What to expect
Northern Portugal & Galicia
Coastal landscapes, historic towns, forests & rivers
Varied Itinerary
Walking, sightseeing & gastronomic delights
Unique Experiences
Vineyard visits, wine tasting & mussel tasting river cruise
- <
- >
About this trip...
What's Included
Airport transfers
Room for sole use
Half Board – breakfast and dinner daily in hotel & local restaurants including 1 x Spanish Tapas evening with wine
Drinks included with evening meals-
Welcome drink
2 x wine tasting sessions-
All transport where stated including private bus, public train and buses
-
Pastéis de Nata tasting
-
Entrance fee Gil Eanes hospital ship - Viana do Castelo
-
Entrance fee to the Museo do Mar de Galicia - Vigo
-
Fully guided walking & sightseeing programme
-
Funicular trip to Monte de Santa Luzia- Viana do Castelo
-
River Cruise with mussel tasting
Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
What's extra:
- International flights not included
- Travel insurance
- Tips & drinks
- Meals when not included in the itinerary
- Activities when not included in the itinerary
- Local Tourist tax €2.00 per night
Itinerary
- Arrive Porto
- Eifonso & Castro Walk
- Museo Do Mar & Mussel Cruise
- Vila Praia de Âncora and Valença On-Route
- Ponte de Lima Walk
- Viana do Castelo
- Visit to Barcelos
- Depart Porto
What you'll be doing
Day One: Arrive Porto
Day Two: Eifonso & Castro Walk
- Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner - Spanish Tapas meal with local wine Overnight in Vigo
Day Three: Eifonso River Walk & River Vigo Mussel Tasting Cruise
This morning, we'll take a short walk along one of the many beautiful waterfronts that Vigo has to offer. To continue with the nautical theme, we discover the maritime traditions of the city with a visit to the Museo do Mar de Galicia where we will have the opportunity to understand the long-lasting historical relationship of the people of Galicia with the sea. From here, we'll head to the city's marina to embark on our mussel river cruise. Cruising along the lovely Ria de Vigo, we will enjoy an immersive experience into mussel rafts and take the opportunity to taste mussels on board accompanied by a local wine.
- Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner Overnight in Vigo
Day Four: Back to Portugal - Vila Praia de Âncora & Valença En Route
Today we head off to Portugal by rail. From Vigo, we take the train to Vila Praia de Ancora. On route we stop for a visit to Valença a fabulously picturesque and fortified village, famous for its narrow streets and linen shops. From Valença, we continue by train across the river on a beautiful, railed bridge that resembles the works of Gustave Eiffel with magnificent views over both sides of the imposing Lima River. We then if, if time allows, stop in Tui to explore the town. This small medieval Spanish village is known for its imposing cathedral and famous amongst pilgrims, for being the initial point for those starting the pilgrim route to Santiago do Compostela.
- Meals Included : Breakfast & Dinner Overnight in Vila Praia de Âncora
Day Five: Ponte de Lima Walk
We take our private bus to the start of today’s walk at Ponte de Lima on the southern bank of the beautiful river Lima. One of Northern Portugal’s oldest towns, Ponte de Lima has a delightful assortment of medieval houses, picturesque plazas and ancient religious buildings along with the ancient stone bridge dating back to Roman times. We leave the village on foot, crossing the long medieval bridge to walk alongside the River Lima, following a lovely nature trail filled with bird song and views of tranquil waters surrounded by lush trees. At the end of our trail, a gate opens, inviting us into a beautiful property with a historical vineyard. This is the perfect place to discover the Vinho Verde wine region and take the opportunity to taste and enjoy the unique local wines.
- Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner Overnight in Vila Praia de Âncora
Day Six: Viana do Castelo
This morning, we travel by train to Viana do Castelo - a city situated between the Lima River and the Atlantic Sea. Viana do Castelo is, in its own right, certainly a sight to be discovered. From the ever-present Romanesque-Byzantine Monte de Santa Luzia where we can take the Funicular to the top to enjoy spectacular views, to the narrow streets of traditional charm, historic buildings, and the local shops, this is a city to be discovered. Economically steered by the presence of some of the biggest shipyard facilities of the country, this is the home of 'Gil Eanes' - a hospital ship that began its activity in the 1950s to support the Portuguese cod fleet that operated on the banks of Newfoundland and Greenland. From the views over the town to the funicular, and the boat to the local famous Portuguese donuts, this day is full of surprises!
- Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner Overnight in Vila Praia de Âncora
Day Seven: Visit to Barcelos
Today we head south by train and discover one of Portugal’s prettiest cities - Barcelos, idyllically overlooking the River Cávado. One of the most well-known cities for the popular Minho art, Barcelos is a beautiful ancient city brimming with historical interest and still retains its medieval atmosphere and charm. A visit to the Ceramics Museum is a must, along with the Barcelos Handicraft Centre, for a view of Minho arts and crafts. Best known for its pottery, Barcelos is the origin for Portugal’s most famous symbol the colourful ceramic cockerel. As part of our day, we have a tasting of the Portuguese custard pastry delicacy - 'pasteis de nata', plus a wine tasting of vinho do porto - the Portuguese fortified wine.
- Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner Overnight in Vila Praia de Âncora
Day Eight: Depart Porto
Today we check-out of our hotel and say goodbye before transferring to Porto Airport. Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel
Accommodation
Culinary Trails of Northern Portugal & Galicia
Dates & Prices
Essential Information
- Walking boots with good ankle support
- Waterproofs – jacket and trousers
- Walking poles – recommended as they provide good support for the knees, particularly on downhill sections of walks and when conditions are wet/slippery
- Lightweight trousers and shorts with pockets
- Shirts or t-shirts for walking in
- Walking socks – several pairs
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Hat & gloves
- Daysack/rucksack for walking
- Umbrella – it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain
- Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking
- Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellant, etc
- Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses.
We recommend that you check passport and visa requirements for the country you are visiting at the State Department if you have a U.S. Passport. Most countries require that your passport have at least six months validity when traveling internationally, and many require that you have one to two blank visa pages for either an entry stamp or visa. As a general rule, please check that your passport has six months validity beyond your planned trip, and if not, please renew your passport with plenty of time to provide Solos with your updated passport information by the final payment due date.
We recommend that you check if vaccinations are required for your destination at the CDC’s recommendations for your visited destination(s). We also recommend you purchase travel protection. A travel protection plan can often assist with medical emergencies and reimburse costs that are covered by the plan. Please verify coverage details with Solos before you travel.
