From Porto, discover the beauty of one of the most beautiful regions of Portugal, on a trip in a comfortable vehicle and private driver. On this trip to Minho you will get to know the best of the cities of Braga and Guimarães, two of the oldest and historical in Portugal and recognized by UNESCO. Have a memorable lunch at a local restaurant and choose the places to enjoy: • Braga Downtown, Braga Cathedral, Bom Jesus or Sameiro • Igreja e Convento de Sao Francisco, • Paco dos Duques de Braganca and Guimarães Castle • Arco da Porta Nova e Largo da Nossa Senhora Oliveira Return in comfort to your hotel in Porto after a day that will surely be unforgettable. This is a private experience tour. You can adapt the program according to your preferences.

The Peneda-Gerês National Park (PNPG) is a protected area in the far north of Portugal. It develops between the regions of Minho, Trás-os-Montes and Galicia (Spain), and affects the territory of Terras do Bouro, Melgaço, Arcos de Valdevez, Ponte da Barca and Montalegre. This huge green area of around 70,000ha, where 240 species of vertebrate fauna and 1100 of flora cohabit, together with the Spanish park Baixa-Limia, forms the cross-border park Gerês-Xures. The diversity of the biosphere is distinguished/preserved by UNESCO (2009) as a world reserve. The PNPG is subdivided into 4 mountain ranges - Peneda, Amarela, Soajo and Gerês, and is cut by two large rivers - Lima and Cávado, in addition to the numerous tributaries with their source in the mountain itself. There are more than 500 sites of historical and archaeological interest in the park, with special emphasis on the Roman Geira and milestones - the ancient path that led legionnaires between Bracara Augusta and Astorica Augusta. From untouched nature, to hidden waterfalls that guide us to beautiful lakes, the PNPG offers the most impressive landscapes in the region, and certainly the most immersive experience in the north of the country! On our tour, we will discover small wonders on easy hikes, see secret waterfalls, bathe in crystalline waters and even get to know the territory of the Iberian Wolf. Come and discover this paradise!

The day starts with a meeting at your hotel in Oporto, Braga, or Guimarães and you’ll head towards the beautiful green area of Portugal, a title given to this region due to the fertility of its soils that confers a vivid green color to the landscape as far as your eyes can reach. Onboard a comfortable air-conditioned minibus, head towards Ponte de Lima, considered the oldest town in Portugal. Here, you will be guided through the picturesque streets, narrow alleys, and the ancient bridge of Ponte de Lima. Nearby this town you will have a relaxing moment with one of the treasures of the region, the green wine (Vinho Verde). This guided visit takes place inside a baroque palace that dates from the XVII century, where you will find a hospitable wine producer that will explain the uniqueness of this wine while you taste as well some local cheese and smoked sausage. This will also be the moment to enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, you will be driven to Viana do Castelo, a city located between the river the ocean and the mountains. The rich history of this wonderful city will be explained while walking through medieval streets, blue-tiled churches, and traditional jewelry shops where you will find the famous heart from Viana. Enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramic views in the world - the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia. Cap off the experience with a perfectly crafted cocktail by the sea, while going over what has been learned about the history of Portugal, in the picturesque city of Viana do Castelo.

After morning pickup from your accommodation in Porto, Braga, or Guimaraes, head off on a journey into Portugal’s wine country. Discover landscapes of the “Green Region” on the way to the historical city of Amarante with its 13th-century bridge and the 16th-century church. Enjoy trying the northern regional cuisine. Then you’ll be off and running down the Romanesque Route, a trail that travels back in time through Portugal’s rich history by connecting its most famous monuments.  After seeing churches, memorials, castles, and ruins, you’ll head to the first Vinho Verde producer of the the day, learning of the unique methods used to create Portugal’s famous green wine. To cap things off, you’ll continue down the picturesque country roads to another vineyard. Taste more Vinho Verde, gathering skills to differentiate the particular grape varietals used to make each stunningly crisp wine. After discovering some of Portugal’s undisputed cultural gems, you’ll head back to your accommodation.

Discover a different chapter of Portugal’s fascinating history on this full-day tour through the Minho region, a short drive north from Porto. Join us for this unique trip, arriving first at Guimarães, a city often seen as the birthplace of Portuguese nationality. Settled in the 9th century, this picturesque city is home to a walled historic center, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there we will carry on to the largest city in the Minho region, Braga. The oldest city in Portugal, and one of the oldest in Europe, Braga boasts several beautiful churches, in particular the Braga Cathedral. Enjoy a stop for a traditional lunch in Braga, surrounded by an impressive blend of medieval, neo-classical and baroque architecture. From there we will take the short trip back to Porto, arriving in the evening.

Your first stop will be in Braga, a city known for its heritage and religious events as one of the oldest cities in Portugal and one of the oldest Christian cities in the world. Being a religious city, you must visit the Cathedral of Faith Triangle, and the Sanctuaries of Bom Jesus. The Cathedral of Braga is distinguished by different architectural styles, including Roman, Manueline and Baroque. It is considered a center of Episcopal irradiation, and is one of the most important Romanesque temples in the country. The Bom Jesus Sanctuary is famous for its endless staircases and baroque details, and above being a religious monument it is also a truly romantic and relaxing place, complete with stunning views of the city. Before leaving for Guimarães, you will have a short break in the historic center of Braga, where you can enjoy a tasty, traditional lunch. Guimarães is where the first King of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, was born. The history of Guimarães is related to the foundation of the national identity and the Portuguese language. Here you can explore the Guimarães Castle, and see the imposing statue of King Afonso Henriques.

Start your tour with a convenient pick-up service at your accommodation in Porto city center. After a short meet and greet with your driver/guide, you will take a brief scenic drive to Santiago de Compostela and Valenca do Minho.  On this tour, your guide will show you why Santiago de Compostela has been such a famous and important location for Christian pilgrims. See why the ancient city has long been considered a symbol of faith and devotion. Explore the old part of the city that has been UNESCO listed since 1985. Take a stroll to witness the gorgeous cathedral of Santiago, a Catholic church built in Romanesque style, that bears the scars of many years of conflict. The building is an astounding feature, designed in gothic, baroque and renaissance elements. Before departing for Valença do Minho you will take a break in the historical center of Santiago to enjoy a tasty, traditional lunch. Next, drive to the medieval fortress of Valença do Minho, built with great strategical value, it was the defense wall of Minho. This monument was built to protect Portugal from the Spanish troops. Your guide will take you to the best spots to marvel at this architectural wonder. Your private tour will end with a relaxing drive back to your accommodation.