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Portugal
Trás-os-Montes and Douro: Heritage, Nature and Age-Old Traditions
An initiatory journey through secret Portugal, among Iberian wolves, terraced vineyards, and villages frozen in time.
≈ 11
Days
375
Km
8
Stops
Set off to discover authentic Portugal in the preserved regions of Trás-os-Montes and Douro. From Bragança's medieval citadels to UNESCO-listed vineyard terraces, this 10-day itinerary immerses you in a timeless Portugal where ancestral traditions, millennial thermal baths, and grandiose landscapes come together.
- Bragança and Montesinho Natural Park, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
- The Roman Bridge of Trajan in Chaves, 2,000 years of history
- Mateus Palace, a jewel of Portuguese baroque
- Lamego and the sanctuary with 686 steps
- The Cistercian monasteries of Tarouca
- The historic thermal baths of São Pedro do Sul
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Discover the majestic Bragança Castle, a medieval fortress that has dominated the city since the 12th century. This imposing citadel with its Keep Tower offers exceptional panoramas over the old town rooftops and the surrounding mountains of Montesinho Natural Park. Don't miss the Domus Municipalis, a rare example of Romanesque civil architecture in Portugal.
2
Immerse yourself in history at the Iberian Museum of Mask and Costume, housed within the citadel walls. This fascinating museum presents the ancestral traditions of Trás-os-Montes Carnival festivals with their impressive ritual masks. Discover how these pagan ceremonies have survived the centuries in this remote region of Portugal.
Activities
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Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Bragança's historic center, where every stone tells the story of a city that was once the capital of a powerful duchy. Admire the noble facades, baroque churches, and let yourself be charmed by the authentic atmosphere of this border town that has preserved its medieval character intact.
Next stop
Distance:
25 km
Travel time:
35min
2
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Explore Montesinho Natural Park, one of Portugal's best-kept secrets. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is home to exceptional biodiversity including Iberian wolves, golden eagles, and preserved flora. The landscapes of mountains, oak forests, and traditional schist villages transport you to a forgotten Portugal.
2
Visit the authentic village of Rio de Onor, a unique geographical curiosity where the Spanish-Portuguese border runs through the houses. The inhabitants still live according to ancestral communal traditions, sharing lands and herds. It's a living testimony to a rural way of life that has virtually disappeared elsewhere in Europe.
Activities
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Stop at Gimonde, a charming village crossed by the Onor River where a medieval bridge spans the crystal-clear waters. This picturesque hamlet is the ideal starting point for hikes in the natural park and offers total immersion in Trás-os-Montes rural life with its traditional houses and peaceful atmosphere.
Next stop
Distance:
95 km
Travel time:
1h30
3
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Discover the famous Chaves Thermal Baths, whose thermal waters spring forth at over 70°C. These millennial baths, already appreciated by the Romans, are renowned for their curative properties against muscular and digestive ailments. Taste the water at Fonte do Povo, a unique sensory experience even if the taste may surprise you!
2
Cross the remarkable Roman Bridge of Trajan, an impressive 140-meter monument that has spanned the Tâmega River for nearly 2,000 years. This 12-arch bridge, one of the best preserved on the Iberian Peninsula, bears witness to the genius of Roman engineers and the strategic importance of Chaves on the road between Braga and Astorga.
Activities
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Stroll through the historic center of Chaves, admiring the Keep Tower of the medieval castle and the Fort of São Francisco transformed into a charming hotel. Taste the famous pastéis de Chaves, meat-filled pastries that have made the gastronomic reputation of this welcoming spa town.
Next stop
Distance:
70 km
Travel time:
1h15
4
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Marvel at the sumptuous Mateus Palace, a jewel of Portuguese baroque whose silhouette adorns the bottles of the famous rosé wine. This 18th-century aristocratic manor, attributed to Nicolau Nasoni, features French-style gardens, a romantic lake, and refined interiors with period furniture and precious art collections.
2
Explore the mysterious Sanctuary of Panóias, a unique Roman archaeological site dedicated to oriental cults. These granite rocks sculpted with basins and Latin inscriptions were used for ritual sacrifices nearly two thousand years ago. An enigmatic place that reveals the religious diversity of the Roman Empire in its most remote provinces.
Activities
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Discover Vila Real, a cosmopolitan city wrapped in an authentic natural setting. Climb to the Calvário viewpoint for a semi-circular perspective over the city, encompassing the Marão and Alvão mountain ranges. Admire the numerous heraldic stones that ennoble the facades, testimony to the nobility that settled here alongside the Marquises.
Next stop
Distance:
45 km
Travel time:
50min
5
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Climb the 686 steps of the baroque stairway at the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, Lamego's emblem and one of the most impressive monumental ensembles in Portugal. Azulejo panels, allegorical fountains like the Fountain of the Giants in the Patio of Kings, and breathtaking panoramic views punctuate this ascent culminating at the sanctuary dedicated to the city's patron saint.
2
Visit Lamego Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century and combines original Romanesque elements with Gothic and Renaissance additions. The Manueline triple portal, the most significant work of this region, stands out, and inside, the baroque main altar and the vaults of the three naves covered with colorful Old Testament frescoes.
3
Discover the Lamego Museum, housed in the former Episcopal Palace of baroque style. It possesses one of the finest religious art collections in Portugal, including works by Grão Vasco and Flemish tapestries. Prepare for total amazement when seeing the gilded wood altars entirely transferred from the Chagas Monastery.
Activities
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Explore Lamego Castle and its fascinating Cistern, one of the best-preserved castle cisterns in Portugal. Climb the 12th-century Keep Tower with its interactive and playful explanations. Don't miss the Gate of the Fig Trees with its two turrets and the Archaeological Center with its treasures from Roman times.
Next stop
Distance:
15 km
Travel time:
20min
6
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Walk the Port Wine Trail in the parish of Samodães, essential for hiking enthusiasts and simply one of the best trails in Portugal. The landscapes of the Douro wine region are sublime with their terraces sculpted into the hillsides, creating a natural amphitheater where the vine has reigned since time immemorial.
2
Visit the Raposeira Cellars and treat yourself to a refreshing break with the elegant sparkling wine of Lamego. Discover how Cistercian monks developed the ancestral rituals to achieve the perfection of this refined wine, celebrating the winemaking tradition that makes Lamego one of the cradles of Portuguese sparkling wine.
Activities
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Indulge in Lamego's gastronomy: roast kid, the lean ham renowned since ancient times, sausages and smoked products. For pastries, taste the convent-style Grades de Lamego and the very sweet Tarte de Lamego. Visit A Presunteca for a tasting platter accompanied by wines from the region.
Next stop
Distance:
20 km
Travel time:
25min
7
Day
Discover
1
Discover the Monastery of São João de Tarouca, the first Cistercian monastery in Portugal founded in 1144. This enigmatic and very ancient monument preserves the church with paintings by Gaspar Vaz and the tomb of the Count of Barcelos. A place of spirituality and history where the Cistercian order began its transformative presence in the country.
2
Visit the Ucanha Toll Tower, a monument unique in Portugal that controlled passage over the medieval bridge spanning the Varosa River. This 12th-century defensive tower, with its fortified bridge, is an exceptional testimony to medieval territorial organization and offers an unforgettable photogenic landscape.
Activities
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Explore the Monastery of Santa Maria de Salzedas, an imposing Cistercian monastic complex that was one of the richest in Portugal. Although partially in ruins, the grandeur of its church and cloister bears witness to the power and wealth that Cistercian monks accumulated in this wine-growing region over centuries.
Next stop
Distance:
35 km
Travel time:
45min
8
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Explore the city of Viseu, with more than two millennia of history linked to the Lusitanian chief Viriathus. Visit the impressive Cava de Viriato, a vast octagonal fortified enclosure evoking Lusitanian resistance against Rome. This city is a very important milestone in Portugal's history and holds secrets at every corner.
2
Marvel at Viseu Cathedral and the Grão Vasco National Museum, which houses masterpieces by the Portuguese Renaissance painter. The Romanesque-Gothic cathedral with its Manueline facade and the artistic treasures of the adjacent museum constitute the cultural heart of this city that has been an episcopal seat since ancient times.
Activities
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Discover Viseu's urban art on a walk through the city that reveals works by artists like AKA Corleone, Lord Mantraste, and Mariana, a miserável. This historic city has reinvented itself and presents a vibrant street art scene that harmoniously contrasts with the centuries-old heritage of its squares and monuments.
Next stop
Distance:
30 km
Travel time:
35min
9
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Relax at the historic São Pedro do Sul Thermal Baths, whose waters were already recognized by the Romans for their healing powers. These are the oldest and most frequented thermal baths in Portugal, where Queen Dona Afonso Henriques allegedly treated a fracture. A perfect place to recharge your energy in a centuries-old wellness environment.
2
Venture into the Magic Mountains of Serra da Arada, Gralheira, and São Macário. These breathtaking landscapes offer stunning trails, hidden waterfalls, and viewpoints overlooking endless valleys. The preserved nature and pure air make this region a paradise for outdoor activity enthusiasts.
Activities
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Try one of the famous panoramic swings in the region: the São Macário swing, the Manhouce swing, or the Serra da Arada swing. These swings strategically placed at exceptional viewpoints allow for unforgettable photos while swinging above truly spectacular mountain landscapes.
Next stop
Distance:
40 km
Travel time:
50min
10
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Discover the Serra de Montemuro and the breathtaking landscapes of the Paiva River in Castro Daire. This preserved region offers the Tojosa Waterfall and hiking routes through authentic mountain villages. Mountain biking enthusiasts will find here one of Portugal's most demanding Epic Climbs.
Activities
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Try the Pego swing, the Foz do Cabril swing, or the Pedreira swing for unique panoramic views over Castro Daire's valleys and mountains. End your journey in communion with the untouched nature of this region where people live in an intimate and respectful relationship with the landscape that provides food, shelter, and comfort.
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❓ Frequently asked questions
What weather should you expect?
Late Spring (April-June): Perfect weather conditions (18-25°C) with mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and blooming landscapes. Ideal for exploring cities, coastal areas, and countryside with comfortable conditions and fewer crowds than summer.
Early Autumn (September-October): Excellent temperatures after summer heat, warm ocean waters, and stable weather patterns. Best time for beach activities combined with cultural exploration, moderate prices and pleasant conditions.
Winter (November-March): Mild temperatures (10-18°C) with increased rainfall but lowest prices and authentic experiences. Good for cultural immersion, indoor attractions, and experiencing Portuguese daily life without tourist crowds.
Summer (July-August): Peak season with hottest weather (25-35°C), highest prices, and largest crowds. Perfect for beach holidays but challenging for extensive sightseeing in inland areas due to heat intensity.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 9 and 13 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
What to discover in Portugal?
Atlantic charm with stunning coastlines, rich history, and authentic culture. Experience traditional fado music, beautiful cities, and genuine Portuguese hospitality. The country offers cultural depth with natural beauty and culinary excellence. Portugal provides authentic European experiences with natural wonders and cultural richness.