Driving and hiking through the North of Portugal is much more than enjoying some beautiful landscapes. It is a journey along a rich cultural heritage with ancient cities and small villages where time stood still. This region is so authentic that there is no elaborate transportation system. This means you can use your own car if you are driving to Portugal, or when flying into Porto airport we can include a rental car for you.
From the mountains to the sea
From the mountains of Peneda-Gerês NP and the green Lima Valley to the charming little seaside villages at the Atlantic, this self-drive does not only provide impressive landscapes but also a journey through a region with a well preserved authentic culture.
Highlights
- Roadbook, topographic map and GPS tracks
- Transfer from Caminha to Vila Praia de Âncora on day 5
- A guided walk in Iberian Wolf territory at Peneda-Gerês National Park
- Local accommodations with breakfast
- Charming towns, mountain and seaside villages
- Old stone paths and pilgrim foothpaths
- Part of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago
- 24/7 phone support
DAY 1 Arrival to Ponte da Barca
This journey starts in Ponte da Barca, about 1,5 hours drive North from Porto. Meet your local contact at a riverside hotel for a tour briefing. Take your time to explore this small centenary village.
Accommodation in a rural hotel.
DAY 2 Peneda Mountain Walk
Today, a member of our team will join you for a guided walk in Peneda-Gerês National Park. You will follow the old shepherd trails and pilgrim foothpaths while exploring this amazing granite landscape. Discover the Iberian Wolf territory and the rural heritage associated to the transhumance.
Hike approx. 12 km | +450/-450 height meters.
Accommodation in a rural hotel.
DAY 3 Mountain villages walk and medieval Ponte de Lima
The small mountain village of Germil is a unique place in Peneda-Gerês NP. Using old stone paths, you will travel back in time while walking through the narrow streets in the direction of the mountain. The amazing view over the Lima Valley and the ancient wolf trap are just some of todays' highlights. After the hike, drive to the charming village of Ponte de Lima.
Hike approx. 9 km | +300/-300 height meters.
Accommodation in Ponte de Lima.
DAY 4 Viana do Castelo harbour town
Enjoy a free day in the historical center of Viana do Castelo. Explore the town at your own pace and relax at the riverside or at the seaside terraces. The Vinho Verde forms a perfect match with the sea breeze. If you are feeling more active today, enjoy a surf class or a sunset SUP.
Accommodation in Viana do Castelo.
DAY 5 Camino de Santiago - Atlantic route
From Viana do Castelo, drive a few kilometers north until you reach Vila Praia de Âncora, a small coastal village. Here you start to walk along the rocky coastline on part of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago until you reach Caminha, at the border with Spain. Enjoy a stroll in the center of this centenary village. Afterwards, your transfer will drop you off at your car.
Hike approx. 12 km | +50/-50 height meters.
Accommodation in Viana do Castelo.
DAY 6 Bye bye Alto Minho
After breakfast this journey comes to an end. You can choose to extend this itinerary in all kinds of ways. The varied landscape allows many possible extensions of your stay: from a few days at the beach, biking, surfing...to add-on city trips in Porto or Braga. Contact us to customize your itinerary or have a look at the option under the tab "prices and options" for more inspiration. We will be more than happy to assist.
Important information
Best time to travel
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 always 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.
- In case you are flying to Porto and you would like a rental car, contact us for a customized quote, including a car according to the amount of travelers you are traveling with.
Feel free to contact YŪGEN tours for more information and assistance. We will be more than happy to assist.
