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North of Portugal:
The northern region of Portugal
offers an incredibly beautiful
contrast to the Algarve.
Here the vegetation is abundant and
green year round, and since most of
its towns and villages are of
medieval origin (at least if
cultural architectonic landmarks are
what you are looking for), you won’t
be disappointed!
Let’s not forget to mention a very
special treat for the connoisseurs:
this region is also well known for
its wines and gastronomy, home to
the ‘Vinho Verde’ as well as to the
world-famous Port wine.
Find one of the many old “Quintas”
and wineries where you can taste the
different qualities of wines, learn
their special characteristics and
much more.
The coastal road will take you on a
wonderful trip through spectacular
landscapes, rivers, waterfalls with
a magical feel throughout.
Away from mass tourism and big
crowds, this is a region still to be
discovered.
From nature trails, to enchanting
cities, delicious gastronomy, wines
of excellent quality and a charming
population,
famous for their hospitality, there
is always more than one reason to
visit the North of Portugal.
Guimarães: The city of
Guimarães, the first capital of
Portugal, chosen by the first king,
Afonso Henriques.
After a visit to the sacred hill of
the castle you can visit the Dukes
of Bragança Palace and to other
places of interest that made UNESCO
consider this town as a World
Heritage Site.
Braga: In the heart of
the green and fertile province of
Minho, the district of Braga
stretches from the sea inland, with
woodland scenery that undulates over
gentle hills and valleys.
The city of Braga, perhaps
Portugal's main religious centre, is
known for its baroque churches,
splendid 18th century houses and
elaborate gardens and parks.
The old city is solemn and antique,
but industry and commerce have
brought to it a lively style of
life, with its universities, modern
neighbourhoods, bars and
restaurants.
Douro Region: This
spectacular wine region has been
known for the production of wine,
especially port wine, for almost
2000 years.
The steep terraced slopes were
outstandingly carved by human hands
to create one of the most
spectacular landscapes in Europe.
Amarante: On your way
to the Douro you should not miss the
small town of Amarante. Located on
the banks of the river Tâmega this
charming little town is right at the
gate to the Douro Valley.
We are sure you won't resist
crossing the bucolic Tâmega River,
towards
S. Gonçalo monastery (16th
century).
A local legend says that all the
women who dare to touch the tomb of
the saint will get pregnant... Be
careful because the locals say it
really works...
Lamego: Visit the
famous Baroque church and pilgrimage
destination Nossa Senhora dos
Remédios, located high above the
city atop a seemingly endless
staircase.
Porto: Portugal's
second-largest city, the bustling
capital of the north. Explore the
steep medieval lanes and alleys in
the old town, a Unesco World
heritage site, or visit the church
São Francisco, This old simple
gothic Franciscan church is now
known as "the cave of gold" in an
astonishing exhibition of wealth and
power.
Right next door you'll find the
Stock Exchange Palace with
incredible granite work and
magnificent neo-Arab influences.
On your way up to the Cathedral you
can also admire the interesting
glazed tiles of the São Bento
Railway station.
After a visit to the Cathedral (12th
century) you will be able to admire
the river Douro and all of the Port
Wine lodges that brought fame and
fortune to the city. But a tour in
Porto would never be complete
without a visit to these wine
cellars.
After crossing the D.Luis Bridge you
will start to smell the aroma of the
slowly aging Port Wine.
The massive vats improve the quality
of a wine that can last for more
than 100 years.
In one of these century old wine
cellars you will learn all about its
production, storage methods and all
the secrets that make this nectar
one of the most appreciated in the
world.
National Park Peneda-Gerês:
The Peneda-Gerês National Park is a
natural jewel of outstanding beauty.
Here nature did its best: about 700
square kilometers (270 square miles)
of wild and breath-taking scenery,
from high peaks to wooded valleys, a
wide variety of fauna and flora,
remote villages and calm rivers
where you can enjoy hiking, water
sports or just relax in the clean
mountain air.
Spain: Santiago de
Compostela (Saint James of
Compostela) is a UNESCO World
Heritage Site.
Located in the north west of Spain.
The city's Cathedral is the
destination today, as it has been
throughout history, of the important
9th century medieval pilgrimage
route, the Way of St. James
(Galician: Camiño de Santiago,
Spanish: Camino de Santiago).
From our quinta it is a two and a
half hour drive to Santiago de
Compostela.
Activities
We have an information map with more
details of :
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Well marked walking routes, from 2
hours up to several days.
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Mountain bike routes.
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Fishing.
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City tours.
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Vinho verde route.
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