Porto

Porto is a charming town, situated on the slopes of the Douro River and very near to its mouth. It is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its beautiful monuments and historic buildings such as the imposing Cathedral or the Tower of Clerics. Porto is the second largest city of Portugal and has superb views over the river. On its opposite bank, Vila Nova de Gaia, you will find the world famous Port Wine Cellars. The city provides a harmonious synthesis of ancient and contemporary attractions. Perched on hill tops and clinging to cliffs, the Douro River has been guarded by its attractive buildings, bridges and lamps for centuries. Fiercely proud of their heritage, the citizens of this merchant town have invested their blood and sweat on their commerce and wine. Nightclubs and restaurants mingle with cathedrals, churches and museums in narrow alleys and broad avenues. There are many cafes around the city, where you can relax after climbing the many hills of Porto. Porto is very compact, which makes it great to explore by foot, as long as you don't mind making an effort going uphill.

Port Wine is a world famous fortified wine, produced exclusively from grapes grown in the Douro Wine Region, about 100 km east of Porto. The wine took the name of Porto, but its cellars are actually located on the opposite bank of the Douro River, in Gaia. Your cellar visit includes tastings different varieties of this delicious wine.

Continue to Guimarães.

The picturesque town of Guimarães is one of the most important historical destinations of the country. It's designated as the Birthplace of the Portuguese Nationality, because D. Afonso Henriques, first King of Portugal, chose this ancient Roman city as capital of the Kingdom of Portugal after his victory at the Battle of São Mamede in 1128. Guimarães is a fascinating place to visit, with its proud castle, the Ducal Palace and the well preserved medieval quarter. The city was classified as World Heritage by UNESCO in 2001.

Suggestion for dinner in Guimarães:
Set close to Guimarães, the restaurant chosen by TravelTailors features dishes (highlighting game meat dishes) made with high-quality ingredients. It offers a spacious and comfortable room, overlooking a valley whose green is summoned into the space by large windows. It is dedicated to regional cuisine, but the modern and cosmopolitan space contrasts harmoniously with the gastronomy's traditional soul.

It is a good time to try your first “Vinho Verde” (green wine), unique in the world, naturally light and fresh, it's produced in the demarcated region of Vinho Verde in northwestern Portugal, a coastal region geographically well placed for the production of excellent white wines. Cradle of the charismatic Alvarinho casta (grape stock) and producer of unique wines, the Vinho Verde Region celebrated in 2008 a centenary of its demarcation. With low alcohol content, and therefore fewer calories, Vinho Verde is a fruity wine, easy to drink, great as an aperitif or in harmonization with light and balanced meals: salads, fish, seafood, white meat tapas, sushi , sashimi and other international dishes.

Accommodations in the hotel of your choice 4* / 5*.

Drive to Braga.

Braga is located in the heart of the verdant region of Minho, in the northwest of Portugal, surrounded by a landscape of rolling hills and forests. The city, one of the largest religious centres of Portugal, is renowned for its baroque churches, splendid 18th century manors and beautiful parks and gardens. The old part is solemn, while the industry and trade have given rise to a modern lifestyle, complemented by local universities, contemporary restaurants and lively bars. The city's history is reflected in the numerous churches and monuments, among which stand the imposing Cathedral and the Church of the Holy Cross, dating from the 17th century. On a hill about 5 km south-east stands the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, a major pilgrimage site. Behind, is Mount Sameiro, where a colossal statue of Our Lady attentively watches the city. On the outskirts of Braga is Citânia of Briteiros, an impressive archaeological site of the Iron Age.

Continue to Ponte de Lima.

In the centre of a rich agricultural region, where the famous Vinho Verde is produced, Ponte de Lima heritage includes a large number of manor houses and stately homes.

Suggestion for lunch in Ponte de Lima:
Our suggestion for lunch is at a true gastronomic temple in Ponte de Lima. Warm up your senses with the the entrées, especially the “Pataniscas” and the sausages of Ponte de Lima. On cold days, the fireplace is almost inspiring and foreshadows several specialties that are the delight of diners. Namely, the roasted lamb, the Minho sarrabulho and the divine cod with cornbread. The wine list, with numerous green wine options, magnifies the list of delicacies, which ends with the distinct “Borrachona Pear”.

Continue to Monção through Arcos de Valdevez and Ponte da Barca.

Located in a valley traversed by the Vez River, Arcos de Valdevez retains all the charm that characterizes the Alto Minho, with greenery and traditional architecture from which the sunny houses stand out. In Ponte da Barca, the historic town centre with mansions (some adapted to tourism) and beautiful 16th and 18th centuries monuments deserve a visit, as well as its surroundings, highlighting the Romanesque church of Bravães and Lindoso's Castle, that played an important role in the defense of the region. Ponte da Barca is part of the demarcated region of Vinho Verde. Part of the municipality is inserted in the Peneda Gerês National Park, which offers excellent conditions for sports and leisure.

Visit to the Palace of Brejoeira, near Monção.

Located 6 km from Monção, the Palace of Brejoeira, built in the early 19th century, is a fine example of the Minho region noble houses. Surrounded by lush woods and gardens, its characteristics are attributed to Carlos Amarante, that somehow tried to create a replica of the Ajuda National Palace. In Neoclassical style, it has four facades limited by four turrets and inside you can find rich halls with paintings and frescoes, as well as a beautiful chapel. On the farmstead that surrounds the palace, the Alvarinho wine is produced and bottled with the Brejoeira Estate seal. You will also have the chance to taste it!

Monção is overlooking the Minho River, with its pleasant terraces and viewpoints, such as the Neris terrace and the 17th century walls keeping the historic center, where the Main Church, the Church of Mercy and the Church of Santo António dos Capuchos have a prominent place. Outside, do not miss Caldas de Monção and its therapeutic waters.

Visit to the winery of Monção.

Located in the most northern region of Green Wine, the Regional Winery of Monção was founded in 1958. The geological structure of the terrain, the microclimate and typicality of white and red varieties, together with the modernization of its equipment and technology, especially the temperature control and stabilization of fermentation, give its wines and spirits a unique and higher quality.

Continue to Valença.

A border town, located next to the Minho River, Valença is surrounded by walls and retains the characteristics of the fortified city of XVII-XVIII centuries. Its first name was "Contrasta", due to its location opposite to the Galician city of Tui, on the other bank of the river. Today it's a city with flourishing trade, emphasizing the highly sought after products of local craftsmanship.

Suggestion for dinner in Valença:
North of Valença, looking at the immense green Minho, the TravelTailors choice has become a reference in the national panorama. The ruins of an agricultural farm gave way to two spaces for events and a dining room, decorated with simplicity and good taste, where large windows allow the sunset to invade the room. In the cuisine, the chef associates new cooking techniques to regional products, thus creating a different menu that lives between tradition and modernity. It also features a wine list that reveals real treasures.

Accommodations in the hotel of your choice 4* / 5*.

Drive to Caminha.

Fortified border town at the mouth of Minho River, Caminha was the scene of several battles between Portugal and Spain; a daily ferry links the two sides. In the middle of the estuary, on an island, remain the ruins of Ínsua Fort, built in the 15th century to defend the entrance.

Suggestion for lunch in Caminha:
TravelTailors choice goes to a restaurant that is a haven of stories. Appreciate the entrées, dominated by regional sausages. Rice with bass à Tio Maçarico and cod with cornbread are options when it comes to fish, as for meat, we suggest ham with red beans and old styled rice with duck. With a wine list to match, we finish off, with a pie of fresh sweet eggs.

Continue to Viana do Castelo.

Located near the mouth of the Lima River, 65 km north of Porto, Viana do Castelo was founded in the 13th century by Afonso III, King of Portugal, under the name of Viana da Foz do Lima. From the shipyards of Viana, ships and caravels have left for India and the Americas. By the 16th century, the town was solely of the people, with the nobility not being able to settle here. Finally opening its doors, Viana enriched itself with emblazoned palaces, convents, churches and fountains that make up a remarkable patrimonial heritage, worthy of a visit. A beautiful city, outgoing and cheerful, Viana do Castelo has been able to preserve its rich tradition of popular roots.

Suggestion for dinner in Viana do Castelo:
In the evening enjoy dinner at a traditional Portuguese restaurant, in Viana do Castelo. A renowned, award-winning restaurant with excellent Minho specialties, this TravelTailors choice offers a plentiful and well prepared cuisine, thus justifying its high number of customers. Now that you are more of an expert, enjoy your choice of preferred Vinho Verde with one of the marvellous dishes.

Accommodations in the hotel of your choice 4* / 5*.

Today you can enjoy free time, before returning home.