Touring, culture and history:
Minho is Portugal’s second most popular holiday region after the Algarve. Unlike the Algarve, however, there are no British pubs or Fish ’n’ Chip shops, no amusement arcades or theme parks. It’s all rather more discreet, more natural (unspoilt, you might say). A lot of visitors tour around, seeing the historic sites, the small market towns and villages, the rugged landscapes and the quiet empty beaches. Others come to lose themselves in a terrain that is still largely unaffected by modern European development, and amongst a people who still live a simple life. Viana do Castelo is the capital city of the region, whose history goes back to the 13th Century. Situated at the mouth of the River Lima, it is home to the most important port of the region. It has plenty of monuments of different periods and styles, and is also the heart of the rich Minho folklore, with an important handicrafts industry and animated festivals, and a thriving place to spend a few days all year round.
Folklore, food and wine:
The regional folklore tradition – singing and dancing and various rustic handicrafts - is celebrated all year, but particularly during the “Romarias”, and Viana hosts the country's most important one in mid-August.
The regional cuisine of Minho is famous all over Portugal, and there are some great restaurants in the area, and some great wines. Minho is where Vinho Verde comes from, and is next door to the Douro valley, the home of Port Wine; Portugal’s table wines generally are one of the world’s best-kept secrets and they’re all available locally. We provide our own personal restaurant guide to help visitors enjoy the best 'eating out' experiences.
Special gastronomic days out:
We have arranged some special days out with Vita d´Aurum (the 'golden life'): you can treat yourselves to one of a range of special packages that are based on the region's famous cuisine and spectacular wines.
'Afternoon Delight' - a mini-cruise on the Douro River and a 'Royal' dinner in a first class restaurant.
'Port Party' - Open bus tour of Porto’s historic centre, followed by a Port Wine tasting and a tour of the wine lodge.
'Gourmet Day' - Lunch in a traditional Manor House, wine tasting in a Port Wine Lodge, and a 'Royal' dinner in the heart of Porto's historic centre.
'Golden Day' - Scenic train trip to Régua, in the heart of the golden Douro Valley, lunch in the city's finest restaurant overlooking the river, and a restful cruise back to Porto.
Unforgettable food and wine, tremendous surroundings and a truly relaxing and stress-free way of experiencing the best of Portugal. Treat yourself!
Other Activities:
Karting, ten-pin bowling
