On the Soul of Minho: From Gastronomy to History in 3 Days trip, Immersive Journeys takes you to explore the vibrant soul of Minho, the cradle of Portugal, where lush green landscapes, ancient traditions, and unique cuisine intersect with comfort, authenticity, and the joy of discovery.
On this exclusive itinerary, among historic cities, charming villages, and breathtaking landscapes, every moment has been designed to reveal the essence of northern Portugal: genuine, generous, and deeply connected to the land. Based in charming accommodation in the heart of Minho, you will travel in premium electric vehicles, accompanied by local guides, and welcomed by producers and hosts who will share their ancient knowledge with pride and hospitality.
You will visit the cradle of the nation, stroll along the river in Ponte de Lima, taste wines with identity, discover little-known viewpoints, and walk along the Ecovia do Vez, one of the most beautiful and best-preserved trails in Portugal.
If you are looking for an authentic, intense, and soulful north, this trip is for you.
Note: If any of the accommodations mentioned in the itinerary are unavailable, an alternative of the same quality and refinement will be provided, in keeping with the standards of Immersive Journeys.
The trip begins with pick-up at your hotel or at Porto Airport, from where you will travel in a premium electric vehicle to Guimarães.
2
Guided tour in Guimarães
In the birthplace of Portugal, you will be welcomed by a specialized guide, who will take you on a personalized tour of the historic center – classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – where narrow cobbled streets, arcaded squares, and carefully preserved stately homes evoke the birth of the Portuguese nation. You will visit emblematic sites such as Largo da Oliveira, the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, and the medieval castle where, according to tradition, the first King of Portugal was born and raised.
3
Suggestion of lunch in a Michelin-starred chef
For lunch, we suggest an experience of haute cuisine from the Minho region, reinterpreted at the restaurant A Cozinha, run by chef António Loureiro, who has been awarded a Michelin star. An ode to local products in an elegant and welcoming atmosphere.
4
Terra Rosa Country House and Vineyards
In the middle of the afternoon, you’ll check in at Terra Rosa Country House & Vineyards, a charming accommodation surrounded by vineyards, where you can rest and enjoy the surrounding nature. Dinner is suggested at a renowned traditional restaurant in Ponte de Lima, where the traditional flavors of Minho are masterfully prepared.
After breakfast, you will be accompanied on a guided tour of Ponte de Lima, Portugal's oldest town, known for its beauty and romantic atmosphere along the Lima River. The tour through the flower-filled streets and historic center reveals the tranquil soul of this Minho town.
For lunch, we suggest a regional restaurant where comfort food is elevated to the status of heritage, with an emphasis on local vinho verde wines.
6
Santo Ovídeo viewpoint
The afternoon continues with a stop at the Santo Ovídio viewpoint, one of the region's best-kept secrets, followed
7
Visit and tasting of a green wine estate
By a visit to Aphros Wine, an excellent vinho verde producer specializing in innovative natural winemaking methods. Here you can participate in a guided tasting of the different grape varieties and styles of this vibrant and fresh wine.
8
Return to Terra Rosa
Return to Terra Rosa for another night of rural comfort, with dinner on your own or with a personalized suggestion from the Immersive Journeys team.
After checking out, head to Vale do Vez for one of the most inspiring days of the trip: a visit to Sistelo, the “Little Portuguese Tibet,” with its green terraces and unusual landscapes.
10
Greenway do Vez tour with picnic
Accompanied by a local guide, you will follow the Ecovia do Vez, an accessible and stunning trail along the river, passing wooden bridges, woods, and meadows. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to take breaks for contemplation and enjoy a picnic prepared with local products, in a spot chosen for its combination of silence, views, and flavors.
11
Return to Porto
In the late afternoon, it is time to return to Porto, arriving at your hotel or the airport. The trip ends, but the soul of Minho — intense, green, and generous — will remain with you forever.
DAY 1: GUIMARÃES: HERITAGE, GASTRONOMY, AND A RURAL RETREAT
1
Transfer from Porto
The trip begins with pick-up at your hotel or at Porto Airport, from where you will travel in a premium electric vehicle to Guimarães.
2
Guided tour in Guimarães
In the birthplace of Portugal, you will be welcomed by a specialized guide, who will take you on a personalized tour of the historic center – classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – where narrow cobbled streets, arcaded squares, and carefully preserved stately homes evoke the birth of the Portuguese nation. You will visit emblematic sites such as Largo da Oliveira, the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, and the medieval castle where, according to tradition, the first King of Portugal was born and raised.
3
Suggestion of lunch in a Michelin-starred chef
For lunch, we suggest an experience of haute cuisine from the Minho region, reinterpreted at the restaurant A Cozinha, run by chef António Loureiro, who has been awarded a Michelin star. An ode to local products in an elegant and welcoming atmosphere.
4
Terra Rosa Country House and Vineyards
In the middle of the afternoon, you’ll check in at Terra Rosa Country House & Vineyards, a charming accommodation surrounded by vineyards, where you can rest and enjoy the surrounding nature. Dinner is suggested at a renowned traditional restaurant in Ponte de Lima, where the traditional flavors of Minho are masterfully prepared.
After breakfast, you will be accompanied on a guided tour of Ponte de Lima, Portugal's oldest town, known for its beauty and romantic atmosphere along the Lima River. The tour through the flower-filled streets and historic center reveals the tranquil soul of this Minho town.
For lunch, we suggest a regional restaurant where comfort food is elevated to the status of heritage, with an emphasis on local vinho verde wines.
2
Santo Ovídeo viewpoint
The afternoon continues with a stop at the Santo Ovídio viewpoint, one of the region's best-kept secrets, followed
3
Visit and tasting of a green wine estate
By a visit to Aphros Wine, an excellent vinho verde producer specializing in innovative natural winemaking methods. Here you can participate in a guided tasting of the different grape varieties and styles of this vibrant and fresh wine.
4
Return to Terra Rosa
Return to Terra Rosa for another night of rural comfort, with dinner on your own or with a personalized suggestion from the Immersive Journeys team.
DAY 3: SISTELO AND ECOVIA DO VEZ: LANDSCAPE, NATURE, AND SOUL
1
Guided visit to Sistelo
After checking out, head to Vale do Vez for one of the most inspiring days of the trip: a visit to Sistelo, the “Little Portuguese Tibet,” with its green terraces and unusual landscapes.
2
Greenway do Vez tour with picnic
Accompanied by a local guide, you will follow the Ecovia do Vez, an accessible and stunning trail along the river, passing wooden bridges, woods, and meadows. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to take breaks for contemplation and enjoy a picnic prepared with local products, in a spot chosen for its combination of silence, views, and flavors.
3
Return to Porto
In the late afternoon, it is time to return to Porto, arriving at your hotel or the airport. The trip ends, but the soul of Minho — intense, green, and generous — will remain with you forever.
HIGHLIGHTS
Transfers:
transportation in a premium electric vehicle.
Historic cities:
guided tour of the historic center of Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Ponte de Lima, the oldest village in Portugal.
Accomodation:
Terra Rosa Country House & Vineyards 4 Stars
Nature:
Santo Ovídeo viewpoint and ecovia do Vez trail along the river, passing wooden bridges, woods, and meadows, with a picnic of local products.
Producer:
Visit and tasting at Asphros Wine, a leading producer of biodynamic Vinho Verde wine.
Gastronomy:
Michelin-starred restaurant recommendations and farm-to-table concept.
CONDITONS
What's Included:
Exclusive transfers mentioned in the itinerary in a premium electric vehicle
Exclusive driver and guide service throughout the trip
2 night´s accommodation at Terra Rosa Country House & Vineyards Stars (or similar)
2 breakfasts at the hotel mentioned
Guided tour of the historic center of Guimarães (birthplace of the nation)
Guided tour of Ponte de Lima (oldest village in Portugal)
Visit and tasting at the biodynamic winery Aphoros Wine
Santo Ovídeo viewpoint
Ecovia do vaz trail with visit to Sistelo ("Portuguese Tibet")
Picnic with regional products
What's not Included
Meals and other expenses no specified in the inclusions
Personal expenses
Municipal Hotel Tax
Tips
SUGGESTIONS
When is the best time to visit Northern Portugal?
Due to the middler climate and fewer tourists, spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) are the best times to travel to Northern Portugal.
What to bring?
Confortable clothing, such as pants or short-or long-sleeved shirts, depending on the season.
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Reusable water bottle.
Insect repellent, especially if visiting rural areas
Plug or adapter, if necessary
Health and safety
Bring a kit with basic medications such as painkillers and remedies for motion sickness or digestive issues.
Make sure you have international health insurance or that your home country’s insurance covers travelers abroad.
Currency and payments:
The currency is the Euro (€).
Bring an international credit card, but also have some cash for small expenses, especially in rural areas or markets.
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