Old towns in northern Portugal

Minho is the northernmost province of Portugal. It is the area where Portugal was born as a nation. Minho has a very rich history and culture and it is one of the most beautiful regions in the country. It is painted with fields of emerald green cut through by mountains and valleys and crossed by rivers that carve their way to the Atlantic Ocean. Minho is also known for its rich and abundant cuisine with an enormous variety of traditional dishes. This is the region where the renowned “Vinho Verde”, a Portuguese white wine, originated from. Guimaraes and Braga are the two capitals of the Minho region.

Visit to the historic center and monuments of one of the best-preserved old cities in Portugal. We will drive up to the hill of Santa Luzia to visit the neo-Byzantine sacred temple of “Sagrado Coraçao de Jesus” (Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral). Breathtaking views of the city from above.

The fortress of Valença stands out as one of the most important military constructions in all of Europe. It completely surrounds this ancient medieval town and used to protect this strategic area of Portugal from Spanish army invasions. Nowadays, it is a tourist attraction visited by many, especially by Spaniards from the province of Galicia who still maintain a strong bond with this Portuguese region. Leisure time to walk inside the town walls and admire the local crafts.

Monçao is a city on the border with Spain. It is located on the left bank of the Minho River which divides the two countries. We will visit the historic center and the 12th-century matrix church. The famous “Vinho Verde” (green wine) is the ex libris of the region of Minho. In ” Palacio da Brejoeira” (Optional) you will have the opportunity to taste this unique kind of wine in the world.

The enchanting town of Arcos de Valdevez is located in the National Park of Peneda-Geres wrapped by mountains and lush vegetation, dominated by the Vez River which brings all of its dynamics and natural beauty to this unique village. You can breath tradition and history in this place. One of the most decisive battles for the independence of Portugal as a nation took place here: “O Recontro de Valdevez” or the Battle of Valdevez.

Ponte de Lima is the oldest town in Portugal, founded in 1125 by Dona Teresa, mother of the first Portuguese king, Afonso Henriques. We will visit the 15th-century matrix church located and the famous Roman bridge that crosses the Lima River, hence the name of this town (Ponte de Lima).