Itinerary
A perfect itinerary for the active traveler who likes to combine the Peneda-Gerês NP with the beautiful unspoilt beaches of the Atlantic!
Peneda-Gerês NP & Atlantic Active
A perfect itinerary for the active travelers who like to see and do it all! Stay in an authentic, rural B&B in Peneda-Gerês NP and go canyoning, hike, bike, kayak,...Then move to the Atlantic coast and try a surf lesson, bike up the coast and visit some of many fortresses and great beaches.
Highlights
- Peneda-Gerês National Park
- Rural accommodation in Soajo village
- Canyoning experience
- Lima valley bike or kayak
- Peneda mountain walk along old shepherd trails
- "Espigueros" or traditional granite granaries
- Surf or SUP
- Bike along the coast to Caminha
- Accommodation in Viana do Castelo
Please note that this itinerary is made for travelers in possession of a (rental) car. In general, it is cheaper to fly to Porto airport and rent a car than it is to organize and include all transfers. Normally, the car will also be the most convenient option as public transportation is almost non-existent in the region. However, this is part of its charm and remoteness. Prices for rental cars are often surprisingly cheap and the car gives you extra freedom to move around in between activities and from/to the activities. Roads are generally not busy, except for the occasional cows, sheep and maybe a Garrano horse passing by.
DAY 1 Arrival in Soajo
Welcome to Soajo! This small mountain village is the perfect place to set base for a few days of adventure at Peneda-Gerês National Park. From the traditional "espigueros" to the rustic stone houses, Soajo has many charming corners to explore. Our local partner will personally come over to meet and explain all tour details.
Accommodation:
Double or twin room in Casa do Adro or similar. Casa do Adro is a rural house, constructed in the 18th century and converted into a small B&B with only 6 rooms. Breakfast is included as of day 2.
DAY 2 Peneda mountain walk
Embark on a journey through the magnificent Peneda Mountain. Follow the old shepherd trails, centenary pilgrim footpaths and explore the granite landscape. Discover the Iberian Wolf territory and the rural heritage.
Distance: approx. 12 km - Level: Moderate - self-guided with GPS tracks, roadbook and hiking maps, National Park Topographic map and 24 hour assistance (phone number).
It is also possible to request a guide or other guided walks. Please consult the tab "prices and options" for possibilities or contact YŪGEN tours.
Accommodation: same as on DAY 1, breakfast included
DAY 3 Canyoning experience
The clear water of the rivers and lagoons in this NP make this destination ideal for canyoning. You do not need to be an expert, any person who has the basic skills of walking can attend. You will descend canyons or gorges following the course of a small river and using various techniques, depending on the situation, and the characteristics of the chosen river.
The only restrictions are:
Minimum weight 25 kg I minimum height 130 cm - Maximum weight 115 kg I maximum height 210 cm
Accommodation: you will spent your last night in Soajo village, same as on day 1 &2, breakfast included
DAY 4 Lima Valley kayak or bike
Today you can choose: water or land! Explore the beautiful Lima river by kayak or by bike. Surrounded by green fields and forests the journey through the valley is full of diversity. You can choose to do a kayak tour or a guided bike tour in the valley.
Accommodation in Viana do Castelo: Hotel Laranjeira (**) or similar, depending on availability. Breakfast included.
DAY 5 Atlantic Coast surf or SUP
Viana do Castelo is a small sea-side town with a very nice historical center and well-known for its surfing waves, so why not try a surfing experience? Or some more relaxing and fun SUP (Stand-up Paddle)? Both lessons take about 1,5 hour. The rest of the day you are free to spent some more time at the beach or in the historical centre.
Today you can choose the activity you like best.
Accommodation in Viana do Castelo, as on day 4. For more information on what to see and do in Viana do Castelo, please consult "Viana do Castelo, City, Beach and Sports" on the country page of Northern Portugal.
DAY 6 Exploring the Atlantic by bike
Follow the sun and explore the Atlantic Coast from Viana do Castelo up to Caminha, a small village near the Minho river that divides Portugal and Spain.
From small enchanting villages, fortresses and sea ports to amazing beaches, there is plenty to visit on the way!
Distance: circular route from Viana do Castelo to Caminha and back to Viana do Castelo I approx. 45 km.
Accommodation: last night in Viana do Castelo, same as on day 4 and 5.
DAY 7 Departure day
This sample itinerary ends today. However, we can customize any way you like and add extensions any way you desire. Please have a look at the tab prices and options to get inspired in case you have some days left or if you like to make changes to this itinerary.
Beach extensions in Viana do Castelo or an extension in vibrant Porto city are just a few ideas. Please contact YŪGEN tours so we can create your ideal itinerary together.
Important information
Best time to travel
This tour is available from March to October. Best time to travel is spring and September as the weather is normally excellent. During summer months it may get hot and crowdy, especially in August.
Travel insurance
- It is aways recommend to take out a travel insurance, covering for cancellation and curtailment, medical situations, baggage, emergency evacuation. Always check the specific conditions and coverage of your insurance policy, especially when participating in more adventurous activities.
- YŪGEN tours does not provide travel insurance.
Medical Precautions
- Check with your local immunization authority, travel clinic, public health facility or personal physician.
- Visit the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION website for up to date information www.who.int
Travel documentation
- If you do not have the Belgian nationality, you should inquire at the embassy in your country. The following is valid for people with Belgian nationality:
- A valid Belgian identity card or an international passport.
- A visa is not required.
- Children need their own identity card. Within the Schengen Zone it is recommended to bring a copy of the passport of the parent which does not accompany the other parent and the minor during the trip, as well as a document of consent of the non-traveling parent. This can prevent delays.
- Belgian citizens should consult the website of the Federal government for all travel related advise: diplomatie.belgium.be/nl/Diensten/Op_reis_in_het_buitenland/reisadviezen/portugal
Flights
- Flights are not included in the price of the tour. You are free to choose your flight dates, route, price and airline company if you wish to fly to Portugal.
- If you opt for flights with a stopover or transfer in the United States of America, please note that you must complete a VISA WAIVER. You can do this up to a minimum of 72 hours before arrival, and this on the website of ESTA (link is external). The permission is valid for 2 years and costs approximately 14 USD per person.
- Before booking your flights, please contact YŪGEN tours first to check if our local partners are not fully booked on the desired dates.
- The closest international airport to our suggested trips is Porto's Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport.
Drive and self-drive tours
If you do not have the Belgian nationality, you should inquire in your country of nationality. Travelers from the Netherlands can consult the website of ANWB. The following is valid for people with Belgian nationality:
- Your identity card and drivers license should be sufficient. In case of renting a car, do check the specific regulations of the rental company. Often a credit card is required to be able to rent a car and you need to be in possession of a drivers license during a certain amount of time already and/or a minimum age may apply.
- More information on driving in Portugal and regulations can be found here: www.vab.be/nl/info-en-diensten/wegeninfo/europa/portugal
- Please note that there are several toll roads in Portugal. Rental companies offer different solutions. On some highways you can pay in cash, but some are fully electronic and you need a special device to use them. Car rental companies can provide the device against an additional cost. Dutch speaking travelers can consult https://www.vab.be/nl/info-en-diensten/wegeninfo/europa/portugal. In case of renting a car always consult the car rental company.
- Several car rental companies are present at Porto Airport. Cars can also be rented in Viana do Castelo, according to availability.
Feel free to contact YŪGEN tours for more information and assistance. We will be more than happy to assist.
