to Caminha. Day 2: From Caminha (Portugal) to Baiona (Spain) – 35 km You start your way by catching a ferry in Caminha in Portugal in order to cross the river to a town A Guarda in Spain. Cycling along the Spanish coastline you will ride through the city of A Guarda enjoying the gorgeous views over the Atlantic. After visiting A Guarda, your next stop is Oia which is a small fisherman town – a wonderful place to stop for Galician cuisine and some drink. In Oia you can also visit the Monastery of Santa Maria de Oia, an impressive Monastery near the sea. Leaving Oia you will cycle along the coastline finishing your day in the medieval town of Baiona.
Day 3 –Baiona to Pontevedra – 55 km Leaving the historical center of Baiona you will cycle along the beach of Ramallosa and the Minor river in the direction of Nigran. Afterwards you will get to the city of Vigo, cycling uphill you leave Vigo passing through the forests of Redondela where the Portuguese coastal way connects with the Portuguese main way. You will finish your day in Pontevedra - a medieval city full of monuments, pubs and great restaurants. Day 4 - Pontevedra to Padrón – 40 km Leaving Pontevedra you will cross Burgo bridge cycling through Alba, Pontecabras and the villages of Leborei and Castrado. You will cycle through areas such the oak forest of Reiriz and Lombo Maceira, vineyards of Briallos and afterwards we will reach Caldas de Reis, a thermal city. Then, you will cycle through farmlands passing by Pontecesures where we will cross Ulla river and finish our day in Padrón. There you can visit a local restaurant to try the typical Padrón peppers. Day 5 – Padrón to Santiago de Compostela – 25 km This is your last stage on the Portuguese Coastal way. Leaving Padrón in the morning you will cycle through some rural villages. Going uphill you will reach Agro de Monteiros where you can admire a truly breathtaking view over the city of Santiago de Compostela. Cycling down the road, you will cross Sar river and eventually arrive to the city of Santiago, precisely Obradoiro square where the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is located. Day 6 - Departure After breakfast, transfer from your hotel in Santiago to Porto airport or Santiago airport. Duration: 6 days / 5 nights Tour grade: moderate Included:
5 night’s accommodation in 3 star or 4 star hotels; 5 breakfasts; 1 welcome dinner; Transfer from Porto airport to Caminha; Transfer from Santiago de Compostela to Porto airport or Santiago airport; 5 days bike rental, panniers and helmet; Luggage transfers between hotels; Booklet: maps and walking notes; Garmin GPS device with tracks; Insurance Telephone support for emergencies; Pilgrim passport.
Optional: Full way from the city of Porto to Santiago de Compostela (8 days / 7 nights).
Donkey Trekking in Peneda Geres National Park
The Peneda Geres National Park located in Northern Portugal comprises the mountain of Peneda, Soajo, Amarela and Gerês and nowadays is the only National Park in Portugal. The National Park is home of wolves, wild goats, deer’s and wild horses that still living in the remotest areas of the park. The history of the National Park is remembered by the local heritage: castles, granaries, seasonal settlements, living testimony of human occupation over the years. With its granite landscape and oak forests, traditional villages, streams and valleys, the Peneda Gerês National Park offers great scenery for nature lovers.
This program is recommended for children from 4 years old. Maximum weight per donkey: 40 kg! Who can do this tour? Solo travelers, couples or families.
Itinerary: Day 1 – Arrival in Soajo, Peneda – Gerês National Park. Welcome at Porto airport and transfer to Soajo, Peneda Gerês National Park (1h00). Soajo is a rural village overlooking Lima river. The main attraction are the old stone granaries where corn is stored. Depending on your arrival time in Soajo, you will explore the village, here you have three restaurants, bakery, a shop, pharmacy and ATM. Your home for the next two nights is a beautiful converted farm house in Soajo. Day 2 – Path of Bread and Faith in Soajo – 5 kms You meet your donkey in the morning and we will show you how to handle and look after him and then set off along a circular walk through the Path of Bread and Faith Soajo village. Faith because it’s one of the main pilgrimage routes to Senhora da Peneda Monastery and Bread because it leads to the watermills at the top of Soajo. The trek ends at your accommodation and after you can spend the afternoon visiting a hidden natural pool, here you can swim and relax.
Day 3 - From Soajo to Lindoso – 12 kms Leaving Soajo you will follow the footsteps of shepherds and cattle towards. This ancient routes connect different rural villages inside of Peneda Gerês National Park. Along this day, you will walk through terraced fields and you will visit the village of Cunha and the villages of Paradela. You will cross Alto Lindoso Dam to arrive in Lindoso village. Lindoso still has the remains of a castle and is famous for having the largest collection of granaries (54 granaries) stand around the communal threshing floor. Day 4 – Serra Amarela, wild horses and wolf area (8 kms) Following the footsteps of shepherds and cattle towards the hills and the high pastures of Serra Amarela (Yellow Mountain), you will explore a wilderness area. In Serra Amarela still living the last Iberian wolves in Portugal and the garrano wild horses, an endangered breed of horse from Northern Portugal. Along this walk you enjoy stunning views over Spain, because you will walk along the Portuguese border. This is a circular walk starts and ends at your accommodation. Day 5 – From Lindoso to Parada (4 kms) During the morning, you can visit the inside of Lindoso Castle and after you can start walking from Lindoso to Parada. Leaving Lindoso you will walk through oak forests and vineyards, along the way you enjoy stunning views over Lima Valley. You will arrive earlier in Parada. At this point the countryside becomes wilder and inhabitation less. At Parada you can explore this traditional village and you can visit the local lagoons to swim and relax. Day 6 – Parada watermills (8kms) Following ancient paths created by locals in order to reach the old mills, you will visit some watermills in Parada. During this walking tour you will have contact with the local community and you will learn about the local traditions associated with the mills and water management as an essential resource for the local people. Day 7 – Departure. After breakfast we will do the transfer from the National Park to Porto airport or to a nearby city. Trek on the map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1ZjDeaYpe3hi93K-FpRK7VELpWw&ll=41.85624905171355%2C-8.21918963210453&z=12 Duration: 7 days / 6 nights Tour grade: moderate
Included on a self-guided donkey trekking: 6 nights in guesthouses with private room, private WC and fully equipped kitchen; 6 breakfast; 3 dinners; Luggage transfers between hotels; Accommodation and food for donkey; 5 days donkey rent; Saddle and saddle bag to carry the picnic; Transfer from Porto airport to Soajo; Transfer from Parada to Porto; GPS device with tracks; Booklet: maps and walking notes; Emergency support; Insurance. Included on a guided donkey trekking:
6 nights in guesthouses with private room, private WC and fully equipped kitchen; 6 breakfast; 3 dinners; Insurance; Luggage transfers between hotels; Accommodation and food for donkey; 5 days donkey rent; Saddle and saddle bag for donkey to carry the picnic; 5 days local tour guide; 6 Picnics; Transfer from Porto airport to Soajo; Transfer from Parada to Porto.
To discuss a partnership or programs in Portugal, please contact us by email: info@descubraminho.pt Visit our website: http://www.descubraminho.pt/en/toursnorthernportugal