Join us on a week of walking and gastronomy, discovering impressive coastal landscapes, historic towns, verdant hillsides and experience some of the gastronomic treasures of Northern Portugal and Galicia, Spain along the way.
Grade: Easy to Medium
Extras
Arrive at Porto airport and transfer to the three-star hotel – Hotel Sercotel Three Luces in Vigo, Spain
Meals Included: Dinner (chilled selection)
Overnight in Vigo
Today we take a short bus ride to the Beade Forest Park, a densely wooded area spanning 90,000 square metres & considered one of Vigo’s most beautiful natural areas. We then follow the natural route of the River Eifonso, traversing the park through native forests while passing by mills, waterfalls and ancient dwellings of interest. In the afternoon, we climb the steep hill to visit O Castro – an archaeological site that was home to Vigo’s first settlers. Located at the top of a beautiful hill right in the heart of Vigo, the steep climb is well worth the effort as this fortress is the perfect spot to enjoy some spectacular views over the Vigo estuary.
Walking Distance: 8.4km/5.2mi Approx
Ascent/Descent: +104m/-435m
Transport by public bus
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner – Spanish Tapas meal with local wine
Overnight in Vigo
This morning, we’ll take a short walk along one of the many beautiful waterfronts that Vigo has to offer. To continue with the nautical theme, we discover the maritime traditions of the city with a visit to the Museo do Mar de Galicia where we will have the opportunity to understand the long-lasting historical relationship of the people of Galicia with the sea. From here, we’ll head to the city’s marina to embark on our mussel river cruise. Cruising along the lovely Ria de Vigo, we will enjoy an immersive experience into mussel rafts and take the opportunity to taste mussels on board accompanied by a local wine.
Walking Distance: 2.0km/1.3mi approx
Ascent/Descent: Flat; <10m
Transport by public bus
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight in Vigo
Today we head off to Portugal by rail. From Vigo, we take the train to Vila Praia de Ancora. On route we stop for a visit to Valença a fabulously picturesque and fortified village, famous for its narrow streets and linen shops. From Valença, we continue by train across the river on a beautiful, railed bridge that resembles the works of Gustave Eiffel with magnificent views over both sides of the imposing Lima River.
We then if, if time allows, stop in Tui to explore the town. This small medieval Spanish village is known for its imposing cathedral and famous amongst pilgrims, for being the initial point for those starting the pilgrim route to Santiago do Compostela.
Walking Distance: 4km/2.6mi approx
Ascent/Descent: Flat 10m
Transport by public train
Luggage will be transferred by road to our hotel in Vila Praia de Ancora
Meals Included : Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight in Vila Praia de Âncora
We take our private bus to the start of today’s walk at Ponte de Lima on the southern bank of the beautiful river Lima. One of Northern Portugal’s oldest towns, Ponte de Lima has a delightful assortment of medieval houses, picturesque plazas and ancient religious buildings along with the ancient stone bridge dating back to Roman times. We leave the village on foot, crossing the long medieval bridge to walk alongside the River Lima, following a lovely nature trail filled with bird song and views of tranquil waters surrounded by lush trees. At the end of our trail, a gate opens, inviting us into a beautiful property with a historical vineyard. This is the perfect place to discover the Vinho Verde wine region and take the opportunity to taste and enjoy the unique local wines.
Walks Distance: 8.0km/5.0mi approx
Ascent/Descent: +93m/-65m
Transport by private bus – 1 hour
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight in Vila Praia de Âncora
This morning, we travel by train to Viana do Castelo – a city situated between the Lima River and the Atlantic Sea. Viana do Castelo is, in its own right, certainly a sight to be discovered. From the ever-present Romanesque-Byzantine Monte de Santa Luzia where we can take the Funicular to the top to enjoy spectacular views, to the narrow streets of traditional charm, historic buildings, and the local shops, this is a city to be discovered. Economically steered by the presence of some of the biggest shipyard facilities of the country, this is the home of ‘Gil Eanes’ – a hospital ship that began its activity in the 1950s to support the Portuguese cod fleet that operated on the banks of Newfoundland and Greenland. From the views over the town to the funicular, and the boat to the local famous Portuguese donuts, this day is full of surprises!
Walks Distance: 2.0km/1.3mi approx
Ascent/Descent: Flat; <10m
Transport by public train
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight in Vila Praia de Âncora
Today we head south by train and discover one of Portugal’s prettiest cities – Barcelos, idyllically overlooking the River Cávado. One of the most well-known cities for the popular Minho art, Barcelos is a beautiful ancient city brimming with historical interest and still retains its medieval atmosphere and charm. A visit to the Ceramics Museum is a must, along with the Barcelos Handicraft Centre, for a view of Minho arts and crafts. Best known for its pottery, Barcelos is the origin for Portugal’s most famous symbol the colourful ceramic cockerel. As part of our day, we have a tasting of the Portuguese custard pastry delicacy – ‘pasteis de nata’, plus a wine tasting of vinho do porto – the Portuguese fortified wine.
Walking Distance: 2.0km/1.3mi approx
Ascent/Descent: Flat; <10m
Transport by public train
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight in Vila Praia de Âncora
Today we check-out of our hotel and say goodbye before transferring to Porto Airport.
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel
Our simple, modern, three star hotel is located in business district, in the centre of Vigo with the historic old town a short walk away.
Facilities include restaurant, coffee shop/ bar, small rooftop swimming pool, seated lobby area, free Wi-Fi
Our rooms have ensuite bathroom, television, hairdryer, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning.
Our friendly, family run hotel is situated a few minutes walk from the Priaia das Criancas beach and five minutes from the town centre. This modern, yet cosy hotel provides a perfect base for our last four days of fantastic walking and exploring.
Facilities include restaurant, bar, free Wi-Fi, spa facilities including sauna, Turkish bath and spa treatments (additional charge).
Our comfortable rooms include en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, hair-dryer, safe, satellite TV, tea and coffee making facilities, free wi-fi
Frequently Asked Questions
The transfer time from Porto Airport to the hotel is approximately 90 minutes, depending on traffic. Vila Praia de Âncora to Porto Airport approximately 50 mins.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in your chosen activity holiday. This walking holidays is graded as Easy to Medium however there will be some inclines and hills.If you are unsure as to whether the walks are within your capabilities, please contact the office to discuss this matter, thus making sure you appreciate the terrain and the length of the walks that you will be walking.
It is recommended to bring water & snacks for the walk.
You could be walking across uneven ground in some areas and extreme care must be taken, especially if wet. If used to using a pole/stick, it is advisable to bring it. Please appreciate the route and content of the holiday may change at the time and at the discretion of the guide/organiser, should conditions require. Solo’s Holidays Ltd cannot be held responsible for personal injury, accident or damage to property whilst on these walks other than incidents arising out of the company’s negligence. The guide has the right to refuse to guide a walk with anyone not properly attired.
It is of paramount importance that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive. Experience has shown that wearing 2 pairs of woollen socks adds to comfort.
Whilst we would hope for good weather during your holiday, it is of course impossible to guarantee this. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
Walking boots with good ankle support
Waterproofs – jacket and trousers
Walking poles – recommended as they provide good support for the knees, particularly on downhill sections of walks and when conditions are wet/slippery
Lightweight trousers and shorts with pockets
Shirts or t-shirts for walking in
Walking socks – several pairs
Lightweight fleece or jumper
Hat & gloves
Daysack/rucksack for walking
Umbrella – it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain
Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking
Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellant, etc
Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses
We suggest a Group Collection to cover transfer drivers, and hotel staff of €25.00 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % add on.
To enter Portugal or Madeira your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:
less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)
valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
Check both the issue date and the expiry date in your passport. If you renewed your passport early, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. This could affect the requirement for your passport to be less than 10 years old.
A visa is not required by holders of passports endorsed “British Citizen” for stays of upto 90 days in any 180-day period. Please note that stays in other EU countries counts towards this 90 day period.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct visa, a valid passport and any other travel documents for your holiday. All information provided relates to British citizens who hold or are entitled to apply for a British passport. For the most up-to-date visa information please visit; Portugal Foreign Advice
If you are not a British citizen and do not hold a British passport, you must make your own enquiries as to the applicable requirements.
Compulsory vaccinations: None.
All clients are responsible for acquainting themselves with up to date health information of the countries being visited and where necessary take the required precautions. We recommend that you check with your doctor prior to departure as this information can change. You can also visit the travel health website for more information; Travel Health Portugal
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