What to do and see in Viana do Castelo District, Northern Portugal: The Best Walking Tours

May 5, 2022 Marissa Gamble

Discover the best top things to do in Viana do Castelo District, Portugal including Minho Tour small group, Braga, Ponte de Lima, Viana, Vinho Verde Winery & Lunch, In Cod We Trust: An immersive food experience, Minho full-day private tour from Porto - Sanctuary, Castle, Granaries, and more, 4X4 Tour - Discovering Serra d´ Arga, Serra D’Arga Trek, Dive & Dine Like A Local in a Secret Spot, Meet Porto Highlights with Traditional Lunch Full Day Tour, Private Vinho Verde Tour: Visit 2 Wineries with Wine Tastings & Lunch, Discovering Sistelo - Hiking Tour, Tour Soajo - Peneda-Gerês National Park, The true experience in the green wine region, all day tour.
Restaurants in Viana do Castelo District

1. Minho Tour small group, Braga, Ponte de Lima, Viana, Vinho Verde Winery & Lunch

Largo dos Lóios, 4000 Porto, Portugal North-On-Wheels
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

The Minho Full-Day Tour includes the visit to Braga and Bom Jesus Sanctuary, followed a short stop at the medieval village of Ponte de Lima, before lunch in Arcos de Valdevez. In the afternoon we will proceed with a guided tour to the Brejoeira Palace and Vinho Verde Estate in the Monção Region. Before returning to Porto we will stop at Viana do Castelo to visit the city center and taste the famous "Bolas de Berlim" in the city center. Highlights:  • Full-day Minho tour from Porto with an expert guide • Visit to the city of Braga with tasting of local sweets • Visit to Bom Jesus Sanctuary • Visit to Ponte de Lima • Regional lunch in Arcos de Valdevez • Guided visit to the Brejoeira Palace, a Vinho Verde landmark for wine-tasting • Visit to Viana do Castelo

Inclusions: Visit to Braga city center, Tasting of local sweets in Braga, Visit to Bom Jesus Sanctuary, Regional Lunch in the medieval village of Ponte de Lima, Visit to Viana do Castelo and Santa Luzia Sanctuary, Photo & Video, Bottled water

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By ny_music_gal

This review is YEARS in the making (so long ago that Tripadvisor won't let me select the correct year)! On our trip to Porto in August 2018, we wanted to take a trip to the Douro region and found Pedro with North-on-Wheels and selected the Charm Douro tour. He organized the most INCREDIBLE experience we could have ever imagined! We still talk about this trip and what an amazing day Pedro planned for us. Before our trip even started, Pedro communicated with us about our food preferences, the best days for the tour (weather), and so much more. Our day started at 8 am with Pedro picking us up in a beautiful air-conditioned Mercedes van, which we had all to ourselves! He then took us to Amarante where we visited São Gonçalo church and the old bridge, and after, we sat down and had some local pastries and coffee with Pedro. Afterwards, we toured Favaios estate cellars and had a delicious regional lunch. We also went to the Mateus Palace for a guided tour around the estate and grounds. Our day did not end there, we had a private two-hour boat cruise down the Douro river with a tasting menu of typical Portuguese food and Douro wines, hosted by Jorge. After the boat cruise, Pedro picked us up from the marina and took us back to our hotel (over a 10+ hr day). Not only was this the most spectacular day, Pedro was a wonderful guide! Everything we did was included in the package price and Pedro organized everything. He also made sure to stop and take a lot of photos of us throughout the day, which he sent us after our trip. Thank you, Pedro (and Jorge!) for the most magnificent and memorable day!

2. In Cod We Trust: An immersive food experience

Ribeira Square, Praça Ribeira, Porto, Portugal Hike in Porto
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Discover Porto in a truly unique (and tasty) way! If you are reading this, you surely agree, these days, Porto is already a well known destination ..but did you know there are some secret places where our beloved "bacalhau" (codfish) tastes as if you would be in a Portuguese home? We will start exploring some of our most traditional and authentic "tascas", where I will share some stories behind Porto's soul...and of course, along the way, you will taste different types of cod specialties.: 8 different codfish recipes, not only tapas! In the end we will have two of my favorite codfish dishes (dinner) with local wine included. Bacalhau has a very special place in our history...and in our tables :) This is a perfect experience to discover Porto with local flavors! Até breve (See you soon)

Inclusions: Dinner, Snacks, Wine during the dinner, During the dinner

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Reviewed By P2956QHdanw

We had a fantastic trip with Ricardo, his dog and the additional tag along dogs who meet them every day at the station which made my partners day! The scenery was ever-changing and very beautiful, assisted by the sunny warm weather. The hike itself was good for a social hiker, nothing overly challenging and Ricardo made sure that we set our own pace. The picnic was excellent with a range of produce and wine. Ricardo himself is very friendly, attentive and knowledgeable and his English is perfect. The cold beer in the train station at the end was a welcome ending to our hike. Would recommend to anyone.

3. Minho full-day private tour from Porto - Sanctuary, Castle, Granaries, and more

Brand Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Minho is a region located in the north of Portugal being arguably one of the most beautiful regions from where traditions give color to an ancestral culture. In addition to the secular cities, you will find in this region unique landscapes where rivers pass through historic villages and which still have much to tell today and where the imposing mountains serve as a backdrop for this cultural and natural wealth that is absolutely unsurpassed.

Inclusions: Costume Museum and historic center of Viana do Castelo, Santa Luzia Sanctuary - with ascent to the dome, Lindoso castle and museum, Soajo and Lindoso granaries, Guide in your language, Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, Personal accident insurance required by law, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Lunch, Personal expenses

Reviewed By tbar914336

This was a well designed tour that provided us with the information and insights that we were most interested in. Hotel pickup was prompt and the day well paced. There was a free flow of convesation on Portugese history, traditions and current affairs. This was our first day in Portugal and this experience set a high standard from which to judge future tours. Xavier and Rui where a great team.

4. 4X4 Tour - Discovering Serra d´ Arga

North Discovery Adventure Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

In our 4x4 vehicles, which in addition to the comfort offered, takes us to unique places, come to the discovery and be dazzled by the surrounding nature. You will see stunning and unique landscapes (sea, mountain, valleys and rivers), the existing fauna and flora, historical villages, customs and traditions and their people, monuments, history and cultural heritage. You will get to know the natural waterfalls and lagoons on the slopes of the mountains, where you can take a refreshing shower and delight in the whole environment, as well as savor the local gastronomy. Guaranteedly awaits you a filled day and to remember.

Inclusions: Lunch, Photos and video, Insurance, Guide

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Reviewed By LuluTraveler76

The 4-wheel trip with North Discovery was truly amazing. Miguel and his son Rui are very professional, nice and also fast to respond online. They took us to many beautiful places in the nature and answered patiently all our questions about Portugal. The dinner afterwards was a delight as well. We highly recommend this company!

5. Serra D’Arga Trek, Dive & Dine Like A Local in a Secret Spot

Porto, Portugal Portugal Active
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Connect with the region and experience secret places like a local. If you want a time off from the city, come meet Viana like a local. Joins us for sunset & dinner! We’ll pick you up at an arranged location and drive to the amazing Serra D’Arga for a wonderful and totally emerged in the natural landscape trekking route that goes along the river course, ending up in a breathtaking waterfall. If you’re visiting us in the Summer there will be time for a refreshing dive in this pure waters, a hidden gem of Viana do Castelo. After trekking is time to enjoy a treat! Hard to find, harder to leave: the restaurant we’re taking you to is a super traditional “portuguese tapas” restaurant in the middle of the mountain and the top place to go if you want to try real authentic Portuguese cuisine. Join us to watch the most wonderful sunset, with a Portuguese beer in your hand and a table full of Minho’s best traditional food waiting for you to dig in.

Inclusions: Dinner, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup, Hotel drop-off, Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, Transport by private vehicle, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: Transportation to/from activities (Optional, additional charges may apply contact us for more info)

Reviewed By Sunny K

I was more than sarisfied and fullfilled with happiness after this fantastic trip. Ricardo who is really friendly -drove us to the farm where we got the first contact wij the horses. My sister and me are still thinking of this amazing adventure that took place in the nature of Northportugal. We had fun and loved to ride this long time????Galopp is also possible, if wanted.

6. Meet Porto Highlights with Traditional Lunch Full Day Tour

Shuttle Douro Tours
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

Interested to discover my city ??? Then walk with me on this amazing streets full of centuries of history and wisdom, we find family businesses open with centuries of experience in trade and commerce, we will walk together through pedestrian streets to gardens and fountains, we will discover the history engraved in tiles and stone, through church patios you will see the best viewpoints and in Porto bridges you will make a connection with this amazing city !!! In the end of our journey a typical lunch in a tavern only with local food and amazing Porto cuisine, the olives with the traditional portuguese breads, fish soup or the authentic "caldo verde", portuguese best friend the codfish with enoumerous recepies, octopus rice , fresh sardines or the frie hake, everything served with a bottle of sparkling green wine, homemade desserts with lots and lots of TLC, last but not least let's relax with a Port Wine and enjoy the moment. Looking forward to see you in this invicta city, PORTO

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Lunch in a typical portuguese Tavern all-inclusive, Admission tickets to skip the line in Lello Bookstore

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Reviewed By isabel_ms_rodrigues

Ricardo gives us the best experience inside a boat riding Douro river. We will repeat for sure, with food and wine hás the best we can ask.

7. Private Vinho Verde Tour: Visit 2 Wineries with Wine Tastings & Lunch

Bago D'Uva 360º
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4.9 based on 12 reviews

Discover the Region that we Demarcated back in 1908 and where we produce the unique and one of the most popular types of Portuguese Wine: Vinho Verde. We will first show you Ponte de Lima, Portugal's oldest Village and then take you to Monção & Melgaço to try the delicious wines made with the Alvarinho grape, considered the noblest varietal of the region. It’s a Region of old traditions and peculiar looking vines, but also of delicious smoked sausages that pair beautifully with the Red Vinho Verde… yes, you re(a)d it correctly!

Inclusions: Private local guide;, Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation or any place that you prefer in the Centre of Porto;, Tour made in a Private 5-9 seater vehicle with air conditioning;, Visits to 2 Wine Estates in the Vinho Verde Region and tasting of Vinho Verde DOC Wines & Infusions;, Regional lunch in Melgaço that starts with a Tasting of Smoked Sausages paired with Red Vinho Verde.

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified, Pickup and drop-off outside of Porto (an extra fee applies, paid to the guide on the day)

Reviewed By travelhappyNewJersey

My wife and I enjoyed a beautiful day in Douro taking in the spectacular scenery and tasting the amazing wine! George our guide was a fantastic host. He was friendly, knowledgeable and a great driver!

8. Discovering Sistelo - Hiking Tour

MTB in Portugal, Plataforma da Artes e Criatividade, Lab 2, Av. Conde de Margaride 175, 4810-535 Guimarães, Portugal MTB in Portugal

Our tour begins in the typical village of Sistelo also called "Little Tibet". We will mostly use cobbled paths that will take us through fields and villages, giving us a wonderful view of a landscape marked essentially by terraces where the cultures are carried out and which are the origin of the name "Little Tibet". We will continue our tour using also the catwalks and the Ecovia of the River Vez that with its green banks completes a frame worthy of the most idyllic places. We end our journey again in the village of Sistelo. The route does not allow meals in catering units and it is, therefore, the responsibility of each one to carry the food and drink necessary for the entire journey.

Inclusions: Guide, Transfer to the place of the activity, Insurance

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Reviewed By carolienm682

Loved the bike tour through Guimarães. I am a beginner with mtb biking and with a little sweat I made the 20 km. Thanks for the experience. Carolien

9. Tour Soajo - Peneda-Gerês National Park

Ponte Pedonal Sobre o Rio Vez, Pte. Pedonal Sobre o Rio Vez, 4970, Portugal LandTreks Tours

Enjoy a leisurely stroll to Peneda-Gerês, where you will find beautiful landscapes, waterfalls full of haste, green valleys and a diverse diversity of Portuguese flora and fauna. Spend the day walking your paths.

Inclusions: Private guide

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10. The true experience in the green wine region, all day tour

Praça da Liberdade 126, 4000-322 Porto, Portugal Douro Trip

Visit the Vinho Verde region, occupying the Northwest of Portugal, is one of the largest and oldest wine regions in the world. Taste the fresh and lush wines of the region, and the famous Alvarinho wines. Explore one of Portugal's oldest and most important villages. Have lunch in a true and typical Portuguese restaurant.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Lunch, Wine Tasting, Bottled water

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Reviewed By GottMurph84

This tour was one of the highlights of our trip to Portugal. Lucky me I was able to sit in the front seat right in between not only my husband BUT the best tour guide, Jorge! Jorge picked us up promptly in Porto and we were on our way to the Douro region. The drive there was quick and easy. Jorge is very knowledgeable and gave us some great history. Before this trip, we hadn't really tasted many port wines so it was a very informative tour for us. We learned a lot of info that we were able to take back to the states and use. All of the wineries we visited were gorgeous. The tours are operated in small groups so it does feel very personal. The ports we tasted were also all very tasty. One of our favorite and most memorable tastings (that we opted to pay extra for- please note this one was not included) was a vintage port from 1893! It's not every day that you can say you sampled something from the 19th century. It was such a fun experience that we talk about often. We left falling in love with port! If you are looking for a fun, laid back learning and tasting experience look no further. You will not be let down. Jorge is awesome and you will be in great hands with him!

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