The Alto Minho, located in Portugal’s northern coast, has singular features and conditions that will guide you through a true journey of discoveries. In a relatively small area, nature and geography have carved this unique and special landscape. Beaches that mix sand and lush green mountains, authentic villages, enchanted towns, hidden mountain and river nooks, authentic food and mild weather.
Day 1 – “Welcome to FeelViana- bike test” – 65 km/+700mt
We suggest that you start with a shorter route, a kind of recognition tour along the region, crossing the mountain that will take you to the superb view over the Minho River and the border with Spain. On your way back to Viana do Castelo, enjoy the stunning coastal route along the Atlantic beaches.
Day 2 – “The sacred Mountain” – 100kms/+1450mts
On the second day explore the very little known and almost desert Arga Mountain Range. Also known as the “sacred mountain”, these mountains have plains with few trees where the Garrano, a wild horse breed, can be found grazing and the few villages will remind you of long gone times.
Day 3 – “Discovering the Peneda do Gerês Natural Park” – 90kms/ + 2100mts
Transfer to Ponte da Barca included
Starting in Ponte de Barca, you will discover the Peneda do Gerês National Park, the only National Park in Portugal. Along this cross-border tour you will visit important natural landmarks and protected areas, thus exploring one of the most breath-taking landscapes in Portugal.
Day 4 – “Vinho Verde tour” – 78 kms/+700mts
To get to know the Minho Region you need to visit the verde wine region, its valleys, “quintas” and wine estates. Here, the Lima river will guide you along its secrets and charm.
Day 5 – “Peneda mountain range” – 85kms/+ 2000mts
Transfer to Arcos de Valdevez included
Still part of the Peneda do Gerês National Park, the Peneda mountain range is magical, with its plains where cattle grazes in the summer, small villages and typical granaries. To finish, be enchanted by the Sistelo route, a place called the “little Portuguese Tibet” and classified as a Portuguese national monument.
Day 6 – “Coura River and Land – Minho region’s barn” – 90kms/+ 1100 mts
Final route is up the Pedras Finas mountain and towards Paredes de Coura, known in the 16th century as Minho’s barn. Discover the protected landscape, the beauty of oak trees over 100 years old, the green slopes with walls and terraces used to try to tame the mountains and use the granite soil for agriculture.
