The Minho - Costa Verde - Self-Guided Walk

	Attractions in the traditional sense
	River valleys, valley slopes and cliff tops
	Unspoilt, unchanged and very different
	Walk along the famous Lima valley

Walking tours in Portugal, Madeira and Azores

This walking holiday is three -centred allowing you to see a very different Portugal as you travel down the Lima Valley. The first 2 nights are spent in Viana do Castelo famed for both its historical centre with fine examples of Renaissance, Manueline & Baroque architecture & coastal setting lying on the north bank of the Lima estuary. The following 3 nights are spent at an old Manor House (Solar) in Ponte de Lima, Portugal's oldest town. The Romans built a strategic bridge here & 5 of the original 16 arches still remain, it was rebuilt in the 14th century & is an impressive site spanning the Lima river while the town filled with buildings of Romanesque to neo-classical is a wonderful place to wander around. Finally you walk on to Ponte de Barca for 2 nights at another wonderful manor house in another traditional Portuguese town.

ITINERARY

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Arrival in Porto and we transfer you to Viana do Castelo (50 mins) overnight Viana

A walk along the coastal path passing 3 fine examples of 16th century forts which once guarded the coastline, old windmills & for the eagle eyed among you a chance to spot the Montedor rock art in the cliffs, dated at 3,000BC, 12km/7.5miles, overnight Viana.

Transfer to the start of your walk at Deao and you now walk along the left bank of the Lima river all the way to Ponte de Lima, 13.3km / 8.1miles overnight Ponte de Lima.

A circular walk north from Ponte de Lima along the banks of the Lima River before passing the historic village of Bertiandos. Then through protected wetlands, home to a great variety of birds, 16km /10miles, overnight Ponte de Lima.

A walk starting from the mountain village of Montaria high above the Lima valley. The walk has spectacular views all around and the countryside is home to the garrano a breed of wild horse who will keep a watchful eye on you, 12km / 7.5miles , overnight Ponte de Lima.

Walk at your own pace again from Ponte de Lima along the river banks to Ponte de Barca passing old water mills and through ancient villages, 14.1km / 8.8miles, overnight Ponte de Barca.

A walk on the hillsides to the south of the river up to the old chapel of Nossa Senhora da Pegadinha. On your way watch the old farmers tend their fields, harvest the grapes and stack the hay, 11km / 7miles, overnight Ponte de Barca.

You will not want to leave but you must and we will transfer you back to Porto.

Minho Windmill

Closest airport Porto but you could arrive in Lisbon and travel north by train.

Cost per person:

October to March : 575 euro

April - June and September: 625 euro

Single room supplement: 120 euro

Single transport supplement if only one walking: 70 euro

(if you prefer you can also pay in GBP or USD at the current exchange rate at the time of booking)

	INCLUDED
	7 night's accommodation in a twin/double room with en-suite facilities and breakfasts
	Transport from and to Porto
	Movement of luggage during the week and transfer to start of walk on Day 3 to Deao
	Comprehensive walking notes & maps
	NOT INCLUDED lunches, dinners, travel insurance and flights Transport to walks on day 5 & 7 you can take the local bus or a taxi for a few euro.