MINHO REGION A lost crown jewel in the North of Portugal
MIN HO REGI O N P O NTE DE LIM A
*ONE HOUR DR IVE AWAY FROM OPORT O
*ONE HOUR DR IVE AWAY FROM VIGO - SPAIN
*7 5,917 NIG HTS SP ENT BY TOUR IST S I N ACCOMMODAT ION IN P ON TE DE LIM A (2 017 )
The Minho Region The Minho Region is located in the north of Portugal, forty kilometers from the city of Oporto and border with the neighbor Galicia, where an ancient cycle of life continues remarkably intact, waiting to welcome those who adventure to the far north of Portugal. Here you can discovered rugged landscapes and an unfamiliar history on horseback, by bike or hiking and you'll find also distinguished food and wine. The region has a rich patrimony and is endowed with unspoiled natural spaces: mountains, woodlands, streams and lagoons, river and beaches, and traditional picturesque villages. Here, tradition is kept to its most intimate detail and this tells a lot about the region and its people.
PONT E DE LI MA A perfect base door to Explore the Minho Region Ponte de Lima, the oldest town in Portugal, is located on the heart of Minho Region, a town of stories and history, a walk through the town centre is a journey to the roots of our ancestry. History runs deep in Ponte de Lima. consider a bit of Roman history. In the second century BCE. Throughout the county, opulent manorial houses were built by the nobility of the time and new distinguished accommodations like Cerquido Village & SPA are growing in the mountains around the town. Over the years, Ponte de Lima has thus added to its natural beauty magnificent Gothic, Mannerist, Baroque, Neoclassical and nineteenth century faรงades, significantly increasing the historical, cultural and architectural value of this unique corner of Portugal. Today, the pedestrianized bridge is a feeder path to the Santiago Way pilgrimage route in Spain.
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CULTU RAL
Ponte de Lima, International Equestrian Destination presents a calendar rich in equestrian events that is complemented by other wine and gastronomic activities: Concurso de Saltos de Obstรกculos Internacional (International Show Jumping) May 10th, 11th e 12th XIII Feira do Cavalo de Ponte de Lima (Horse Fair) July 4th, 5th, 6th e 7th III Jogos Equestres de Ponte de Lima (Equestrian Games) August 7th, 8th, 9th e 10th Campeonato da Europa de Horseball e Loureiro Convida (Horseball European Championship and Wine Fair) August 12th to 17th
Fortnightly, on Mondays (the people call the other single women), the oldest fair in Portugal has been going on since 1125. Going out on the artificial streets created between the tents of the beach is a unique experience for those who want to live a little of what is left of the old medieval habits, so he can not and must not fail to do so.
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GASTRON OMY & WINE In Ponte de Lima, the most traditional dish of the local cuisine is Arroz de Sarrabulho, a tasty dish of rice served with marinated pork - rich in flavor and tradition. The Lima’s River lamprey is also much appreciated in Ponte de Lima and can be cooked in many different ways. Ponte de Lima is also the capital of Vinho Loureiro, a green wine of high quality (Vinho Verde), easily distinguished by its unique color and aroma refreshing and fruity. The white vinho verde must be savored refreshed and in a divine combination with the traditional dishes and the sweets of the region. Some of the best Loureiro wines are made in Ponte de Lima and it is possible to visit some vineyards.
3 NATURE In Ponte de Lima and surroundings there are a remarkable series of gardens that invite for long walks, reading, rest and total relaxation. The Oldest Village in Portugal is also surrounded by mountains, such as the Serra d'Arga, a mountain where eagles ascend and the legendary Garranos horses graze and shelter in the caves. With rails stuffed with all the ingredients needed for unforgettable days. Granitic Ranges, Roman Paths, the Atlantic Ocean on the horizon, waterfalls and woods, an explosive cocktail on a mountain range that is usually dubbed the Holy Mountain, and enchants those who pass by. And at its base we find the Protected Landscape Area of Bertiandos and S. Pedro de Arcos Ponds, a national landmark in terms of education and nature conservation.
THE PARTN ERSHIP We design tailored programs to fit our client’s desires. We are a join business partners that together offers some of the best gastronomy, culture and nature experiences in the Lima’s Valley.
CERQUI DO VILLAGE & SPA The only secret that are not to keep for yourself! The Cerquido Village looks like in the middle of nowhere, but near to everything: it’s only a 20 minutes driving to Ponte de Lima, Viana do Castelo ou Caminha, 50 minutes driving to Oporto or Vigo (Spain).
C E R Q U ID O V IL L AG E & S PA The Cerquido Village & Spa is high on the slopes of Serra d’Arga, a mountainous region overlooking the Lima’s Valley. The Cerquido Village has stone houses and wood cabins where the old world meets the contemporary and the furniture worked together with soft colors and small Minho Style details carefully distributed create a cozy atmosphere. The accommodations are completely by the addition of a small, heated, indoor swimming pool, and jacuzzi. Outside there are sofas, sun loungers and a transparent balcony, to ensure that nothing spoils the idyllic, green horizon. You can lose yourself in the combination of diving in the pool, sunbathing and simply relaxing all day long. No need to even look at a clock.
Q U A RT É IS D E S A N TA J U S TA From Ponte de Lima, by municipal roads and ancient, curved paths, carved in the mountain, with wide, panoramic views, twenty minutes of journey, until Quartéis de Santa Justa are in your view range, placed at the highest point of the self-named hill, at the mountain of Serra d’Arga, with the sea at the horizon line. Anciently shelter for the pilgrims, nowadays accommodation for tourists that search in the mountain for a refugee of stories and history or, for the most adventurous, dozens of quilometres through the mountain to explore by feet, on a bike or on horseback. Beyond the fortress composed by two suits and two dorms connected with three and four individual beds, you will also find a small Chapel associated with the cult of two saints, Santa Justa and Rufina.
We’re growing and in June we’ll have more houses and an infinity swimming pool.
PONTE DE LI MA ON H ORSEBACK By the river, mountain and sea… there are no better views than on the back of our horses!
We’ve been nature and horse lovers for a long time, growing with un undying passion for our own country’s beauty… Join us to explore the Minho region as locals do and meet the welcoming Portuguese people in their remote mountain villages and in the oldest town of Portugal, Ponte de Lima.
E Q U E S TR IA N E X P E R IE NCE S
An awakening of sensations!
Ponte de Lima on Horseback is a project where horse riding routes and eco trails will certainly awake sensations and provide unforgettable memories. On the back of a horse enjoy the Cultural, Natural and Steeped Heritage of the Oldest Village of Portugal, Fruitful Landing of Humanity. Along the banks of the Lima’s River, Serra d’Arga, Protected Area of the Lagoons and National Park of Peneda - Gerês, sample the huge variety of gastronomic delights this area has to offer. All these characteristics gather the conditions that make this region International Reference of Equestrian Tourism.
Services: • Dressage Clinics;
Horseback Ride; Horse riding
classes; Carriage Ride; • Taylor-made programs
TAS TE OF MINHO FOOD TOU R Portuguese Gastronomy With the focus on the rich Portuguese gastronomy, our clients will get a multi-sensory approach and an unforgettable experience.
TA S T E O F M IN HO FOOD TOUR Taste of Minho Food Tour is dedicated to providing Tourism programs centered around Wine, Gastronomy and the Culture of the Minho Region and the North of Portugal. Be moved by our region and taste our gastronomy and Vinho Verde wine, enjoy the most genuine cultural aspects of our Region.
Services: Gastronomy Tours Guided Vinho Verde Wine Tastings Workshops Team building/corporate Taylor-made programs
OUR BES T SELLER PROD UCTS Horseback trails, Horse riding classes
Yoga Classes
Gastronomic Tours
Work shops
Bike trails
M IN HO AS A L OC A L
Paths from the past to the present on horseback ! We’ve been nature and horse lovers for a long time, growing with un undying passion for our own country’s tremendous beauty. Portugal is a small country with a very long history and exquisite culture, is the perfect backdrop to experience some of the best things in life: nature, food, wine, history and culture... And you can do these on Horseback! Join us to explore the Minho region as locals do and meet the welcoming Portuguese people in their remote mountain villages and in the oldest village of Portugal, Ponte de Lima. Highlights: * Horseback riding until the oldest town of Portugal crossing the Romain bridge, a part of the Pilgrims way to Santiago de Compostela - OR - in the mountain between the protected area of S. Pedro d’Arcos and Bertiandos Lagoons to the hill of Santa Justa, where you can see the ocean in the horizon line; * 1 Yoga Classe in the mountain; * 1 Beautiful gastronomic city tour and local wine museum; * 3 nights accommodation in Cerquido Village and SPA Resume: * 4 days with instruction in English (Spoken languages: Portuguese, Spanish, English); the maximum participants in the group is 10; 2 meals; double room; Low season special price.
TA STE PONTE DE LIM A Cooking and wine natural scape vacation
Come enjoy our hospitality and experience a cooking class complemented by horse riding routes and discover the secrets to a healthy Portuguese lifestyle that will boost your general well being. During this culinary holiday you will not only learn how to prepare a traditional Portuguese meal, but you will sample a wide variety of delicious meals prepared with local recipes . Also included during your stay, with a knowledgeable guide, a horse ride in the charming village of Ponte de Lima, and visit one Vineyard property learning more about our Loureiro grape and our past at the wine museum. We want to make this holiday memorable for our guest so we can taylormade this product for you! Highlights: *
1 cooking class with paring wine
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1 wine tour visit one vineyards
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1 relaxing yoga session
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Beautiful gastronomic city tour and local wine museum
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Horseback riding tour between picturesque villages and the
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Resume: * 4 days with instruction in English * Spoken languages: Portuguese, Spanish, English * The maximum participants in the group is 10 * 3 meals
vineyards
* 1 wine taste
3 nights accommodation in
* Double room
Cerquido Village and SPA
* Low season special price.
Here you can live the slow life and discover the secrets the locals have to share with you ....this is what charm the visitors of the Minho Region!
Come to live the dream with us! “Great ride for my daughter, Martha, in Lagoas. Great stables and guide. Beautiful horses. Very well cared for. Highly recommended!” - Andrew Strange “What a wonderful place, friendly people, lovely Spa and pool. Nice view, the house is 10/10, 2 bedrooms, 2 perfect bathrooms, nice garden and the responsible for the house are super people. North Portugal, no doubt, a lot to see and it's worth to see it. Beaches, nature, people, food…” - D’Hont Jelle “Thank you very much for the excellent two days touring (and tasting) in the area. We learned a huge amount about the food, history and culture of the Minho region.” - David and Deb White
THAN K YOU ! We look forward to working with you.
Contacts: PR & Communication and Product Manager - Vanessa Oliveira Gomes Phone number - (+351) 968 664 537 | (+351) 912 120 270 Email - comunicacao@centroequestrevaledolima.com | comunicacao@cerquidovillage.com Website - www.centroequestrevaledolima.com | www.cerquidovillage.com