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Tours

Walking & Hiking Tour in Gerês National Park

Duration 8 Days
Type Self Guided
Lodging Comfort
|Walking & Hiking Tour in Gerês National Park

Come and discover magnificent scenery while enjoying the fresh mountain air and Portugal’s only national park. Explore isolated rural communities, where traditional agricultural practices are still observed and where shepherd’s shelters and medieval castles go hand to hand. A true mountain sanctuary, filled with oak forests, wildflowers and crystal-clear waterways.

This adventure will take you to the foothills of Amarela Mountain, where picturesque villages have their tiny terraced plots with vineyards, surrounded by clusters of granite cottages. Here, age-old farming practices such as stone grain stores and ancient water mills are still very much the norm, essential for the grinding and storage of corn and wheat for these remote yet self-sufficient communities. It is time to follow ancient tracks, dating back to medieval times, that offer wonderful views of the Amarela and Peneda-Gerês Mountains, and where you may find as companions docile long-horned Cachena cows, as they wander freely to graze on the surrounding slopes.

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Gerês National Park Peneda-Gerês Walking
Daily Itinerary
Dates & Prices
More Information

Daily Itinerary

Day 01
Arrival to Ponte de Lima
Arrival in Ponte de Lima on your own.  
Upon hotel check-in, you'll receive a Welcome Kit with all the necessary information and equipment for your self-guided walking holiday in Peneda-Gerês National Park.
Spend the remainder of the day leisurely exploring the charming town. Highlights include the International Garden Festival, Arnado Park, the Gothic parish church, a riverside walkway, a cycle path, a Roman bridge, and a compact medieval center with enticing squares, shops, and cafes. Opt for dinner at one of the town's excellent restaurants, indulging in tasty local cuisine paired with a glass or two of vinho verde wine.
Overnight in Ponte de Lima.
Day 02
Stage 1: Castro Laboreiro Circular Walk (12.5 km | 7.8 mi | +440m)
Private transfer from Ponte de Lima to Castro Laboreiro
After breakfast, you will be met at the hotel lobby for a private transfer to Castro Laboreiro, where a circular track will take you outside the village and across the valley to a river where you dip your feet in the clear waters. Enjoy the stunning views of the neighbouring hills and avlleys, and arrive back at Castro Laboreiro.
Overnight at Castro Laboreiro
Day 03
Stage 2: Castro Laboreiro to Peneda (15.1 km | 9.4 mi | +311m)
Leaving Castro Laboreiro, cross the rocky paths that take you to the park of Lamas do Mouro - from here, forests will accompany you towards Peneda's sanctuary.
Overnight at Peneda.
Day 04
Stage 3: Peneda to Lindoso (18.8km |11.7 mi | +372m)
Descend from Peneda Sanctuary along an ancient pilgrim route, passing through Tibo village and reaching the Spanish border where contraband once flowed. Walk to Lindoso via Várzea, admiring the Lima River dam. Stay in a restored village cottage, exploring Lindoso's castle and traditional displays.
Overnight in Lindoso.
Day 05
Stage 4: Serra Amarela Circular Walk (21.4 km | 13.3 mi | +745m)
Stroll through Lindoso village and a forest, then follow an unpaved road uphill for spectacular views of the Soajo Mountains. Descend to Cidadelhe after 15.5 km. Consider a taxi back or continue the circuit to Lindoso for a longer walk.
Overnight in Lindoso.
Day 06
Stage 5: Avelar to Soajo (19. km | 12 mi | +576m)
Private transfer from Lindoso to Avelar.
After a steep start, enjoy stunning views of the Peneda and Soajo Mountains and the lush Ramiscal Valley. Observe local heritage like wolf traps and shepherd shelters. Descend to the Mezio Park Gate for an easier path and discover enchanting pools in a clear river.
Continue through mixed woodlands and mountain meadows to Soajo, with panoramic views of the Lima Valley and Amarela Mountains. The trail concludes in Soajo, where you can explore local attractions like espigueiros and a unique pillory while waiting for your transfer to Viana do Castelo. End your day in the charming city of Viana do Castelo, exploring the medieval town center in the evening.
Overnight in Soajo.
Day 07
Free day in Viana do Castelo and Porto
Spend time exploring Viana do Castelo, featuring attractions like the Santa Luzia Basilica, Costume Museum, and Gil Eanes Hospital Ship. When ready to depart, take a train or bus to Porto for the final leg of this Northern Portugal adventure.
Make your own way to Porto ( train or bus).
In Porto, enjoy a leisurely day exploring historic streets, shopping for souvenirs, taking in the views, or indulging in a port wine tour and tasting at Vila Nova da Gaia's cellars. Conclude your holiday with a fine dining experience or in a more traditional setting, choosing from the city's numerous restaurants.
Overnight in Porto.
Day 08
Departure
After breakfast, end of our services / Transfer to Porto Aiport (optional)
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Dates & Prices

From 895,00€/person  |  Min. 2 participants

Single supplement: 359€

More Information

Included
 
  • 7 Nights of accommodation with breakfast included;
  • In-person welcome briefing at Ponte de Lima
  • 5 Packed lunches during the walks (day 2 to day 6);
  • Detailed route notes
  • App with trail information for use on a smartphone
  • Private transfer from Ponte de Lima to Castro Laboreiro (day 2);
  • Private transfer from Lindoso to Avelar (day 6);
  • Private transfer from Soajo to Viana do Castelo (day 6);
  • Luggage transfers
  • 24-hour emergency contact number (English-speaking)
Extra services
 
  • Extra night in Porto (Hotel 3*): 130€ double bedroom / 110€ single bedroom - Low season
  • Extra night in Porto (Hotel 3*) High season (from June - September ) - on request
  • Private Transfer Porto Airport – Porto (up to 3 pax): 65€/car
  • Private transfer from Porto to Ponte de Lima (up to 3pax): 150€/car
  • Private transfer from Viana do Castelo to Porto (up to 3pax): 150€/car
Not included
 
  • Transfer from Porto to Ponte de Lima;
  •  Transfer from Viana do Castelo to Porto; 
  • Transfer from and to Porto airport; 
  • Meals not mentioned above; 
  • Insurance; Touristic taxes; Gratuities; Personal expenses;
  • Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section.

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